So, you’ve decided it’s worth going to, you’ve even made some notes on family-friendly things to do there, but now you’re unsure how best to tackle getting around Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.

Consider this your one-stop shop for all the answers, from whether there’s public transport to just how walkable it really is.

If you’re in Dubai and fancy a visit to the Palm Jumeirah, here’s how you get yourself on and off that bit of man-made paradise.

First off, if you’re driving, you’ll head onto Palm Jumeirah via the main trunk road, which is connected to the mainland by a bridge. It’s dead easy – just follow the signs from Sheikh Zayed Road. You’ll end up on the trunk, which is the central road that runs right through the middle of the Palm. From there, you can branch off onto any of the fronds (if you’re hanging out with someone who lives there – the fronds are mostly gated residential areas) or head up towards the crescent.

Unfortunately, if you’re on foot you can’t walk over the bridge from the mainland onto the Palm – it’s designed for vehicles, not pedestrians. But obviously you can still reach it – you just have to take public transport! More on that in sec.

We’d recommend using public transport to get from A to B on Palm Jumeirah just because it’s a lot bigger than you think, but once you’re there you’ve got plenty of options for a good walk.

Take the Boardwalk. This is probably the best spot for a stroll on Palm Jumeirah. It’s a long promenade that stretches along the outer crescent of the island – the halo bit at the very top or, if you want to get technical, the island’s breakwater. It’s about 6 miles long, and is where you can get up close and personal with a lot of the luxury resorts here, including Atlantis, The Palm.

Located along the trunk, close to the base, Palm West Beach is also a lovely place to walk, especially if you like a bit of beachfront action. Lined with palm trees, there’s plenty of cafes and restaurants along the way, making it easy to grab a coffee or a bite to eat. The views of the Dubai Marina skyline are pretty impressive too, especially in the evening.

If you’re looking for a green space to walk, Al Ittihad Park is right in the middle of the Palm’s trunk and offers a peaceful environment with plenty of trees and plants. It’s just under 2 miles long, with a jogging track too if you fancy picking up the pace. It’s also close to Nakheel Mall, so you can combine your walk with a bit of shopping.

Yep!

Whilst getting a taxi to where you’re headed on Palm Jumeirah is always an option, a much cheaper and faster option is to use public transport – that means boarding the mega nifty Palm Monorail.

A monorail that makes a straight shot up the trunk of the palm before crossing the water to reach the crescent, the Palm Monorail is super easy to navigate.

Right, so if you’re thinking of using the Palm Monorail to get about, here’s what you need to know about the stations along the way.

Gateway Station: This is where it all starts. Gateway Station is at the base of the Palm, just before you actually get onto the island itself. It’s dead easy to get to from the mainland – you can walk here from the Palm Jumeirah tram stop or grab a taxi. It’s your entry point to the Palm, so if you’re wanting to get around without a car, this is where you hop on.

Al Ittihad Park Station: Next up, you’ve got Al Ittihad Park Station, which is about halfway up the trunk. This one’s great if you fancy a bit of greenery because it’s right next to Al Ittihad Park, a lovely spot for a walk or a bit of a sit-down. There’s also the Golden Mile Galleria nearby, so you can do a bit of shopping or grab a bite to eat.

Nakheel Mall Station: Now, this station’s a popular one, especially if you like a bit of retail therapy. Nakheel Mall Station drops you off right inside the Nakheel Mall, so you can get straight into the shops without stepping outside. It’s smack in the middle of the Palm, so it’s a handy place to stop if you’re exploring the trunk.

The Pointe Station: A bit further up, you’ll find The Pointe Station. This one’s perfect if you want to check out The Pointe, which is a lively spot with loads of restaurants, cafes, and a cracking view of the Atlantis hotel across the water. It’s a bit of a newer addition to the monorail line, so it’s great for a night out or just a scenic wander.

Atlantis Aquaventure Station: And finally, the end of the line – Atlantis Aquaventure Station. This is where you get off if you’re heading to the Atlantis hotel or the Aquaventure Waterpark. It’s probably the most iconic stop, and the views on the way up are absolutely mint.

The Palm Monorail is pretty efficient, all things considered. From one end to the other, the whole journey takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Gateway Station to Atlantis Aquaventure Station: The full journey across the Palm is around 10 to 12 minutes.
• Between stations: It’s only a couple of minutes between each station, so you won’t be stuck on there for long.

The trains run every few minutes, so you won’t be waiting too long at the station either. It’s a quick and scenic way to get about, especially if you’re planning to visit different spots on the Palm without messing about with taxis.

No, the Palm Monorail isn’t free; you’ll need to buy a ticket to use it. The ticket prices vary depending on how far you’re traveling and whether you’re getting a one-way or a return ticket.

For example:

• One-way ticket: Costs around AED 10 to AED 20 (roughly £2 to £4) depending on how far you’re going.
• Return ticket: Costs a bit more, around AED 15 to AED 30 (roughly £3 to £6).

If you’re planning to go the full length of the Palm, from Gateway Station to Atlantis Aquaventure and back, a return ticket is the best option. There are also day passes available if you plan on using the monorail multiple times in a day.

It’s worth noting that you can buy tickets at the stations or online, which can sometimes save you a bit of hassle.

Paying for the Palm Monorail is pretty straightforward. Here’s how you can sort it:

1. Ticket Machines

At each station, you’ll find ticket machines where you can buy your tickets with cash or card. Just select your destination and type of ticket, pay, and you’ll get a paper ticket.

2. Ticket Counters

Some stations have ticket counters where you can purchase tickets from a staff member. They’ll be able to help you with any questions and assist with payment. They accept both cash and card.

3. Online and Mobile App

You can also buy tickets online through the official Palm Monorail website. This can be quite handy if you prefer to sort everything out in advance. Just show the digital ticket on your phone when you get to the station.

4. RTA Nol Card (Limited Use)

NOL cards are accepted, but at the moment NOL users can only tap and go, and they can’t take advantage of any offers.

Now you’ve got your bearings, time to grab some cheap flights to Dubai