Dubai Metro Guide 2026 – Timings, Fares, Stations, Routes and Locations
The Dubai Metro is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to travel around Dubai. Operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), it is a driverless rail network connecting residential communities, business districts, shopping malls, airports and major tourist destinations.
Dubai Metro currently operates two main lines: the Red Line and Green Line. Passengers can also connect with buses, Dubai Tram and other public transport services using the nol card.
Dubai Metro Timings 2026
The regular Dubai Metro station opening hours for both the Red and Green Lines are:
| Day | Metro Timing |
|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Friday | 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM next day |
| Saturday | 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
These are regular timings. During Ramadan, public holidays, major events and special occasions, RTA may announce different operating hours. Passengers should check the latest RTA timetable before travelling.
Dubai Metro Fare
Dubai Metro fares are based on the number of zones travelled. Dubai’s public transport network is divided into seven zones, and the fare is calculated according to the zones crossed during the journey.
Standard nol Silver Card Fares
| Journey | Silver Card Fare |
|---|---|
| Within 1 Zone | AED 3 |
| 2 Adjacent Zones | AED 5 |
| More Than 2 Zones | AED 7.50 |
Gold Class fares are double the regular fare. Children aged five and below can travel free, while eligible categories such as People of Determination and certain concessionary groups may receive free or discounted travel.
A nol Red Ticket can also be used for individual journeys. Current regular Red Ticket fares are AED 4 within one zone, AED 6 across two adjacent zones and AED 8.50 for more than two zones.
What Is a Nol Card?
A nol card is used to pay for Dubai public transport. It can be used on the Metro, Tram, buses and other RTA transport services.
The Silver Card is the standard option for most passengers, while the Gold Card provides access to Gold Class cabins at a higher fare. RTA also offers personalised and concessionary cards for eligible passengers.
Before entering the Metro, passengers tap their nol card at the gate. They must also tap out at their destination. RTA currently states that a minimum balance of AED 7.50 is required to use the Metro.
Dubai Metro Red Line
The Red Line is one of the main Metro routes and runs between Centrepoint and Expo 2020/Life Pharmacy. It serves many of Dubai’s important residential, commercial and tourist areas.
Important Red Line locations include:
- Centrepoint
- Emirates
- Airport Terminal 3
- Airport Terminal 1
- GGICO
- Deira City Centre
- BurJuman
- World Trade Centre
- Emirates Towers
- Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall
- Business Bay
- Equiti
- Mall of the Emirates
- Dubai Internet City
- Al Khail
- Sobha Realty
- DMCC
- Ibn Battuta
- Energy
- Dubai Investment Park
- Expo 2020
The Red Line is particularly useful for travellers going to Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina and Expo City Dubai.
Dubai Metro Green Line
The Green Line connects e& with Creek and serves several important communities in old and central Dubai.
Important Green Line locations include:
- e&
- Al Qusais
- Dubai Airport Free Zone
- Al Nahda
- Stadium
- Abu Hail
- Abu Baker Al Siddique
- Salah Al Din
- Baniyas Square
- Gold Souq
- Al Ras
- Al Ghubaiba
- Sharaf DG
- BurJuman
- Oud Metha
- Dubai Healthcare City
- Al Jadaf
- Creek
The Green Line is especially useful for travelling around Deira, Bur Dubai, Al Qusais, Al Nahda and Dubai Creek.
Dubai Metro Interchange Stations
Passengers can change between the Red and Green Lines at two major interchange stations:
Union Station
Union provides a convenient interchange between the Red and Green Lines and is located in the Deira area.
BurJuman Station
BurJuman is another major interchange station connecting the Red and Green Lines. It provides access to the Bur Dubai area and nearby commercial and residential communities.
Dubai Metro Stations Near Major Locations
Dubai Airport
Passengers can use the Red Line to reach Dubai International Airport Terminals 1 and 3. This makes the Metro particularly convenient for visitors and residents travelling to and from the airport.
Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall
The Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro station provides access to Downtown Dubai and one of the city’s most popular shopping and tourist destinations.
Mall of the Emirates
The Mall of the Emirates station is located on the Red Line and is convenient for visitors, residents and shoppers travelling to the mall and surrounding Al Barsha area.
Dubai Marina
Stations such as Sobha Realty and DMCC provide access to Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lake Towers and surrounding communities.
Dubai Internet City
The Dubai Internet City station serves one of Dubai’s major technology and business districts.
Deira
Several Green Line and Red Line stations serve the traditional commercial districts of Deira, including areas around Gold Souq, Baniyas Square and Deira City Centre.
Dubai Metro and Bus Connections
Dubai Metro is integrated with the wider RTA transport network. Passengers can transfer between Metro and buses, subject to RTA’s transfer rules.
RTA states that transfers between different public transport modes can be made within 30 minutes and can be counted as a single journey based on the total zones travelled.
This makes it possible to use the Metro for the main part of a journey and then continue by bus to reach areas farther from a Metro station.
Dubai Metro Travel Tips
If you are using the Metro for the first time, keep these tips in mind:
- Buy or recharge your nol card before starting your journey.
- Check the Metro line and direction before boarding.
- Tap your nol card when entering and exiting.
- Follow station signs and digital displays.
- Allow extra time during peak hours.
- Check special holiday or event timings.
- Keep your nol card balance sufficient.
- Use interchange stations when changing between the Red and Green Lines.
- Follow Metro rules regarding food, drinks and passenger behaviour.
- Check the latest RTA information when planning an important journey.
Why Use Dubai Metro?
Dubai Metro is popular because it offers a convenient alternative to driving through busy roads. It connects many major destinations, operates for extended hours and integrates with buses and other public transport.
For tourists, the Metro provides an economical way to visit places such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina and Deira. For residents, it can be a practical option for commuting to work, shopping and everyday activities.
Conclusion
The Dubai Metro is an important part of Dubai’s public transportation system. With the Red and Green Lines connecting major areas across the city, passengers can travel conveniently between residential communities, business districts, shopping centres, tourist attractions and Dubai Airport.
Before travelling, check the latest RTA Metro timings, fares, station information and holiday schedules, as operating hours can change for special occasions. With a suitable nol card and basic knowledge of the Metro zones and routes, travelling around Dubai can be simple and affordable.
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