Dubai’s glamour beckons visitors to enjoy the finer things in life, but how do you get around once you are there? The metropolis is pretty hot and strolling from place to place is not an option. The 100 km/hr speed limit makes driving somewhat dangerous and biking almost impossible. However, the city offers ample transport options. Let’s take a look.

Dubai’s tram system connects the residential and commercial hubs of Dubai Marina, Media City and Palm Jumeirah. Hence, if you stay at a Palm Jumeirah Hotel you can have easy access to the metro system. Some hotels like the Avani Palm View Dubai are connected to the metro system. The tram offers a flat rate regardless of the length of travel. This is a convenient and inexpensive mode of transport to explore the hubs of Dubai. When you wish to spend some time at Palm Jumeirah Island, you can use the Palm Monorail. This rail system connects Dubai’s mainland with the Palm Jumeirah Island station. You can use the Palm Monorail to get around Atlantis the Palm and theme parks like the Aquaventure Water Park.

Unlike most metropolises, Dubai only operates two metro lines, but with 45 stops this service serves main tourist attractions. The metro fare depends on the distance and zone that you are travelling. As a large number of destinations in the city are set around Sheikh Zayed – you can easily use the metro to get to these places. The metro line connects the iconic Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina and the Dubai mall. All you have to do is get yourself a Nol card. You’ll come across trains every 10 minutes.

The city is full of taxis and hailing one of these is the easiest way to get around Dubai. While the government operates most taxis, there are a few private players around. These metered service taxis charge their fees by distance travelled. You should remember to ask the taxi driver to turn on the metre if it isn’t set to automatic mode. You can identify licensed taxis by the tan and red colours or pink roofs. Women taxi drivers drive the pink-roofed taxis – intended for women and families only. If you are a man or a group of men travelling together, you cannot use the pink-roofed taxis. You can hail taxis from the Dubai mall, Palm Jumeirah, the Burj Khalifa or the Mall of the Emirates. While these are easily accessible, you would have to prepare for longer waiting periods during rush hours (3 30 pm to 5.30 pm).

Careem is Dubai’s version of Uber. It is actually a regional app. The Careem app is easy to use and stops you from having to go look for a taxi. However, Careem is slightly more expensive than normal taxis. But you do get nicer cars and the convenience of ordering transport via a click of your phone. If you take a Careem ride from the airport to Downtown Dubai expect to spend about 25 USD.

Water taxis are not the most popular way of getting around in Dubai, but it is undoubtedly unique. You can cruise across Dubai Creek, and gaze at the cityscape from a different perspective. You can capture a beautiful picture of this decidedly modern yet ancient city with its stories on your phone and memory. This cruising experience however doesn’t come cheap. A water taxi ride from the Dubai Marina to Deira Old Souks cost about 85 USD, and it will take about an hour and half for you to get to your destination.