Getting Around
The most common way of getting around Dubai is by taxi; they are cheap and easy to find. The Dubai Metro system opened in 2009 and now covers the length of Dubai from Jebel Ali in the south, all the way to the airport, then inland to Al Rashidiya. Most of the malls are connected on the central portion of the route. There is a Gold Class cabin and special carriages for women and children.
Many hotels offer shuttle bus services for guests as well. Metered taxis are cream coloured with uniformed drivers, and riding sharing apps are another option. The public bus service covers most areas of the city and its beaches; a monthly period pass and a discounted purse pass are available. Routes and bus numbers are posted in both Arabic and English.
Small wooden motorboats (abras) cross the creek every few minutes between Bur Dubai and Deira.
Cars are the most popular method of transport for locals in the city, and although roads are well marked and car hire cheap, visitors should think twice about hiring one, as driving standards are erratic and accidents frequent. All accidents must be reported to the police, and chances are good that a visit to the police station will be necessary. Outside the city, signposts are rare.
Airports
Dubai International Airport
The airport is three miles (5km) from Dubai city centre and 105 miles (170km) from Abu Dhabi.
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Location
The airport is three miles (5km) from Dubai city centre and 105 miles (170km) from Abu Dhabi.Getting to the city
Dubai Metro runs two air-conditioned train lines roughly every 10 minutes from Terminals 1 and 3 to many major stops in the city. The service runs daily from 5.30am to midnight, excluding Friday mornings when service starts at 1pm. Dubai International Airport Buses and public buses leave regularly for the city centre; the bus stations are located opposite the terminals. The bus routes are extensive and may be confusing for new travellers. Tickets must be bought in advance as bus drivers do not sell tickets.
Time
GMT +4.Car rental
There are car rental firms available in the Arrivals Hall, such as Hertz, Europcar and Sixt, among others.
Airport Taxis
Dubai Transport Taxis are available 24-hours a day at the Arrivals Terminal. A taxi from Dubai International Airport to the centre of Dubai will start at around AED 25 and cost up to AED 100 to the farthest parts of the city. You can spot Dubai Transport Corporation cabs by their cream colour. Those with a pink trim have female drivers.
Transfer between terminals
There is a 24-hour airport shuttle service available between Terminal 1, 2 and 3.
Facilities
Facilities at the airport include the renowned Dubai Duty Free, a food court, banking, bureaux de change, free internet services, entertainment for children, business facilities, medical care, special needs assistance, an airport hotel, post office and lounges. Passengers can also use the swimming pool, Jacuzzi and gymnasium, charged on an hourly basis.
Parking
There are short and long-term parking options near all the terminals. Short-term parking is near the terminals, while long-term parking is farther away.