Dubai Metro Guide 2026: Routes, Stations, Timings & Fares

Spanning approximately 90 km, the Dubai Metro is one of the most efficient and economical modes of public transportation in Dubai. It connects residential communities, business districts, airports, shopping destinations, and tourist attractions across the city.

Designed for efficiency and convenience, the network serves thousands of commuters and visitors every day. 

In this comprehensive Dubai Metro guide, we provide a detailed overview of the timings, maps, stations, fares, tickets, and apps, among other aspects of the Dubai Metro, to help you navigate this mode of transportation easily. 

Last Updated: June 2026 

Metro routes, station names, fares, and operating hours may change. Always verify the latest information through official RTA channels before travelling. 

Dubai Metro – An Overview 

Operational since 2009, the Dubai Metro has become one of the most widely used public transport systems in the city. Managed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the network currently operates through the Red and Green Lines, connecting residential communities, business districts, airports, shopping destinations, and major attractions across Dubai. Future projects, including the Blue Line and Gold Line, are expected to further expand the network in the coming years. 

The Dubai Metro is fully automated and ranks among the world's longest driverless metro systems. It combines elevated and underground stations, providing a fast and reliable way to travel across the emirate. 

Accessibility is a key feature of the network. All stations are wheelchair-friendly, trains include dedicated spaces for wheelchair users, and tactile guidance paths assist visually impaired passengers. People of Determination can also travel free of charge on RTA-operated transport services through a specially issued Nol card. 

Dubai Metro stations are air-conditioned and designed around five themes: Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Heritage, each reflecting a different aspect of the UAE's culture, values, and development. 

Dubai Metro Lines 

There are four Dubai Metro lines: the Red Line, the Green Line, and the upcoming Blue and Gold Lines. Both the Red and the Green Line are operational. The Red Line further branches out into two routes at the National Paints interchange. 

Understanding the routes of these two lines will help you map out your journey and make navigation much easier. While construction of both lines began in 2006, the Red Line opened in 2009, while the Green Line began service in 2011. The Blue Line is set to be completed in 2029 to mark the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro, while the Gold Line will open in 2032. 

The Dubai Metro Red Line 

The Red Line begins at the Centrepoint (Rashidiya) Metro Station, located near Dubai International Airport. It stops at Airport Terminals 3 and 1, so you can either board the metro after your flight lands or catch your flight after exiting the metro. 

The Red Line covers the main highway of the city - Sheikh Zayed Road, and stops at prime places of interest such as the World Trade Center, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Business Bay, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Internet City, Al Furjan, and DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Center), to name a few. It spans approximately 67 km, spread across 35 stations. 

From the National Paints station, the Red Line splits into two branches: one ends at Expo 2020 in Expo City Dubai, and the other at the UAE Exchange (Life Pharmacy Metro Station), just beyond the National Paints Industrial Area. 

A recent update now enables passengers to directly board metro trains from Centrepoint to Expo 2020 and to the UAE Exchange. They no longer have to transfer at the National Paints Metro Station to head to either destination. This allows for a direct journey from Centrepoint to those specific terminal stations. 

The Dubai Metro Green Line 

Dubai Metro’s Green Line operates from Etisalat by e& in Al Twar to Dubai Creek. Along the way, you will find various cultural attractions, such as the Gold Souk, the Spice Souk, Al Ghubaiba, and the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. 

Covering a distance of around 22.5 km, the Green Line of the Dubai Metro features 20 stations, most of which are elevated. Passengers rely on it daily for quick access to the city's most densely populated neighbourhoods. 

The Green Line is perfect for exploring the city's historic and central hubs. You can reach the traditional local markets, bustling souks, and various historical landmarks via this line. 

Dubai Metro Blue Line Project 

The Dubai Metro Blue Line is an ongoing project announced in 2023, expected to be operational from September 9th, 2029. This will be the city's third metro line, covering 30 km and 14 stations. 

Upon its completion, it will connect the neighbourhoods of Dubai International City, Dubai Academic City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Creek Harbour, Mirdif, Al Warqa, and Ras Al Khor Industrial Area. The main depot of the Blue Line is at Al Ruwayyah 3. 

Upon completion, it is expected to serve around 1 million residents of the city. This will, in turn, help in minimising traffic congestion by up to 20%. The Blue Line will also feature record-breaking infrastructure, as it plans to build the world's tallest metro station. In addition, it will feature a massive underground interchange station with a capacity for 350,000 passengers daily. 

The Blue Line will include three notable interchange points - the Centrepoint Station on the Red Line, the Creek Station on the Green Line, and the Dubai International City Station 1, as well as the iconic station at Dubai Creek Harbour. 

Dubai Metro Gold Line Project

On April 22nd, 2026, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, announced a new line for the Dubai Metro, known as the Gold Line. It is currently being designed as the city’s first fully underground metro line. 

This expansion, spanning about 42 km, is expected to significantly boost urban mobility by serving at least 15 key areas. It will support the population growth and ease congestion, and is expected to connect major hubs such as Business Bay and Bur Dubai. It will serve approximately 1.5 million residents, and strengthen connectivity to 55 major real estate developments currently under construction. 

Reaching depths of up to 40m underground, this project will support the sustainable urban and economic development by enhancing public transit and minimising traffic. As such, it perfectly aligns with Dubai's long-term transport strategy. It is expected to open on September 9th, 2032. 

Dubai Metro Stations 

Whether you are a resident of Dubai who wants a convenient mode of transportation from home to work or a tourist who wants to check out the hotspots of the city, the metro is always an apt choice since it covers all the significant hubs of this magnificent city. 

To help you navigate the city and figure out which metro line to take, we are providing a list of metro stations for both operational lines: the Red and the Green. 

List of Dubai Metro Red Line Stations 

The Dubai Metro Red Line stops at the following stations. Please note that the Red Line is divided into two separate branches from the National Paints station. The numbers preceding the station names denote their station codes.

• 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

List of Dubai Metro Green Line Stations 

The Dubai Metro Green Line stops at the following stations. The numbers preceding the station names denote their station codes. 

• 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

Dubai Metro Timing 

The Dubai Metro operates long hours, running all seven days a week. The metro trains run frequently - at intervals of approximately 2-3 minutes during peak hours of the day and approximately every 5-7 minutes during non-peak hours of the day. 

Here is a breakdown of the Dubai Metro timings for all lines.

Please note that the first and last train times may vary by station, and metro station operating hours may change on public holidays and during special events. 

Dubai Metro Map 

Navigating the Dubai Metro is extremely convenient thanks to its user-friendly system. All you need to do is buy a ticket or fill up your Nol card before boarding a Metro train. Proceed to follow the signs to your preferred station, board the right train, and then exit from the destination station of your choice. The Dubai Metro Map is available at all stations. 

Click here for the map of metro and tram stations.

Dubai Metro Fares 

Dubai Metro is one of the most affordable modes of travel, providing efficient service, which is why a significant portion of the city’s population depends on it for their daily commute. 

Dubai's metro system is divided into seven zones spread throughout the city, and your fare is determined by the number of zones you pass during your trip. The type of ticket you purchase also determines your fare. 

A single journey ticket can cost anywhere between AED 3 and AED 7.50. As we just mentioned, the fare also depends on the type of ticket you purchase, as the system offers a wide variety of tickets to make the daily commute easier and quicker. 

There are also ways to avoid waiting in line and wasting time purchasing a ticket every day. This brings us to our next section.

Dubai Metro Tickets 

There is a wide range of Dubai Metro ticket options, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Here are the different types of Dubai Metro tickets you can purchase for travelling from one point to another. 

Single Journey Ticket

The single-journey ticket can be purchased from the ticket vending machines at every metro station. This ticket is meant for a single journey, and the charge is based on the total number of zones. It is available in Silver and Gold classes. 

Day Passes 

Day passes allow you unlimited travel and are ideal for exploring various parts of the city. They have different validity periods: you can buy a 1-day, 7-day, 30-day, or 90-day pass. 

Available in both Silver and Gold Class, you can buy them from Dubai Metro customer service centres or at ticket vending machines at stations. The Dubai Metro day pass price starts from AED 20. 

Special Tickets 

There are different categories of special tickets that apply to different groups. People of Determination Tickets offer free rides to disabled individuals. 

Children aged between 5 and 12 years can avail of a Child Ticket, which provides a discounted single-journey ticket. Senior Ticket offers similar discounted rates on single-journey tickets to individuals aged 60 years and above. 

Nol Card 

Nol Card is a rechargeable prepaid card that allows multiple journeys. They are extremely convenient because you don’t have to purchase tickets every day. They are available in both Silver and Gold Cards, and the minimum top-up at metro station ticket offices is AED 50. You can top up with a lower amount at the ticket machine. 

Dubai Metro App 

The RTA Dubai Metro app includes over 40 features and services designed to provide seamless support to passengers throughout metro stations. You can download it to get real-time train timing information and plan your route for an effective journey. 

You can visit the RTA Smart Apps page of the RTA website to download various apps designed to make your journey easy. While the S’hail app helps you navigate the route, the Nol Pay app helps recharge your Nol card and check its balance. 

These apps are designed to make commuting smarter and more convenient. They help passengers get real-time updates, make digital payments, view fare estimates, and access multimodal transport options. Additionally, they also notify passengers about delays and route changes. 

Tips for Using the Dubai Metro

The Dubai Metro is designed to make travelling around the city simple and efficient, but a little planning can make your journey even smoother. It is also best to avoid travelling during peak commuting hours, especially on weekdays, as trains and stations tend to be much busier. Keeping your Nol card topped up in advance can also save time and help you avoid queues at ticket machines. 

If you are unfamiliar with the city, the S'hail app can make getting around much easier by helping you check routes, timings, and transport connections before you travel. While using the metro, pay attention to the rules that apply to different cabins, including the Gold Class section and the areas reserved for women, children, and People of Determination. 

Before heading out, take a quick look at the train timings, especially during holidays or busy periods when schedules may not follow the usual pattern. Those who combine driving with metro travel may find a monthly parking subscription useful for their day-to-day commute. 

To Conclude

The Dubai Metro is a fully automated, driverless metro system that has significantly enhanced urban transit in the city. It has become a primary component of the city's modern infrastructure since its launch in 2009. It is the go-to option for an affordable, convenient travel experience. 

It has earned high praise for its efficiency, cleanliness, and advanced technology. The role it has played in managing the traffic congestion is unparalleled. By offering a trusted and easily accessible mode of public transportation, the metro system also contributes to the city's economic growth and long-term development.

FAQs 

How to use the metro in Dubai? 

Using the Dubai Metro system is very easy. You need to purchase a ticket from the station or use your Nol card and take the right train to your destination. You can follow the Dubai Metro map or ask station officials which metro line (Red or Green) you need to take to reach your destination. 

What are Nol cards? 

Nol card is a rechargeable electronic ticketing card. This smart card can be topped up with prepaid funds and used to pay fares on various modes of transportation, such as the metro, Dubai tram, and buses. 

How many zones are there in the Dubai metro? 

There are seven fare zones in Dubai’s public transportation system, and your fare is calculated based on the number of zones you cross during your journey. 

What is the Dubai Metro timing on Sunday? 

For Sunday, the metro station opening hours are 08:00 AM-12:00 AM (midnight) for all lines. Please keep in mind that the timings are subject to change on public holidays and special events. 

What is the Dubai Metro timing on Friday? 

On Fridays, the metro station is open from 05:00 AM to 01:00 AM (next day) for all lines. Please make sure to stay updated on the timings, as they are subject to change on public holidays and special events. 

Where do I buy Dubai Metro tickets?

You can purchase a one-time ticket or a Nol card at the customer service centre of metro stations, bus stations, vending machines, and a few supermarkets. Nol card top-up can be done through ticket machines, mobile app, online, or ticket booths at metro stations. 

What facilities can I find in a Dubai Metro station? 

You can find ticket vending machines, Nol card top-up machines, restrooms, food and beverage kiosks, elevators, escalators, and ATMs at most stations. The stations are also wheelchair accessible.

How to use a Nol card in the Dubai Metro? 

To use the Nol card on the Dubai metro, place it on the reader before beginning your journey, then place it again on the reader when exiting the metro station. 

What is a Gold Class cabin in the Dubai Metro?

The Gold Class on the Dubai Metro is a dedicated cabin for premium passengers. It offers them a luxurious, comfortable journey with special features such as spacious leather seats. 

Gold Nol Card holders get access to the gold-class cabin, making their entry and exit procedures quicker. They are less crowded and offer a quieter and more relaxed journey. As you might guess, the price of the Dubai Metro Gold Card is among the highest. 

Is the Dubai Metro accessible to wheelchair users?

Yes, all the metro stations in Dubai are wheelchair-friendly. The trains also have a dedicated space for wheelchair users. Disabled individuals are referred to as ‘people of determination’ in the country. They can ride any RTA-operated mode of transportation free of charge using a special, customised Nol card. 

What is the starting point of the Dubai Metro? 

The starting point of the Dubai Metro is Centrepoint for the Red Line and Etisalat by e& for the Green Line. 

What time does the Dubai Metro start? 

From Monday to Saturday, the first train departs at 05:00 AM; on Sunday, it departs at 08:00 AM for all lines. This is the timing of the starting station. For other stations, it can vary. 

What time does the Dubai Metro close?

From Saturday to Thursday, it closes at 12:00 AM (midnight), and on Friday, it closes at 01:00 AM (next day). The timings are based on the final destination; they can vary for other stations. 

Can I carry my luggage with me on the Dubai Metro?

You are not permitted to carry more than two pieces of luggage on a Dubai Metro train. Among them, one can be a large suitcase (measuring no more than 81cm x 58 cm x 30cm) and another carry-on bag (measuring no more than 55cm x 38 cm x 20cm). 

Is there Wi-Fi available in the Dubai Metro?

Wi-Fi access is available across the metro network. To connect, turn on Wi-Fi on your device and select the network named 'WiFi by Du' or 'WiFi UAE'. A pop-up page will appear wherein you need to register with your name, phone number, and email. 

Is the Dubai Metro connected to Dubai International Airport?

Yes, the Dubai Metro is directly connected to the Dubai International Airport through the Red Line. You can travel between Terminals 1 and 3 by metro, making airport transfers quick, affordable, efficient, and highly convenient. 

Are food and drinks allowed inside the Dubai Metro?

Under the RTA rules, eating and drinking inside the Dubai Metro is strictly prohibited. Anyone who violates the rule may be subject to a fine. This is done to maintain the cleanliness of the metro system.

Which Dubai Metro line goes to the Dubai Mall?

The Dubai Mall can be reached through the Red Line of the Dubai Metro. Passengers should get off at the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station and follow the air-conditioned Metro Link Bridge, which provides direct pedestrian access to the Dubai Mall. The station is one of the busiest on the network due to its proximity to major attractions, shopping destinations, and business districts.

Can tourists use the Dubai Metro?

Yes, tourists can freely use the Dubai Metro during their stay in Dubai. Visitors can purchase a single-journey ticket, a day pass, or a Nol card to travel across the network. The metro is often considered one of the easiest ways to explore the city, as it connects airports, shopping malls, business centres, residential communities, and many of Dubai's most popular attractions.

Which areas of Dubai are connected by the Metro?

The Dubai Metro connects many of the city's most important residential, commercial, and tourist districts. Through the Red and Green Lines, passengers can travel to areas such as Deira, Bur Dubai, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai Marina, National Paints, Al Qusais, Al Twar, Dubai Internet City, Expo City Dubai, and Dubai International Airport. The network continues to expand, with the upcoming Blue and Gold Lines expected to improve connectivity across additional communities. 

Is there a metro from Dubai to Ras Al-Khaimah? 

There is no direct metro from Dubai to Ras Al-Khaimah. However, there is good connectivity by bus. You can also take a taxi.