Navigating Dubai's vibrant urban landscape becomes effortless with the Dubai Metro—a world-class, driverless transit system that redefines convenience, speed, and modernity. Whether you're a tourist exploring iconic attractions like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, or a resident commuting daily, the Metro offers a reliable and affordable way to move across the city. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about the Dubai Metro—from routes and ticketing to station facilities and travel tips—so you can explore Dubai with ease and confidence. Welcome aboard the future of transportation in the UAE!
Dubai is an important city and emirate in the Persian Gulf. It is one of the seven emirates that are making the United Arab Emirates - UAE. It is famous for its ultra-modern architecture, luxury shopping and vibrant life. The world’s tallest tallest building, Burj Khalifa is situated in Dubai. An artificial island shaped like a palm tree, Palm Jumeirah, is also one of the iconic symbols of the city.
Dubai Metro Quick View
The Dubai Metro is a state-of-the-art, fully automated rapid transit system that serves as a cornerstone of Dubai's public transportation network. Operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA),
Launched on September 9, 2009, the Dubai Metro is the first fully automated, driverless metro network in the Middle East. Managed by the city’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), it has quickly become an essential part of life in the emirate. Stretching across nearly 90 kilometers, the metro effortlessly connects distant parts of the city, offering both residents and tourists a reliable alternative to the infamous Dubai traffic.
How to Use the Dubai Metro?
To ride the Metro, you’ll need to purchase either a single, return, or day-pass ticket, or use the Nol card—a smart card that lets you travel cash-free across public transport in Dubai. With stations located throughout the city, navigating the metro system is easy using the RTA's online journey planner.
If you're arriving in Dubai via Dubai International Airport (DXB), you can access the Metro directly from Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 on the Red Line. Simply follow the signs after collecting your luggage and buy your ticket at the station.
Each passenger is allowed to carry up to two pieces of luggage on the Metro: one large suitcase (maximum 81cm x 58cm x 30cm) and one carry-on bag (maximum 55cm x 38cm x 20cm), making it ideal for airport transfers too.
What Are Nol Cards?
Nol cards are rechargeable smart cards issued by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) that allow you to pay for travel on all public transport services in the city—including the Metro, buses, water buses, trams, and even some taxis. Instead of buying a ticket each time, you simply tap your Nol card at the entrance and exit gates of the metro or other transport systems.
There are four main types of Nol cards, each designed for different types of travelers:
- Nol Red Ticket: A paper-based ticket ideal for tourists or occasional users. It can be loaded with up to 10 single trips or a daily pass.
- Nol Silver Card: A smart card perfect for regular commuters, offering flexibility and cheaper fares than single-use tickets.
- Nol Gold Card: Offers access to the Gold Class cabin in the metro, which has wider seats and a more luxurious environment.
- Nol Blue Card: A personalized card for frequent users with the added benefit of balance protection in case it’s lost.
You can purchase and top up Nol cards at Metro stations, bus terminals, RTA offices, ticket vending machines, and even some supermarkets. They are valid across multiple transport modes and zones, making them a cost-effective and convenient solution for getting around Dubai.
Where to Buy Dubai Metro Tickets (Nol Cards)
1. Dubai Metro Stations
- Ticket vending machines dispense Red tickets and allow purchase/reload of Silver, Gold, or Blue cards.
- Ticket offices with agents can assist with selecting the right card and registering personal details if needed
2. RTA Customer Happiness Centres
- Locations such as Al Barsha, Deira, Al Twar, and others offer full-service assistance—helpful for first-time buyers or personalized cards .
3. Major Bus, Tram & Marine Stations
- Includes spots like Al Ghubaiba, Al Sabkha, Dubai Tram stops, and water bus terminals. These also feature vending machines and staffed counters
4. Authorized Sales Agents & Convenience Stores
- You can find them at many supermarkets (e.g., Carrefour, Union Coop), petrol stations, and small shops near transit hubs.
5. Online via RTA Website & Nol App
- Purchase and register Silver, Gold, or personalized Blue cards online, then pick them up at a station, or use a virtual card directly via the mobile app .
ow to Top Up Your Nol Card
You can reload funds at:
- Station ticket machines
- Ticket office counters
- RTA Happiness Centres
- Convenience retail outlets
- Via the Nol app or RTA website
How Many Lines Are There in Dubai Metro
There are currently two main operational lines. The Red Line runs like a spine through the heart of the city, linking Dubai International Airport and major commercial hubs like Downtown Dubai, the Burj Khalifa, and the Mall of the Emirates, before continuing toward the Expo 2020 site. The Green Line, on the other hand, loops through historic districts like Deira and Bur Dubai, areas rich in culture and tradition.
However there is also a third under construction which is expected to operate in 2029. And it will extend the network to growing residential and academic areas in the eastern part of the city.
Metro and Tram Stations Map : https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/public-transport/metro-stations-map
Which Hours Does The Dubai Metro Operate
Operating hours of the metro system are generous, with the system opening early and running until midnight or later on weekends. This makes it perfect not only for commuters but also for night owls heading to late dinners or desert shows. Below you can see the operating hours for the metro system.
- Monday to Thursday: 5:00 – 00.00
- Friday: 5:00 – Next day 1:00
- Saturday: 5:00 – 00.00
- Sunday: 8:00 – 00.00
Note: Operating hours may vary during public holidays and special events. 00.00 is the starting hour of the next day.
What Are The Key Features of the Metro Line
First fully automated, driverless metro network in the Middle East some key features of the metro line could be listed as following:
Accessibility: All stations are equipped with elevators, tactile guidance paths, and dedicated spaces for wheelchair users
Safety: High safety standards with features like platform screen doors, CCTV surveillance, and emergency intercoms
Comfort: Air-conditioned stations and trains, with Wi-Fi connectivity available
Train Classes:
- Gold Class: Premium seating with more space
- Women & Children: Dedicated cabins for privacy and comfort
- Silver Class: Standard seating for all passengers
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Popular Stations and Landmarks Across the Metro Line
Along the metro line, there are many places you can visit.
Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall Station
The first one is the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall Station. Dubai Mall is one of the largest and most iconic shopping and entertainment complexes in the world, located in Downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Opened in 2008, it is a central part of the Burj Khalifa complex, developed by Emaar Properties. It’s more than just a mall—it's a vast lifestyle and leisure destination visited by over 80 million people annually.
Dubai Mall spans over 1.1 million square meters of total area, with more than 1,200 retail stores. It includes everything from high-end luxury boutiques (like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci) to popular global chains like Zara and H&M.
Dubai Mall is famous not just for shopping but for its world-class attractions, including:
- Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: Home to thousands of aquatic animals, including sharks and rays, housed in a massive tank visible from multiple levels of the mall.
- VR Park: A massive indoor virtual reality and augmented reality theme park
- Reel Cinemas: A large, modern cinema complex.
- Dubai Ice Rink: An Olympic-sized skating rink
- KidZania: An interactive city for children where they can play different roles in a mini adult-like world.
At the Dubai Mall, you can visit the world’s largest choreographed fountain system The Dubai Fountain which is just outside the mall located on the artificial Burj Khalifa Lake. The show takes place daily and is set to music and lights.
And the main entrance to the Burj Khalifa’s "At the Top" observation decks is inside Dubai Mall. Visitors often explore both the mall and the world’s tallest building in a single trip.
Furthermore, Dubai Mall offers over 200 food and beverage outlets, from international fine dining restaurants to food courts with global fast food brands.
Also, there is Mall of the Emirates Station. There you can visit more than 600 shops that you can experience many luxurious brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior and Gucci. Also there are many high-street favourites and technology brands like Zara, Apple Store and Samsung.
Union Change
One of the largest underground metro stations globally by spanning 25000 square meters, Union Station is the interchange station between Red and Green Lines. Around the Union Change, you can view exciting landscape and have traditional dhow cruises in Dubai Creek. Also there are many options of retail, dining and entertainment options in Al Ghurair Center while shopping.
Expo 2020 Metro Station
The Expo 2020 Metro Station is the western terminus of the Dubai Metro's Red Line extension, known as Route 2020. Opened on 1 June 2021, this station was specifically constructed to provide direct access to the Expo 2020 Dubai exhibition site, now transformed into Expo City Dubai.
Situated in the Mobility District of Expo City Dubai, the station offers direct access to the main entrance of the former Expo 2020 site. Architecturally boasting a striking design inspired by aircraft wings, the station symbolizes Dubai's vision for innovation and progress.
First train arrives to the Expo 2020 Station at 06:15 from Monday to Saturday and 09:15 on Sunday. Last departures from the station are at 00:00 from Sunday to Thursday and 01:00 on Friday and Saturday .
How to Make Payments in Dubai Metro
In the Dubai Metro system, the primary and currently sole accepted payment method is the Nol Card, a contactless smart card issued by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Cash, credit, or debit cards are not accepted directly for fare payments.
The Nol Card is a prepaid, contactless smart card that allows you to pay for various services across Dubai, including public transport (Metro, buses, trams, and marine transport), RTA's paid parking, and more.
Types of Nol Cards
- Red Ticket : Ideal for tourists and short-term visitors. It's a paper-based card valid for up to 10 single trips or a 1-day pass.Silver Card : Suitable for regular commuters. It offers access to all modes of transport and is valid for 5 years.
- Gold Card : Provides the same benefits as the Silver Card but includes access to the Gold Class cabins in the Metro and trams.
- Personalized Card : Also known as the blue card. Offers the same benefits as the Silver Card, with added features like online account management, balance protection in case of loss, and eligibility for concessions for students, senior citizens, and people of determination.
For detailed information, you can visit https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/public-transport/nol/choose-nol.
Other Public Transport Methods in Dubai
1. Dubai Bus
- Extensive city and intercity network.
- Over 1,500 buses connect major areas and metro stations.
- Air-conditioned, low-floor buses.
- Fares can be paid with the Nol Card.
2. Dubai Tram
- Runs through Dubai Marina, JBR, and Al Sufouh.
- Connects with the Dubai Metro at Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers stations.
- Ideal for short coastal routes and residential areas.
3. Water Transport
- Water Buses: Operate within Dubai Creek and Dubai Marina.
- Abras: Traditional wooden boats, cheap and popular for crossing Dubai Creek.
- Water Taxis: Modern and air-conditioned, can be booked in advance.
4. Taxis
- Readily available across the city.
- Run by RTA and private franchises.
- Can be hailed on the street, booked by phone, app (Careem/Uber), or through hotel desks.
5. Dubai Ferry
- Catamaran-style vessels offering scenic routes between stations like Dubai Marina, Al Ghubaiba, and Dubai Canal.
- Tourist-friendly and scenic.
6. Palm Monorail
- Runs along Palm Jumeirah.
- Connects to Atlantis and The Pointe.
- Privately operated, not part of the RTA network, but convenient for tourists.
What are the Advantages of Dubai Metro
In Dubai Metro, trains run 3-7 minutes during peak hours. Also, entire network is clean and climate controlled. It is an an automated and driverless system with platform screen doors. It is a cost effective method of intracity travel. It is integrated with buses, trams, and water transport and key stops are close to shopping malls, business districts, and tourist attractions. Also there are elevators, tactile paths, and dedicated spaces for wheelchairs and strollers. Gold Class and Women & Children carriages offer privacy and comfort as well. And thanks to smart infrastructure you can use contactless Nol Card system and route planning apps (e.g., S'hail, RTA Dubai).
Wi-Fi is free in most metro stations and cars.
General Conduct Rules
- Certain cabins are reserved for women and children. Unauthorized access can result in a fine of AED 100.
- Damaging or defacing metro property is a serious offense, punishable by a fine of AED 2,000.
- Carrying weapons, sharp tools, or flammable materials is strictly forbidden and may lead to a fine of AED 1,000.
- Possessing or consuming alcoholic beverages within the metro premises is prohibited and can incur a fine of AED 500.
- Misusing emergency exits or safety devices without cause is subject to a fine of AED 2,000.
- Consuming food or beverages, including chewing gum, is prohibited within trains and stations. Violations may result in a fine of AED 100.
- Sleeping in passenger shelters or other designated areas is not allowed and may incur a fine of AED 300.
- Smoking is strictly forbidden in all areas of the metro system. Offenders may face a fine of AED 200.
- Maintaining cleanliness is essential. Littering or spitting can lead to a fine of AED 200.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Dubai and United Arab Emirates
UAE is a country itself located in the southeast of Arabian Peninsula. It consists of seven emirates, including Abu Dhabi (the capital), Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. On the other hand Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the UAE — and also the name of the largest city within that emirate. Each emirate maintains a degree of local autonomy.
What is the Dubai Metro?
The Dubai Metro is a state-of-the-art, fully automated rapid transit system that serves as a cornerstone of Dubai's public transportation network. Operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and it was launched on September 9, 2009,
Are there any other ways of public transport in Dubai
Along the Dubai Metro there are also other means of public transport in Dubai. These are Dubai Bus, Dubai Tram, Water Buses, Taxis and Dubai Ferry and Palm Monorail. Palm Monorail runs along Palm Jumeirah and privately operated. There are also traditional wooden boats called Abras to cross Dubai Creek,
