Introduction to Dubai Metro

The Dubai Metro, which commenced operations in September 2009, is a remarkable feat of engineering that connects the southern region of Jebel Ali to the northern part of the emirate at Rashidiya, near Dubai International Airport. This comprehensive guide provides detailed insights into the Metro’s timings, pricing, fare structures, station listings, operational rules, and applicable fines. Spanning a total of 74.6 kilometers, the Dubai Metro features 47 stations and consists of two primary lines: the Red Line and the Green Line. Additionally, plans are underway for a Blue Line that will introduce 14 new stations, including three interchange stations, stretching over 30 kilometers, with 15.5 kilometers designated as underground routes. This new line is anticipated to begin operations in 2029.

Across the entire network, all Dubai Metro cabins offer complimentary Wi-Fi, enhancing the commuting experience. Passengers pay for their trips using Nol cards, which function similarly to Oyster cards in London or MetroCards in New York. These cards can be loaded with funds and recharged at various kiosks or machines located within Metro stations.

Jump to:
• Dubai Metro Timings
• Dubai Metro Fares
• Dubai Metro Nol Cards
• Dubai Metro Stations
• Dubai Metro Rules
• Dubai Metro Fines

Dubai Metro Timings (All Lines)

The Dubai Metro operates at the following times:

• Monday to Thursday: 5 AM – Midnight
• Friday: 5 AM – 1 AM (the following day)
• Saturday: 5 AM – Midnight
• Sunday: 8 AM – Midnight

During peak hours, the average wait time for a train is approximately three minutes and 45 seconds, while off-peak times can see waits extending to around seven minutes. Please note that timings may be adjusted during public holidays and special events, such as Eid and New Year’s Eve, to accommodate the increased passenger volume.

Dubai Metro Fares

Dubai’s public transport network is divided into seven zones. Each zone encompasses various transport facilities, including Metro stations, bus stations, tram stations, and water bus stations. You can complete your journey using different modes of transport, and you will only be charged based on the total number of zones traversed. However, if you switch to a different mode of transport, you must check in within 30 minutes to qualify for a single trip fare. A maximum of three transfers is allowed for a journey to be regarded as a single trip.

The fares for the Dubai Metro depend on the type of Nol card used:

• Within 1 Zone:
  • Silver: Dhs 3
  • Gold: Dhs 6
  • Blue: Dhs 3
  • Red: Dhs 4
• Within 2 Adjacent Zones:
  • Silver: Dhs 5
  • Gold: Dhs 10
  • Personal: Dhs 5
  • Red: Dhs 6
• More than 2 Zones:
  • Silver: Dhs 7.5
  • Gold: Dhs 15
  • Personal: Dhs 7.5
  • Red: Dhs 8.5

Students, seniors, and residents holding a Personal Card are eligible for a 50% discount on their journeys. Additionally, individuals with disabilities and children can use public transport free of charge. To avail of discounted or free travel, eligible passengers must possess a Nol Personal Card.

Dubai Metro Nol Cards

The following Nol cards are available for passengers:

• Gold Card
  • Price: Dhs 25 (includes Dhs 19 balance)
  • Validity: Five years
  • Top-up Limit: Dhs 1,000 (anonymous); Dhs 5,000 (registered)
  • Benefits: Access to Gold Class seats on Dubai Metro
  • Valid for Use: All public transport
• Silver Card
  • Price: Dhs 25 (includes Dhs 19 balance)
  • Validity: Five years
  • Top-up Limit: Dhs 1,000 (anonymous); Dhs 5,000 (registered)
  • Benefits: None
  • Valid for Use: All public transport
• Blue (Personal) Card
  • Price: Dhs 70 (includes Dhs 20 balance)
  • Validity: Five years
  • Top-up Limit: Dhs 5,000
  • Benefits: Balance recovery if lost or stolen, online services for top-ups
  • Valid for Use: All public transport
• Red Card
  • Price: Dhs 2
  • Validity: 90 days
  • Top-up Limit: Rechargeable for a maximum of ten journeys or five daily passes
  • Benefits: None
  • Valid for Use: Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, and bus services
• Student Card
  • Price: Dhs 70 (includes Dhs 20 balance)
  • Validity: 1 year
  • Top-up Limit: Dhs 5,000
  • Benefits: 50% discount on Dubai bus, Dubai Tram, and Dubai Metro services
  • Valid for Use: Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, and bus services

Dubai Metro Stations

The Dubai Metro stations are categorized into two lines – the Green Line and the Red Line, featuring both overground and underground routes. All stations provide lift access to ensure convenience for all passengers.

It is essential to note that the names of the stations do not always correspond to their geographical locations. Many stations bear the names of sponsoring brands, such as the DAMAC station, which is situated in Dubai Marina.

Dubai Metro Green Line

The Green Line serves the northern areas of Dubai, running from Etisalat Metro Station in Al Qusais to Creek Metro Station, passing through the Deira and Bur Dubai neighborhoods. The Green Line stations are as follows:

• Al Qusais Area
  • Etisalat by e& (Zone 5)
  • Al Qusais (Zone 5)
  • Dubai Airport Free Zone (Zone 5)
  • Al Nahda (Zone 5)
  • Stadium (Zone 5)
• Al Twar Area
  • Al Qiyadah (Zone 5)
• Deira Area
  • Abu Hail (Zone 5)
  • Abu Baker Al Siddique (Zone 5)
  • Salah Al Din (Zone 5)
  • Union (Zone 5) (Red Line connection)
  • Baniyas Square (Zone 5)
  • Gold Souq (Zone 5)
  • Al Ras (Zone 5)
• Bur Dubai Area
  • Al Ghubaiba (Zone 6)
  • Sharaf DG (Zone 6)
  • BurJuman (Zone 6) (Red Line connection)
• Oud Metha Area
  • Oud Metha (Zone 6)
  • Dubai Healthcare City (Zone 6)
• Al Jaddaf Area
  • Al Jaddaf (Zone 6)
  • Creek (Zone 6)

Dubai Metro Red Line

The Red Line stretches from the UAE Exchange station in Jebel Ali at the southern end of the city to Rashidiya, near Dubai International Airport, traversing the entirety of Sheikh Zayed Road. The Red Line stations, from north to south, are:

• Rashidiya Area
  • Rashidiya (Zone 5)
• Garhoud and Airport Area
  • Emirates
  • Airport Terminal 3 (Zone 5)
  • Airport Terminal 1 (Zone 5)
  • GGICO (Zone 5)
• Deira Area
  • Deira City Centre (Zone 5)
  • Al Rigga
  • Union (Zone 5) (Red Line connection)
• Bur Dubai Area
  • BurJuman (Zone 6) (Red Line connection)
• Karama Area
  • ADCB (Zone 6)
• Jafiliya / Satwa Area
  • Max (Zone 6)
• Trade Centre Area
  • World Trade Centre (Zone 6)
  • Emirates Towers (Zone 6)
• DIFC Area
  • Financial Centre (Zone 6)
• Downtown Dubai Area
  • Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall (Zone 6)
• Business Bay Area
  • Business Bay (Zone 6)
• Al Quoz Area
  • Onpassive (Zone 2)
  • Equiti (Zone 2)
• Al Barsha Area
  • Mall of the Emirates (Zone 2)
  • Insurance Market (Zone 2)
• Barsha Heights, Dubai Internet and Media City Area
  • Dubai Internet City (Zone 2)
  • Al Khail (Zone 2)
• Dubai Marina and JLT Area
  • Sobha Realty (Zone 2)
  • DMCC (Zone 2)
• Jebel Ali Area
  • Jabal Ali (Zone 2)
  • Ibn Battuta (Zone 2)
  • Energy (Zone 2)
  • Danube (Zone 1)
  • UAE Exchange (Zone 1)
• Expo 2020 Route
  • Jabal Ali
  • The Gardens
  • Discovery Gardens
  • Al Furjan
  • Jumeriah Golf Estates
  • Dubai Investment Park
  • Expo 2020

Dubai Metro Rules

Can I Take a Suitcase with Me?

Passengers are permitted to carry two suitcases. One large suitcase must not exceed the dimensions of 81cm x 58cm x 30cm, while a small suitcase should not exceed 55cm x 38cm x 20cm. All luggage must be stored in the designated luggage area of each cabin for safety and convenience.

Can I Bring an E-Scooter with Me?

On October 4, the RTA announced that specific types of e-scooters are now allowed on the Metro. Foldable e-scooters without seats can be carried onto the train, provided they meet the new size requirements of 120cm x 70cm x 40cm and weigh less than 20kg.

Are Kids Allowed to Ride Alone in the Dubai Metro?

Children under the age of eight must be accompanied by an adult. Children between the ages of 8 and 11 require a letter from their parents granting permission to travel alone on the Metro. Those aged 12 and above may use public transportation independently.

Public Transport Fines in Dubai

Dubai imposes various fines for rule violations on public transport:

• Dhs 100 fines are applied for:
  • Putting feet on seats
  • Eating or drinking in prohibited areas
  • Bringing animals onto public transport, excluding guide dogs
  • Entering or sitting in designated areas for specific categories (e.g., ladies-only areas)
  • Accessing restricted areas in public transport
  • Standing or sitting in non-passenger areas
  • Disturbing or inconveniencing other passengers
  • Misusing lifts or escalators
  • Boarding by climbing or jumping
  • Opening doors while the train is in motion
  • Carrying items that may endanger or inconvenience other passengers
• Dhs 100 per day and up to Dhs 1,000:
  • Parking in Metro user designated areas beyond the allowed time
• Dhs 200 fines are applied for:
  • Spitting, littering, or compromising cleanliness
  • Smoking inside public transport facilities
  • Using public transport without paying the fare
  • Failure to present a valid Nol card upon request
  • Using a card not designated for personal use
  • Using an expired or invalid card
  • Unauthorized selling of Nol cards
  • Selling or promoting goods on public transport
  • Failure to comply with inspectors’ instructions
  • Using services contrary to posted instructions
• Dhs 300 fines are applied for:
  • Sleeping in prohibited areas
• Dhs 500 fines are applied for:
  • Using counterfeit cards
  • Carrying alcoholic beverages inside public transport
• Dhs 1,000 fines are applied for:
  • Carrying hazardous items, including weapons or flammable materials
• Dhs 2,000 fines are applied for:
  • Damaging or vandalizing public transport equipment
  • Improper use of safety devices

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