Dubai Metro Guide: Timings, Lines, Fares & Cabin Rules
Essential Metro Fast Facts
- Network Scale: 53 operational stations across 89.3 km of automated rail track.
- Hours: Mon-Thu 05:00-00:00 | Fri 05:00-01:00 (next day) | Sat 05:00-00:00 | Sun 08:00-00:00.
- Cabin Setup: Gold Class (front/rear), Dedicated Women & Children cabin (pink), Standard Silver cabins.
- Minimum Balance: Must have at least AED 7.50 on your Nol card to enter.
- Dual Interchanges: Transfer between Red and Green lines at Union and BurJuman.
Dubai Metro Overview & Lines
Launched by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in September 2009, the Dubai Metro is completely driverless, fully air-conditioned, and elevated on sleek viaducts for much of its route, offering sweeping views of Sheikh Zayed Road, the Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Marina.
The Red Line (52.1 km / 35 Stations)
Stretches from Centrepoint (R11) in the east near Sharjah border, passing directly through Airport Terminal 3 (R14), Airport Terminal 1 (R15), BurJuman (R19), Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall (R25), Mall of the Emirates (R32), DMCC (R37), splitting towards Expo 2020 (R42) and UAE Exchange.
Primary tourist & business corridorThe Green Line (22.5 km / 20 Stations)
Stretches from e& (G11) (formerly Etisalat) through historic old Dubai including Al Fahidi (G25), Gold Souq (G16), Union (G14), BurJuman (G26), down to Dubai Healthcare City and Creek (G30).
Heritage, markets & cultural corridorOfficial Metro Operating Hours & Schedules
| Day of the Week | Opening Time | Closing Time (System Gate Lock) | Peak Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | 05:00 AM | 12:00 AM (Midnight) | Every 2.5 to 4 minutes |
| Friday | 05:00 AM | 01:00 AM (Next Day) | Every 3 to 5 minutes |
| Saturday | 05:00 AM | 12:00 AM (Midnight) | Every 3 to 5 minutes |
| Sunday (Late Start) | 08:00 AM | 12:00 AM (Midnight) | Every 4 to 6 minutes |
Important Departure Rule: The stated closing time (e.g. Midnight or 01:00 AM) represents the final gate closure. The last through-train departing terminus stations (such as Centrepoint or Expo 2020) leaves between 10:45 PM and 11:15 PM. Check specific station departure boards via the official S'hail app.
Metro Fares by Zone (Silver vs Gold)
Dubai is segmented into seven transit tariff zones. Metro fares are based strictly on how many zones your journey encompasses:
| Journey Scope | Distance / Definition | Silver Nol Card Fare | Gold Nol Card Fare | Red Paper Ticket Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 (Within 1 Zone) | Journey starting and ending within same zone (or under 3km) | AED 3.00 | AED 6.00 | AED 4.00 |
| Tier 2 (2 Adjacent Zones) | Crossing the boundary into one neighboring zone | AED 5.00 | AED 10.00 | AED 6.00 |
| Tier 3 (All Zones / 3+ Zones) | Traveling across 3 or more distinct transit zones | AED 7.50 | AED 15.00 | AED 8.50 |
Cabin Classes: Gold, Women & Children, Silver
Every 5-car driverless metro train is cleanly compartmentalized into three clear cabin designations:
Gold Class Cabin
Located at the front of trains heading towards Expo / UAE Exchange (and the rear on return journeys). Features individual wide leather captains' chairs, luggage storage bays, carpeted flooring, and direct window views out the front windshield. Requires tapping a valid Gold Nol Card (charges 2x standard fare). Stepping inside with a Silver card incurs an immediate AED 100 fine.
Women & Children Cabin (Pink Marked)
Designated specifically to provide privacy and comfort for solo female commuters, mothers, and young children. Clearly signposted with bright pink overhead hanging markers inside the train and matching pink platform floor graphics. Standard Silver Nol fares apply. Men of any age are prohibited; entering is punished by an immediate AED 100 fine.
Standard Silver Cabins
Open to all passengers (men, women, and families) holding any valid Nol card or ticket. Spacious, climate-controlled to a consistent 20°C, and fitted with visual digital stop displays and multi-language Arabic/English audio announcements.
Interchange Stations: Union & BurJuman
Switching between the Red and Green lines is seamless because both lines intersect at two central underground hubs:
- Union Station: Situated in Deira, connecting the commercial heart of old Dubai. Features spacious mezzanine interchange platforms with escalators linking upper and lower rail levels. Connects directly to the Union intercity bus terminal.
- BurJuman Station: Situated in Bur Dubai beneath the BurJuman Shopping Centre. Known for its iconic illuminated chandeliers and multi-level pedestrian transit halls.
No Extra Fare: You do not tap out when changing lines at Union or BurJuman. Simply follow the overhead color-coded wayfinding signs (Red arrow or Green arrow) to the corresponding platform.
Luggage Policy & Size Restrictions
Dubai Metro welcomes travelers flying through Dubai International Airport (DXB). However, strict baggage constraints apply to preserve aisle safety:
Official RTA Baggage Allowance:
- Maximum 2 items per passenger: Exactly one large suitcase and one smaller carry-on bag.
- Large suitcase dimensions: Must not exceed 81 cm x 58 cm x 30 cm.
- Small bag dimensions: Must not exceed 55 cm x 38 cm x 20 cm.
- Luggage must be placed in the designated baggage area located within each cabin and must never block doors, gangways, or wheelchair zones.
Essential Rules & Transit Fines
Dubai maintains pristine, orderly transit environments through active enforcement by uniformed and plainclothes RTA inspectors:
Every fare, schedule, and rule in this guide is referenced against direct primary source documents published by Dubai transit authorities:
- RTA Dubai Metro Operational Timetables— Confirmed weekday, Friday, and Sunday opening schedules.
- RTA Public Transport Penalties & Fines Code— Verified AED 100 food/cabin and AED 200 fare evasion fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Dubai Metro open and close?
Monday to Thursday: 05:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Midnight). Friday: 05:00 AM to 01:00 AM (next day). Saturday: 05:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Midnight). Sunday: 08:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Midnight).
Where can you switch between the Red Line and Green Line?
You can transfer between the Red and Green lines at two underground interchange stations: Union Station (in Deira) and BurJuman Station (in Bur Dubai). Transfers do not require exiting through ticket gates or paying an extra base fare.
Are men allowed in the Women and Children cabin?
No. Men are strictly prohibited from entering the designated Women and Children cabins (marked with prominent pink roof signage and platform floor graphics). Male passengers who sit or stand in these cabins face an immediate AED 100 fine from RTA transit inspectors.
Can I bring suitcases onto the Dubai Metro?
Yes. Each passenger is permitted up to two pieces of luggage: one large suitcase (maximum dimensions 81 cm x 58 cm x 30 cm) and one small bag / hand luggage (maximum 55 cm x 38 cm x 20 cm). Luggage must be placed in designated luggage racks located in standard cabins.
Can I drink water or chew gum on the metro?
No. Eating, drinking (including plain bottled water), and chewing gum are strictly prohibited inside metro trains and beyond station fare gates. Violations carry an automatic AED 100 fine.