Dubai Metro is one of the most efficient ways to get around the city. It's clean and air-conditioned, trains run on time, and fares are far cheaper than taxis. Whether you're heading to the airport, the mall, or a business meeting in DIFC, the metro gets you there without the stress of traffic. This guide covers routes, fares, Nol cards, and timings.
The Dubai Metro runs on two lines. According to RTA's official metro page, the network currently spans over 74 kilometres of track across both lines combined.
The Red Line stretches 52 kilometres from Rashidiya in the east to UAE Exchange in the west, passing through key stops like Dubai International Airport (Terminals 1 and 3), Union, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, and Dubai Marina. It's the longer of the two lines and covers most tourist and business destinations.
The Green Line runs 22 kilometres through older parts of the city, connecting Union to Creek and passing through Al Ghubaiba, BurJuman, and Healthcare City. It's especially useful if you're visiting Deira or Bur Dubai.
Both lines meet at Union and BurJuman stations, where you can transfer between them without paying again. That makes cross-city journeys surprisingly quick once you know which line to take.
You can't pay cash on the Dubai Metro. Every rider needs a Nol card, the contactless smart card used across Dubai's public transport network, including buses, trams, and water buses.
Not sure which card to get? There are four types, each suited to a different kind of traveller. RTA's Nol card page has full details on each option.
You can buy Nol cards at any metro station from ticket machines or customer service offices. They're also available at some supermarkets and petrol stations. Reloading is just as simple: use the machines at any station, the RTA app, or authorised retail outlets.
Tip for frequent riders: if you're staying in Dubai for more than a few days, the Silver Nol card pays for itself quickly. The per-trip fare is lower than a single-use Red card, and leftover credit stays on the card indefinitely.
Dubai Metro fares are zone-based. The network is divided into zones, and your fare depends on how many zones you cross during a single journey. All figures below are sourced from the RTA official fare schedule.
| Zones crossed | Silver/Blue card fare | Gold card fare |
|---|---|---|
| 1 zone | AED 3.00 | AED 6.00 |
| 2 zones | AED 5.00 | AED 10.00 |
| 3 zones | AED 7.50 | AED 15.00 |
| 4+ zones | AED 8.50 | AED 17.00 |
Children under five travel free. Silver card holders benefit from a daily cap of AED 20, meaning you won't pay more than that in a single day regardless of how many trips you take (RTA fare page). For a full day of sightseeing across multiple zones, that cap makes the metro genuinely economical. Gold Class cabins are also worth considering if you want a quieter, more comfortable ride during peak hours.
Using the metro is simple. Follow these steps and you'll be through the gates in under a minute.
English signage is clear throughout the network, so finding your way as a first-time visitor is manageable even without the RTA app open.
The metro doesn't run 24 hours. Knowing the schedule saves you from being stranded, particularly on Friday mornings when the late start catches many visitors off guard. All timings are published on the RTA timetable page.
Saturday to Wednesday: 05:00 to 00:00 (midnight)
Thursday: 05:00 to 01:00
Friday: 10:00 to 01:00
During Ramadan, timings change and evening hours typically extend. Check the RTA website or app before travelling during religious holidays, since the schedule can shift at short notice.
Eating and drinking are banned on the metro, including inside stations. Fines start at AED 100 under RTA's published bylaws. A sealed water bottle is technically permitted, but keeping it in your bag avoids any friction with staff.
Luggage rules matter if you're arriving from the airport. Large bags are allowed, but you're expected to keep them out of the aisle. Travelling with multiple heavy cases? A taxi or the Airport Express bus is probably more practical than the metro for that particular journey.
The Route 2020 extension (also called the Expo Rider) branches off the Red Line at Jabal Ali station and runs seven additional stops toward Al Maktoum International Airport and Expo City Dubai. Fares follow the same zone structure as the rest of the network, so no separate ticket is needed.
Connectivity with other transport is built into the system. Many metro stations connect directly to bus routes, and Dubai Tram links to DMCC and Jumeirah Lake Towers stations on the Red Line. One Nol card covers all of them, which keeps things simple when you're moving between transport modes during a busy day.
How do I use the Dubai Metro system?
Buy or load a Nol card, tap it at the entry gate, board the correct cabin for your ticket class, and tap out when you exit. Fares are deducted automatically based on the zones you travel through. English signage throughout the network makes the process easy to follow for first-time visitors.
How do I use the Nol card on the Dubai Metro?
Hold the card against the reader at both the entry and exit gates. The system calculates your fare and deducts it from your balance automatically. Always tap out at your destination, if you don't, you'll be charged the maximum fare for that journey, regardless of how far you actually travelled.
Where can I buy a Nol card and what types are available?
Nol cards are sold at all metro station ticket machines and customer service desks, plus select supermarkets and petrol stations. Four types exist: Red (single trip), Silver (reloadable, general use), Gold (Gold Class cabin access), and Blue (residents only, lowest fares). Full details are on the RTA website.
What are the Dubai Metro timings and operating hours?
The metro runs from 05:00 to midnight Saturday through Wednesday, until 01:00 on Thursday, and from 10:00 to 01:00 on Friday. Hours shift during Ramadan and public holidays, so check the RTA timetable page for the most current schedule before you travel.
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UAE Editor at TravelCamel
Daniel moved to Dubai in 2016 and covers attractions, transport and day trips across all seven emirates. His rule for every guide: if a place is not worth the ticket, the guide says so. More guides by Daniel →