How much do public transport and taxis cost in Dubai, and can I get a student nol card discount?
Getting around Dubai typically costs AED 3 to 10 for a one-way ticket and AED 200 to 400 for a monthly pass. Taxis start at AED 5 to 15. Students can get 50 percent off Metro, Tram and public bus fares with a student nol card.
A one-way local ticket in Dubai typically costs around AED 3 to 10 (approx INR 78 to 262), and a monthly pass around AED 200 to 400 (approx INR 5,232 to 10,464). Yes, students can get 50 percent off Metro, Tram and public bus fares with a student nol card. Taxis suit occasional trips but add up if used daily.
Typical Transport Costs
| Transport expense | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| One-way local transport ticket | 3 to 10 (approx INR 78 to 262) |
| Monthly public transport pass | 200 to 400 (approx INR 5,232 to 10,464) |
| Taxi starting fare | 5 to 15 (approx INR 131 to 392) |
| Taxi fare per kilometre | 2.12 to 3 (approx INR 55 to 78) |
| Taxi waiting charge for one hour | 30 to 50 (approx INR 785 to 1,308) |
| Petrol, 1 litre | 2.8 to 3.83 (approx INR 73 to 100) |
Student nol Card Discount
A student nol card gives 50 percent off Dubai Metro, Tram and public bus fares. To apply, you need an active KHDA student record or a valid letter from your school or university.
My Advice
Get your student nol card early, since it halves fares on the modes you will use most. Keep taxis for late nights or awkward routes, and price a monthly pass if you commute daily.
How much will a month abroad cost you?
Rent, food and travel. A real monthly budget, city by city.
More Cost & living questions
- What is the lowest undergraduate tuition fee I can expect to pay at a Canadian university for the 2026 academic year?
- How much would I pay in first-year tuition for the International MBA program at York University, Toronto?
- If I get an education loan, can I proceed with the application after the loan amount is clear?
- Is it better to spend 12 lakhs in India or go abroad for higher studies in Germany for a Master's?
- Does the agency provide end-to-end services including visa, loan guidance, and accommodation?
- Do I need to show living expenses in my bank account for visa purposes, and can I withdraw it after reaching Ireland?
- How do I get an education loan for an MBA abroad as an Indian student?
- Which is more suitable for my son's master's education: Dubai or the USA, considering cost, location, program variety, post-study work options, and pathways to permanent residency?
More Dubai questions
- How much tuition would I pay in Dubai at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate level?
- Can you tell me the starting budget required for studying in Dubai and Germany?
- Do I need to submit an IELTS score for my master's application to universities in Dubai, given that my bachelor's was completed in English and I have an MOI certificate?
- Can I work full-time while studying in Dubai, and if not, how does part-time work there compare to Singapore's part-time work policy for international students?
- How many years will I spend on popular undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Dubai?
- How much does it cost to pursue an MBA in Dubai compared to Australia, including tuition, living expenses, student visa, and health insurance?
- Will my visa be available for how long after I complete my course in Dubai?
- Are all courses available for masters in Dubai through your agency?