How to Take the Water Taxi in Dubai: A Scenic, Stylish Way to Explore the City

Wednesday, 18 June 2025

When you think of public transport in Dubai, the sleek Metro or luxury cars might come to mind. But nestled between the city’s iconic skyscrapers and glittering coastline lies one of the UAE’s most scenic and underrated travel experiences—the Dubai Water Taxi.

Forget traffic jams and long commutes. Whether you’re a tourist seeking adventure or a resident craving a peaceful ride, the water taxi offers a unique way to explore Dubai from a whole new perspective—on the water. This guide will show you everything you need to know about taking the water taxi in Dubai, from ticket booking to route tips and must-see stops.

Table of Contents

• What Is the Dubai Water Taxi?
• How the Water Taxi Zones Are Divided
• Updated Water Taxi Timings (2025)
• Dubai Water Taxi Fares
• How to Book RTA Marine Transport Tickets Online
• Buying Tickets at Marine Stations
• Key Guidelines to Keep in Mind
• Alternatives to the Water Taxi
• Frequently asked questions

What Is the Dubai Water Taxi?

Operated by the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the Dubai Water Taxi is part of the city’s marine transport system. It’s a modern, air-conditioned boat that can carry up to 10 passengers, offering a luxurious yet affordable alternative to road transport.

Think of it as a floating limousine that glides through the Dubai Creek and coastline—complete with plush seating, air conditioning, and panoramic views. Whether you’re commuting, sightseeing, or planning a romantic evening ride, it delivers a smooth and memorable journey.

How the Water Taxi Zones Are Divided

Dubai’s water taxi services are strategically divided into two operational zones—each covering a set of destinations:

Zone 1: Dubai Marina to Palm Jumeirah

This area includes stops like:

• Bluewaters
• Anantara
• Dubai Marina Mall
• Sofitel Resort
• One & Only The Palm
• Rixos Hotel
• Marina Promenade
• Marina Terrace

Zone 2: Dubai Creek to Dubai Canal

This area focuses on older and more cultural parts of Dubai, covering stops like:

• Al Ghubaiba
• Al Seef
• Al Shindagha
• Dubai Festival City
• Business Bay
• Creek Park A & B
• Al Fahidi
• Al Boom Tourist Village
• Sheikh Zayed Road
• Jumeirah Station
• Dubai Design District
• Al Jaddaf
• Al Safa Park

There are also charter-only zones at iconic spots like:

• La Mer
• Al Mamzar
• Jumeirah Beach Park
• Jumeirah Beach Hotel
• Al Sufouh

These zones help streamline services while making it easy for travelers to hop between new-age attractions and traditional heritage sites.

Updated Water Taxi Timings (2025)

RTA ensures timely service with a reliable schedule across the week. Below are the latest timings for 2025:

Full Marina Route (Promenade → Terrace)

• Mon–Thu: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Fri: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Sat: 4:00 PM – 11:35 PM
• Sun: 4:00 PM – 11:30 PM

Marina Mall – Marina Walk (BM1)

• Daily: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM (Midnight on weekends)

Dubai Marina Mall – Bluewaters (BM3)

• Mon–Thu: 4:00 PM – 11:05 PM
• Fri–Sun: 4:00 PM – 11:50 PM

One-Day Pass Service

• Weekdays & Weekends: Starts at ~3:55 PM and ends ~9:40 PM

Plan your trips around these schedules for the best experience, especially if you’re catching the sunset or evening skyline.

Dubai Water Taxi Fares

Compared to private yachts, Dubai’s water taxi is a luxurious yet affordable way to travel. Here’s what you can expect in terms of pricing:

How to Book RTA Marine Transport Tickets Online

Avoid the hassle of waiting in line by booking your marine transport tickets directly through the RTA’s official website: RTA Marine Booking.

Here’s how it works:

• Choose your preferred departure area, mode of marine transport (such as water taxi or ferry), and your desired route.
• Select the number of tickets you’d like to purchase.
• Enter your personal information, then proceed with payment using the available online payment methods.
• Once completed, your e-tickets will be sent to the email address you provided.

Before boarding and after reaching your destination, simply present your e-ticket or scan it for validation.

Buying Tickets at Marine Stations

If you prefer, you can buy your ticket directly at any RTA marine transport station.
Alternatively, you can also use your Nol card for payment.

To board, either show your printed ticket or tap your Nol card at the designated validator when entering and exiting the vessel.

Key Guidelines to Keep in Mind

• All tickets are non-refundable.
• Children under 5 years old and People of Determination (PoD) can travel free of charge on all marine services.
• PoD passengers using the Abra can request a wheelchair, available free of cost by showing their PoD card to the customer service agent. Note: Only one wheelchair is allowed per trip.
• Kids aged 2 to 10 receive a 50% discount on round-trip fares for Dubai Ferry services (tickets must be purchased at marine stations).
• Children under 2 can ride free on both the Abra (TR6) and Dubai Ferry (FR4) round-trip routes, with tickets available only at stations.
• All children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, who must present valid identification for the child—Emirates ID for residents or a passport for tourists—at the marine station ticket counter.
• Children must wear a life jacket throughout the journey when traveling with an adult.
• Passengers must arrive at the marine station at least 5 minutes before the scheduled time for Abras and Water Taxis, and 15 minutes prior for Dubai Ferry departures.
• Service routes may be altered or cancelled due to weather conditions or safety concerns.
• Any form of misconduct may lead to penalties as per RTA’s rules and violation fines.
• While most marine stations accept Nol cards, debit, and credit cards, it’s advisable to carry some cash, as certain stations may have limited payment options.

Alternatives to the Water Taxi

Dubai offers other marine transport options worth exploring:

Dubai Abra (Traditional Boat)

• Fare: As low as AED 1
• Routes: Dubai Creek
• Best for: Experiencing old Dubai

Dubai Ferry

• Fare: AED 25–75
• Routes: Marina, Canal, Al Ghubaiba
• Best for: Longer sightseeing rides

Water Bus

• Fare: AED 3–5
• Routes: Dubai Marina
• Best for: Short local commutes

While each offers a different experience, the Water Taxi stands out for its privacy, comfort, and custom routes.

If you’re looking for a memorable way to explore Dubai, the water taxi is more than just transportation—it’s a scenic, luxurious journey through the heart of the city. Whether you’re gliding past towering skyscrapers or meandering through historic creekside neighborhoods, every trip is a postcard-perfect ride.

So the next time you plan your Dubai adventure, skip the cab—and hop on a water taxi. You’ll not only reach your destination but enjoy every second of the journey.