Transportation

From Dubai (DXB) the metro Red Line, official airport taxis and Careem/Uber all reach the city easily; the metro is cheap but does not run very late at night. From Abu Dhabi (AUH) taxis and airport buses are the main options. Airport taxis are metered and reliable. Confirm your terminal, as DXB is large.

Dubai has a modern, clean driverless metro (Red and Green lines), trams and extensive buses; there are women-and-children carriages and a paid Gold Class. Abu Dhabi relies mainly on buses and taxis. Public transport is cheap and easy for tourists in Dubai; elsewhere taxis or ride apps are often more practical.

In Dubai the Nol card is a rechargeable card used on the metro, tram, buses and water bus; buy and top it up at stations and shops. A red paper Nol ticket is available for short trips. Abu Dhabi uses the Hafilat card for its buses. Cards are cheaper than single tickets, so get one if you will use public transport.

Official metered taxis are plentiful, safe and reasonably priced; pink-roof taxis in Dubai are driven by women, for women/families. Careem (very popular locally) and Uber both work well and show fares upfront. Taxis are easy to hail or book by app. Fares rise a little at night, but overall taxis are a convenient way to get around.

The emirates are close together, so intercity travel is by road. Frequent, cheap intercity buses link Dubai and Abu Dhabi (about 1.5–2 hours) and other emirates. A hire car offers the most flexibility for day trips. There is no passenger rail network for tourists yet, though a national rail project is being developed. Taxis between emirates are possible but pricier.

Because the emirates are so close, domestic flights are rarely needed — road travel is faster and simpler for getting between Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. The UAE's airlines (Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia) mainly serve international routes, and the country is a major global hub. For within-country trips, plan by car or bus.