If you are residing in Dubai or planning to explore Dubai, then it is very important and useful for you to know all the important details of Dubai Metro, including the timings, tickets, route map, and stations it covers, for a better travel experience in Dubai. As all of us know, Dubai has the best public transport system in the entire world, with millions of people using the metro and bus every day.
The Dubai Metro spans around 90 km, making it one of the most economical and efficient modes of transport. The Dubai Metro for Tourists is designed for convenience and efficiency, providing the largest network that serves thousands of visitors every day.
History of Dubai Metro
The Dubai Metro is considered the first urban train network in the Arabian Peninsula and also the backbone of public transport in Dubai. Directed under the supervision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and launched on 09 Septmber, 2009 to provide relief to the roads of Dubai from traffic. The network basically uses driverless rapid transit in the region and is known globally for the technology.
Dubai Metro Route Map Overview
The Dubai Metro Route Map basically includes a completely driverless and fully automated rail network, offering two major routes - the Red Line and the Green Line. As discussed, the Dubai Metro spans around 74 kilometres and connects the major districts of business, tourism places, and the residential areas of the city.
Dubai Metro Stations
This automated metro transport in Dubai operates on 2 major lines - the Red Line and the Green Line. Together, these lines cover 75 kilometres with around 55 Dubai Metro Stations intersecting at BurJuman Interchange hubs. The major lines and their stations are as given below:
Red Line: The Dubai Metro Red Line runs from the Centrepoint (Near Dubai International Airport) to EXPO 2020 by covering the given stations:
- R11 - Centrepoint
- R12 - Emirates
- R13 - Airport Terminal 3
- R14 - Airport Terminal 1
- R15 - Al Garhoud
- R16 - City Centre Deira
- R17 - Al Rigga
- R18 - Union
- R19 - BurJuman
- R20 - ADCB
- R21 - Max
- R22 - World Trade Centre
- R23 - Emirates Towers
- R24 - Financial Centre
- R25 - Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall
- R26 - Business Bay
- R29 - Onpassive
- R31 - Equiti
- R32 - Mall of the Emirates
- R33 - InsuranceMarket
- R34 - Dubai Internet City
- R35 - Al Fardan Exchange
- R36 - Sobha Realty
- R37 - DMCC
- R38 - National Paints
- R39 - Ibn Battuta
- R40 - Energy
- R41 - Danube
- R42 - Life Pharmacy
- R70 - The Gardens
- R71 - Discovery Gardens
- R72 - Al Furjan
- R73 - Jumeirah Golf Estates
- R74 - Dubai Investment Park
- R76 - Expo 2020
Green Line: The Dubai Metro Green Line runs from the Etisalat to Creek station by covering the given stations:
- G11 - Etisalat by e&
- G12 - Al Qusais
- G13 - Dubai Airport Free Zone
- G14 - Al Nahda
- G15 - Stadium
- G16 - Al Qiyadah
- G17 - Abu Hail
- G18 - Abu Baker Al Siddique
- G19 - Salah Al Din
- G20 - Union
- G21 - Baniyas Square
- G22 - Gold Souq
- G23 - Al Ras
- G24 - Al Ghubaiba
- G25 - Sharaf DG
- G26 - BurJuman
- G27 - Oud Metha
- G28 - Dubai Healthcare City
- G29 - Al Jadaf
- G30 - Creek
Future Expansion of the Dubai Metro: The network of Dubai is continuously growing day by day, with upcoming changes or updates like the Dubai Metro Blue Line, which is targeted to be completed in 2029.
Dubai Metro Timings
If you are looking for the Dubai Metro Timings, then it is to be clear to you that it operates for all seven days of the week, with availability in 2-3 minutes during peak hours and 5-7 minutes during non-peak hours. You can check the timings of Dubai Metro for all lines in the given table:
| Day of the Week |
First Train of the Day |
Last Train of the Day |
| Monday to Thursday |
5:00 AM |
12:00 AM (Midnight) |
| Friday |
5:00 AM |
1:00 AM (Next Day) |
| Saturday |
5:00 AM |
12:00 AM (Midnight) |
| Sunday |
8:00 AM |
12:00 AM (Midnight) |
Dubai Metro Ticket Prices
The Dubai Metro is one of the most affordable modes of transport that provides efficient service, due to which a large portion of the population of Dubai depends on this transport. Before knowing about the Dubai Metro Ticket Price, you are required to know the system of the Dubai Metro, as it is divided into 7 zones throughout the city.
The price of the tickets is basically calculated on the basis of the number of zones you have covered during your trip and the type of ticket you have purchased. Basically, the Dubai Metro Fare for a single journey ticket on the metro costs between AED 3 and AED 7.50.
What Is a Nol Card?
The Dubai Metro Nol Card is generally a rechargeable prepaid card that can be used for multiple journeys. This card basically offers you the facility to not buy a ticket every day. If we discuss the type of this card, then this comes under both Silver and Gold Cards, and the minimum top-up of metro tickets is AED 50. You can also top up the card with a lower amount by using the ticket machine.
How to Use Dubai Metro
The Dubai Metro was basically launched to clear road traffic by providing the facility of travelling in the city with simplicity and more efficiently. It is good to have better planning before starting the journey to avoid any type of rush and commuting hours to make the travelling experience much better. You are advised to keep your Nol Card topped up in advance so that you will not need to stay in queues for tickets.
If you are new to the city, then the S’hail is the best recommendation for you as it helps you to check the routes, timings, and connections of the transport before your journey starts. You are advised to hear the announcements and rules that are applicable for different cabins, like the gold class section is reserved for women, children, or the person have any disability.
Dubai Metro From Airport
If you are looking for the perfect Dubai Metro Airport Connection, then it connects the Dubai International Airport (DXB) directly, budget-friendly from Terminals 1 and 3. This Dubai Metro takes around 25 minutes to reach Downtown Dubai via the Red Line and departs every few minutes. The Metro station of Terminal 1 is located just outside the arrivals hall, while the Terminal 3 station is available within the terminal itself for easy access.
Best Tourist Attractions Accessible by Metro
If you are new to Dubai and require a perfect Dubai Metro Travel Guide so that you can visit or explore all the attractions that can be easily accessible through Dubai Metro, some of the major attractions are:
Red Line Attractions:
- Burj Khalifa
- Dubai Mall
- Sky Views Dubai
- Museum of the Future
- Dubai Frame
- Dubai Marina
Green Line Attractions:
- Dubai Creek Waterfront & Gold Souk
- Al Seef
- Al Fahidi Historical District
- Dubai Creek Park & AYA Universe
Dubai Metro Rules and Fines
The Dubai Metro is one of the best Dubai public transport options for visitors as well as residents and is operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), which works on strict rules and regulations of conduct and ticketing to make sure that every traveller feels safe and efficient. There are some provisions related to fines for any rule violations:
- If any passenger is found travelling without a valid Nol Card, then he/she will be charged a fine of AED 200.
- There is also a penalty of AED 200 if anyone is found using a concessionary or discounted Nol Card which is provided to any other person. And having same penalty if the Nol Card is found expired or invalid.
- Using a fake Card will lead to a fine of AED 500.
- You will be fined AED 100 (up to AED 1000) if you exceed the parking time of your car beyond the decided period of time.
- The passenger can be fined AED 100 if they are eating, drinking or sleeping in the prohibited areas or sitting in Gold class without a proper ticket.
Dubai Metro vs Taxi
The Dubai Metro is basically considered cheaper and faster during rush hours, and the taxis offer greater convenience for the travellers by providing door-to-door facilities and are quite better for late-night travel. The major key differences between the taxi and metro, including the Dubai Metro tickets and taxi fares, are:
| Features |
Dubai Metro |
Taxi |
| Cost Breakdown |
Fare ranges from AED 3 to AED 7.50 |
AED 2.19 per km (a 20km ride costs from AED 55 to AED 75) |
| Timings |
Saturday - 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM Friday - 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM |
Available 24/7 |
| Route Coverage |
Bur Dubai, Deira, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, and Mall of the Emirates. |
Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai Miracle Garden, Global Village, or journeys ending in other Emirates. |
| Booking & Payment |
Physical or digital Nol Card |
Can be hired from the street or by mobile apps |
Why Tourists Should Apply Dubai Visa Before Travelling
Every traveller must apply and get their Dubai Visa before the journey to ensure their seamless border entry and avoid any denials of boarding by airlines. It is also important to apply for your visa with a trusted platform like Online Dubai Visa, as it provides you with real-time assistance with 24/7 customer support and proper document verification before application submission to increase the chances of approval for your application.