How to get around Dubai with children using public transport and taxis
Dubai's metro, buses, and taxis are child-friendly with dedicated family areas, stroller access, and car seats available in premium taxis. The metro is your best bet for major attractions, while taxis work best for door-to-door trips with young children. Buy a Nol Card at any station and always use the Family/Women carriages on the metro.
- Get a Nol Card for each family member. Buy Nol Cards at any metro station or authorized retailer. Children under 5 travel free. Kids 5-15 get discounted fares. Load at least 50 AED per card to start. One adult can pay for multiple children on the same card if needed.
- Master the metro family rules. Use the Gold Class or Family/Women sections only - regular carriages prohibit children under 12. Board at the front of the platform for Family/Women carriages. Fold strollers during rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-8 PM). Keep children seated and supervised at all times.
- Plan your metro routes strategically. Red Line connects major family attractions: Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Marina Walk, JBR Beach. Green Line serves Dubai Creek, Gold Souk, and traditional areas. Download the RTA Dubai app for real-time schedules and route planning.
- Use buses for short local trips. Dubai buses have dedicated family sections at the front. Press the stop button early - drivers don't always wait long. Carry small change as not all buses accept Nol Cards, though most do. Buses 8, 81, and F55 connect major tourist areas.
- Book the right type of taxi. Regular taxis: No car seats provided, children under 4 must sit on adult laps. Ladies taxis (pink roof): Female drivers, safer for solo moms. Premium taxis: Car seats available on request when booking through Careem or Uber. Book 15 minutes early for car seat requests.
- Navigate with strollers and bags. All metro stations have elevators - look for the accessibility signs. Escalators allow strollers but hold tight and face forward. Taxis have limited trunk space, so pack light or book larger vehicles through apps.
- Can I bring a stroller on the Dubai Metro?
- Yes, but fold it during rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-8 PM). Use elevators, not escalators, when possible. All stations have elevator access.
- Do taxis in Dubai provide car seats?
- Regular taxis don't provide car seats - children under 4 sit on adult laps. Premium taxis through Careem or Uber can provide car seats on request when booking.
- Are there family areas on public transport?
- Yes. Metro has Family/Women carriages (Gold Class also works). Buses have family sections at the front. Regular metro carriages don't allow children under 12.
- How much does public transport cost for children?
- Under 5: free. Ages 5-15: discounted fares (about 1 AED for metro, 1.50 AED for buses). Adults pay 3-7.50 AED depending on zones traveled.
- What's the best transport option for very young children?
- Taxis for convenience and door-to-door service. Metro works well for longer distances if you're comfortable with the family carriage rules and have a lightweight stroller.