Abra Crossing on Dubai Creek
The Abra crossing on Dubai Creek is Dubai's iconic wooden water-taxi service, operated by the RTA, ferrying passengers between Bur Dubai and Deira for AED 1 per trip. One of the city's oldest and most authentic transit experiences, abras depart every few minutes across two main creek routes, connecting the historic souks on both banks.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 06:00–00:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | free |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Al Ghubaiba Metro Station (Green Line) — approx. 5-minute walk to Bur Dubai Abra Station |
| Time needed | 5 minutes per crossing; allow 15–30 minutes to explore both banks |
| Best time to go | Early morning or late afternoon/sunset for cooler temperatures and best light; avoid midday heat in summer |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Locals Score
- Value9.0
- Freshness5.9
- Crowd level6.5
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility8.5
Frequently asked questions
- How much does an abra crossing on Dubai Creek cost?
- The traditional motorised abra costs AED 1 per person per one-way trip, paid directly to the driver in cash — no ticket is issued. Air-conditioned and petrol abras on other routes cost AED 2 per person.
- Can I charter a private abra on Dubai Creek?
- Yes. Private abra charters are available for AED 60 for 30 minutes or AED 120 for one hour. No advance booking is required — simply speak to a driver at any abra station.
- Were the Dubai Creek abra stations recently upgraded?
- Yes. As of September 2025, the RTA completed the final phase of upgrading Old Dubai Souq Station and Al Sabkha Station — two of the busiest abra boarding points on the creek — improving facilities while keeping services running throughout the works.
- How long does the abra crossing take?
- The creek crossing itself takes approximately five minutes. Abras depart every few minutes during peak hours, so wait times are minimal — no booking is required.
- What are the abra operating hours on Dubai Creek?
- Route CR1 (Bur Dubai ↔ Deira Old Souk) runs daily from 6:00 AM to midnight. Route CR2 (Al Sabkha ↔ Dubai Old Souk) operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- What are the main abra routes across Dubai Creek?
- The two main creek-crossing routes are CR1 (Bur Dubai Abra Station to Deira Old Souk Abra Station, near the Spice Souk) and CR2 (Al Sabkha Station to Dubai Old Souk Station). Additional petrol and air-conditioned abra routes serve Al Seef, Al Fahidi, Baniyas, and Al Jaddaf.
- How many types of abra are there and what is the difference?
- There are three main types: the traditional motorised abra (AED 1, open-air, ~20 seats), the petrol heritage abra (AED 2, also open-air, multiple creek routes), and the air-conditioned abra (AED 2, enclosed cabin, ideal for summer). The RTA has also introduced 3D-printed abras, which came into operation in July 2024.
- How do I get to the Bur Dubai Abra Station by metro?
- Take the Dubai Metro Green Line to Al Ghubaiba Metro Station, which is approximately a 5-minute walk from Bur Dubai Abra Station. Al Ghubaiba Bus Station is also nearby for onward connections.
Nearby in Ask Dubai
- Al Fahidi Historical NeighbourhoodNeighborhood0.11 km · 1 min walk
- Arabian Tea House (Al Fahidi)Café0.15 km · 2 min walk
- Coins MuseumMuseum0.24 km · 3 min walk
- Coffee MuseumMuseum0.24 km · 3 min walk
- Textile Souk (Old Souk)Market0.28 km · 4 min walk
Where to stay near Abra Crossing on Dubai Creek
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