Dubai’s landmarks are spread across several districts. The metro is useful along its corridors, but a station near an attraction can still leave a long indoor or outdoor walk. Plan around Downtown, the Creek and Marina as separate areas.
Put Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall in the same block, then reserve another outing for Al Fahidi and the Creek. A desert safari requires a separate pickup plan and should not be treated as another stop on an urban transit pass.
Which transport should you use?
| Transport | Useful for | How to ride |
|---|---|---|
| Metro | Longer journeys along the Red and Green lines | Use a valid nol medium, touch in and out and board the correct cabin. |
| Tram | Marina and nearby connections | Validate at the required readers and check the interchange walk. |
| RTA buses | Neighbourhood links beyond rail | Use nol and touch in and out according to the vehicle instructions. |
| Abra and other boats | Creek crossings or dedicated marine routes | Check the particular route and accepted payment; boats do not all use one fare. |
| Taxi or booked transfer | The last leg or a late journey | Compare the complete fare and pickup point, particularly at large hotels and malls. |
First services, last departures and late returns
RTA lists metro station hours as 05:00–00:00 Monday–Thursday and Saturday, 05:00–01:00 on Friday, and 08:00–00:00 on Sunday. These are station hours, not a promise of a train from every platform at closing time. Holiday schedules may differ.
Getting from the airport or terminal
Check which airport and terminal you use before choosing the rail route. Match your hotel to the correct metro station, then account for luggage and the final walk. In hot weather, a short-looking outdoor connection can be an uncomfortable part of the journey.
Build a route that saves backtracking
Put Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall in the same block, then reserve another outing for Al Fahidi and the Creek. A desert safari requires a separate pickup plan and should not be treated as another stop on an urban transit pass.
A first-day route in Dubai
Keep Downtown attractions together, then use another block for the Creek or Marina. Metro station proximity does not remove the walk through a large complex. A safari pickup is a separate appointment: verify the pickup district before fitting city sightseeing around it.
Read the nol cards guideHow to get around Dubai: common questions
What is the best way to get around Dubai?
Metro is useful for longer journeys along the Red and Green lines. Dubai’s landmarks are spread across several districts.
Does public transport in Dubai run all night?
RTA lists metro station hours as 05:00–00:00 Monday–Thursday and Saturday, 05:00–01:00 on Friday, and 08:00–00:00 on Sunday. These are station hours, not a promise of a train from every platform at closing time. Holiday schedules may differ.
How should I plan the airport or arrival transfer in Dubai?
Check which airport and terminal you use before choosing the rail route. Match your hotel to the correct metro station, then account for luggage and the final walk. In hot weather, a short-looking outdoor connection can be an uncomfortable part of the journey.
Written for planning, with official visitor information linked where relevant. Suggested routes and time allowances are editorial recommendations. Check current entry rules, opening notices and ticket conditions before booking. Read how we prepare and update our guides.
