How to Travel in Dubai on a Budget?

It shouldn’t be expensive for you to travel through Dubai. The city offers budget-friendly options, from its public transport system to driving services. So, travelers like you can experience Dubai’s attractions at lower costs.

Let’s find out how to travel in Dubai on a budget.

What is the Cheapest Way to Travel in Dubai?

Here are the best ways to travel around Dubai affordably:

Hire a Driver Service: Comfort and Affordability Combined

When it comes to hassle-free travel with the added benefits of comfort, convenience, and safety, hiring a driver service can be a budget-friendly choice, especially if you’re traveling in a group or visiting Dubai for business.

For instance, we at Super Drive offer a professional driver service with flexible rates, which helps you save time and navigate Dubai’s roads without stress.

What it Covers: Driving services includes a licensed, experienced driver who knows Dubai’s routes well, ensuring smooth, quick access to major destinations and hidden gems alike. You need a driver for a day, a week, or on a monthly basis? No worries. You can get customizable plans to suit your needs.
Why Choose It: Hiring a driver can be surprisingly affordable when you factor in the costs of parking, fuel, and tolls, especially in busy areas. If you’re traveling with family or colleagues, splitting the cost makes it even more economical. Super Drive’s dedicated drivers handle all logistics, so you can focus on enjoying your time in Dubai without the worry of navigating or parking.
How to Use It: Book a driver directly here on our website or by calling us on WhatsApp at +971 56 987 7945. With easy booking and prompt service, your driver will arrive at the scheduled time, ready to take you wherever you need to go, from airport transfers to sightseeing.

Superdrive’s driver service offers an affordable, reliable alternative to car rentals and taxis, providing a more comfortable and tailored experience for both tourists and business travelers.

Dubai Metro: Fast, Cheap, and Convenient

The Dubai Metro is one of the most efficient ways to travel around the city on a budget. Known as the world’s longest driverless train network, the metro runs across key areas in Dubai, making it convenient for tourists and residents alike.

What it Covers: The metro has two main lines: the Red Line, which runs parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road and stops at major locations like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Marina; and the Green Line, which serves historic districts like Deira and Bur Dubai.
Why Choose It: Tickets start as low as AED 3 (less than $1) for short trips, making it a top choice for budget travelers. You’ll avoid traffic, and since each train and station is air-conditioned, the journey remains comfortable even in Dubai’s intense summer.
How to Use It: Purchase a Nol Card, a rechargeable smart card that covers multiple forms of public transportation in Dubai. The Silver Nol Card initially costs AED 25, with AED 19 preloaded. Simply tap the card at the entry and exit gates, and the fare is automatically deducted based on distance.

The Dubai Metro offers a reliable, low-cost solution to visit the most popular spots around the city, especially along the bustling Sheikh Zayed Road corridor.

Dubai Bus: Extensive Coverage Across the City

Dubai’s bus network complements the metro, reaching areas not covered by rail, and makes for a cost-effective and convenient mode of travel.

What it Covers: The bus network spans nearly every neighborhood and major destination, including Global Village, Miracle Garden, and beaches like Jumeirah Beach. There are specific routes, such as Bus 8, which connects Rashidiya Metro Station with the iconic Burj Al Arab.
Why Choose It: With fares ranging from AED 3 to AED 7, buses are highly affordable, especially for reaching places beyond the metro’s reach. The buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and have designated sections for women and families, ensuring a secure travel experience.
How to Use It: Like the metro, buses also operate using the Nol Card. You simply tap your card when boarding and tap again when exiting, with fares calculated based on distance. Use the RTA’s official S’hail app or Google Maps for real-time schedules, routes, and stops.

The Dubai bus system offers an economical solution to explore lesser-known neighborhoods and tourist spots at your own pace.

Water Transport: Affordable Rides with Scenic Views

Dubai’s location along the Arabian Gulf and the historic Dubai Creek offers a range of water transport options which combine sightseeing with budget travel.

What it Covers: The RTA operates traditional wooden abras, Dubai Water Taxis, and the Dubai Ferry, providing scenic routes along Dubai Creek and the coastline. Abras connect neighborhoods like Deira and Bur Dubai, while ferries travel longer distances, offering panoramic views of the skyline.
Why Choose It: For just AED 1, you can cross Dubai Creek on a traditional abra—a unique experience that also serves as a functional mode of transportation. The ferry is slightly more expensive but offers an unforgettable way to see the city from the water.
How to Use It: Abras run frequently and don’t require advance booking. Simply pay in cash when you board. For ferries and water taxis, you can buy tickets at RTA kiosks or through their official app.

Water transport in Dubai is both practical and enjoyable, allowing you to experience the city’s rich maritime history and iconic waterfront landmarks without spending much.

Careem BIKE and E-Scooters: A Sustainable and Fun Option

Dubai has expanded its range of sustainable transport with bike-sharing and e-scooters, which allow for quick trips around neighborhoods.

What it Covers: Careem BIKE stations are located in Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Road, and other central locations, while e-scooters can be rented in areas like Jumeirah Lake Towers, Downtown, and Dubai Internet City.
Why Choose It: Renting a bike costs around AED 20 per day, making it an affordable option for short distances or exploring scenic areas. E-scooters are available for a small per-minute fee, ideal for quick trips or exploring smaller, pedestrian-friendly areas.
How to Use It: Download the Careem app to unlock and pay for bike or scooter rentals. Payment is made directly through the app, and charges are based on the time of use. Both options are eco-friendly and allow you to avoid traffic congestion.

Cycling and scootering provide an inexpensive, environmentally friendly way to travel around some of Dubai’s most popular areas, with the added benefit of sightseeing.

Can You Get Around Dubai for Free?

Transportation in Dubai generally incurs a cost, but there are still a few cost-saving tips for budget-conscious travelers:

- Free Shuttle Services: Many malls and popular destinations, including the Dubai Mall, offer free shuttle services from major hotels and some residential areas. These shuttles provide easy, no-cost access to popular attractions.
- Walking in Key Areas: Neighborhoods like Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Jumeirah are pedestrian-friendly, allowing you to explore popular spots like Burj Khalifa and The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) without additional travel expenses.

No Cards: A Nol Card helps you save time and money, as it streamlines payment and reduces fare costs. The Silver Nol Card, the most popular among tourists, has an initial cost of AED 25 and offers an affordable way to pay for transit.

Is Dubai Cheap to Visit with a Budget-Friendly Plan?

Dubai can cater to all budgets if you plan wisely. A trip to Dubai doesn’t have to mean expensive dining and luxury shopping. Here’s how to make it affordable:

Use Nol Cards: The Nol Card, a rechargeable ticket system for public transport, helps reduce fares. A Silver Nol Card costs AED 25 initially, with AED 19 credited for use on metro, bus, and tram services.
Dining in Affordable Places: Dubai has an array of budget-friendly dining options, including local eateries and food courts in malls like the Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates. Many places serve delicious Middle Eastern meals starting from AED 15-20.
Visiting Free Attractions: Dubai’s beaches, parks, and open areas, such as the Dubai Fountain Show and Al Seef, offer free entertainment and sightseeing.

What are Some Affordable Travel Passes for Visitors?

Several passes offer discounted or bundled services, perfect for travelers seeking to save on transport costs while exploring Dubai:

Nol Tourist Day Pass: A day pass on a Silver Nol Card provides unlimited travel on public transport. Priced at AED 20, it allows you to explore at a low cost throughout the day.
Dubai Explorer Pass: For around AED 449, the Dubai Explorer Pass lets you choose three to seven attractions to visit, offering up to 50% savings on popular spots, including the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Aquarium.
RTA Seasonal Parking Cards: For those renting a car, an RTA seasonal parking card allows unlimited parking access in specific zones, which helps save on daily parking fees.

How to Save on Accommodation and Dining in Dubai?

Staying and dining in Dubai can be costly, but several alternatives help keep expenses down:

Budget Accommodations: Dubai offers a range of budget-friendly hotels and hostels, such as those in Deira and Bur Dubai, where you can find rooms starting from AED 150 per night.
Dining Discounts: Use apps like Zomato and the Entertainer for discounts on dining, which offer “Buy One Get One Free” deals. Many food courts in malls provide affordable meals from AED 20 to AED 30.

You want a truly budget-friendly experience? Look for stay-and-eat packages offered by some budget hotels and hostels, which offer breakfast and sometimes lunch at no additional cost.

Hire a Driver with Car for Stress-Free Travel in Dubai

Ready for a smooth, comfortable journey across Dubai? With Super Drive, you can rent a car with driver, giving you an all-in-one solution for your travel needs. From sightseeing to business commutes, our car rental service ensures you travel in style, comfort, and without any of the typical hassles.

Book with Super Drive today and experience Dubai’s vibrant cityscape with the ease and convenience of your own private driver and car. Call or WhatsApp us at +971 56 987 7945 to reserve your ride now!