Dubai Metro for visitors: lines, timings and the stations you will use

What lines does the Dubai Metro have and where do they go?

There are two lines. The Red Line follows Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) from Centrepoint in the north-east to the Jabal Ali and Expo City end in the south-west. It is the line most visitors use. The Green Line loops through Deira and Bur Dubai, from the e& station to Creek.

A third line, the Blue Line, is still under construction (see the last section).

Station names change when naming rights are sold, so trust the sign at the platform over an old map.

What are the Dubai Metro timings on weekdays, Fridays and Sundays?

RTA publishes one set of hours for both lines.

Day	First train	Last train
Monday to Thursday	05:00	00:00 (midnight)
Friday	05:00	01:00 (next day)
Saturday	05:00	00:00 (midnight)
Sunday	08:00	00:00 (midnight)

RTA notes that hours can change for special events and holidays. Ramadan hours differ, so check the RTA timetable page the week you travel.

Two things follow from the table. A flight landing after 23:00 will not connect to a Metro train home. A Sunday dawn arrival has no Metro until 08:00. For those hours, read our guide to late-night arrivals in Dubai.

Which stations serve DXB Terminal 1 and Terminal 3?

Two Red Line stations serve the airport: Airport Terminal 3 and Airport Terminal 1. Terminal 3 is the one for Emirates passengers. If you land at Terminal 1, read the Terminal 1 arrivals guide first, and for Emirates flights see Terminal 3 arrivals.

Check which terminal your airline uses before you land. The Metro station you want depends on it.

Which stations are closest to the main sights?

• Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station on the Red Line.
• Mall of the Emirates: Mall of the Emirates station on the Red Line.
• Dubai Marina and JBR: Get off at Sobha Realty (a Red Line station) and change to the Dubai Tram. DMCC station is the second tram interchange.
• Expo City Dubai: the Red Line branch ending at Expo City, the Route 2020 extension.

A chauffeur is simpler when the last stretch is long. Hot months make the walk from a station to a hotel hard work, which is where an airport transfer or a car with driver fills the gap.

Can you take luggage on the Dubai Metro?

Yes, within RTA limits. Each passenger may bring up to 2 suitcases:

• Large suitcase: no bigger than 81 cm x 58 cm x 30 cm.
• Small suitcase: no bigger than 55 cm x 38 cm x 20 cm.

All luggage goes in the dedicated luggage area in each cabin. A family of four with four large cases will not fit, and rush-hour trains are crowded. See Dubai rush hour for the times to avoid.

Gold Class, women and children cabins and Metro rules

Each train has three kinds of cabin:

• Gold Class: for Gold Class ticket holders only, with leather seats.
• Women and children: reserved for women and children.
• General: open to everyone else.

RTA lists these fines, among others. AED 100 applies to eating or drinking where it is banned, and to feet on the seats. AED 200 applies to travelling without a valid card, and to smoking. Carrying alcohol costs AED 500. Children under 8 may not ride alone. Ages 8 to 11 need a parental permit.

Fares run by zone. For the AED 4 Red ticket, the AED 3 Silver card and the Gold Class fare, read the Nol card guide. To place the Metro among your other options, see how to get around Dubai.

Where the Metro does not reach

The Metro does not run onto the Palm Jumeirah, along Jumeirah Beach Road or out to the desert. Hatta and Lahbab need a road vehicle. For the Jumeirah coast, a taxi or a pre-booked car is the practical option, and the Dubai travel guide maps the wider choices.

Is the Blue Line open yet?

No. RTA describes the Blue Line as a planned 30 km route with 14 stations. It will serve Mirdif, Al Warqa, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Dubai Creek Harbour and Dubai Festival City, and connect to Dubai International Airport. Gulf News reports RTA’s start date as 9 September 2029. Do not plan a 2026 or 2027 trip around it.