Dubai Metro Guide: Stations, Routes and Visitor Tips

The Dubai Metro is a fully automated rail system with two lines: the Red Line and the Green Line. For a quick start with a Dubai Metro map, look for the line colours, station names and interchange points rather than trying to memorise the whole network.

The Red Line runs between Centrepoint and Expo 2020, with trains also serving Life Pharmacy on part of the route. It has 35 stations, and the RTA estimates an end-to-end journey of approximately 74 minutes. The line runs parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road for most of its length.

The Green Line runs between e& and Creek. It has 20 stations, covers 22.5 km, and takes approximately 46 minutes end to end. Its route passes through Deira and Bur Dubai, generally parallel to Dubai Creek.

Union and BurJuman are the two interchange stations between the lines. If your journey needs a change, use one of these stations to move between the Red and Green lines.

For Downtown Dubai, the Red Line’s Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall station is a useful reference point. Business Bay is the next listed station along the route. The station codes on the RTA map are R25 for Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall and R26 for Business Bay.

From Roda Al Murooj Residences, Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall station is about a 17-minute walk. Financial Centre station is about a 16-minute walk away, and Emirates Towers is about a 26-minute walk away. These are separate Red Line stations, so check which one best fits your destination before setting out.

For a stay at Roda Al Murooj Residences, the nearby station options can help you plan a mix of walking and Metro journeys around Downtown Dubai.

Dubai’s public-transport map is divided into seven fare zones. Your nol fare depends on how many zones you cross. RTA fare listings give these standard prices:

• Silver Card: AED 3 within one zone, AED 5 across two adjacent zones, or AED 7.50 across more than two zones.
• Gold Card: AED 6 within one zone, AED 10 across two adjacent zones, or AED 15 across more than two zones. Gold Class passengers pay a surcharge on Metro and Tram journeys.
• Red Ticket: AED 4 within one zone, AED 6 across two adjacent zones, or AED 8.50 across more than two zones. Gold Ticket fares are AED 8, AED 12 and AED 17 for the same zone bands.

If you expect to use public transport over several days, RTA lists seven-day passes. Silver nol passes cost AED 50 for one zone, AED 80 for two zones and AED 110 for all zones. Gold passes cost AED 100, AED 160 and AED 220 for the same coverage levels.

You can buy a nol card at ticket offices, ticket vending machines, RTA customer happiness centres, authorised sales agents or online. The card works on the Metro, buses, Tram and marine transport, as well as on taxis, paid parking, Nakheel Monorail and some retail purchases.

Before boarding, make sure your nol card has at least AED 7.50 to check in. Tap in and tap out so the fare can be calculated for the zones travelled.

If you combine transport modes, transfer within 30 minutes; the combined fare is based on the total zones crossed. RTA sets a maximum journey duration of 180 minutes and allows up to three transfers.

Dubai International Airport has Red Line stations at Airport Terminal 1 and Airport Terminal 3. Board at the station matching your terminal, then use the route map to check your direction: the Red Line’s endpoints are Centrepoint and Expo 2020, with trains also serving Life Pharmacy on part of the route. The RTA station map does not list a Metro station at DXB Terminal 2.

The Metro can also be part of a wider day out. Check the route and your final connection when planning a visit to the Museum of the Future or a show at Coca-Cola Arena.

For a trip to the coast, see the guide to Jumeirah Beach access and facilities; the facts here do not specify a direct Metro connection to these places.

RTA’s regular Metro station hours are Monday to Thursday, 05:00–00:00; Friday, 05:00–01:00 the next day; Saturday, 05:00–00:00; and Sunday, 08:00–00:00. Holiday and special-occasion transport timetables may differ.

Metro cabins include Gold Class, designated cabins for women and children, and general cabins. The system also provides accessibility services. Check the official site before you go, particularly if your trip depends on a particular operating time or travel arrangement.