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| Home - City Guide - Dubai - Getting Around | ||
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Getting Around Getting Around Dubai Public Transport The car is the most popular method of transport in Dubai. In addition, the major tourist hotels provide shuttle bus services for guests. However, Dubai Municipality (tel: (04) 285 9401) operates a reasonable public bus service, 0600-2300. Adult fares are Dh1-3.50 depending on destination and these are paid to the driver on boarding, so it is useful to have the exact change ready. Basic wooden boats, locally referred to as abras, cross the creek from Bur Dubai to the Textile Souk area in Deira 0600-2400 (journey time - five minutes; cost: Dh0.50). Three types of bus pass are available. Smart Cards give Dh22 worth of transport for Dh20 and monthly passes called taufee are available at a cost of Dh75 for journeys on one side of the creek, or Dh120 for unlimited travel within the whole city. Passes, timetables and bus maps are available from the bus stations in Deira and Bur Dubai. Routes and bus numbers are posted in both Arabic and English. Taxis Taxis can be hailed on the street or prebooked by telephone. Metered taxis operated by the Dubai Transport Corporation (tel: (04) 208 0808) are distinguished by their cream colour and uniformed drivers. Occasionally, drivers do not have detailed knowledge about the city and may ask passengers for directions. For metered taxis the pick-up fare is Dh3 (Dh3.5 between 2200 and 0600) and distance is charged at Dh1.17 per kilometre. Fixed fares are applied to journeys outside the city boundaries. In non-metered taxis expect to pay Dh5 for short journeys and Dh10-15 for longer journeys within the city. It is also possible to rent a taxi for 12 hours for a fixed fee of Dh500. Limousines These are offered by the main car hire companies (see the Car Hire section) and Dubai Transport Corporation (tel: (04) 208 0808). The fare from the airport into Deira or Bur Dubai is around Dh60, with daily hire from Dh1000. Driving in the City Dubai has an excellent and well-signposted road network and the majority of roads have two to four lanes. Unfortunately, driving standards do not match the quality of the roads. Many drivers appear oblivious to the presence of other vehicles, and fast, close driving appears to be the norm. In addition, drivers are prone to make sudden and dangerous manoeuvres. Accidents - some fatal - occur frequently and visitors are advised to drive defensively. Outside of Dubai, road signposts are rare, making a good road map essential. Car parks are operated by Dubai Municipality and cost Dh2 per hour. Two centrally located covered car parks are near the Spice Souk and Bani Yas Square in Deira. Car Hire A valid International Driving Permit and passport are required to hire a car in Dubai. Visitors from many European, North American and Pan-Asian countries can obtain a temporary local driving licence if they do not have an international licence. A valid national licence, passport and two passport-sized photographs are required in order to do this. Fully comprehensive insurance is essential and the police must be informed of any road traffic accidents and a written police report obtained otherwise the hire company's insurance may not cover any damage. Drivers must be at least 21 years old and have held a full licence for one year. The age limit is often raised to 25 years for more expensive models. Payment must be made by credit card. Major providers include Avis (tel: (04) 295 9899), Budget (tel: (04) 282 3030) and Europcar (tel: (04) 352 0033). Hire of a standard saloon car costs from Dh150 per day and Dh900 per week. Collision damage waiver is usually additional at Dh20 per day. |
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