Taxis

Taxis are the most common way of getting around. Metered taxis from Dubai Transport Corporation, recognised by their cream colour, are efficient, with well trained and courteous drivers. The fare is Dh2 for pickup, followed by Dh1 per kilometre. A fixed scale of charges is applied to trips outside the city boundaries.

The fares of non-metered taxis are negotiated between driver and passenger, starting at a minimum of around Dh5 for short local journeys. However, Dh10 to Dh15 is the rule of thumb if you cross the Creek from one side of the city to the other.

The journey to the town centre from the airport costs around Dh30 - 35 in specially-registered airport taxis.

Most hotels operate transport for their guests. There are also several radio taxi companies which have cars on call. Numbers are available at all hotels.

Car-Hire

Self-drive cars are available and the rental company will arrange temporary local driving licences for visitors.

Renters must produce their passport, two photographs and either a valid international or national licence from one of the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, and USA.

See the Car Rental Indexfor a list and contact information of rental companies.

Roads and Highways

Over the past two decades, Dubai has built an impressive first-class network of roads connecting all parts of the city and surrounding areas.

There are two bridges and a tunnel linking the two main districts of Dubai and Deira on either side of the Creek.

Roads to all major towns and villages are excellent and an eight lane highway heads southwards from the city to Abu Dhabi.