Abra Dubai and Water Taxi Guide: Routes, Fares and Areas

An abra Dubai ride is the traditional way to cross Dubai Creek, and the RTA marine page listed a traditional motorised abra at AED 1 per passenger per trip (cash only) and creek heritage abras at AED 2 on 4 November 2026. The Dubai Water Taxi, by contrast, runs on the Dubai Marina side. This guide covers the abra and water taxi options, the routes and fares listed by the Roads and Transport Authority, and which areas you can live in along the Creek and the waterways: Deira, Bur Dubai, Al Jaddaf and Creek Harbour. Compare them on our area guides.

What types of abra and marine transport does RTA run?

The RTA marine page lists several services, each with its own route and fare. The table summarises what the page showed on 4 November 2026. Fares and routes can change, so check the RTA website or app before you travel.

Nol cards can be bought at the air-conditioned abra stations, according to the same page.

How much is an abra ride across Dubai Creek?

The cheapest option is the motorised traditional abra between Bur Dubai and Deira Old Souq stations, listed at AED 1 per passenger per trip, cash only. The RTA page also lists a private charter of that abra at AED 120 per hour. The heritage abras on the four creek routes are listed at AED 2. Keep small change with you, because the cash only AED 1 service does not take cards.

Which creek abra routes are listed?

The RTA lists four petrol heritage abra routes on the Creek:

• CR3: Dubai Old Souq to Baniyas.
• CR4: Al Fahidi to Al Sabkha.
• CR5: Al Fahidi to Deira Old Souq.
• CR6: Al Seef to Baniyas.

Together with the motorised traditional abra between Bur Dubai and Deira Old Souq, these routes link the old commercial districts on both banks, which is why the abra remains a real commuting option for people who live and work around the Creek, not only a tourist ride.

What is the Dubai Water Taxi?

The RTA page describes the Dubai Water Taxi in Dubai Marina, with four stops: Marina Terrace, Marina Walk, Dubai Marina Mall and Marina Promenade. It seats 20 and runs on a fare of AED 7 for a single hop between stops, such as Dubai Marina Mall North to Marina Walk or Marina Walk to Marina Terrace. The full route is AED 7 to AED 21, depending on the number of stops, and the Dubai Marina Mall South to Bluewater route (BM3) is AED 7. Check the RTA marine timetables for operating hours before you plan a trip.

If you live in the marina area, the water taxi is more of a leisure and short hop service than a commuter route, but it is a pleasant alternative to walking the promenade. See Dubai Marina and Bluewaters for homes on that side of the city.

Which areas along the Creek can you live in?

The Creek is lined with some of Dubai's oldest and newest neighbourhoods. These area pages show current homes and typical prices:

• Deira: the Creek's northern bank, with long established markets, offices and apartment blocks. Deira Old Souq is one of the abra stations.
• Bur Dubai: the southern bank, with historic districts and a mix of old and newer buildings.
• Al Jaddaf: a Creek side area with new apartment buildings. The RTA lists an air-conditioned abra, BM2, from Al Jaddaf Marine Station to Dubai Festival City.
• Dubai Festival City: the other end of the BM2 route, with a large mall and waterfront promenade.
• Dubai Creek Harbour: a newer waterfront community on the Creek. Check the RTA marine page for the stops currently served.
• Al Garhoud: a quieter area near the Creek on the airport side.

Can an abra be part of your daily commute?

For some residents, yes. A traditional abra between Bur Dubai and Deira Old Souq can replace a road journey that is much longer at rush hour, and the AED 1 fare is hard to beat. For others the abra is a weekend pleasure. Before you choose a home on the strength of the abra, test the route at the time you would use it, and have a backup plan for evenings or for days when services change. Check the area's metro, bus and taxi options as well, and compare them rather than depending on one mode.

Renting near the Creek: what to check

1. Walk from the building to the nearest abra station or marine stop and time it.
2. Check the metro and bus options as well, in case the marine service is not running.
3. Ask about parking, which is limited in older Creek side districts.
4. Look at the building's age and maintenance, especially in older blocks.
5. Make sure the tenancy is registered through Ejari.

Our 1 bedroom apartments for rent in Dubai page shows the current market, and Dubai Land Department fees covers the costs when you buy.

Other RTA marine options

The RTA page also lists the Dubai Ferry, with six major routes including one inter city route, in an air-conditioned vessel that seats up to 98 people, and a petrol heritage abra on the Dubai Water Canal. The canal ride starts at Sheikh Zayed Road Marine Station (TR6), is a 45 minute round trip with a minimum of 6 passengers, and is listed at AED 25 per hour per person or AED 300 per hour for a charter. Children aged 0 to 2 ride free. Timetables and fares are in the marine section of the RTA website.

Tips for riding an abra

• Bring small change for the AED 1 abra, which takes cash only.
• Use a nol card at the air-conditioned abra stations.
• Check the RTA website or app for current routes, as services can be updated.
• Go at sunset for the best light over the old souq districts, and expect a short queue at busy times.
• Keep valuables close and hold on when boarding.

Is an abra or water taxi ride worth it for visitors?

For a first time visitor, the Creek abra is one of the best value experiences in the city. A short crossing between Bur Dubai and Deira shows the old trading districts from the water, and it costs a fraction of most tours. The Dubai Water Taxi in the marina is a more leisurely outing, suited to a view of the towers from the water. If you have family visiting, combine a morning at the old souqs with an abra crossing, then lunch on the other bank. If you are thinking of moving to the area, take the same route twice, once at a quiet time and once at rush hour, to see how it fits real life.

Local residents also use the electric traditional abra for leisure trips at Dubai Mall and Global Village (during its operating hours), where the listed fares are higher and priced for the experience rather than for commuting.

Quick summary

The abra Dubai network is the cheapest way across the Creek, with a traditional abra listed at AED 1 per passenger and heritage routes at AED 2 (RTA, 4 November 2026). The water taxi serves Dubai Marina at AED 7 a hop. For homes along the water, compare Deira, Bur Dubai, Al Jaddaf, Dubai Festival City and Creek Harbour on the TRPE area guides.