Public Transport in Dubai 2026 — Metro, Buses, Tram, Nol Card and Getting Around the UAE's Busiest City

Public Transport in Dubai 2026

Dubai's public transport network, operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), has grown significantly since the Dubai Metro opened in 2009 and is now one of the Gulf's most developed transit systems. While Dubai's car culture means many residents still drive, the Metro, buses, and water taxis offer viable transit options — and the Expo 2020 investments have expanded the network further. This guide covers public transport in Dubai in 2026.

Dubai Metro

• Two fully automated driverless lines: Red Line (52 stations from Rashidiya to UAE Exchange/Expo 2020) and Green Line (22 stations, inner Dubai); future Route 2020 extension serves the Expo site
• Operating hours: Saturday-Thursday 5:30am-midnight; Friday 10am-1am; late night service available on Fridays
• Key stations: Dubai International Airport (Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 on Red Line), Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina, JBR, Deira City Centre
• Women and children have dedicated air-conditioned gold class cabin at the front; women/children-only cabin also available

Nol Card — Dubai's Transit Card

• The Nol card is used on all Dubai public transit (Metro, buses, trams, water buses); tap in and tap out on all journeys
• Nol card types: Red (tourist, limited trips); Blue (registered, full-use); Gold (for Gold Class Metro access)
• Nol cards available at Metro stations and RTA customer service centres; available at Dubai airport on arrival

Dubai Buses and Tram

• RTA buses serve areas not covered by Metro; air-conditioned bus shelters throughout Dubai
• Dubai Tram: Connects Dubai Marina, JBR, and Palm Jumeirah tram stops; connects to Metro Red Line at DAMAC and Jumeirah Lake Towers stations

Water Taxis and Abras

• Traditional abra water taxis cross Dubai Creek (Deira-Bur Dubai); RTA water buses serve Dubai Creek, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah routes

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