Low Fare
The traditional abra crossing is repeatedly reported at AED 1 per person, making it both transport and a low-cost creek experience.
Dubai Old Souq Marine Transport Station - Information & Ticket Office
Bur Dubai
Dubai Old Souq Marine Transport Station is a transportation service in Bur Dubai centred on traditional abra crossings over Dubai Creek. Reviews highlight the short trip between Bur Dubai and Deira, including access to the textile, spice and gold souks, as an inexpensive way to add a little old-Dubai atmosphere to a journey.
Reputation Score
4.6
★★★★★
363 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Souk Access
Abra routes connect Bur Dubai with Deira’s old markets, including the gold souk and spice souk.
Quick Crossing
The short creek journey can save road time when travelling between Bur Dubai and Deira.
Scenic Views
Passengers describe views of the creek, skyline, old souk and evening activity, including birds around the water.
Traditional Setting
The small wooden abra provides a distinctly traditional way to experience Dubai Creek and the old town.
Family Friendly
One review specifically says children enjoyed the ride, while others mention it working well for families and adults.
Private Option
You can hire the whole boat for a more relaxed private outing rather than taking a shared crossing.
Helpful Staff
A reviewer found the boarding-point team helpful and friendly during the trip.
Tips for a Better Visit
Check Hours. Ask the office or boarding point about operating hours before setting out, as one reviewer found online hours unreliable.
Bring Cash. Carry cash for the fare; a review says Nol and debit cards were not accepted.
Try Sunset. For the most atmospheric timing, consider an evening or sunset crossing; reviews mention evening views and sunset rides.
Choose Route. Ask which abra you need: reviews describe different crossings from the Deira side to the Arabic market or Al Ghubaiba.
Use Metro. Baniyas Square metro station is described as about a five-minute walk away, and another review notes metro access on both sides.
Book Privately. If you want a quieter outing, ask about hiring the entire boat; one review reports a half-hour private trip.
Plan the visit
Practical details
51 3b St
Al Souq Al Kabeer, Dubai
| Mon | 7:30 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Tue | 7:30 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Wed | 7:30 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Thu | 7:30 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Fri | 7:30 AM – 11:20 PM |
| Sat | 7:45 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Sun | 10:15 AM – 11:05 PM |
Common Concerns
Cash Only
One review reports that the service accepted cash only, with no Nol card or debit-card payment.
Open Boat
A review notes that the abra has no life jacket and no side railing, which may matter if you are uneasy on boats.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
1aed each
boat ride
“Love this boat ride for 1aed each, it’s really worth it”Google review · May 2024
AED1
boat ride and tour of old souk
“You will get a memorable boat ride and tour of old souk (old market) at just AED1”Google review · December 2022
30aed per person
rent the whole boat
“Since this is our second time here we decided to rent the whole boat for 30aed per person so we paid 60 aed for both of us for half an hour”Google review · April 2021
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
This station is useful for two reasons: it is a practical creek crossing between Bur Dubai and Deira, and it gives you a brief ride through one of Dubai’s historic areas. The shared abra is commonly described as an AED 1 trip, with access to places such as the textile souk, gold souk and spice market. It is a short commute that can be quicker than going by road.
The experience is simple rather than polished. Reviewers mention small wooden boats, views of the old souk and creek activity, and especially attractive evening or sunset scenes. Children enjoyed one family’s ride, and several people treated it as both local transport and a cultural outing.
The station’s long-standing setting also appeals to visitors interested in old Dubai. Bring cash: one review specifically says Nol and debit cards were not accepted. Ask about operating hours before travelling because a reviewer found the online schedule unreliable.
If you want more than the shared crossing, the reviews mention hiring the whole boat; one party reported paying 30 AED per person for a half-hour private ride. Note that a review also flags the lack of life jackets and side railings, so nervous passengers should know what to expect.