The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates, each with its own transport landscape. The country’s infrastructure is modern and well-maintained, but distances between cities are significant, and public transport options vary widely. This guide covers the essential routes, payment methods, and trade-offs for getting around as a visitor.
Arrival Airports
Most international visitors arrive via one of three major airports: Dubai International (DXB), Abu Dhabi International (AUH), or Sharjah International (SHJ). Dubai’s DXB is the busiest and best-connected for long-haul flights. Abu Dhabi’s AUH is a growing hub and often offers competitive fares. Sharjah’s smaller airport is used primarily by low-cost carriers and is closer to Dubai’s northern suburbs. For onward travel, note that airport taxis and ride-hailing are available at all three, but only DXB and AUH have direct metro or bus links to city centres.
Intercity Travel
Distances between the major cities are manageable but not walkable: Dubai to Abu Dhabi is about 140 km; Dubai to Sharjah is roughly 30 km; Dubai to Fujairah is about 120 km; and Abu Dhabi to Al Ain is around 160 km. The most practical intercity options are buses, taxis, or rental cars.
Buses
The government-operated Emirates Bus network covers all seven emirates with clean, air-conditioned coaches. Key routes include Dubai–Abu Dhabi (route E101, E102, E103), Dubai–Sharjah (several routes from Al Ghubaiba and Union stations), and Dubai–Fujairah. Buses run frequently during the day, with reduced service after midnight. Fares are low (typically 15–30 AED for a one-way trip), and you can pay with a Nol card (Dubai) or cash. Seats are comfortable, and most buses have Wi-Fi. The main drawback is travel time: the Dubai–Abu Dhabi bus takes about 2 hours, similar to driving, but with fewer schedule options at night.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis between cities are widely available, but expensive: a Dubai–Abu Dhabi trip costs around 250–350 AED. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem operate everywhere and can be booked in advance. For groups of three or four, a shared taxi from a taxi stand can be cheaper than a private car. Note that intercity taxis are metered, and tolls (Salik) are added to the fare.
Local Public Transport
Public transport within each city varies greatly. Dubai has the most comprehensive system, Abu Dhabi has a limited bus network, and other emirates rely almost entirely on taxis.
Dubai: Metro, Tram, and Buses
Dubai’s metro (Red and Green lines) is the backbone of local travel. It runs from 5 am to midnight (longer on weekends) and connects major areas: Deira, Bur Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai Marina, and the airport. The tram serves the Marina and JLT area. Buses fill the gaps, especially to areas like Palm Jumeirah and The Greens. All public transport in Dubai uses the Nol card, a contactless smart card available from ticket machines at metro stations and some bus stops. You can top up with credit for single trips or buy a day pass (20 AED for unlimited zones). The Nol card also works for parking meters and some taxis. The metro is fast and reliable, but stations can be far from attractions—expect a 10–15 minute walk or a short taxi ride to your final destination.
Abu Dhabi: Buses and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Line
Abu Dhabi’s bus network is less dense. The BRT line (Route 94) runs along the Corniche and to the airport, but frequency is lower than Dubai. The public bus system uses the Hafilat card, a stored-value card available at ticket kiosks and some shops. Single fares are 2 AED, and day passes cost 5 AED. For most visitors, taxis are the more practical choice, especially for hotels on Saadiyat Island or Yas Island.
Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah
These emirates have minimal or no fixed-route public transport. Sharjah has a small bus network (using the Sharjah Smart Card), but service is infrequent. Taxis are the default. In Fujairah, a few local buses run along the coast, but they are not reliable for tourists. For these areas, consider renting a car or using ride-hailing.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are metered and widely available in all emirates. Flagging one on the street is easy in city centres. Ride-hailing apps are more convenient for non-urgent trips and often provide fare estimates upfront. In Dubai, Uber and Careem are both active; in Abu Dhabi, Careem is slightly more common. Prices are higher than public transport but still reasonable for short trips (e.g., 15–25 AED for a 10-minute ride). Note that taxi drivers expect cash or card, but ride-hailing apps accept international credit cards.
Driving Trade-Offs
Renting a car gives you flexibility, especially for exploring the northern emirates or the desert. Major international rental agencies operate at all airports and in city centres. You need a valid driver’s licence from your home country (most tourists can drive on a foreign licence for up to one year, but check with your rental company). Roads are excellent, well-signposted in English, and traffic flows smoothly outside rush hours. The trade-offs: tolls (Salik) are charged on many roads in Dubai and Abu Dhabi (typically 4 AED per gate); parking can be expensive and scarce in central areas; and driving in Dubai during peak hours (7–9 am, 5–8 pm) is congested. Fuel prices are relatively low (around 3 AED per litre), but insurance excess can be high. For a short city trip, taxis and ride-hailing are easier; for a multi-emirate road trip, a rental car is worthwhile.
Accessibility and Cautions
Public transport systems in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are generally accessible: metro stations have elevators, tactile paths, and dedicated spaces for wheelchairs. Buses are low-floor. Taxis must accept wheelchair users, but availability varies. In smaller emirates, accessibility is limited—many older taxis lack ramps, and pavements are uneven. For travellers with mobility needs, stick to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and pre-book taxis via ride-hailing apps that let you request an accessible vehicle.
One practical note for staying connected: arrange mobile data before arrival. A United Arab Emirates eSIM can be purchased online and activated instantly, giving you data without needing a physical SIM. This is useful for mapping, ride-hailing, and looking up bus schedules.
Finally, be aware of the heat: from May to October, daytime temperatures often exceed 40°C. Air-conditioned transport helps, but walking between stops or waiting for a bus can be uncomfortable. Plan outdoor transfers for early morning or evening, and carry water. During Ramadan, public transport runs on a reduced schedule, and eating or drinking in public is prohibited during daylight hours—plan accordingly.
