🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around the United Arab Emirates
✈️ Flying to the UAE
Main Airports
Dubai International Airport (DXB) - One of the world's busiest airports, 5km from Dubai city center. Massive, modern, and extremely well-connected globally. Hub for Emirates airline.
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) - Second major hub, 30km from Abu Dhabi center. Hub for Etihad Airways. Modern terminal with good connections to the city.
Other International Airports:
- Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) - Budget airline hub, 15km from Sharjah center
- Al Maktoum International (DWC) - Dubai's second airport, currently limited flights
- Ras Al Khaimah Airport (RKT) - Smaller airport serving northern emirates
💡 Insider Tip
Emirates and Etihad often offer competitive fares from Europe, Asia, and North America. Check both airlines when booking. Dubai is a major stopover hub—you can combine a UAE visit with trips to Asia or Africa.
🚇 From Dubai Airport to City Center
Metro (Fastest & Cheapest)
Dubai Metro Red Line connects Terminals 1 and 3 directly to downtown. Journey time: 15-20 minutes to Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa area. Ticket: AED 5-8 depending on distance.
Taxi
Official taxis available at all terminals. Fixed-zone system makes fares predictable. Journey time: 15-30 minutes to city center depending on traffic. Cost: AED 50-80 to most central areas.
Ride-hailing (Careem, Uber)
Designated pickup areas at airport. Often similar price to taxis. Useful for direct hotel drop-off. Journey time: 15-30 minutes. Cost: AED 50-90 to city center.
From Abu Dhabi Airport to City Center
Bus A1: Direct service to city center. Journey time: 40-60 minutes. Ticket: AED 4.
Taxi: Journey time: 30-40 minutes. Cost: AED 70-100 to city center.
🚗 Other Ways In
Land from Oman—Border crossings at Al Ain and Khor Fakkan. Visa requirements vary by nationality. Check current border status before driving.
Land from Saudi Arabia—Border crossings in Abu Dhabi emirate. Saudi visa required for entry. Road quality excellent on both sides.
Cruise ships—Dubai Cruise Terminal at Port Rashid and Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal serve international cruise lines. Many Mediterranean and Asian cruises stop in UAE.
Ferry from Iran—Limited services from Bandar Abbas to Sharjah/Dubai. Check current political situation and visa requirements before booking.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
UAE visa requirements vary by nationality. Many countries get visa-free entry or visa on arrival. US, Canada, UK, Australia, most EU countries, and many Asian countries qualify for visa-free entry (typically 30-90 days).
The UAE introduced new visa reforms in 2026 with expanded multiple-entry options and purpose-based visit visas. A 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa is available for eligible visitors (requires proof of accommodation, return tickets, health insurance, and minimum bank balance of $4,000 USD).
Check visa requirements for UAE →🚗 Getting Around the UAE
Between Emirates (Intercity)
Bus: Regular intercity buses connect Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain. Clean, comfortable, affordable. Dubai to Abu Dhabi: AED 25, 2 hours. Book through RTA or bus station.
Taxi/Ride-hailing: Expensive for intercity but convenient. Dubai to Abu Dhabi: AED 250-350. Shared taxis available at some bus stations.
Rental Car: Best option for flexibility. Dubai to Abu Dhabi via E11 highway: 1.5-2 hours. Roads are excellent. Toll charges (Salik in Dubai, Darb in Abu Dhabi) automatically charged to rental company.
🚗 Driving Tip
UAE highways are modern and well-maintained, but drivers can be aggressive. Speed limits are strictly enforced with cameras. Keep right unless overtaking. Toll tags are handled by rental companies.
🚇 Local Transportation in Dubai
Dubai has an excellent public transport system operated by RTA (Roads and Transport Authority).
Dubai Metro
Two lines: Red Line (major attractions, airport to Jebel Ali) and Green Line (Deira, Bur Dubai). Clean, modern, driverless. Runs 5am-midnight (Friday/Saturday until 1am).
Nol Card (Essential!)
Rechargeable card for all Dubai public transport. Buy at metro stations, airports, or convenience stores.
- Silver card: AED 25 (AED 19 credit + AED 6 card) - rechargeable
- Gold class: Higher fare, less crowded carriages
- Single journey ticket: Available but more expensive per trip
Dubai Tram
Serves Dubai Marina, JBR, and Palm Jumeirah areas. Connects to Red Line metro at two stations. Same nol card system.
Buses
Extensive network covering areas metro doesn't reach. Air-conditioned. Same nol card system. Useful for beach areas and specific neighborhoods.
Water Transport
Abra (water taxi): Traditional wooden boats crossing Dubai Creek. AED 1 per crossing. Atmospheric and fun.
Dubai Ferry: Connects Dubai Marina to old Dubai via Dubai Canal. Scenic route with city views.
🚌 Local Transportation in Abu Dhabi
Buses: Main public transport option. DoT (Department of Transport) operates extensive network. Hafilat smart card system (similar to Dubai's nol).
Taxis: More commonly used than in Dubai as public transport is less developed. Metered and affordable.
🚙 Renting a Car
Recommended for exploring multiple emirates, desert areas, or if you prefer independence.
Things to Know
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Minimum age: 21 (some companies require 25 for certain vehicles)
- International driving permit recommended (some countries' licenses accepted directly)
- Speed limits: 40-60 km/h (residential), 80-100 km/h (urban roads), 120-140 km/h (highways)
- Speed cameras everywhere - strictly enforced
- Major rental companies at airports and city centers
- Insurance essential - roads are safe but accidents can be expensive
⚠️ Important
Zero tolerance for drink-driving. Even trace amounts can result in arrest. Radar detectors are illegal. Always carry your license, rental agreement, and passport while driving.
🚗 Compare Rental Cars in UAE
Compare prices and book your rental car:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Book flights early: Emirates and Etihad offer better prices 2-3 months in advance
- Use public transport in Dubai: Significantly cheaper than taxis (nol card pays off quickly)
- Bus between cities: Much cheaper than taxis or ride-hailing
- Rent cars outside airports: City locations often have better rates
- Consider Sharjah Airport: Budget airlines fly here - accommodation in Sharjah is cheaper too
- Travel November-March: Peak season but best weather; summer (June-September) has hotel deals but is extremely hot