Getting around Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Metro, Nol cards, Salik tolls and converting your licence.
In short
Dubai has a driverless metro, trams, buses and cheap taxis. Abu Dhabi relies more on buses, taxis and cars. Salik tolls apply on major Dubai roads.
- Dubai metro
- Red and Green lines, Nol card
- Tolls
- Salik (Dubai), Darb (Abu Dhabi)
- Taxi start
- Approx. AED 12–13
- Apps
- Careem, Uber, RTA, S’hail
Step by step
Tick each step as you finish it. Open a step to see what to do.
Use for metro, tram and bus.
Day 1
Documents checklist
Do’s and don’ts
Do
- Use women and children cabins appropriately
- Tap in and out
Don’t
- Don’t eat or drink on the metro – fines apply
Cost estimator
Untick what doesn't apply to you. These are rough figures and fees change often, so check with the authority.
Watch out
- Heavy traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road at peak hours.
Common questions
Is there a train between Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Etihad Rail passenger services are being launched; buses run regularly.
Official links
Background and more detail
Dubai Metro and public transport
The Red and Green lines cover the main corridor. Pay with a Nol card, which also works on buses, trams and water buses. The Blue Line is under construction.
Abu Dhabi
Buses are run by the Integrated Transport Centre. Pay with a Hafilat card.
Taxis and apps
RTA taxis, Careem and Uber are available everywhere.
Driving
- Citizens of many countries can convert their licence directly
- Tolls: Salik in Dubai and Darb in Abu Dhabi
- Fines can be checked on the RTA or police apps
Between emirates
Buses connect Dubai with Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Etihad Rail passenger services are planned.
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