Updated November 2026
The UAE is a compact country. You can drive from Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah in a morning, and most visitors stay within a two-hour radius of Dubai. How you get around depends mostly on where you are going: public transport covers the big cities well, but the best natural sights are still easiest to reach by road.
In Dubai: Metro, tram, buses and boats
The Dubai Metro is clean, driverless and air-conditioned, and its two lines (Red and Green) cover the airport, Downtown, the Creek, Dubai Marina and many hotel areas. The Dubai Tram runs along the Marina and JBR, and there is an extensive bus network.
To ride, you need a nol card, a rechargeable smart card sold at Metro stations. The same card works on the Metro, tram, buses and water buses. Fares are charged by zone and are cheap by international standards. Each train also has a Gold Class carriage and a section reserved for women and children.
Do not miss the abra, the traditional wooden boat that crosses Dubai Creek for a few dirhams. It is transport and sightseeing in one. See Dubai Creek by abra.
Taxis and ride apps
Taxis are metered, plentiful and fairly priced in every emirate. You can hail one on the street, find them at ranks outside malls and hotels, or book through an app. Careem and Uber both operate across the country, and in Dubai you can also book official taxis through them. Most drivers accept cards, but it is still useful to carry some cash.
Between the emirates
Etihad Rail, the new national train
For the first time, the UAE has passenger trains. Etihad Rail started passenger services on 30 June 2026 between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, a trip of about 1 hour 45 minutes. On 30 September 2026 it added Dubai Al Yalayis Station in Jumeirah Golf Estates and Al Dhaid Station in Sharjah. Dubai to Abu Dhabi takes about an hour.
Al Yalayis is linked by a pedestrian bridge to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station on the Red Line, so you can connect from the Metro. In Abu Dhabi, trains arrive at Mohammed Bin Zayed City Station.
More stations are on the way. Etihad Rail has announced Madinat Zayed and Liwa for 30 November 2026, further Al Dhafra stations for 30 December 2026 and Sharjah University City for 30 March 2027. Book through the Etihad Rail app or website, as popular trains sell out, especially at weekends.
Intercity buses
Comfortable public buses link Dubai with Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Al Ain. They are cheap and reliable, though slower than driving. In Dubai, the main intercity stations include Al Ghubaiba and Union.
Renting a car
If you want to see the mountains, the east coast, Liwa or Al Ain on your own schedule, a car is the most flexible option. Roads are excellent and well signposted in English and Arabic.
- Many visitors can drive on their home licence or an International Driving Permit. Check with your rental company for your nationality.
- Dubai has road tolls, known as Salik, collected automatically. Rental companies add them to your bill.
- Speed cameras are everywhere, and fines are high. Stick to the limits.
- For dune driving, go with a licensed tour operator. Off-road driving without experience is dangerous.
Which option for which trip?
| Trip | Best way |
|---|---|
| Around Dubai | Metro and taxis |
| Dubai to Abu Dhabi | Etihad Rail, bus or car |
| Dubai to Fujairah | Car, bus or Etihad Rail (check current routes) |
| Hatta, Jebel Jais, Jebel Hafeet | Car or tour |
| Liwa and the Empty Quarter | Car (4x4 for dunes) or overnight tour |
Sources
- Etihad Rail: passenger services
- Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
- Gulf News: Etihad Rail stations, which are open and when the rest launch
Rules and prices change. If you spot something out of date, tell us and we will fix it.