Exploring Dubai: Transport Options to Choose From
Dubai is undoubtedly the most happening destination on planet Earth. It can be termed as a cosmopolitan capital of the world, and the most spectacular tourist attraction in the world. Millions of people from all over the globe throng this magnificent city throughout the year. With the technological advancements and modernization of Dubai, the transport network has also improved and expanded greatly.The efficient transport network of Dubai is truly iconic for the rest of the world.
There are many ways to commute in Dubai. We are briefly shedding light on the major transportation modes:
Dubai Metro
The fastest, yet convenient, way to commute across Dubai is Dubai Metro.It was made operational in 2010 and offers two different routes across Dubai, the Green Line & the Red Line.Spread across 22.5 kilometers, the Green Line directly connects Dubai Airport Free Zone with Dubai Healthcare city. Comparatively, the Red Lineis more than double the length of the Green Line. It runs parallel to one of the busiest roads of Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road. The Red Line starts from Dubai International Airport and ends at Jebel Ali, which is closelylocated to Dubai Marina.
Introduction
The Dubai Metro offers 4 normal cars for all and sundry. There is 1 exclusive car for Gold Class commuters, whereas one special car is strictly designated for women. The train is scheduled to arrive every 10 minutes, from 6 AM till 11 PM each day except Friday (1PM to Midnight). For further guidance, one can refer to the instructional leaflets printed in English language for the convenience of the travelers, comprising of the directions regarding the intended route. For further travel, bus or taxis can be hired from the Metro Stations.
Fares & Fines
Commuters can easily avail the Fare Cards, also known as the Nol Cards. The Nol Cards can be availed at very reasonable fares, which depend on the distance one wants to travel. The lowest fare is AED 2, which can go as far as up to AED 6.5.If anyone is caught traveling without the ticket, the fine that one may need to pay is AED 200.
Taxis
The most common way of commuting in Dubai is via Taxi. Plenty of taxis can be found on all the roads in Dubai, ready to take you comfortably to anywhere you want. The cab drivers are aware of the routes and are also capable of understanding English.
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TaxiCompanies
There are many taxi service providers in Dubai, each having its unique color combination. Major Service providers include Dubai Transport Company, Metro Taxis, and National Taxi Service. Anyone can avail the services of these service providers. However, there is a special taxi service, the Ladies Taxi, which is driven by female drivers. This service is exclusively designated for ladies.
Prices & Starting Fees
Before hiring a taxi, one should be well aware of the fares. The starting fee from the airport is AED 25. The drive from the airport to the city costs AED 90. The starter fee from 6 AM till 10 PM is AED 3.5, whereas from 10 PM till 6 AM, the started fee is AED 4. The reserved taxis are a bit expensive, in that they charge AED 6.5 in day time and AED 7.5 during night time. The price per kilometer is approximately AED 1.60.
Local Buses
The local buses’ network is quiet extensive and provides 80 routes across Dubai. These buses are a great comfort at affordable fares for the low-income groups. In Just AED 2, the commuters can avail the comforts of air conditioning and a smooth and safe drive to almost all the major areas in Dubai. There are special Local buses as well which connect iconic tourist spots and these local Buses are Managed by RTA.
Rental cars
If a person does not intend to stay for long in Dubai, the smartest way to commute is by renting a car in Dubai. In just AED 200, a person can rent a Circa and enjoy a comfortable commute in the privacy of his/her rental vehicle. If it is to be rented for more than one person, or from the airport, the cost may hike. One must be 21 and above to avail this car rental service. Other pre-requisites include a valid domestic and international driving license, credit card, and a strict adherence to the traffic rules.
Rules to Remember:
- Seat belts are absolutely compulsory
- Tailgating is strictly prohibited
- Driving direction is primarily to the right
- Using a cell phone while driving is strictly prohibited
- The speed limit within the city is 60 kilometers per hour, on main city roads, it is 80 kilometers per hour. Whereas, it is 200 kilometers per hour on the highways
- Whatever the case or season may be, drunk driving or driving under the influence of any drug is absolutely intolerable, and any violation in this regard will result in severe punishment, including 30 days of imprisonment
- Parking Rules: A person cannot park his / her vehicle at a parking area for more than 4 hours. The parking charges range from AED 2 to AED 15. On fFridays and public holidays, parking is free. Always remember to buy a parking ticket, otherwise be ready to pay a hefty fine of AED 100.
Water Buses
The Water Buses are an attractive mode of transport for most tourists. Comfortable and air conditioned water buses have become an exciting way to commute for the people. The routes have been designed, keeping in view the comfort for the passengers. The 4 routes operate from 6 AM till 11 PM. The ticket for these routes costs AED 2. Whereas the fifth route operates from 9 AM till midnight, which costs AED 50.
Water buses represent another effective way to travel across the Creek. Each bus is air conditioned and provides a comfortable ride. There are five different routes for water busses.
The first route (B1) operates every 30 minutes and takes you from Bur Dubai Station to Al-Sabkha station.
The second route (B2) brings passengers from Dubai Old Souq station to Baniyas Station and comes around every 15 minutes.
The third route (B3) comes every 15 minutes and goes from Al-Sheef Station to Al-Sabkha.
The fourth route (B4) comes around every 30 minutes and takes passengers from Bur Dubai to Creek Park stations.
The fifth route (B5), which lasts 45 minutes, goes from Shindagha Station (close to Heritage Village) to Creek Park Station, Bur Dubai Station, Deira Old Souq station and finally the Al-Sheef station. It operates every 30 minutes.
Abras:
Another commuting option is Abras, which are the traditional wooden boats of the UAE. People boarding these boats are fascinated by their smooth sailing experience. Their ticket costs at AED 1 only. One Abra can accommodate 20 passengers at a time, whereas it can be rented by a person for AED 100.
Abras connect Bur Dubai to Deira Old Souq from 5 Am till midnight. Abras also connect Dubai Old Souq to Al-Sabkha throughout the day.
Palm Jumeirah Monorail
The Palm Jumeirah Monorail is the hassle-free, driverless and an efficient way to travel from Dubai Marina to the Palm Jumeirah. This 5 minute trip costs only AED 15. Buying a return ticket can get you a discount of AED 5. The two main stations are the Gateway Towers and Aquaventure Park
Walking
During the pleasant weather, walking is always the best option to commute for anyone, anywhere. Enjoying this cosmopolitan capital, a marvel in the desert on foot is a fun thing to do. While doing so, one needs to be vigilant and well-aware of the moving traffic on the roads, especially the areas without crossings and traffic stops. During summer months, walking in Dubai is not recommended.
These were some of the commuting modes in Dubai, about which the tourists and travelers need to be aware of, so that they could enjoy and cherish their travel for the rest of their lives.
