Dubai Metro is the quickest, most predictable way to move across the city—especially if you know today’s hours, where to interchange, and which Nol card keeps costs low. This guide opens with today’s timings and then covers routes, fares, etiquette, accessibility, and smart rider tips.
Table of Contents
Dubai Metro Timings Today
| Day | First Train | Last Train |
|---|---|---|
| Mon–Thu | 5:00 AM | 12:00 AM (midnight) |
| Fri | 5:00 AM | 1:00 AM (next day) |
| Sat | 5:00 AM | 12:00 AM (midnight) |
| Sun | 8:00 AM | 12:00 AM (midnight) |
These are station operating hours. First/last trains vary by station and direction—confirm the final departure in the RTA S’hail app. Typical frequency: about every ~4 minutes at peak and ~6–7 minutes off-peak (subject to events).
Pro Tip: If you’re traveling close to closing time, arrive 10 minutes early and check S’hail for the last viable train for your direction.
Map & Interchanges
Lines, Interchanges & Airport Access
Dubai Metro has two lines with two central interchanges:
- Red Line: Centrepoint ↔ Expo 2020 with a branch to Life Pharmacy (formerly UAE Exchange).
- Green Line: Etisalat by e& ↔ Creek.
- Interchanges: Union and BurJuman connect Red ↔ Green (easy cross-platform navigation).
- DXB Airport: Red Line serves Terminal 3 and Terminal 1 directly.
Peak-hour boost (Red Line): Additional direct services operate at rush hours alongside Centrepoint ↔ Expo 2020 and Centrepoint ↔ Life Pharmacy, easing crowding. Always verify the next train in S’hail.
Dubai Metro Fares, Zones & Nol Cards (Official Structure)
Dubai uses a zone-based integrated fare system across Metro/Tram/Bus. Transfers within 30 minutes count as one journey (limits apply).
Pay-per-ride (by card type)
| Card type | 1 Zone | 2 Zones | ≥3 Zones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver | AED 3 | AED 5 | AED 7.5 |
| Gold | AED 6 | AED 10 | AED 15 |
| Red Ticket (paper) | AED 4 | AED 6 | AED 8.5 |
Metro Travel passes
- 7-day: Silver AED 50/80/110 (1/2/all zones) · Gold AED 100/160/220
- 30-day: Silver AED 140/230/350 · Gold AED 280/460/700
- 90-day: Silver AED 330/550/830 · Gold AED 660/1,100/1,660
- 365-day: Silver AED 1,060/1,770/2,670 · Gold AED 2,120/3,540/5,340
Concessions: People of Determination ride free with the relevant Nol; registered students/seniors receive discounts per RTA eligibility.
Where to buy/recharge: Station machines and offices, many supermarkets, Nol Pay and S’hail apps.
How to Check the Last Train in S’hail (30-second method)
- Open S’hail.
- Set Today and your time.
- Enter origin → destination.
- Review the last viable train and any interchange (Union/BurJuman).
- Head to the platform 10 minutes early.
Riding Basics (For First-Timers)
- Get a Nol: Silver suits most visitors; Red Ticket is OK for a few rides; Gold unlocks the Gold Class cabin.
- Plan your route: S’hail shows platform and transfer details.
- Tap in at the gates and stand behind platform screen doors.
- Interchange at Union/BurJuman if needed; follow colour-coded signage.
- Tap out at your destination; check remaining balance.
Metro Rules, Etiquette & Luggage
- No eating or drinking inside trains.
- Keep priority seating for People of Determination, seniors, and families.
- Women & Children cabin available; Gold Class requires Gold Nol.
- Luggage allowance: up to two pieces per passenger—one large (max 81 × 58 × 30 cm) and one carry-on (max 55 × 38 × 20 cm). Use the dedicated luggage areas.
Train Accessibility & Safety
All stations are wheelchair-friendly with lifts and tactile guidance paths. Trains and platforms feature CCTV, emergency help points, and platform screen doors for safe boarding.
Metro Dubai Popular Stops & Nearby Sights
- Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (Red): Burj Park, Dubai Fountain area.
- Al Fahidi / Al Ghubaiba (Green): Al Seef, museums, historic lanes, Creek abras.
- DMCC / Sobha Realty (Red): Marina Walk and JBR beachfront promenade.
- Airport T3/T1 (Red): Direct into the DXB terminals.
What’s New & What’s Next
- Station renames: some stations carry sponsored names (e.g., Life Pharmacy replacing UAE Exchange; name updates roll out across maps and signage).
- Blue Line (under construction): ~30 km with 14 stations, planned interchanges at Centrepoint (Red) and Creek (Green), with operations targeted for 2029.
FAQs
What are Dubai Metro timings today?
Mon–Thu 5:00 AM–12:00 AM, Fri 5:00 AM–1:00 AM (next day), Sat 5:00 AM–12:00 AM, Sun 8:00 AM–12:00 AM. First/last trains vary by station—check S’hail.
How often do trains run?
About every ~4 minutes at peak, ~6–7 minutes off-peak.
Which Nol card is best for tourists?
Silver Nol for most visitors (lowest per-ride price without a pass). Use a 7-day pass if you’ll ride frequently within a week.
Can I carry luggage?
Yes—two pieces max per passenger within the stated size limits.
Where can I see platform changes or disruptions?
In S’hail; it shows live departures, platform numbers, and service notices.
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