Dubai Getting Around

Getting from Dubai airport
Dubai International Airport is only a couple of miles from the city centre. It will soon be joined by the world’s biggest airport; the 140 km² Dubai World Central International. Scheduled to open later this year, the development in Dubai is an incredible ten times bigger than the existing facility, will have 100,000 underground car park spaces and the capability of carrying twice as many passengers as the world’s current busiest airport in Atlanta, USA.

Bus
Dubai’s bus system services 69 routes. The current fleet of 170 double deckers is due to quadruple in size over the next year and the custom-built vehicles are equipped with air-conditioning and computerised fare equipment. Volumes are adjusted on Fridays and public holidays in relation to the passenger demand and the network includes 8 bus stations and over 1,500 bus stops.

Dubai Metro
The $3.89billion Dubai Metro project is currently under construction. The system is expected to be partially operational by 2009 and fully operational by 2012 and will comprise two lines: the Green Line from Rashidiya to the main city centre and the Red Line from the airport to Jebel Ali. The Dubai Metro (Green and Blue Lines) will have 70 km of track and 43 stations; 33 above ground and ten under.

Abras
A traditional method of getting across Bur Dubai (Old Dubai) to Deira is to use the Abras – small boats that ferry passengers across the Dubai creek – between Abra stations in Bastakiya and Bani Yas road.

Taxis
The best way to get around during your Dubai city break is in a taxi. This previously state-run service now allows competition and the result has been a dramatic improvement in quality. Drivers are knowledgeable and courteous and all cars have meters with a growing number accept credit cards. If you choose to use an independent taxi, make sure the driver knows how to reach your desired destination and negotiate a price before driving off. The city’s lack of effective street addresses means it is advisable to have a well-known landmark in mind if you’re looking for somewhere off the beaten track.

Dubai City Breaks  Getting Around Dubai

Things To Do In Dubai  Dubai Weather