Getting around Émirats arabes unis
Asia
From Europe ✈️
Direct flight from Paris
Yes
Duration
7h direct
Indicative round-trip price
400-800 EUR A/R
Book
1-3 months ahead, outside school holidays
Recommended airlines
Local transport
Bus
Dense RTA network in Dubai, intercity buses to Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, very cheap.
Train
No national passenger train for now (Etihad Rail freight under development).
Taxi
Taxis RTA a compteur, fiables et abordables. Depart a ~12 AED, tarif au km bas.
Metro
Dubai metro modern, automated and air-conditioned (red and green lines). Silver Nol Card recommended (7 AED for a long trip). No metro in Abu Dhabi.
Essential apps
Common routes and indicative prices
| From | To | Mode | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | Abu Dhabi | Bus E100/E101 or car | 1h30 | 25 AED bus |
| DXB Airport | Downtown Dubai | Red line metro | 20-30 min | 7-8 AED |
| Dubai | Sharjah | Bus / taxi | 45 min | 10-40 AED |
| Dubai | Desert (Al Marmoom) | 4x4 safari | 45 min | 150-300 AED |
Indicative prices for 2025-2026. Fares vary by season, demand and how far ahead you book.
Vehicle rental 🛵
Scooter / Motorbike
N/A (not advised, two-wheelers rare and dangerous on highways)
Car
80-200 AED / day
International permit recommended, tourist permit recognised
International permit : Required or strongly recommended
Transport scams to know ⚠️
Unofficial taxis
Drivers outside the malls or the airport offering an inflated flat price.
Tip :Always take an official metered RTA taxi or Careem/Uber.
Cut-price desert safari
Low-cost operators with no insurance or qualified driver for dune bashing.
Tip :Book with a recognised operator that has verified reviews.
Practical tips
- Buy a Silver Nol Card on arrival for the metro, buses, tram and abra
- Traverse la crique de Dubai en abra pour seulement 1 AED, l'un des trajets les moins chers du pays
- Rent a car to explore Abu Dhabi, Al Ain or the Fujairah mountains
Other transport guides
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