One of the world’s most impressive examples of modern public transportation, the Dubai Metro Line is an eight lane subway system. Since it was first launched, it has changed people’s way of moving around in the busy city of Dubai.
The Dubai Metro connects key areas and commercial hubs, and provides an efficient, effective, eco friendly way to travel within the city. Being a highly developed city with a great infrastructure and high technology, it helps lessen traffic congestion, promote sustainability and also offer a smooth and a quick way to explore Dubai.
Overview of the Dubai Metro Line
The two main lines that constitute the Dubai Metro encompass the Red Line and the Green Line covering total 53 stations from across the city. The metro is the backbone of public transport in Dubai, with total network length of over 75 kilometres. It's a fully automated, driverless, and air conditioned system and therefore provides a comfortable ride to all passengers. One of the metro's major selling points is its eco friendliness; it is electric powered, lowering carbon emissions and helping Dubai to have cleaner air and to be a sustainable city.
As well as its green features however the Dubai Metro is very affordable and accessible which makes it a popular mode of transport for locals and visitors alike. The public transport helps to ease the city’s infamous traffic congestion and provides easy links to other forms of public transport including buses and the Dubai Tram.
Red Line: Route and Key Stations
Dubai’s Red Line is the central line of the system, which runs from the west at UAE Exchange station, to the east at Al Rashidiya station. The two lines, one of which is the longest and busiest, serve some of the city's most famous landmarks, commercial districts and residential areas.
Key stations along the Red Line include:
- Centrepoint: Serving retail and residential areas.
- Emirates: One such station is an easy access to the Emirates Mall which is one of the largest shopping centers in Dubai.
- Airport Terminal 3: One of the world’s busiest airports, Dubai International Airport, will connect passengers directly.
- Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall: The Burj Khalifa the world’s tallest building and Dubai Mall the iconic shopping and entertainment complex one of the largest in the world are easily accessible from a major station.
- Mall of the Emirates: This renowned shopping mall with indoor ski slope and luxury shops is served by this.
- Expo 2020: Passengers are connected to the Expo 2020 site, where the world fair took place and remains a center for events and activities.
As a tourist Dubai’s Red Line is tremendous, helping to link up essential points of interest and business districts and as such forms a necessary part of the Dubai public transport network.
Green Line: Route and Key Stations
From the northern Etisalat by e& to the southern Creek, the Green Line services run. The Red Line is shorter than this line but it connects several vital areas particularly those in the older parts of Dubai.
Key stations along the Green Line include:
- Al Nahda: Located in the northeastern part of Dubai serving the residential areas.
- Stadium: A place of key importance to those attending events in the nearby stadiums.
- BurJuman: An important interchange station, which provides links to the Red Line, as well as to shopping malls, offices and entertainment attractions.
- Dubai Healthcare City: Helping people connect to a critical medical hub, the Dubai Healthcare City.
Residential neighborhoods, healthcare districts and travel to the older parts of the city are probably the best suited for the Green Line.
Interchange Stations
Passengers can easily switch between the Red and Green Lines at two major interchange stations: Union and BurJuman. These are transfer stations that will enable you to pass from one point to another easily without any hassles in Dubai. Along with this, it provides you with connections to drive around by Dubai Tram Line at SOBHA REALITY and DMCC.
Download Metro & Tram stations and location map: [pdf]
Navigating the Dubai Metro
It’s easy to navigate the Dubai Metro. There are well marked stations, with signage in English and in Arabic. Here are some helpful tips for using the metro:
- Tickets: Tickets can be purchased or a Nol Card topped up at the customer service desks and the ticket vending machines at all stations. A rechargeable smart card, the Nol Card, allows you to use it on the metro, buses and trams across Dubai.
- Boarding: After you’ve got your ticket or Nol Card, just tap in at the barriers and hop on your train. The trains are air conditioned with both standard and first class compartments.
- Arriving: On reaching your destination, just tap out at the exit barriers of the station. According to your journey distance, the fare is automatically calculated.
The Dubai Metro was built with modern amenities and user friendly interface.
Operational Hours and Timings
The Dubai Metro operates seven days a week, with different schedules for weekdays and weekends:
- Weekdays (Sunday to Thursday):
- Red Line: 5:30 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight)
- Green Line: 5:30 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight)
- Weekends (Friday and Saturday):
- Red Line: 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Green Line: 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Passengers can travel conveniently at these timings both for daily commute or evening activities.
| Day | First Train (Red Line) | Last Train (Red Line) | First Train (Green Line) | Last Train (Green Line) |
| Monday – Thursday | 05:00 AM | 12:07 AM | 05:00 AM | 12:03 AM |
| Friday | 05:00 AM | 01:07 AM | 05:00 AM | 01:03 AM |
| Saturday | 05:00 AM | 12:07 AM | 05:00 AM | 12:03 AM |
| Sunday | 08:00 AM | 12:06 AM | 08:00 AM | 12:02 AM |
Ticket Types and Pricing
The Dubai Metro offers several ticket options, ensuring flexibility for all types of travelers:
- Single Journey: For one-time use, priced according to the distance traveled.
- Nol Card: A smart card that can be topped up and used for multiple journeys. Available in Silver, Gold, and Personal versions.
- Day Pass: Unlimited travel on the metro, buses, and trams for a full day.
- 7-Day, 30-Day, 90-Day, and 365-Day Passes: For regular commuters, these passes offer significant savings.
- Discounted Tickets: Available for seniors, students, and people of determination.
Ticket prices vary based on the zones traveled. You can purchase tickets and top-up Nol Cards at ticket machines, online, or through the RTA’s mobile app.
| Ticket Type | Description | Price (AED) | Zones Covered |
| Single Journey Red Ticket | Enables you to make single trips | 4 AED (Regular), 8 AED (Gold) | 1 |
| 6 AED (Regular), 12 AED (Gold) | 2 | ||
| 8.50 AED (Regular), 17 AED (Gold) | 3 | ||
| 7-Day Pass | Enables you to travel for 7 days | Silver (50 AED), Gold (100 AED), | 1 |
| Student (25 AED), Senior Emirati & Citizen (25 AED) | 2 | ||
| Silver (80 AED), Gold (160 AED), | 3 | ||
| Student (40 AED), Senior Emirati & Citizen (40 AED) | |||
| 30-Day Pass | Enables you to travel for 30 days | Silver (140 AED), Gold (280 AED), | 1 |
| Student (70 AED), Senior Emirati & Citizen (70 AED) | 2 | ||
| Silver (230 AED), Gold (460 AED), | 3 | ||
| Student (115 AED), Senior Emirati & Citizen (115 AED) | |||
| 90-Day Pass | Enables you to travel for 90 days | Silver (330 AED), Gold (660 AED), | 1 |
| Student (165 AED), Senior Emirati & Citizen (165 AED) | 2 | ||
| Silver (550 AED), Gold (1100 AED), | 3 | ||
| Student (275 AED), Senior Emirati & Citizen (275 AED) | |||
| 365-Day Pass | Enables you to travel for 365 days | Silver (1060 AED), Gold (2120 AED), | 1 |
| Student (530 AED), Senior Emirati & Citizen (540 AED) | 2 | ||
| Silver (1770 AED), Gold (3540 AED), | 3 | ||
| Student (885 AED), Senior Emirati & Citizen (885 AED) | |||
| Silver (2670 AED), Gold (5340 AED), | |||
| Student (1335 AED), Senior Emirati & Citizen (1335 AED) | |||
| Tickets for Person of Determination | People with disabilities can freely travel | Free | All Zones |
| Children under 5 years | Free travel for children under 5 | Free | All Zones |
Benefits of Using the Dubai Metro
The Dubai Metro offers a range of benefits for its users:
- Cost-Efficiency: It is a cheap way to travel around Dubai with low ticket prices.
- Eco-Friendliness: Fully electric trains reduce pollution and make for more sustainable transport.
- Accessibility: All passengers are catered for, including those with disabilities, in stations and on trains.
- Safety: The system is one known for it’s safety measures, with surveillance cameras, trained staff, and system maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is the Dubai Internet City Metro Station?
How do I get to the Burj Khalifa?
Are the trains crowded during peak hours?
Is There Any Dubai Internet City Metro Station 2?
More than a means of transportation, the Dubai Metro Line is an integral part of Dubai’s infrastructure which provides a quick, easy and green way to get around the city.
No matter if you're a commuter that lives locally or a tourist trying to see the popular sights, the metro offers an easy and easy way to travel. As it remains affordable, modern, and far reaching, the Dubai Metro remains a testament to the city's constant commitment to innovation, sustainability and smart urban mobility.
