Things to Do in Dubai Without a Car

You can see most of Dubai without a car. The Metro has a Red Line and a Green Line, the Tram serves Dubai Marina and JBR, abra boats cross the Creek, and buses cover most districts. You pay with a Nol card, which you tap in and out.

The Metro

• Red Line: runs from Rashidiya, near Dubai International Airport, to Expo 2020. It passes Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, the Financial Centre, Dubai Marina and Mall of the Emirates.
• Green Line: runs from Al Qusais to Dubai Creek, through Deira and Bur Dubai, with stops including Union, Al Ghubaiba and Gold Souq.
• Interchanges: Union and BurJuman connect the two lines.

The Tram

The Dubai Tram runs mainly in Dubai Marina and JBR. It suits short trips to the beach and nearby shops.

Abra boats

Abras are traditional boats that cross Dubai Creek, which is a sight as well as a way to travel between Bur Dubai and Deira.

Buses

The network has more than 150 routes. Main terminals include Al Ghubaiba, Union, Ibn Battuta and Al Qusais.

The Nol card

The Nol card is run by the RTA and works on the Metro, Tram and buses. You can buy one at Metro stations, ticket machines, RTA centres and the airport. Tap in and out at the gates.

What to see by Metro

• Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain: Red Line, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station.
• Dubai Marina and JBR: Red Line, then the Tram.
• Gold Souq and the Creek: Green Line.
• Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood: Green Line to Sharaf DG station, then about a five-minute walk.

Where to stay without a car

Stay within walking distance of a Metro station. Downtown and Dubai Marina are both on the Red Line.

See also: Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Dubai and Things to Do in Dubai.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dubai easy to get around without a car?

Yes. The Metro and Tram cover the main areas, and taxis fill the gaps, for example for the Palm.

What is a Nol card?

It is the card used to pay for the Metro, Tram and buses in Dubai. Tap in and out at the gates.