Dubai is a city of luxury and excess, but it doesn’t have to be expensive to visit. There are a number of affordable transportation options available, especially for travelers from India.
The cheapest mode of transportation in Dubai:
🚇Dubai Metro
The Dubai Metro is the cheapest and most efficient way to get around the city. It covers most of the major tourist destinations, and fares are very reasonable. You can purchase a Nol card at any metro station, and it can be used on the metro, buses, and trams.
Cost (Rate):
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Single ticket: AED 3-8 (INR 67.59-180.64)*.
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Daily pass: AED 22 (INR 496.30)*
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Weekly pass: AED 50 (INR 1120.75)*
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Monthly pass: AED 195 (INR 4370.92)*
*approx
Timing:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 5:30am to midnight
- Thursday: 5:30am to 1:00am
- Friday: 1:00pm to midnight
- Saturday: 6:00am to midnight
Where to book tickets:
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You can purchase Nol cards and tickets at any metro station.
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You can also purchase Nol cards and tickets online through the RTA website or app.
🚌Cover more area with Dubai Bus
The Dubai bus network is also a good option for budget-minded travelers. Buses are slightly slower than the metro, but they cover more areas. You can purchase a Nol card to use on buses.
Cost (Rate):
-
Single ticket: AED 3-8 (INR 67.59-180.64)*
-
Daily pass: AED 22 (INR 496.30)*
-
Weekly pass: AED 50 (INR 1120.75)*
-
Monthly pass: AED 195 (INR 4370.92)*
*approx
Timing:
- Buses run from 5:00am to midnight.
Where to book tickets:
-
You can purchase Nol cards and tickets at any metro station.
-
You can also purchase Nol cards and tickets online through the RTA website or app.
🚋Experience more than Metro or Buses with Dubai Tram
The Dubai Tram is a newer transportation option that connects Jumeirah Beach Residence and Palm Jumeirah to the rest of the city. It is a bit more expensive than the metro or bus, but it is still a relatively affordable option.
Cost (Rate):
-
Single ticket: AED 3-7 (INR 67.59-157.07)*
-
Day pass: AED 15 (INR 337.95)*
*approx
Timing:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 7:00am to 10:00pm
- Thursday: 7:00am to 11:00pm
- Friday: 10:00am to 11:00pm
- Saturday: 9:00am to 10:00pm
Where to book tickets:
-
You can purchase Nol cards and tickets at any tram station.
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You can also purchase Nol cards and tickets online through the RTA website or app.
🚆Palm Jumeirah Monorail
info provided by @aky.mtl
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The Palm Jumeirah Monorail is a convenient way to get around Palm Jumeirah. It is a bit more expensive than the metro, bus, or tram, but it is still a relatively affordable option.
Cost (Rate):
-
Single ticket: AED 20 (INR 451.92)*
-
Day pass: AED 50 (INR 1120.75)*
*approx
Timing:
- Sunday to Thursday: 7:00am to midnight
- Friday: 9:00am to midnight
- Saturday: 10:00am to midnight
Where to book tickets:
- You can purchase tickets at any monorail station.
🛶Ride like a royal in Dubai Abra
The Dubai Abra is a traditional wooden boat that crosses Dubai Creek. It is the cheapest way to get across the creek, and it is also a fun and scenic experience.
Cost (Rate):
-
AED 2 (INR 45.20)*
*approx
Timing:
- Abras operate 24/7.
Where to book tickets:
-
You can purchase tickets at any abra station.
Travel in group with Dubai Water Bus
The Dubai Water Bus is a newer transportation option that operates on Dubai Creek and Dubai Marina. It is more expensive than the abra, but it is also more comfortable and convenient.
Cost (Rate):
-
Single ticket: AED 30 (INR 675.90)
-
Day pass: AED 75 (INR 1714.75)*
*approx
Timing:
- Sunday to Thursday: 10:00am to 10:00pm
- Friday: 12:00pm to 10:00pm
- Saturday: 10:00am to 10:00pm
Where to book tickets:
-
You can purchase tickets at any water bus station.
Cab Services of Dubai: Ride-Hailing Apps
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Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Careem are also available in Dubai. They are typically more expensive than public transportation, but they can be a convenient option for short trips or late-night travel.
info provided by @Alphin RTA taxis are the cheapest taxi option in Dubai. They are also the most regulated, and they have a good reputation for safety and reliability.
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You can book an RTA taxi through the S’hail app or by waving your hand at the side of the road.
To save even more money on taxis, you can avoid taking them during rush hour and on weekends. You can also take advantage of the many free shuttle buses that are offered by hotels and malls.
Here’s some useful information from @Cynthia:
Nol cards can be used to travel within Dubai and to Abu Dhabi from certain stations, such as Al Gubaiba and Ibn Battuta, for 25 AED.
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There are bicycles available at every metro station that can be rented using a slot where you can insert money.
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Electric cars are also available on Dubai roads and can be rented using an app.
Tips for Saving Money on Transportation in Dubai
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Purchase a Nol card. This will save you money on fares, and it will also allow you to use all of Dubai’s public transportation options.
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Avoid taking taxis during rush hour. Taxis are more expensive during rush hour, and they can also be difficult to find.
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Use the Dubai Metro instead of the bus for long trips. The metro is faster and more efficient, and it is also cheaper for long trips.
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Take advantage of free shuttle buses. Many hotels and malls offer free shuttle buses to and from popular tourist destinations.
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Walk or bike whenever possible. Dubai is a relatively walkable city, and there are also a number of bike paths available.
Helpful Links
- Dubai Metro website: Roads & Transport Authority - About Dubai metro
- Dubai Bus website: Dubai RTA Bus
- Dubai Tram website: Dubai Tram - Map, Cost, Tickets, Stations, Hours
- Dubai Abra website: Abra Creek Crossing at Dubai Creek | Visit Dubai
- Dubai Water Bus website: Lines, times, and costs of the Water Bus
- Uber website: Uber
- Careem website: Careem
Conclusion
Dubai is a great city for travelers on a budget. There are a number of affordable transportation options available, and it is easy to get around the city without spending a lot of money. By following the tips above, you can save even more money on your transportation costs.
Feel free to leave your comments and share your Dubai travel experiences, or if you have any questions or tips about commuting in Dubai, we’d love to hear from you! Your insights can be invaluable to fellow travelers. 
