Bus Travel

There's a 62-route inexpensive network of modern air-conditioned public buses running to all parts of the city between 5 am and midnight, but the ease of finding a cab and the low rates on offer mean they are primarily used by residents. Buses can, however, be particularly economical for longer trips, or around busy areas, where they have priority lanes.

Board buses at the front and get off at the rear. There is no eating, drinking, or smoking on public transportation. Separate sections on each bus are reserved for women and their children. (They are clearly marked.) Men should not sit in these seats, but women and children can (and do) sit with their male relatives in the rest of the seats.

Nol cards are required for most public transport in Dubai, and buses are no exception. You can't buy these on the bus, so make sure you pick one up from an RTA office or ticket kiosk, or some supermarkets, banks, and exchanges. Prices range from AED3 to around AED15 per journey, depending on the zones you travel across.

Inter-emirate services link Dubai with its neighbors. Eight routes run to four other emirates several times per day. Single fares are currently AED25 for the trip to Abu Dhabi in the south and AED10 for the journey to Sharjah, Dubai's northern neighbor.

Information

Dubai Road Transport Authority. 800/9090; www.rta.ae.