07 September 2010 17:38 GMT
AirAsia Indonesia starts flights to Singapore
London City goes 'silent' this month
Easyjet to open more routes from Geneva
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Transport options
From Dubai International Airport
- A steady stream of beige taxis depart 24 hours a day from the taxi rank outside Arrivals. All are metered at identical rates, with fares significantly cheaper than taxis in the US and most European countries. Meters for taxis from the airport begin at Dhs 20 ($5.50) and charge Dhs 1.51 ($0.40) per kilometre. A ride across the creek to Bur Dubai will cost around Dhs 40-50 ($11-14) in total, whilst fares to more distant parts of the city can reach Dhs 70-90 ($19-25).
- Taxis are by far the most convenient way of getting around in Dubai, where public transport options are limited, especially for those with little time on their hands. You can book Dubai taxis at a fixed rate of Dhs 50 ($13.60) per hour to take you around the city. If you want a taxi to take you around throughout your stay, the rates are: Dhs 250 ($68) for six hours, Dhs 500 ($136) for 12 hours, and Dhs 750 ($204) for 24 hours. Call Dubai Taxi on +971 (0) 4 2080808 to book. Special needs vans are also available on request.
- For all First and Business Class passengers travelling on Emirates, a free chauffeur-driven service is available. If you've not pre-booked, then go to the Chauffeur Drive Emirates office just after baggage and claim and arrivals. The free drop-off and pick-up service applies to any location in the UAE, but it’s always best to book the service in advance as it’s often busy.
- If you’re female, travelling alone, and would prefer to have a lady taxi driver, then look out for the pink taxis (they also have pink interiors) which often pull up at the airport. These were introduced in 2007 across the UAE and can be booked in advance on +971 (0)4 2080808.
- A number of bus routes stop at the airport, with tickets costing between Dhs 2 and Dhs 5 ($0.50-1.40). There are regular services linking the airport with Deira Bus Station, which is close to the Gold Souk, but bad traffic means that bus timings can be unpredictable. Although it’s very cheap and developing quickly, the public transport system in Dubai is not a particularly practical way of getting around the city – especially if you’re pressed for time. Taking a taxi from the airport is certainly money well spent.
- If you have plenty of time on your hands and want to explore further afield, inter-emirate buses are available at very reasonable prices. A ticket to Sharjah is around Dhs 5 ($1.36), a ticket to Abu Dhabi is around Dhs 15 ($4) and one to scenic emirate of Fujairah costs around Dhs 25 ($6.80). Buses also go to the smaller emirates.
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