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 Dubai is now simpler and more affordable.
Since it is such an integral aspect of life in Dubai, this guide to the Dubai Metro covers 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 2022
The metro in Dubai is operational throughout the week, however, weekend timings can vary from weekdays.
From 1 June 2021, the Expo 2020 station is the last designated stop on the Red Line. Passengers travelling to the UAE Exchange station must change trains on the Jabal Ali Metro Station.
On the Green Line, the journey is from the Creek Station to Etisalat Station.
Bear in mind that the RTA Dubai usually announces different Dubai Metro timings during public 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. Remember that commuters can 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.
Searching for ‘metro timings today’? Take a look at the RTA Dubai Metro timings for weekends and weekdays.
METRO TIMINGS 2022 FOR ALL LINES
Since the UAE will have a new weekend schedule from 2022, the RTA has announced new working hours for the Dubai Metro.
Days | STARTS AT | ENDS AT |
|---|---|---|
Days Monday to Thursday | STARTS AT 05:00 am | ENDS AT 01:15 am (Next Day) |
Days Friday and Saturday | STARTS AT 05:00 am | ENDS AT 02:15 am (Next Day) |
Days Sunday | STARTS AT 08:00 am | ENDS AT 01:15 am (Next Day) |
The new timings for both the Red and Green lines will be effective from Monday – January 3, 2022.
DUBAI METRO MAP 2022
There are two main lines, the Red Line and Green Line, that run through the metro in Dubai.
- The Red Line runs from Centrepoint Metro Station (formerly Al Rashidiya) to Expo 2020 Metro Station and vice-versa.
- The Green Line runs from Etisalat to Creek and vice-versa.
The Red and Green lines in Dubai Metro intersect at Burjuman and Union, two of the busiest metro stations in Dubai. While Burjuman is close to those living in the flats for rent in Bur Dubai and neighbouring areas, Union is convenient for those staying in Deira.
You can board the train based on the intended travel direction; this is done by visiting one of the two platforms at each station. The two Red Line platforms are named Centrepoint and Expo 2020 based on the desired direction of travel.
Similarly, the two Green Line 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.
Want to have the Dubai Metro station map handy when travelling around Dubai? Download our Dubai Metro Map highlighting all the stations on the Red, Green lines and Route 2020.
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 August 2021, the RTA announced that Al Rashidiya and Al Jafiliya stations will be renamed Centrepoint and Max, respectively. Similarly, Dubai Marina Metro Station was renamed Sobha Realty Metro Station.
Take a look below at the updated list of Dubai Metro stations:
DUBAI METRO STATIONS LIST
The Red Line metro stations include the following stations:
- Centrepoint (formerly Rashidiya)
- Emirates
- Airport Terminal 3
- Airport Terminal 1
- GGICO
- Deira City Centre
- Al Rigga
- Union
- Burjuman
- ADCB
- Max
- World Trade Center
- Emirates Towers
- Financial Centre
- Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall
- Business Bay
- Al Safa
- Umm Al Sheif
- Mall of the Emirates
- Mashreq
- Dubai Internet City
- Al Khail
- Sobha Realty
- DMCC
- Jabal Ali
- Ibn Battuta
- Energy
- Danube
- UAE Exchange
- The Gardens
- Discovery Gardens
- Al Furjan
- Jumeirah Golf Estates
- Dubai Investment Park
- EXPO 2020
The new Route 2020 extension of the Red Line has a total of six stations:
- The Gardens
- Discovery Gardens
- Al Furjan
- Jumeirah Golf Estates
- Dubai Investment Park
- Expo 2020
The Green Line metro stations include:
- Etisalat
- Al Qusais
- Dubai Airport Free Zone
- Al Nahda
- Stadium
- Al Qiyadah
- Abu Hail
- Abu Baker Al Siddique
- Salah Al Din
- Union
- Baniyas Square
- Gold Souq
- Al Ras
- Al Gubaiba
- Sharaf DG
- Burjuman
- Oud Metha
- Dubai Healthcare City
- Al Jadaf
- 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 station.
DUBAI METRO ROUTE 2020
Route 2020, a 15-kilometre track extension of the Dubai Metro, is now operational with seven stations. There are five elevated and two underground stations on The Route 2020 extension that has made public transport more accessible for residents of Discovery Gardens and those living in the villas for rent in Al Furjan.
The Red Line starting from Centrepoint now travels directly to the Expo 2020 with stops at Al Furjan, Discovery Gardens, Jumeirah Golf Estates and Dubai Investments Park. The route terminates at the Expo 2020 site. The UAE government has invested a lot in ensuring visitors can reach Expo 2020 on public transport with ease and comfort.
All stations on Route 2020 are now open to the public. You can learn more about the Dubai Metro’s Route 2020 and its features in our dedicated guide.
RTA DUBAI METRO ZONES
The city is split into 7 public transportation zones as highlighted in the Dubai Metro Map. With the opening of the new Route 2020 stations, the metro will run through 5 zones: Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 5 and Zone 6. The number of zones you travel through determines the total cost of your journey.
The zones also apply 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
Users need to buy a Dubai NOL card to use public transport in Dubai. 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 other RTA services, such as parking fee payments, shopping at the Zoom supermarkets and even paying for taxis in Dubai.
Here are the five types of NOL cards in Dubai. Remember that each card has different benefits and prices.
- Gold Card (AED 25 with AED 19 balance) – Allows you to ride exclusively in Gold Class cabins, with slightly higher Dubai Metro fares.
- Silver Card (AED 25 with AED 19 balance) – Allows you to ride in the standard metro cabins.
- Blue Card/Personalised (Regular – AED 70 with AED 20 credit and Gold – AED 80 with AED 20 credit) – This is used by students, adults, senior citizens, social affairs beneficiaries and people of determination. This card bears 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
Dubai Metro travellers can find three metro cabins.
- Gold Class Cabin – This cabin located right at the front of the train is only accessible to Gold NOL cardholders.
- Ladies & Children’s Cabin – Dedicated cabin for ladies and children can be accessed with any NOL Card. These cabins are located at 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.
Centrepoint and Jebel Ali are the two free car park stations on the Red Line.
The Etisalat Metro station has a free car park on the Green Line and is often used by those who work in Dubai but live in apartments for rent in Sharjah.
DUBAI METRO RULES: WHAT TO AVOID WHEN TRAVELLING
All public transport 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 2,000 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.
Don’t forget to check out other Dubai public transport rules to ensure a safe and pleasant journey.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the Dubai Metro.
WHEN DOES THE LAST TRAIN ON THE DUBAI METRO LEAVE?
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 08:00 am to 02:15 am (the next day).
DOES DUBAI METRO GO TO THE AIRPORT?
Yes, two Red Line stations are connected to the Dubai Airport terminals. They are:
- Dubai International Terminal 3
- Dubai International Terminal 1
IS THERE A DUBAI METRO APP?
S’hail is one of the approved RTA apps you can use to plan your journey on the metro in Dubai.
WHICH METRO STATIONS ARE NEAR MALLS?
Many popular malls in Dubai are located near the metro. These include:
- Deira City Centre
- Al Ghurair (Union)
- Burjuman
- The Dubai Mall
- Dubai Marina Mall (via the Tram)
- Mall of the Emirates
- Ibn Battuta
IS THE DUBAI METRO AVAILABLE 24 HOURS?
No, the last metro timing in Dubai is until midnight on weekdays and 02:15 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 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 an 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.
If you are in violation of any laws, you will face public transportation fines in Dubai.
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 The 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 the Gold Cabin costs AED 42.
HOW CAN I GET TO EXPO 2020 ON THE DUBAI METRO?
Passengers can directly access the Expo site using the metro’s Red Line trains. If you’re searching for a ‘Dubai Metro Expo 2020 Route Map’, look at the map above to see how you can commute to the Expo site using the metro.
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. You can know more about this incredible service by reading Dubai Metro facts.
For more updates on life in Dubai, stay tuned to MyBayut – the best property blog in the UAE.
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