If you’re looking for ways to travel in Dubai on a budget, there are many ways to do so. While you can take the metro to get around, most destinations are located outside of the city. In this case, it’s a good idea to buy a NOL card, which costs 20 AED, plus fifteen extra credits. Depending on the distance you need to travel, it’ll cost you three or eight AED per trip. Using the metro is convenient for tourist sites, but is limited to those in the city. A car is also necessary to reach areas outside of Dubai. Abu Dhabi and Muscat, Oman, are also nearby, so you can drive there and enjoy the sights without spending a dime.
If you’re traveling with a group, you’ll want to pick a location near a metro stop. You can find cheap accommodation through Couchsurfing, although you’ll have to contact the residents beforehand. In case you’re traveling solo, you can book an entire apartment for 312 AED ($85 USD). However, you should note that last-minute bookings will cost double or even triple the price of your accommodation!
While flying to Dubai can be expensive, you can still find cheap airfares with a little research. By booking early, you can save up to 53% on airfare. Using a flight comparison website like Skyscanner to compare prices is a great idea – it searches all the major international airlines. Additionally, you can use local airline companies, such as Fly Dubai, to get discounted rates. If you’re staying in Dubai for a short period of time, try getting a cheap apartment through Airbnb or other similar websites.