Dubai is a popular tourist destination known for its luxury hotels, shopping, and iconic skyscrapers. If you're planning a trip to the city, you'll be happy to know that getting around using public transportation is both easy and affordable. From the Burj Khalifa to Dubai Marina, there are many ways to explore the city without breaking the bank.
Before starting your journey, you'll need to purchase a NOL card. This is a prepaid card that can be used on all of Dubai's public transportation, including the metro, tram, buses, and ferries. There are three types of NOL cards available for tourists: red, silver, and gold. The red card is a disposable ticket that can only be used once and on one mode of transport. It costs AED 2 and must be topped up with the necessary balance for your trip. The silver card costs AED 25 (with AED 19 that can be spent on services) and is valid for five years. It can be used on all modes of transport. The gold card allows you to access the Gold Class cabins on Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram. It costs AED 25 (with AED 19 that can be spent on services) and is also valid for five years. Keep in mind that a trip will cost more when using the gold card compared to the silver card.
To plan your journey, you can use the S'hail app from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). This app is available for both Apple and Android devices and allows commuters to plan their journey in Dubai using public transportation. It also gives an estimated cost of the trip and provides details on the bus, metro, tram, or abra (or other marine transport options) you can take to reach your destination.
Now, let's take a look at the top five tourist destinations in Dubai that you can reach via public transportation:
Burj Khalifa The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and a must-see attraction in Dubai. The most convenient way to reach the Burj Khalifa area is by using the Dubai Metro. The nearest metro station is the ‘Burj Khalifa/The Dubai Mall station’, on the Red Line. Once you are at the metro station, follow the exit signs that point towards ‘Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa’. The metro station is within walking distance from The Dubai Mall by using the Metro Link Bridge or footbridge. The bridge is a glass tunnel travellator that links ‘Burj Khalifa/The Dubai Mall Station’ and The Dubai Mall. Alternatively, you can use the taxis available at the metro station or the feeder buses. The cost of a bus trip from the station to the Dubai Mall entrance is approximately AED 3.
Dubai Marina Dubai Marina is a lively district that comprises many neighborhoods, including the Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR). Dubai Marina Walk also has a 7km promenade with shopping and dining options. To reach Dubai Marina, take the metro to the Dubai Marina station on the Red Line. From there, you can walk to the marina or take a feeder bus. The cost of a bus trip from the station to Dubai Marina is approximately AED 3.
Bluewaters Island Bluewaters Island is a man-made island that is home to the Ain Dubai, the world's largest observation wheel. To reach the island, take the metro to the Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) station on the Red Line. From there, you can take the monorail or a ferry to the island. The cost of a monorail trip from JLT station to Bluewaters Island is approximately AED 3.
Palm Jumeirah Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island shaped like a palm tree. It's home to many luxury resorts and is a popular spot for tourists. To reach the island, take the metro to the Nakheel station on the Red Line. From there, you can take a bus or a ferry to the island. The cost of a bus trip from the station to Palm Jumeirah is approximately AED 4.
Dubai Museum The Dubai Museum is located in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood and is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the city. To reach the museum, take the metro to the Al Fahidi station on the Green Line. From there, it's a short walk to the museum. The cost of a metro trip from any station to Al Fahidi station is approximately AED 3.
In conclusion, using public transportation in Dubai is a convenient and affordable way to explore the city's major hotspots. With the NOL card and the S'hail app, you can easily plan your journey and reach attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, Bluewaters Island, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Museum. So, don't hesitate to use public transportation during your next trip to Dubai, it will save you time and money, and you'll have the chance to explore more of the city.