Public transportation users; here is the ultimate guide on how to use the Dubai Metro! Since its launch in 2009, the Dubai Metro has changed the entire landscape of the city. Getting around the city is now simpler and more affordable.
Since it is such an integral aspect of life in Dubai, today MyBayut brings you an entire guide to the Dubai Metro. We’ve got all the information you need. Timings, ticket prices, stations, and a whole lot more….to help you make informed decisions when travelling your way around Dubai.
DUBAI METRO TIMINGS 2020
The metro in Dubai is operational throughout the week, however there are different timings on weekdays and weekends.
For the Red Line, on weekdays the last journey from Rashidiya to the UAE Exchange Station departs at 10:55 pm. The last train on weekdays in the opposite direction, from the UAE Exchange to Rashidiya, departs at 10:54 pm.
On the Green Line, on weekdays the last journey from the Creek Station to Etisalat Station is at 11:24 pm. The last journey from Etisalat Metro Station to Creek Station departs at 11:21 pm.
Bear in mind that the RTA Dubai usually announces different Dubai Metro timings during pubic holidays such as Eid and National Day.
All passengers must wear a mask when travelling on the Dubai Metro. Adherence to safety precautions and physical distancing while commuting is also mandatory and essential. Passengers can expect to face hefty fines for violating the COVID-19 precautionary measures set by the government.
For any essential trips at any other time, passengers can book a taxi via the Careem and Uber applications.
Been searching for ‘metro timings today’? Take a look at the RTA Dubai Metro timings for the Red and Green Lines on weekends and weekdays:
Red Line Metro Timings 2020
DAY | RED LINE METRO TIMING |
|---|---|
| Saturday to Wednesday Dubai metro timings | RED LINE METRO TIMING 05:00 am – 12:00 am (midnight) |
| Thursday Dubai metro timings | RED LINE METRO TIMING 05:00 am – 1:00 am (The next day) |
Green Line metro timings 2020
DAY | GREEN LINE METRO TIMING |
|---|---|
| Saturday to Wednesday Dubai metro timings | GREEN LINE METRO TIMING 05:30 am – 12:00 am (midnight) |
| Thursday Dubai metro timings | GREEN LINE METRO TIMING 05:30 am – 01:00 am (the next day) |
Metro timings Friday
DAY | FRIDAY METRO TIMINGS DUBAI |
|---|---|
| Red Line Metro timings Friday | FRIDAY METRO TIMINGS DUBAI 10:00 am – 1:00 am (the next day) |
| Green Line Metro timings Friday | FRIDAY METRO TIMINGS DUBAI 10:00 am – 1:00 am (the next day) |
Last train timings for the last metro stops on the red line
Day | UAE Exchange to Rashidiya | Rashidiya to UAE Exchange |
|---|---|---|
Day Saturday to Wednesday | UAE Exchange to Rashidiya 10:54 pm | Rashidiya to UAE Exchange 10:55 pm |
Day Thursday | UAE Exchange to Rashidiya 11:56 pm | Rashidiya to UAE Exchange 11:56 pm |
Day Friday | UAE Exchange to Rashidiya 11:53 pm | Rashidiya to UAE Exchange 11:53 pm |
Last train timings for the last metro stops on the green line
Day | Etisalat to Creek | Creek to Etisalat |
|---|---|---|
Day Saturday to Wednesday | Etisalat to Creek 11:21 pm | Creek to Etisalat 11:24 pm |
Day Thursday | Etisalat to Creek 12:20 am | Creek to Etisalat 12:22 am |
Day Friday | Etisalat to Creek 12:20 am | Creek to Etisalat 12:22 am |
DUBAI METRO MAP 2021
There are two lines that run through the metro in Dubai, known as the Red Line and Green Line. The Red Line runs from Al Rashidiya metro station to UAE Exchange metro station and vice-versa, whilst the Green Line runs from Etisalat to Creek and vice-versa. Both these metro lines in Dubai intersect at two key stations in the city: Burjuman and Union. They are known to be two of the busiest train stops in Dubai.
To use the metro, passengers must catch the train in the direction they want to travel; this is done by visiting one of the two platforms at each station. On the red line, these two platforms are named Al Rashidiya and UAE Exchange in relation to the desired direction of travel. On the green line, the two platforms are named Etisalat and Creek. The Dubai Metro schedule is such that you can catch a train every 5 minutes from whichever station you are at.
Please bear in mind that the metro stations are sometimes renamed, due to the naming rights initiative. You can keep referring to this guide to stay updated on the Dubai Metro station name changes.
In November 2020, five metro stations were renamed: Al Safa (Previously Noor Bank), Umm Al Sheef (Previously First Abu Dhabi Bank), Al Khail (Previously Nakheel), Dubai Marina (Previously DAMAC Properties) and Sharaf DG (Previously Al Fahidi). Take a look below at the updated list of Dubai Metro stations:
DUBAI METRO STATIONS LIST
The Red Line metro stations include:
- Al Rashidiya (11)
- Emirates
- Dubai International Terminal 3
- Dubai International Terminal 1
- GGICO
- Deira City Center
- Al Rigga
- Union
- Burjuman
- ADCB (Previously Al Karama)
- Al Jafaliya
- World Trade Center
- Emirates Towers
- Financial Center
- Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall
- Business Bay
- Al Safa (Previously Noor Bank)
- Umm Al Sheef (Previously First Abu Dhabi Bank)
- Mall of the Emirates
- Mashreq (Previously Sharaf DG)
- Dubai Internet City
- Al Khail (Previously Nakheel)
- Dubai Marina (Previously DAMAC Properties)
- DMCC (Previously JLT)
- Jebel Ali (Previously Nakheel Harbour & Tower)
- Ibn Battuta
- Energy
- Danube
- UAE Exchange
The new Route 2020 extension of the Red Line now has three operating stations that commuters can use:
- The Gardens
- Discovery Gardens
- Al Furjan
The Green Line metro stations include:
- Etisalat
- Al Qusais
- Dubai Airport Free Zone
- Al Nahda
- Stadium
- Al Qiyadah
- Abu Hail
- Abu Baker Al Siddique
- Union
- Baniyas Square
- Gold Souq (Previously Palm Deira)
- Al Ras
- Al Ghubaiba
- Sharaf DG (Previously Al Fahidi)
- Burjuman
- Oud Metha
- Dubai Healthcare City
- Al Jaddaf
- Creek
If you are looking for a home near these train stations in Dubai, here is a list of the best places to live near the metro stations.
DUBAI METRO ROUTE 2020
One of the most exciting projects for Expo Dubai is Route 2020, an upcoming extension of the Dubai Metro. This will be a 15-kilometre track with seven stations, including three elevated and two underground stations.
The Red Line’s Jebel Ali station will be the interchange station for Route 2020. The new track will also include stops at communities such as Al Furjan, Discovery Gardens, Jumeirah Golf Estates and Dubai Investments Park. The route will ultimately end at the Expo 2020 site.
Route 2020 was officially inaugurated in July 2020, and the first three stations started welcoming passengers on January 1, 2021. You can learn more about the Dubai Metro’s Route 2020 and its features in our dedicated guide.
RTA DUBAI METRO ZONES
As you can see from the Dubai Metro Map above, the city is split into 7 public transportation zones. Currently, the metro route runs through 4 zones: Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 5 and Zone 6. The number of zones you travel through determines the cost of your journey.
It is also applicable to transfers from the metro to other modes of public transportation such as buses, tram and water buses. For a single journey on two different modes of transportation to be charged as one, the transfer must be done within 30 minutes.
DUBAI METRO FARES AND NOL CARDS
To access any public transportation in Dubai, users will need to purchase a Dubai NOL card. This is an electronic card that is used to access and pay the Dubai Metro fees….but that’s not all. The metro NOL cards can be used for many other RTA services, such as payment of parking fees, shopping at the Zoom supermarkets, and even paying for taxis in Dubai.
Here are the five different types of NOL cards in Dubai. Each of these come with different benefits and serve different purposes, at different prices. Here are the current available Dubai NOL cards:
- Gold Card (AED 25 with AED 19 balance) – Allows you to ride exclusively in gold class, with slightly higher Dubai Metro fares.
- Silver Card (AED 25 with AED 19 balance) – Allows you to ride in the standard cabins of the Metro.
- Blue Card/Personalised (Regular – AED 70 with AED 20 credit and Gold – AED 80 with AED 20 credit) – This is used by students, senior citizens and those who have purchased monthly/yearly Metro Pass. Comes with your registered photo and name.
- Red Card (AED 2) – These are Dubai Metro tickets for single trips. This is a rechargeable ticket that can be loaded for up to 10 trips.
- Customised Card (AED 30) – When purchasing the Personalised Card, you can pay an additional AED 30 to get a funky looking card with unique designs.
DUBAI METRO TRAIN CABINS
There are three metro cabins accessible to travellers of the Dubai Metro:
- Gold Class Cabin – This cabin is located right at the front of the train and only accessible to holders of the Gold NOL Card.
- Ladies & Children’s Cabin – Dedicated cabin for ladies and children only. It can be accessed with any NOL Card. Previously this cabin was situated right next to the Gold Cabin. It will soon be moved to the end of the train to ensure a smooth and safe journey for all.
- Standard Class Cabin – General cabin for all metro users and can be accessed with any NOL Card
PARKING AT THE DUBAI METRO STATIONS
If you have a car but still want to use the metro, there are three stations that offer free car parking for those who use the train. Al Rashidiya and Jebel Ali (currently closed until further notice) are the two free car park stations on the red line. The Etisalat Metro station has the free car park on the green line.
DUBAI METRO RULES: WHAT TO AVOID WHEN TRAVELLING
All of the public transportation modes in Dubai are monitored and follow strict rules and regulations. Here are a few things to keep in mind when travelling by trains in Dubai:
- Always make sure you are in the right cabin, as per your NOL card. Every compartment is clearly marked to denote the correct cabin. Failure to follow this can result in fines of up to AED 100.
- Avoid eating or drinking in the metro. Chewing gum is also not allowed. The fine for chewing gum on the metro is AED 100.
- Sleeping is not allowed in the waiting areas of the metro.
- Sitting on the floor or between two train cars is also not allowed.
- Pushing the emergency button when there is no emergency can cost you AED 2000 if found guilty.
- There are two suitcases allowed per passenger on the train, as per the Dubai Metro luggage rules. These include one large and small suitcase that must be stowed in the dedicated luggage area, which can be found in each compartment.
There are other Dubai public transport rules that you can familiarise yourself with, to ensure that you have a safe and pleasant journey.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the Dubai Metro:
When is the last train on the Dubai Metro?
You can easily find out the timing of the last Dubai Metro train for each station by checking the timetable for RTA metro timings.
When does the Dubai Metro open on Fridays?
The metro timings on Friday are 10:00 am – 1:00 am (the next day).
Does Dubai Metro go to the airport?
There are two train stations connected to the Dubai Airport terminals. They are:
- Dubai International Terminal 3
- Dubai International Terminal 1
Is there Dubai Metro app?
S’hail, Wojhati and Public Transport are the approved RTA apps you can use to plan your journey on the metro in Dubai.
Which metro stations are near malls?
Most of the popular malls in Dubai are located near the metro. Those include:
- Deira City Center
- Al Ghurair (Union)
- Burjuman
- The Dubai Mall
- Dubai Marina Mall (via the Tram)
- Mall of the Emirates
- Ibn Batutta
IS THE DUBAI METRO 24 HOURS?
No, the last metro timing in Dubai is until midnight on weekdays, and 01:00 am (the next day) on weekends.
CAN I CARRY LUGGAGE IN THE DUBAI METRO?
Yes, you can carry luggage in the metro; however, there are rules to follow. Passengers are allowed two suitcases: one large suitcase that must not exceed 81 cm x 58 cm x 30 cm, and a small suitcase that must not exceed 55 cm x 38 cm x 20 cm. All luggage must be stored in the dedicated cabins that are available in each compartment.
CAN I PAY CASH ON THE DUBAI METRO?
You can only pay for your trips on the metro Dubai with the NOL Card, which you can also use to pay for other public transport services such as public buses and trams. However, you can top up the balance in your NOL Card using cash.
WHERE CAN I BUY METRO TICKETS IN DUBAI?
You can purchase a NOL card or ticket from the ticket offices or self-service kiosks at any of the metro stations in Dubai. The self-service kiosks for purchasing or topping up your NOL card are also available at Dubai Tram stations.
HOW MUCH DOES THE METRO COST IN DUBAI?
The minimum fare that you can pay for a trip on the metro is AED 3 with a Silver NOL Card, AED 6 with a Gold NOL Card and AED 4 with a Red Ticket. This is when you are travelling within one zone, such as from Burjuman to Dubai Mall.
How much is a day pass on the Dubai Metro?
You can purchase a Dubai Metro day pass for AED 22, which allows you to make unlimited trips in the Dubai Metro’s silver or regular cabins for a single day. The day pass for travel in the metro’s gold cabin costs AED 42.
That concludes our guide to the metro train in Dubai! There are many other resources to help you get around the city using public transport. For instance, if you want to know the exact metro train timings to plan your journey, you can use public transportation apps in Dubai such as S’hail and RTA Dubai.
For more updates on life in Dubai, stay tuned to MyBayut – the best property blog in the UAE.
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