Welcome to one of the most advanced public transport systems in the World–the Dubai Metro is a landmark project in the Emirates by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The system offers an inexpensive, safe, and convenient method of traveling to your destination, as well as, seeing sights around the City. But, before you go, get informed about the network and services through these pages to ensure an enjoyable journey.

Dubai Metro Lines

Dubai’s Metro service has two lines–the Red Line runs along Sheikh Zayed Road from Jebel Ali to Rashidiya, and the Green Line which runs around the Creek (in service 2010.) These lines intersect at two transfer stations–Khalid bin Al Waleed (at Burjuman), and Union Square.

Metro Stations

There are five different types of stations:

• Elevated Type 1 (Ground level concourse like the Sharaf DG Station)
• Elevated Type 2 (Above ground concourse like the Mall of the Emirates Station)
• Elevated Type 3 (3 track like the Nakheel Station)
• Underground/Transfer (like the Khaled bin Waleed Station)
• Elevated Special Station (like the Airport Terminal 1 Station)

Each Dubai Metro station is modeled in one of four themes, Earth (12 stations), Water (13 stations), Air (11 stations), and Fire (11 stations). These themes dictate the appearance inside the stations including light fixtures, patterned tiles, and wall coverings.

All Metro stations feature taxi pickup spots, bike racks, handicap/wheelchair access, bus stops and shuttle services. Most stations also have ATMs and convinience stores.

On Board the Metro Train

The Dubai Metro trains feature five cars–1 car divided into a Gold Class area and a Women and Children area, as well as 4 regular cars. These trains are driverless with a fully automatic operation controlled from the Metro Operations Center. However, there are train wardens with radio communication to the Operations Center, to assist passengers.

Made by the Japanese firm, Kinki Sharyo, the Metro Trains accomodate 643 passengers, and include many saftey features including closed-circuit surveillance camers in each cabin, as well as emergency stop devices. Each train cabin also has designated areas for handicap/wheelchairs.

Fares and Ticketing

Fares on the Dubai Metro are subsidized by the Dubai Government which means they are some of the cheapest in the World. Fares range from 1.80 AED for a short trip (< 3km) to a cap of 14 AED per day.

Riders of the RTA’s public transport system including the Metro, Buses and Water Taxi can use the integrated ticketing system through the use of the rechargeable Nol farecards and single-use Nol paper tickets. The same cards can also be used for Metro Station pay parking where available.

For an explanation of the different Nol farecards and fare structure, please refer to the Fares page.

Metro Service Timings

Saturday thru Thursday: 6am – midnight
Friday: 2pm – midnight

The Metro runs every 3:45 minutes during peak hours and every 10 minutes during off-peak hours.

Metro System Services

Mobile phone service is available on the entire length of the Metro lines. In addition, WiFi service is available from du on the Metro, for 10 AED an hour when paying with a credit card, or 20 AED a hour when using prepaid scratch cards.

Metro Stations also feature escalators and elevators throughout the network, as well as, raised floor (contrasting-tactile) guidance paths for the visually impaired.

There are feeder buses to many of the Metro stations from nearby neighborhoods–look for the letter ‘F’ preceeding the bus route number. Details of feeder buses to each station are available on the individual Metro Station detail pages on this site (you can click on a station in the blue Metro Line Map at the top of the page.)

Three large commuter parking facilities (meaning parking is free with your farecard) are available at Rashidiya (2700 cars),  and Nakheel Harbour & Tower (3000 cars) on the Red Line, and at Etisalat station (3000 cars) on the Green Line. There may be limited parking space available around the other Metro Stations, including pay parking at shopping centers such as Deira City Centre, Mall of the Emirates, and Burjuman (Khalid bin Al Waleed).

Disclaimer: this site is not affiliated with the RTA or the Dubai Metro.