How do you ride the metro in Dubai?

Dubai’s public transportation system is very modern and efficient. The metro is one of the most convenient ways to get around the city. There are only two metro lines that take you to Dubai’s top tourist attractions, and the system is very easy to navigate. Find all the information you need on how to ride the metro in Dubai.

The Metro Lines in Dubai

Like the rest of the city, the metro is very modern. The network consists of 2 lines: the Red Line, which opened in 2009, and the Green Line, which opened in 2011. The Red Line is, in fact, the longest automated metro line in the world, stretching 52 kilometers. That’s right—the metro is fully automated: there are no drivers on the trains in Dubai!

Dubai Metro Map:

Red Line

The Red Line is the main metro line. It runs from the Emirates station, near the airport, to Jebel Ali.

The metro stations serving tourist attractions are:

• Emirates Towers
• Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall
• Mall of the Emirates
• Dubai Marina

Green Line

The Green Line stretches 22 km from the Etisalat station to Creek. It forms a small loop in the northern part of the city. It is especially useful for visiting the neighborhoods of Deira and Bur Dubai.

Here are the stations to note:

• Al Ras for the souks and Deira
• Baniyas for the souks and Deira
• Al Fahidi for Al Fahidi Fort and Bur Dubai

Dubai Metro Schedules

Here are the metro operating hours: 

• Monday through Thursday: 5:00 a.m. – 1:15 a.m.
• Friday and Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 2:15 a.m.
• Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 1:15 a.m. 

The Different Metro Cars

There are 3 types of cars on the Dubai Metro:

• Gold Class: These cars are accessible only with the Gold Nol Card. The seats are larger and more comfortable, and you have a better view from the train. 
• Standard Cars : Anyone can ride these trains with a Red Nol Card or a Silver Nol Card.
• Women and Children : If you are a woman traveling alone (or with children), you must ride in these cars. If you are with a man, you may ride in the standard cars.

Dubai Metro Fares

To use the metro, you must purchase a “Nol Card”. This is a transit pass that allows you to travel on the metro as well as on buses, trams, and waterbuses.

The cost of the card and your fare varies depending on your destination: the farther you go, the more you’ll pay.

→ To find out the fares and, most importantly, understand how this card works, we’ve written an article about the Nol Card.