One of the first questions families ask when planning a Dubai trip is how do we actually get around with kids? It is a fair question. Dubai is a big city and getting from one place to another with children in tow requires a bit of thought. The good news is you have solid options. The not-so-good news is that picking the wrong one can either cost you more than it should or make your days out more stressful than they need to be. Here is an honest breakdown of each option so you can decide what works best for your family.

Option 1 – The Dubai Metro

The metro is clean, air-conditioned, reliable, and genuinely affordable. For a city as hot as Dubai, having a cool, comfortable way to travel is something families really appreciate especially with younger kids who overheat quickly.

Where the metro works well:

  • Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa area
  • Dubai Marina and JBR Beach
  • Mall of the Emirates and Ski Dubai
  • Dubai Airport connections
  • Jumeirah Lake Towers and Media City

What to know before you go:

  • Get a Nol Card on arrival works on metro, buses, and trams
  • There is a dedicated family and women’s cabin on every train
  • Pushchairs and prams are easy to manage lifts at every station
  • Very affordable a family of four can travel for very little per journey
  • Does not cover every part of Dubai some areas require a taxi or car
For families staying in a short stay apartment in Dubai near a metro line, this can genuinely be your main way of getting around for much of the trip.

Option 2 – Taxis and Ride Hailing Apps

Dubai taxis are metered, air-conditioned, and widely available. Careem and Uber both operate here too, which means you can compare prices and book from your phone without standing on a kerb waving.

When taxis make sense:

  • Late night returns from Global Village or dinner out
  • Areas the metro does not reach
  • Short trips where parking would be a hassle
  • When you have young children and a lot of bags

The honest downside:

Moving a family around by taxi every single day adds up. A few trips per day across a week can quietly become a significant cost especially if you are also paying for attractions, meals, and activities. Taxis work best as a supplement to other transport rather than your only option.

Option 3 – Renting a Car

For many families visiting Dubai, renting a car is genuinely the most practical and cost-effective choice particularly if you are staying in a residential area like Dubai Sports City, Arabian Ranches, or Dubai Hills where metro access is limited.

Why families choose car rental:

  • Total flexibility go where you want, when you want
  • Much cheaper per day than daily taxis for a family
  • Easy to do a supermarket run, airport pickup, and day trips
  • Most short term rental villas in Dubai and furnished apartments for rent in Dubai include free parking
  • Child car seats available from most rental companies

Things to keep in mind:

  • Dubai traffic during rush hour can be heavy
  • Parking in busy areas like Downtown can be tricky
  • You need an international driving licence or one from an eligible country
If you are staying in a luxury apartment in Dubai Sports City or a villa in a quieter residential area, a rental car makes your whole trip significantly easier and more flexible.

So, Which One Should Your Family Choose?

Honestly a combination works best for most families.
Situation Best Option
Getting to Dubai Mall or Marina Metro
Late night or short trips Taxi or Careem
Day trips and supermarket runs Rental car
Staying in a residential area Rental car
Travelling on a tight budget Metro and bus
Most families who stay in short term rental villas in Dubai or furnished apartments for rent in Dubai through Holiday Connect find that renting a car for the duration of their stay is the easiest option overall especially with kids.

One More Thing Where You Stay Affects How You Get Around

This is something most people do not think about until they arrive. If your accommodation is near a metro line, your transport options open up significantly. If you are in a quieter villa area, a car makes life much easier. At Holiday Connect we have properties across Dubai from well-connected short stay apartments in Dubai near metro lines to spacious short term rental villas in Dubai in residential neighbourhoods with free parking included. Browse our full range at holidayconnectme.com and find the right home base for your family trip. Because getting around Dubai with kids is much easier when you start from the right place.