Getting Around United Arab Emirates
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient metros for Dubai and buses for Abu Dhabi. Rural: Rent a car for desert and emirate exploration. Coast: Taxis and ferries. For convenience, book airport transfers from Dubai to your destination.
Train Travel
Etihad Rail Network
Developing national rail connecting emirates with passenger services starting in select routes.
Cost: Dubai to Abu Dhabi AED 20-50, journeys 1-2 hours between major hubs.
Tickets: Buy via Etihad Rail app, website, or station kiosks. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 8-10 AM and 4-6 PM for better prices and availability.
Rail Passes
Silver/Gold passes offer unlimited travel on Etihad Rail for AED 100-200 (short-term) or AED 500 (monthly).
Best For: Multiple emirate visits over several days, significant savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Rail stations, Etihad Rail website, or official app with instant activation.
High-Speed Options
Etihad Rail high-speed links Dubai to Abu Dhabi, with future extensions to other emirates.
Booking: Reserve seats weeks in advance for best prices, discounts up to 50%.
Main Stations: Dubai Union Station, with connections to Abu Dhabi Central.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring deserts and between emirates. Compare rental prices from AED 100-200/day at Dubai Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (International recommended), credit card, minimum age 21-25.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check what's included in rental.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 60 km/h urban, 100-120 km/h highways, 140 km/h some expressways.
Tolls: Salik system in Dubai (AED 4 per toll gate), E11 highway free in most areas.
Priority: Roundabouts common, yield to traffic already in circle, watch for speed cameras.
Parking: Free in many areas, metered AED 2-5/hour in cities, use apps for validation.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations plentiful at AED 2.50-3/liter for petrol, AED 2.50 for diesel, very affordable.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, both work well offline with downloads.
Traffic: Expect congestion in Dubai during rush hours and around major malls.
Urban Transport
Dubai Metro & Trams
Extensive network covering key areas, single ticket AED 4-8, day pass AED 20, Nol card AED 25 load.
Validation: Tap Nol card on gates, inspections occasional but fines AED 200+.
Apps: RTA Dubai app for routes, real-time updates, and mobile top-ups.
Bike Rentals
Careem Bike and S'hail in Dubai/Abu Dhabi, AED 10-20/day with stations in urban areas.
Routes: Dedicated cycling paths along corniches and in parks, especially coastal routes.
Tours: Guided cycling tours available in Dubai, combining sightseeing with desert edges.
Buses & Local Services
RTA (Dubai), DARB (Abu Dhabi) operate comprehensive bus networks across emirates.
Tickets: AED 2-5 per ride, buy via Nol/Hafilat card or contactless payment.
Inter-Emirate Buses: Connect Dubai to Abu Dhabi for AED 25-50, 1.5-2 hours journey.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near metro stations in Dubai for easy access, Marina or Downtown for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for winter (Nov-Mar) and major events like Expo.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for heat-affected summer plans.
- Amenities: Check for AC, pool access, and proximity to malls before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 5G coverage in cities, 4G throughout most of UAE including deserts.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from AED 20 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Etisalat and du offer prepaid SIMs from AED 50-100 with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, malls, or provider stores with passport/visa required.
Data Plans: 5GB for AED 100, 10GB for AED 150, unlimited for AED 200/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, malls, restaurants, and public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Airports, metro stations, and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (50-500 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Gulf Standard Time (GST), UTC+4, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Dubai Airport (DXB) 15km from city center, metro AED 7.50 (30 min), taxi AED 50, or book private transfer for AED 150-250.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airports (AED 20-40/day) and malls in major cities.
- Accessibility: Modern metros and buses accessible, many luxury sites have ramps and elevators.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on flights with restrictions, check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on metros off-peak for AED 5, e-bikes common in rentals.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to United Arab Emirates
Dubai Airport (DXB) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Dubai Airport (DXB): Primary international gateway, 15km from city center with metro connections.
Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): Major hub 30km from city, bus to center AED 25 (45 min).
Sharjah Airport (SHJ): Regional airport with budget flights, convenient for eastern UAE.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for winter travel (Nov-Mar) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Doha or Muscat and driving to UAE for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Flydubai, Air Arabia, and Wizz Air serve DXB and AUH with regional connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee AED 5-10, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express common in luxury spots.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Still needed for souks, small taxis, and rural areas, keep AED 200-500 in small denominations.
- Tipping: Not mandatory, 10% service charge often included, add 5-10% for excellent service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.