Dubai’s public transport network is operated mainly by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and connects the city through Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, public buses, taxis and marine transport.

For most Metro, Tram and standard Dubai Bus journeys, the key thing you need is a nol card or valid nol ticket. Fares are calculated by zones, Metro and Tram follow published operating hours, and RTA’s S’hail app can be used to plan current routes and connections.

This guide focuses on how Dubai’s transport system actually works: nol cards and fares, Metro lines, Tram, buses, taxis, airport connections, marine transport, accessibility, official apps and the difference between transport operating now and projects still under development.

If your main question is whether Metro, taxi, bus or a rental car is the better option for your particular trip, see Go Dubai Now  separate How to Travel in Dubai as a Tourist guide. This page is the detailed RTA and public-transport reference.

Dubai Public Transport at a Glance

Metro, Tram and buses are integrated through the nol fare system, while taxis and some marine services use different fare structures.

How Dubai’s RTA Public Transport System Works

Dubai is divided into seven public-transport fare zones.

When you use Metro, Tram or standard RTA buses, the fare is normally based on how many zones the overall journey crosses rather than the number of stops travelled.

The basic process is:

1. Make sure you have a valid nol card or ticket.
2. Keep enough balance for your journey.
3. Tap in before travelling where required.
4. Change modes if necessary.
5. Tap out correctly.
6. The appropriate fare is deducted automatically.

RTA allows integrated journeys across qualifying modes. If, for example, you leave the Metro and transfer to a bus, you have 30 minutes to check in to the next mode for the journey to be treated as one combined trip. RTA currently permits up to three transfers within the applicable journey rules.

Which Nol Card Should a Visitor Use?

RTA offers several nol products, but most visitors are likely to consider Silver, Gold or the Red Ticket.

Silver Nol Card

A Silver nol card currently costs:

AED 25

This includes:

AED 19 travel balance

Silver uses the standard public-transport fare scale and is the practical reusable option for visitors making multiple Metro, Tram or bus journeys.

Gold Nol Card

The Gold card also costs:

AED 25 including AED 19 balance

It allows access to Gold Class cabins on Metro and Tram. Gold Class journeys are charged at the applicable Gold fare rather than the standard Silver fare.

Red Ticket

The Red Ticket is a disposable paper ticket costing:

AED 2 before the journey fare

RTA currently allows it to be recharged for up to 10 journeys or five daily passes. It is more limited than a reusable nol card and is valid for Metro, Tram and bus use.

Which one makes the most sense?

For repeated ordinary public-transport travel, Silver is usually the simplest reusable option.

Gold is relevant if you specifically want Gold Class.

A Red Ticket is more suitable when your public-transport use is limited and you do not need the wider flexibility of a reusable card.

Current Dubai Nol Fares

Silver Card Fares

Gold Card Fares

Red Ticket Regular Fares

These are RTA’s current published fares.

An old claim that every Silver-card journey is approximately a fixed percentage cheaper than other tickets should not be used. The difference varies according to the zones crossed and ticket type.

Minimum Nol Balance

RTA currently requires a minimum balance of AED 7.50 for normal check-in on services such as Dubai Metro.

Maintaining slightly more than the minimum is sensible if you intend to make a longer multi-zone journey or several trips before your next top-up.

Where to Buy or Top Up a Nol Card

Physical nol products can be bought or managed through channels including:

• Metro ticket-vending machines
• Metro ticket offices
• authorised RTA sales agents
• RTA digital channels

RTA’s purchase service accepts payment methods including cash and credit/debit cards at applicable sales channels.

This is an important distinction when talking about cash.

Can you pay cash on Dubai public transport?

For normal RTA public-transport travel, you should have a valid nol product before boarding or entering the fare system. RTA states that cash is not accepted as the direct fare-payment method for its standard public-transport modes.

However, that does not mean cash is unusable everywhere in the transport system.

Cash can still be accepted at certain ticket-sales or top-up channels, and some marine services have their own cash-payment rules.

Virtual Nol: Important Phone Compatibility Limitation

RTA offers virtual nol functionality through the nol Pay app, but visitors should not assume that a virtual nol card works on every smartphone.

As of RTA’s July 2026 service update, virtual nol cards can be bought and managed through nol Pay on compatible Samsung and Huawei phones, with support also listed for Huawei Watch 3 and Watch 3 Pro.

The nol Pay app itself may be available through multiple app stores, including Apple’s App Store, but virtual-card compatibility is more limited than app availability.

RTA also allows some physical-card management functions through nol Pay, such as checking card information, topping up and purchasing travel passes.

For visitors who are unsure whether their phone supports a virtual card, a physical Silver nol card remains the straightforward option.

How Dubai’s Nol System Is Changing

Dubai is in the middle of a major modernization of the nol payment system.

On 5 July 2026, RTA reported that 72% of its transition from card-based ticketing to account-based ticketing had been completed. The full programme is scheduled for completion by the end of the first quarter of 2027.

The upgraded system is being designed to eventually support capabilities such as:

• account-linked nol cards
• QR-code tickets
• a new generation of nol cards
• smartphone-wallet integration
• bank-card fare payments
• digital-wallet payments
• automatic top-up and improved account management

However, these should be understood as rollout features of the upgraded system, not as proof that every Dubai Metro or bus gate already accepts every bank card or digital wallet today.

For a trip now, use the currently supported nol products and payment methods rather than assuming the future account-based system has been fully deployed.

Dubai Metro

Dubai Metro currently operates two principal lines:

Red Line
Green Line

The Red Line covers a long corridor across modern Dubai, including connections toward Dubai International Airport, Downtown, Business Bay, Dubai Marina and Expo.

The Green Line serves much of the historic Deira and Bur Dubai side of the city.

Current Dubai Metro Endpoints

RTA currently lists the Red Line as operating:

Centrepoint → Expo 2020 / Life Pharmacy

The Red Line branches toward different southern endpoints, so check the train destination before boarding rather than assuming every Red Line train follows exactly the same final route.

The Green Line currently operates:

Red Line and Green Line Interchange Stations

The two Dubai Metro lines connect at:

Union

Bur Juman

These are the key stations for switching between the Red and Green Lines.

Metro Connections to Dubai Tram

RTA lists Metro-to-Tram interchanges at:

Sobha Realty

DMCC

These connections are particularly useful for the Dubai Marina/JBR transport corridor.

Current Dubai Metro Operating Hours

RTA’s regular station opening hours are:

These are regular hours rather than guaranteed first- and last-train departure times from every individual station.

RTA can extend or modify transport hours during public holidays and major events, so check current journey information if you are travelling close to opening or closing time.

Metro Cabin Types

Dubai Metro includes:

• standard cabins
• Gold Class
• designated Women & Children cabins

Gold Class requires the appropriate Gold fare.

Passengers should follow the cabin markings displayed on platforms and trains rather than relying on assumptions about where a particular cabin will be positioned.

Dubai Metro Luggage Rules

RTA permits each Metro passenger to carry up to two suitcases:

One large suitcase: up to 81 × 58 × 30 cm

One small suitcase: up to 55 × 38 × 20 cm

Luggage should be kept in the designated luggage areas and should not obstruct doors or passenger movement.

This is particularly relevant when using the Metro from DXB.

Dubai Tram

Dubai Tram serves the Dubai Marina, JBR and Al Sufouh corridor and connects with the Metro network.

The Tram uses the nol system, but unlike gated Metro stations, passengers must pay attention to validating their journey correctly at the Tram stops.

Current Dubai Tram Hours

RTA currently publishes:

Check in with your valid nol card before travelling and complete the required validation when leaving.

Palm Monorail: Current Status

Palm Monorail is not part of Dubai Metro and should not be treated as another RTA rail line.

More importantly, the operator’s official website currently states:

Monorail service is temporarily suspended until further notice due to maintenance.

That service notice was still live during this final check on 20 August 2026.

Do not build a Palm Jumeirah journey around the Monorail unless the operator has confirmed that service has resumed.

Dubai Public Buses

Dubai’s RTA bus network connects Metro stations with residential areas, commercial districts and destinations beyond the rail network.

Standard Dubai Bus travel forms part of the nol system.

For ordinary bus journeys, make sure your nol card or applicable ticket is valid before boarding, then validate it as required.

Bus routes and schedules change more frequently than the core Metro network, so reproducing every timetable in a static guide would quickly become outdated.

Use S’hail or RTA’s current timetable tools for your specific stop and travel date.

Dubai Taxis

RTA taxis use metered fares, not the Metro and bus fare-zone system.

The figure displayed when a taxi begins a trip is the starting fare. The minimum trip fare is a separate rule: even a very short journey cannot cost less than the published minimum.

Street-Hail Taxi Fares

For a regular taxi picked up from the road, Dubai Taxi Company currently publishes:

The current minimum trip fare for a street-hail taxi is AED 12.

Distance, waiting time, Salik and other applicable charges can increase the final fare.

E-Hail Taxi Fares

For regular taxis booked through authorised applications, the starting fare changes according to the time and demand period.

Current published starting fares are generally:

AED 9 during standard periods

AED 13 during defined peak periods

AED 10 during the overnight period

The minimum e-hail trip fare is AED 13.

This means a AED 9 starting fare does not mean the complete journey can finish below the AED 13 minimum.

Airport Taxi Starting Fare

Dubai Taxi Company’s dedicated airport-taxi tariff currently lists:

Normal airport taxi: AED 20 starting fare

Van: AED 25 starting fare

with distance charged after the initial fare.

Airport taxi fares should therefore not be confused with the AED 5/5.50 regular street-hail starting fare.

How to Book an RTA Taxi

Current official RTA booking channels include S’hail and authorised partner applications.

RTA presently lists partners including:

• Careem/Hala
• Bolt
• Zed
• Yango

Street hailing and official taxi ranks also remain available.

Dubai Taxi Company additionally lists S’hail, Bolt and Careem among booking channels for regular taxis.

Paying for a Dubai Taxi

RTA currently supports taxi payment methods including:

• cash
• credit card
• nol card
• supported mobile/digital payment methods

Exact options may depend on the vehicle and booking method.

Dubai Marine Transport

RTA’s marine network includes several different services rather than one universal boat fare.

These include:

• traditional abras
• modern abras
• Dubai Ferry
• Water Taxi
• other scheduled marine connections

Prices and payment methods differ by route.

The AED 1 Dubai Creek Abra

Two traditional Creek routes currently retain the well-known AED 1 fare:

Bur Dubai Marine Station ↔ Deira Old Souq

Dubai Old Souq ↔ Al Sabkha

RTA currently states that these particular trips cost AED 1 per passenger per journey and are cash only.

Do not assume that every abra, ferry or water-taxi journey in Dubai also costs AED 1.

For example, other current abra routes can have different fares and payment arrangements.

Dubai Airport Public Transport

Metro From Dubai International Airport (DXB)

DXB Terminals 1 and 3 have direct access to Dubai Metro’s Red Line.

Dubai Airports currently publishes the same regular Metro schedule as RTA:

• Monday–Thursday: 5am–midnight
• Friday: 5am–1am
• Saturday: 5am–midnight
• Sunday: 8am–midnight

Nol cards and Metro tickets are available from the ticket facilities serving the airport Metro stations.

What about DXB Terminal 2?

Terminal 2 does not have its own Metro station.

Do not assume advice for Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 applies directly to Terminal 2. Use S’hail to check the current bus/taxi connection for your destination.

Public Transport From Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)

DWC does not currently have a Metro station inside the passenger terminal.

Dubai Airports lists two important RTA bus connections:

F55: DWC ↔ Expo Metro Station

N55: DWC ↔ Ibn Battuta bus/Metro stations

Dubai Airports currently says both routes operate at approximately 30-minute intervals.

A nol card is required for normal bus travel from DWC; Dubai Airports specifically states that cash is not accepted as the bus fare.

Because airport routes are operational information, check S’hail again on your travel date.

Accessibility on Dubai Public Transport

RTA provides accessibility features across Metro, Tram, buses and marine facilities for People of Determination.

Current RTA information includes features such as:

• tactile guidance at rail stations
• wheelchair-accessible ticket facilities
• lifts
• designated wheelchair spaces on trains
• low-floor buses
• accessible marine facilities
• audio and visual passenger information

Free or concession travel may require a qualifying personalised nol product rather than an anonymous tourist card, so passengers seeking a concession should check the eligibility requirements before purchasing their card.

Children on Dubai Public Transport

RTA’s current fare table states that children aged five and below travel free.

RTA also applies rules to children travelling alone. Current service guidance says children under eight should not travel unaccompanied; ages eight to eleven require parental permission, while passengers aged 12 and above may use public transport without an accompanying adult under the applicable policy.

Best Official Apps for Dubai Public Transport

S’hail

S’hail is RTA’s principal integrated mobility and journey-planning app.

Its current functions include public-transport information, route planning, nol account access and taxi/other mobility services.

For a visitor using more than one transport mode, this is the most useful app to check before setting out.

Nol Pay

nol Pay is focused on nol services, including card management, top-ups and supported virtual-nol functions.

Remember that virtual nol compatibility is currently device-specific.

RTA Dubai

RTA Dubai brings a broader range of RTA transport, traffic and vehicle services together in one official platform.

Public Transport Rules Visitors Should Know

Dubai’s public transport network has formal fare and passenger rules.

The main points a visitor should understand are straightforward:

• use a valid fare product
• tap correctly when entering and leaving
• use the correct Metro/Tram cabin
• do not enter Gold Class without the appropriate fare
• respect Women & Children cabin restrictions
• do not block doors with luggage
• follow station and vehicle signage
• follow instructions from RTA staff and inspectors

RTA applies penalties for fare evasion, invalid cards and other transport violations.

You do not need to memorise the entire fines schedule before your trip; following the posted passenger rules and validating your fare correctly covers the issues most visitors encounter.

Dubai Transport: What Is Operating and What Is Still Planned?

Dubai has several advanced transport projects that are frequently described online as though they already operate citywide.

They do not.

The current status needs to be separated carefully.

Autonomous Taxis LIMITED / SELECTED-AREA OPERATION

RTA began commercial autonomous-taxi operations in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah in March 2026.

The initial commercial phase includes vehicles from Apollo Go and WeRide, with booking availability through supported platforms in those areas.

This is a real operating service, but it is not equivalent to citywide availability.

Visitors should not assume that every journey in Dubai can currently be made by autonomous taxi.

Dubai Air Taxi EXPECTED FUTURE LAUNCH

Status: Not yet commercially operating

RTA stated in its August 2026 transport update that it is preparing to begin commercial Air Taxi operations by the end of 2026.

Therefore an aerial taxi should not currently be presented as an available airport-transfer or city-transport option.

Until RTA confirms commercial passenger service has started, treat it as a future system.

Dubai Metro Blue Line UNDER CONSTRUCTION

The Blue Line is a 30-kilometre Metro project with 14 stations.

RTA reported the project at around 20% completion in May 2026, with opening scheduled for:

9 September 2029.

The Blue Line is therefore not part of the network a visitor can use today.

Dubai Metro Gold Line APPROVED / PLANNED

The Gold Line was officially approved in April 2026.

RTA says tender issuance is scheduled during 2026, with contract award in 2027 and planned inauguration on:

9 September 2032.

It should not be described as an operating line or as opening in 2026.

Practical Dubai Public Transport Checklist

Before setting out:

1. Have a valid nol card or ticket.
2. Keep at least the required balance on your card.
3. Use S’hail to check the current route.
4. Confirm Metro/Tram hours if travelling early or late.
5. Tap in and out correctly.
6. Follow Gold Class and Women & Children cabin signs.
7. Check airport transport again on your arrival date.
8. Verify marine schedules before relying on a boat connection.
9. Do not plan around Palm Monorail until the operator announces reopening.
10. Treat Air Taxi as a future service until RTA announces commercial operations.

Once you understand the nol system, fare zones and basic transfer rules, Dubai’s Metro, Tram and bus network is relatively straightforward to use.

For the separate question of which transport option makes the most sense for your itinerary, budget or family, see Go Dubai Now How to Travel in Dubai as a Tourist guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Silver Nol card cost?

A standard Silver nol card currently costs AED 25, including AED 19 of travel balance.

What are the current Dubai Metro fares?

With Silver nol, current fares are AED 3 within one zone, AED 5 across two adjacent zones and AED 7.50 across more than two zones.

What is the minimum Nol balance?

RTA currently requires AED 7.50 as the minimum balance for normal check-in.

Can I use a virtual Nol card on an iPhone?

Do not assume so. RTA’s current service information says virtual nol cards are supported through nol Pay on compatible Samsung and Huawei phones, plus specified Huawei watches. The nol Pay app may exist on other platforms, but virtual-card compatibility is not universal.

What time does Dubai Metro operate?

Regular Metro station hours are 5am–midnight Monday to Thursday, 5am–1am Friday, 5am–midnight Saturday and 8am–midnight Sunday.

Can I take the Metro directly from Dubai Airport?

Yes from DXB Terminals 1 and 3. Terminal 2 does not have its own Metro station.

Is Palm Monorail currently operating?

At the time of this final check, the official Palm Monorail website still states that service is temporarily suspended until further notice because of maintenance.

Is Dubai’s Air Taxi available now?

No. RTA says commercial operations are being prepared for the end of 2026.