Dubai Marine Transport: Abra (AED 1), Ferry & Water Bus
Marine Transport Highlights
- Traditional Abra: AED 1.00 per passenger across Dubai Creek (approx. 5 minutes).
- Air-Conditioned Abra: AED 2.00 per passenger (Nol card tap).
- Private Charter: AED 120.00 per hour to hire an entire traditional abra.
- Dubai Ferry: High-speed catamarans with outdoor deck and air-conditioned cabins.
- Heritage Connection: Connects Deira Gold & Spice Souqs directly with Bur Dubai textile markets.
Marine Transport Modes at a Glance
Dubai's maritime transit serves two distinct purposes: authentic, low-cost commuter crossings between the historic halves of the city along Dubai Creek, and luxury coastal ferry commuting connecting modern tourism hubs.
1. Traditional Motorized Abra (AED 1 Creek Crossing)
The motorized half-deck wooden abra is one of Dubai's oldest surviving forms of public transit. Carrying roughly 20 passengers seated on a central wooden bench, these boats shuttle continuously across Dubai Creek from morning until late midnight.
Two Primary Cross-Creek Routes:
- Route CR1: Deira Old Souq Marine Station (near Spice Souq) ↔ Bur Dubai Marine Station (near Textile Souq). Takes about 5 minutes; operates from 06:00 AM to midnight.
- Route CR2: Al Sabkha Marine Station (Deira) ↔ Dubai Old Souq Marine Station (Bur Dubai). Operates 24 hours non-stop.
Fare: Exactly AED 1.00 per passenger per crossing. Simply hand an AED 1 coin or note to the captain once aboard.
2. Air-Conditioned Abras (AED 2 Routes)
For passengers preferring climate-controlled comfort across the water, RTA operates modern enclosed glass-cabin abras.
These vessels feature panoramic windows, air-conditioning, and lifejacket storage under every seat. A popular route runs between Al Jaddaf Marine Station (connected to Creek Metro Green Line) and Dubai Festival City Marine Station. The fare is AED 2.00, paid by tapping your standard Nol card at the dock turnstile.
3. Dubai Ferry (Marina to Al Ghubaiba Scenic Voyage)
The Dubai Ferry is operated by luxury 100-passenger twin-hull catamarans operated by RTA. It is both a practical transit option avoiding highway traffic and one of the finest sightseeing bargains in the city.
The Premier Coastline Route (FR1):
Connects Dubai Marina Mall Marine Station with Al Ghubaiba Marine Station in historic Old Dubai. The 90-minute voyage cruises along the open Arabian Gulf, passing the Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, and Dubai Water Canal before sailing into the mouth of Dubai Creek.
- Silver Class Fare: AED 50.00 one-way (AED 25 for children aged 2-10).
- Gold Class Fare: AED 75.00 one-way (premium front cabin).
- Tickets can be purchased at the marine ticket desk using cash, bank cards, or Nol card e-purse credit.
4. Water Taxi (On-Demand Marine Transit)
RTA also operates high-speed luxury Water Taxis accommodating up to 10 passengers. Operating like an aquatic private limousine, water taxis can be booked on-demand between 40+ designated marine docks extending from Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah up to Dubai Creek and Business Bay. Fares vary depending on origin and destination tiers and can be booked via RTA customer service (800 90 90) or the S'hail app.
Key Marine Stations & Creek Docks
Payment Rules: Cash vs Nol Card by Dock
Every fare, schedule, and rule in this guide is referenced against direct primary source documents published by Dubai transit authorities:
- RTA Marine Transport Official Tariffs & Timetables— Verified AED 1 traditional abra and AED 2 AC abra fares.
- RTA Dubai Ferry Coastal Schedules— Confirmed Marina Mall to Al Ghubaiba route tariffs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an abra ride across Dubai Creek?
A standard one-way motorized wooden abra ride across Dubai Creek costs exactly AED 1.00 per passenger for the cross-creek route between Deira and Bur Dubai.
Can I pay with a Nol card on the traditional Creek abra?
On most traditional motorized creek abra crossings, passengers pay the boat captain AED 1 in cash (coins or small notes) as they board. However, select upgraded RTA docks and all air-conditioned abras and ferry terminals accept standard Nol cards.
How much does the Dubai Ferry cost?
Dubai Ferry fares range from AED 25 for short scenic coastal loops up to AED 50 for Silver Class (AED 75 Gold Class) for the premier coastal voyage between Dubai Marina Mall and Al Ghubaiba (Old Dubai).
Can you rent an entire abra privately?
Yes. You can charter an entire motorized traditional heritage abra privately for AED 120 per hour directly from the dock captain for private creek cruising.