Tourist guide
Discover the best transportation options in Dubai. From public transport to taxis – find out how to navigate the city efficiently!
Key Insights
Dubai offers a top-notch public transportation system with metro, tram, and buses for comfortable mobility.
EMAAR Beachfront and The Cove are easily accessible via Dubai Marina Metro Station and Dubai Tram.
The NOL Card is the key to all public transport and saves money with regular use.
Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Careem provide flexible transportation options for European guests.
The Cove, as a verified Airbnb co-host apartment, is strategically located for all modes of transport.
Dubai has developed into one of the best-connected metropolises in the world. Being mobile in Dubai today means benefiting from one of the most advanced multimodal transportation systems that seamlessly connects all modes of transport. For guests of The Cove at EMAAR Beachfront, particularly comfortable options to explore the city are available – from the air-conditioned metro to picturesque water taxis.
Public Transport in Dubai
The transport network of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) includes an impressive range of transport options. The metro system transports over 200 million passengers annually, while the entire network consists of Dubai Metro, trams, buses, and water taxis. For European tourists, the cleanliness, continuous air conditioning, and modern equipment of all modes of transport in Dubai are particularly noteworthy.
The public transport system operates from 5:00 AM to midnight (until 2:00 AM on weekends). All modes of transport are equipped with free Wi-Fi access and feature multilingual announcements. Transport in Dubai is characterized by punctual schedules and short intervals, making mobility in Dubai particularly reliable.
Dubai Metro - Quick to EMAAR Beachfront
The Dubai Metro revolutionized mobility in Dubai with its driverless operation and high-tech trains. The Dubai metro system consists of the Red Line and the Green Line, with the Red Line being crucial for guests of The Cove.
The direct connection to the Dubai Marina Station makes EMAAR Beachfront particularly accessible. From Dubai International Airport, you can reach the Dubai Marina Metro Station in about 45 minutes via the Red Line. From the city center and the Burj Khalifa area, the journey takes just 25 minutes.
A special feature of the Dubai Metro is the designated areas for women and families (Gold Class), providing additional comfort to European travelers. Trains run every 3 minutes during peak times – one of the shortest intervals worldwide.
Dubai Tram - Directly in front of The Cove
The Dubai Tram system perfectly complements the metro and connects the Dubai Marina Metro Station along the coast. The tram passes right in front of EMAAR Beachfront, with the stop “Dubai Marina Walk” only 300 meters from The Cove.
During the 15-minute ride from Dubai Marina to JBR, passengers enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the sea and the skyline. The tram also seamlessly connects to the Palm Jumeirah Monorail, making trips to the famous island particularly easy.
The Dubai Tram operates from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM (Fridays until 2:00 AM) and is fully air-conditioned. For guests of The Cove, this is often the most convenient mode of transport for outings along the coast.
NOL Card - Your Ticket to Dubai
The NOL Card acts as a universal ticket for all public transport in Dubai. This rechargeable card enables seamless transitions between metro, tram, buses, and water taxis, providing a 25% savings compared to single tickets with regular use.
The NOL card is available at all airports, metro stations, and online. For guests of The Cove, the Silver NOL Card with a starting balance of 100 AED (about 25 euros) is recommended, which is sufficient for a week of transport.
NOL Card Type | Price | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
Silver | 25 AED | Standard fares, reloadable |
Gold | 25 AED | Metro Gold Class access |
Blue | 15 AED | Discounted fares |
NOL cards can be recharged at over 1,000 locations in the city, including all metro stations and many supermarkets.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing to EMAAR Beachfront
Official Dubai taxis are recognizable by their beige-red coloring and have taximeters with transparent prices. All drivers speak English, and the vehicles are always air-conditioned. The base fare is 5 AED, plus 2.23 AED per kilometer.
Careem and Uber have established themselves as reliable alternatives. These apps provide price transparency and the ability to book rides in advance. The fare from the airport to The Cove ranges between 80-120 AED (about 20-30 euros), depending on traffic conditions and the chosen service.
Both services are available 24/7, with Careem often providing faster pickup times in Dubai Marina due to being a local provider. For larger groups or luggage transport, van-like vehicles are also available.
Buses for Excursions from EMAAR Beachfront
The extensive bus network with over 1,500 vehicles perfectly complements the rail network. Important bus lines from Dubai Marina connect to all key attractions in the city.
Route 8 connects Dubai Marina to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall in about 45 minutes. This line is particularly popular with tourists, as it travels through the heart of the city.
Route 81 goes to Jumeirah Beach and passes the Burj Al Arab – a picturesque 30-minute ride along the coast.
All bus stops are air-conditioned and equipped with digital display boards. The buses themselves offer free Wi-Fi and USB charging stations.
Water Taxis and Maritime Connections
The water taxi service from Dubai Marina offers unique perspectives on the city. The air-conditioned boats operate regularly between various marina locations, providing spectacular views of the skyline.
A particularly popular route leads to the historic Dubai Creek, where visitors can reach the traditional souks in about 90 minutes. This picturesque journey showcases Dubai from the water and connects modern architecture with traditional culture.
The traditional Abra rides across the Dubai Creek cost only 1 AED and provide an authentic experience. Ferry connections to Al Ghubaiba and other Emirates significantly extend the reach of water transportation.
Transport Apps for European Guests
The S’hail App from the RTA is indispensable for anyone mobile in Dubai. It provides real-time information, route planning, and fare calculations for all modes of transport.
Google Maps works excellently in Dubai, offering offline maps and real-time traffic information. The app integrates all public transport and displays the fastest routes.
Careem and Uber apps allow for transparent taxi bookings with price predictions. Both apps work in English and German.
The RTA Dubai App allows for reloading the NOL Card as well as access to all schedules and service notices.
Practical Travel Tips for The Cove Guests
Peak hours should be avoided if possible: 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM on weekdays are particularly crowded for the metro and roads. Plan your outings accordingly.
Dress codes in public transport should be observed. Shoulders and knees should be covered, especially in the metro.
Cash for small rides and tips should always be kept handy, even though most services accept electronic payments.
Free shuttle services from Dubai Mall and major hotels can provide additional transportation options. Inquire about current routes upon arrival.
The extreme temperatures during the summer months (June-September) make air-conditioned transport a necessity. Plan to keep outdoor waiting times short.
The Cove - Your Ideal Starting Point
The Cove at EMAAR Beachfront benefits from a strategic location that makes all transportation options easily accessible. Only a 5-minute walk separates you from the Dubai Marina Metro Station, while the tram stop is practically at your doorstep.
As a verified Airbnb co-host, The Cove offers German-speaking support and comprehensive information about all transport options. The modern amenities and sea view make the apartment the perfect base for exploring Dubai.
The location of The Cove makes it easy to walk to Dubai Marina Walk, where restaurants, cafes, and shops are located. At the same time, the connection to all modes of transport is so good that you can easily reach every corner of Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I get from Dubai Airport to The Cove the fastest?
The fastest connection is the Dubai Metro Red Line from Terminal 1 or 3 to the Dubai Marina Station (45 minutes), followed by a short walk or the tram. Alternatively, a taxi costs about 80-120 AED and takes 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.
Which NOL Card is best for a 7-day stay?
For a week, the Silver NOL Card with a starting balance of 100 AED is recommended. This is sufficient for about 20-25 metro/tram rides or the combination with bus rides. You can recharge the card at any time at machines.
Is there German-speaking support for transport issues?
The Cove, as a verified Airbnb co-host, offers German-speaking support. Additionally, many taxi apps and the RTA have multilingual options. In emergencies, the tourist hotline 800 DUBAI provides English-speaking assistance.
How safe is public transport in Dubai for European tourists?
Dubai's public transport is considered extremely safe. Surveillance cameras, security personnel, and strict laws ensure a very low crime rate. The metro features special areas for women and families.
What transportation costs should I plan for a week in Dubai?
For a week with daily use of public transport, expect to spend about 150-200 AED (35-50 euros). With occasional taxi rides, an additional 200-400 AED may apply. A NOL Card with a starting credit of 100 AED plus 100 AED top-up is usually sufficient.
The excellent transport network makes Dubai one of the most tourist-friendly destinations in the world. The Cove at EMAAR Beachfront makes optimal use of this infrastructure and offers you the perfect base for unforgettable Dubai experiences. Book your stay now and discover how easy and comfortable it can be to get around in Dubai.
