Getting Around Dubai from Bur Dubai: Metro, Bus, Taxi and Walking

The Dubai Metro is a driverless rail system with Red and Green lines, making it a practical choice for journeys between parts of the city. RTA says stations offer Wi-Fi and ATMs, as well as connections to buses, taxis and other public transport.

BurJuman is a transfer point between the Red Line and Green Line. Union is another interchange, so you can switch lines there as well.

For destinations in Deira, the Green Line serves Baniyas Square, Gold Souq and Al Ras; the Red Line serves City Centre Deira and Al Rigga. The station codes are useful when you’re checking a Dubai Metro guide to nearby stations.

On the Red Line, Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall is a station. For a trip to the city’s central areas or to connect with other public transport, check the route and interchange before setting off so you know where to change lines.

RTA’s Silver Card Metro fares are AED 3 within one zone, AED 5 across two adjacent zones and AED 7.50 across more than two zones. Regular Nol Red Ticket fares are AED 4, AED 6 and AED 8.50 for those same zone groupings. Metro passengers need at least AED 7.50 on a Nol card to travel.

RTA’s station hours vary by day: Monday through Thursday and Saturday, 05:00–00:00; Friday, 05:00–01:00 the next day; and Sunday, 08:00–00:00. Timetables and fares can change, so check the official site before you go.

Buses are useful when your destination is not close to a Metro station or when you need an intercity connection. Dubai has 119 internal bus lines, including routes that connect with Metro stations and 12 intercity lines.

Al Ghubaiba is a bus station in Bur Dubai, and it is also a starting point for a Creek abra crossing. For trips across the water toward Deira Old Souq, you can combine a bus journey with the CR1 abra route between Bur Dubai Marine Station and Deira Old Souq Marine Station.

Dubai buses have displays at stops, audible and flashing platform alerts, tactile guidance paths, and dedicated wheelchair spaces on all buses. To plan a bus trip, use the S’hail app for current schedules and service updates, particularly when timings change during Ramadan.

Bus and Metro fares use the same zone-based approach. If your journey combines modes, check the fare and route details through RTA before you travel.

A taxi can take you directly to a destination without a Metro transfer or a bus connection. It is one of the public transport links available at Metro stations, according to RTA, so you can also use one for the last part of a trip after travelling by rail.

For a route that involves several stops, compare the direct taxi option with a Metro journey and any needed connection. The Metro stations’ links to taxis and buses make it possible to combine modes rather than relying on one for the whole trip.

If you are planning the arrival leg as well as getting around the city, a separate guide covers the trip from Dubai International Airport to Arabian Dreams Hotel Apartments.

Walking can work for individual stops in Bur Dubai, but some destinations take longer on foot. Dubai Textile Souk takes about 32 minutes on foot, while Saeed Al Maktoum House takes about 35 minutes. By car, those trips take about 7 and 13 minutes respectively.

For other sightseeing, Coffee Museum takes about 31 minutes on foot, and the Hindu Temple takes about 34 minutes on foot. You could plan a walk around one area, then use a taxi or public transport for a farther stop rather than treating every landmark as part of one walking route.

The Creek’s abra crossings give you another way to combine a walk through Old Dubai with a trip across the water. The CR1 route links Bur Dubai and Deira Old Souq; the guide to Dubai Creek, abra crossings and the old souks covers that part of the area.

Choose the Metro for a cross-city journey, a bus for a route beyond the rail network, a taxi for a direct trip, and walking for stops that fit comfortably into your plan. From Bur Dubai, Al Ghubaiba also makes an abra crossing a practical option for reaching Deira Old Souq.

For a day focused on rail connections, use BurJuman or Union to change between the Red and Green lines, then check the station closest to your destination.

For a trip through Old Dubai, consider pairing a walk with the CR1 crossing between Bur Dubai and Deira Old Souq. If a destination is farther from the rail or bus route, a taxi can complete the journey directly.

Keep fares and schedules in mind when comparing options: Metro and bus costs depend on zones, and bus schedules can change. Check RTA’s current information before choosing a route, especially if your plan depends on a specific departure time.

Which Dubai Metro lines serve Bur Dubai?

The Red and Green lines meet at BurJuman, while Union is another interchange. Both stations let you change between the two lines.

Can you cross Dubai Creek from Bur Dubai by abra?

Yes. The CR1 route connects Bur Dubai Marine Station with Deira Old Souq Marine Station. RTA advises passengers to arrive before departure, since timings can vary by station.

How are Dubai Metro and bus fares calculated?

RTA bases Metro and bus fares on the number of zones travelled. Silver Card fares and regular Nol Red Ticket fares have different prices, so check the current fare details for your journey.

Is walking practical for getting around Bur Dubai?

It can suit individual stops, but some landmarks take around half an hour or more to reach on foot. A taxi or public transport can help cover longer legs.