A guide to getting around Dubai for tourists

Once in the city, you'll find an abundance of taxis available. Many tourists have said this is the best and easiest way to get around Dubai. Most taxis are operated by the government with a few private companies offering alternative services.

All taxis run on a metered service with the fee charged by distance, so be sure to ask your driver to turn on their meter if they have not automatically done so. Licensed taxis are tan color with red or pink roofs; taxis with pink roofs are driven by women and intended for women and families only.

Taxi stands are fairly accessible from the city's famous landmarks, such as Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Mall of the Emirates, Palm Jumeirah, and many hotels. Be aware that you may experience long wait times for a taxi during rush hour, typically between 3:30pm and 5:30pm.

While many cities of comparable size like London, New York, or Paris operate extensive metro or subway systems, Dubai is unique in still operating only two metro lines to accommodate its citizens and guests. With over 45 stops, The Metro serves the most popular tourist areas within Dubai. The fare will depend on the zone you're traveling in and the distance traveled.

Cabs and supplemental buses are available at most stations and can be used to get you to your destination, if needed, but are typically more expensive. The main metro line runs the length of Sheikh Zayed Road, while the newer, second line services the old town area of the city.

Most points of interest for tourists are clustered around Sheikh Zayed, so you'll be able to hit a lot of the popular attractions using just The Metro. Much of Dubai's impressive new construction, such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Dubai Marina are directly connected to the main metro line as well.

Fares can be purchased and stored on Nol Cards (which can even be used to pay for RTA parking). Riders can purchase single or multiple travel tickets. Trains operate every 10 minutes during off-peak times and even faster during rush hour.

If you're planning on spending the day on Palm Jumeirah Island (which we highly recommend!) or visiting Atlantis The Palm, hop on the Palm Monorail. The Palm Monorail connects Dubai's mainland with the Palm Jumeirah Island station.

It's the perfect way to travel from the city to Atlantis the Palm for a day of fun at Aquaventure Water Park or the Lost Chambers Aquarium.

Since Dubai is home to two large commercial ports, there are numerous places to dock yachts, cruise ships, and smaller boats.

One of the most delightfully authentic ways of getting around Dubai as a tourist is to take a tour on a traditional dhow boat. These small boats carry passengers across the Dubai Creek to the historic old town neighborhoods of Bastakiya and Bani Yas Road for a very low fee. A more modern water bus service also operates in the Creek and Dubai Marina areas to travel the city's "liquid streets".

Private boats and yachts are also a permanent fixture in Dubai's waterways. Many foreign guests prefer to cruise their way into the city via a luxury yacht, while this Emirate nation also has many private boat companies that rent out vessels on an hourly basis for a fun day at sea.

Dubai is becoming an increasingly bike-friendly city. With so many beautiful structures and sand dunes to see, cycling around Dubai is one of the best ways to get out and see everything on your bucket list. Finding a bike is extremely easy, as there are public bikes for rent at BYKY Station and many popular tourist spots, including Jumeirah Beach. A ride around this coastal area is a great way to while away a few hours.

Dubai International Airport is easily connected to the center of the city via the highway system, by taxi or private car, or numerous local bus routes that disembark straight from the airport to different places of interest. Once outside the terminal, you'll be able to locate your preferred form of transportation easily.

The airport is also directly served by the Dubai Metro public transport system which operates two lines to and from the airport, easily accessible from arrivals.