Dubai Creek is a 14-kilometre waterway separating Deira and Bur Dubai, with traditional abra crossings linking its banks. For a simple Old Dubai outing, choose a crossing that suits your starting point, then combine it with Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood or Deira’s souks.
- Crossing: Traditional abra rides take about five minutes.
- CR1 and CR2: On-demand crossings cost AED 1 per passenger per trip, cash only.
- Other Creek routes: CR3–CR6 cost AED 2 per trip.
- From Tulip Hotel Apartments: Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is about 19 minutes on foot.
Choosing a Creek-side starting point
Choose your starting point by the side of the Creek where you want to begin: Bur Dubai or Deira. The waterway has served as a maritime trading lifeline for centuries, while the present creek was constructed in 1961.
The RTA identifies Bur Dubai Marine Station and Deira Old Souq Marine Station as the two ends of CR1. CR2 connects Dubai Old Souq Marine Station with Al Sabkha Marine Station. Both crossings are on demand, so there is no fixed departure frequency to plan around.
For a Bur Dubai start, CR1 takes you across to Deira Old Souq. From there, the Gold Souk and Spice Souk are nearby Old Dubai stops. If you are beginning in Deira, CR2 links Dubai Old Souq and Al Sabkha instead.
Taking an abra across the water
A traditional abra crossing takes about five minutes, making it a brief ride between the two creekside districts. For the CR1 and CR2 routes, the fare is AED 1 per passenger per trip, payable in cash only.
Four other Creek abra routes connect Dubai Old Souq and Baniyas (CR3), Al Sabkha and Al Fahidi (CR4), Al Fahidi and Deira Old Souq (CR5), and Al Seef and Baniyas (CR6). These routes cost AED 2 per trip, and cash, nol, credit cards and debit cards are accepted at their stations.
For a crossing that links the two historic sides directly, CR1 is the route between Bur Dubai Marine Station and Deira Old Souq Marine Station. CR4 and CR5 can be useful alternatives if your plan is focused on Al Fahidi.
Combining the crossing with Old Dubai sights
Pair a Creek crossing with a walk through Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood or a visit to the traditional souqs and bazaars. These are among the attractions near the Creek abra connections, and the souks are within a short walk of the waterfront.
For more on the area’s streets and heritage, use this walking guide to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
From Tulip Hotel Apartments, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is about 19 minutes on foot. On the Deira side, the Gold Souk and Spice Souk make natural stops to combine with the crossing; the Gold Souk is in Deira and can be paired with a ride from Bur Dubai.
For the souk-focused version of the outing, see how to get to Dubai’s Gold Souk and Spice Souk.
Access and payment basics
Carry cash if you plan to use CR1 or CR2, since their fare is cash only. At stations serving CR3–CR6, cash, nol, credit cards and debit cards are accepted; tickets can be purchased at a marine-station kiosk or point-of-sale system, or booked online.
People of Determination and children under 5 travel free only on commuter trips. That concession does not apply to every trip, so check which service you are taking before relying on it.
Timing a visit around the weather
Dubai’s winter season runs from October to May, with warm temperatures ranging from 20–35°C. Summer lasts from June to September, when temperatures reach the mid-40s°C. Consider the season when deciding how much time to spend walking between the waterfront, neighbourhood streets and souks.
Opening hours
- Monday to Thursday and Sunday: 8:00–18:00
- Friday and Saturday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Operating times vary by route and day, and timings may differ during Ramadan and public holidays. Before you go, check the official RTA site for current service details; the authority advises asking at the customer service office inside the station for detailed timings.
FAQs
How long does an abra crossing take?
A traditional crossing takes about five minutes.
How much does a Dubai Creek abra cost?
CR1 and CR2 cost AED 1 per passenger per trip and take cash only. The CR3–CR6 services cost AED 2 per trip.
Can you visit the Gold Souk after crossing the Creek?
Yes. The Gold Souk is in Deira and can be combined with a crossing from Bur Dubai; the souks are within a short walk of the Creek.
Do the abras run on a fixed departure schedule?
CR1 and CR2 are on-demand services, so they do not have a fixed departure frequency. Timings may vary during Ramadan and public holidays.