A Dubai Water Taxi Travel Guide
Dubai has a lot to offer to its visitors. Buildings, water parks, communities – you name it and you’ll surely find something to explore in the city.
But like any other modern city, Dubai also experiences traffic congestion on its roads. To solve this problem, the government offers commuters another way to travel around the city.
The Dubai Water Taxi is one of the city’s most reliable forms of public transport. But it doesn’t just get you from point A to B. It also lets you see the city from a different vantage point.
Here’s everything you need to know about this unique transportation option in Dubai to help you plan your trip.
What is the Dubai Water Taxi?
The Dubai water taxi is an alternative form of public transport that traverses through the city’s waterways and stops at different water stations.
This project was launched by Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to decongest some of the traffic on its roads and also offer passengers a unique way to travel the city.
There are 44 water taxis in operation and you can board them in stations that are divided into two zones around the city.
Remember that you need to book ahead because walk-ins are not allowed since the Dubai water taxi is only for pre-booked passengers because of its limited seats.
You also have the option to book the Dubai water taxi for group tours around the city for a certain charge.
Bookings for these tours must be made at least two days prior to your trip.
Things to Know
Here are some of the important things that you should know about the Dubai water taxi:
- Routes
The route of the Dubai water taxi is divided into two zones to cover different areas of the city.
Zone 1 covers the side where New Dubai stands while Zone 2 covers the Old Dubai side of the city. There are also charter only stations for private rentals:
- Features
The Dubai water taxi can carry up to 10 passengers at a time and each taxi is fully air conditioned to beat the heat and has seats that can be reclined at 45 degrees.
Each seat also has its own LCD monitor where you can enjoy some movies while traveling to your destination.
- Costs
The cost of a Dubai water taxi ticket will depend on your pickup and drop off point, but it costs between AED 50 and AED 205.
For instance, if you’re traveling to the Dubai Marina Mall Station from the Al Ghubaiba Station, your ticket would cost AED 50 per person.
You can also rent the water taxi for family tours with an hourly rate of AED 400.
- Booking Process
Whether you’re riding as a passenger or renting the entire taxi for a group tour, you need to book at least two days in advance since the Dubai water taxi doesn’t accept walk-ins.
To book the water taxi, you can call 800-9090 or through the RTA booking page.
You also need to email these details to the Dubai RTA to confirm your trip:
- Time and date of your trip
- Commuter or charter
- Departing station
- Arriving station
- Number of passengers
You’ll be required to pay for the booking at least 24 hours before your trip. You can use your credit card or pay at one of these three stations: Marina Mall, Al Ghubaiba or Al Jaddaf.
Your booking will only be confirmed after your payment where you’ll be given a booking number and receipt.
- Rules to Follow
To make your ride smooth and easy, here are some rules that you need to keep in mind:
- You need to be at the station of your choice at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure. The taxi will not wait for late passengers.
- Children below 12 years old should be accompanied by an adult and required to wear a life jacket on board.
- You need to bring your receipt of payment to be allowed to board the water taxi.
- Any misconduct inside the vessel will result in a fine and other sanctions by authorities.
- The driver may change the route or delay your trip depending on weather conditions and security reasons.
- If you lost any item while on board, you can report it at the RTA’s Al Ghubabia office and come back after 24 hours to see if someone returned your item. But any lost document and IDs will be turned over to the Dubai Police.
Landmarks to See Through the Abra Water Taxi
Atlantis The Palm Dubai Resort
Address: East Crescent Road – The Palm – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 567 8888
Website
It’s hard to miss the majestic Atlantis The Palm Dubai with all its glory. One of Palm Jumeirah’s most luxurious resorts, it’s known for its beautiful rooms and suites overlooking the island.
But if you don’t have the budget to book a room in this five-star resort, you can always visit the Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark or the Lost Chambers Aquarium.
Dubai Water Taxi Stop: Atlantis The Palm Station
Dubai Marina
Address: Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Website
Dubai Marina is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Dubai.
Featuring waterfront views and a stunning marina, this area hasn’t only become a sought after residential community but also a dining and entertainment hotspot.
Dubai Marina is also home to The Beach where you can enjoy a day under the sun, the Dubai Marina Walk for strolling by the water, and the Dubai Marina Mall for some retail therapy.
Of course, you can just admire the tallest block in the world, a line of skyscraper residential buildings with apartments and penthouses.
Dubai Water Taxi Stop: Dubai Marina Station and Dubai Marina Mall Station
Waterfront Market
Address: Deira Enrichment Project – Al Khaleej St. – Deira – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 707 1599
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Before Dubai became a modern city, it was a small fishing village. And there’s no better place to admire the city’s bountiful harvest than at the Waterfront Market.
In fact, this market is more than just a place to buy food. It’s also a great way to see a different side of Dubai and the life of its locals.
The city’s biggest fish marketplace, you’ll be spoiled for choice with all the fresh seafood that this market has to offer.
With more than 500 vendors, you’ll find over 350 seasonal fish and seafood from Dubai and the rest of the Middle Eastern region here.
But Waterfront Market isn’t just for seafood because it also has vendors selling meat and poultry, fruits and vegetables, and even spices and herbs.
And if you’re hungry, you can always dine at one of the many cafes and restaurants around the market.
Dubai Water Taxi Stop: Waterfront Market Station
Dubai Spice Souk
Address: Al Ras – Deira – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 221 5555
Website
Middle Eastern cuisine is known for its extensive use of spices, and only one place in the city offers the best selection of herbs, spices and other local products: the Dubai Spice Souk.
Going around this souk is a treat to your senses with its colors, aromas and flavors. Here, you can shop for spices that can only be found in the Middle East.
You can even ask one of the local sellers to create a special spice mix made with all your favorite herbs and spices, so you can use it for cooking back home.
The Dubai Spice Souk also gives you a unique look at how local life is in the city and the products that it has to offer.
Dubai Water Taxi Stop: Deira Old Souk Station
Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
Address: Al Fahidi St. – Al Souq Al Kabeer – Bur Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 80 33222
Website
One of the city’s most important sites, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood offers you a glimpse of life in Dubai before it became the city that it is now.
Here, traditional houses with wind towers called “Barajeels” are preserved to make sure that present and future generations can look back at the city’s past.
This historical neighborhood is also located near the historic Dubai Creek, which is where the city started as a small fishing village.
Of course, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood is also home to many art galleries, local shops and restaurants that you can explore on your trip.
Dubai Water Taxi Stop: Al Fahidi Station
Dubai Frame
Address: Zabeel Park Jogging Track – Za’abeel – Al Kifaf – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 800 900
Website
You can’t visit Dubai and not stop by the largest frame in the world. The Dubai Frame is an iconic landmark that perfectly captures both the Old and New Dubai in a single frame.
The 150-meter frame was commissioned by the government as part of its goal to make Dubai a tourism city and not depend on oil for its economy anymore.
The frame is also perfectly positioned where it frames the old part of Dubai on one side and the modern Dubai on the other.
This landmark is the city’s homage to its past, present and future, making it one of the most iconic tourist spots not only in Dubai but the entire world.
The Dubai Frame has an observatory and museum where you can learn about the city’s past and its development over the years.
The Dubai Frame is also located in Zabeel Park, which has other attractions that you need to check out.
Dubai Water Taxi Stop: Bur Dubai Station
Jumeirah Beach Park
Address: Umm Suqeim – Jumeirah 3 – Dubai – United Arab Emirate
Website
Known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Dubai with stunning views of the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Park is the perfect place to spend a day in the sun, sand and sea.
Here, you can relax or take a dip in the sea, let your kids enjoy different water activities or even have a barbeque party with friends.
Jumeirah Beach Park is a favorite beach spot by locals during the winter season where they can gather and have fun without worrying about the intense Dubai heat.
The park also has beautiful gardens, many restaurants, a children’s play area and of course, a long stretch of sand where you can have the best time.
Dubai Water Taxi Stop: Jumeirah Beach Park Station