Palm Monorail Guide: Stations, Tickets, Timings & Tram Link
Monorail Essentials
- Track Length: 5.4 km elevated spine offering 360-degree views of Palm Jumeirah fronds.
- Daily Hours: 09:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Departures every 15 minutes).
- Fares: Gateway to Nakheel Mall (AED 10 one-way / AED 15 return); to Atlantis (AED 20 one-way / AED 30 return).
- Operator: Privately operated by Nakheel (not RTA). RTA multi-day passes do not cover it.
- Nol Acceptance: You can use your Nol card balance to purchase tickets at station gates.
Palm Monorail Overview & Alignment
Opened in 2009, the Palm Monorail was the first monorail transit system constructed in the Middle East. It glides above the central roadway of Palm Jumeirah, providing spectacular panoramic elevated vistas of luxury waterfront villas, the Dubai Marina skyline behind, and the vast Arabian Gulf ahead.
For tourists visiting Atlantis Aquaventure, Lost Chambers Aquarium, The View at The Palm, or Nakheel Mall, the monorail offers a congestion-free alternative to vehicular taxis along the busy Palm trunk.
Operating Hours & Departures
- Operating Schedule: Open 7 days a week, Monday through Sunday.
- First Train: 09:00 AM (Departing Gateway Station).
- Last Train: 10:00 PM (Departing Atlantis Aquaventure Station).
- Train Frequency: Approximately every 15 minutes throughout the day.
Official Ticket Prices & Fares by Destination
| From Gateway Station To: | One-Way Ticket | Round-Trip (Return) | Attractions Served |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Ittihad Park | AED 10.00 | AED 15.00 | Ittihad Park jogging track, Golden Mile Galleria retail |
| Nakheel Mall | AED 10.00 | AED 15.00 | Nakheel Mall shopping, The View at The Palm observation deck |
| The Pointe (Service review) | [VERIFY] | [VERIFY] | Waterfront promenade (check station status before boarding) |
| Atlantis Aquaventure | AED 20.00 | AED 30.00 | Atlantis The Palm resort, Aquaventure, Lost Chambers, Dolphin Bay |
Using Your Nol Card on the Monorail
Because the line is operated by Nakheel rather than RTA, fare calculation differs from the city's standard 7-zone system:
- You can tap your standard Silver or Gold Nol Card at the automated turnstiles or customer ticket desks to pay for your monorail journey.
- However, the system debits the Nakheel monorail fare (e.g. AED 20 or AED 30) from your e-purse balance, not the standard AED 3 / AED 5 / AED 7.50 RTA metro rate.
- RTA all-zones 7-day, 30-day, or annual transit passes do not include free rides on the Palm Monorail.
Stations Along the Line
The mainland base station featuring a 1,600-vehicle covered multi-story parking structure and an enclosed direct pedestrian bridge link to Dubai Tram Stop 9.
Directly accesses the shaded 3.2 km shaded running path through indigenous UAE flora, dining spots, and Golden Mile Galleria.
Walk directly into Nakheel Mall's second-floor concourse, connecting to the express elevator for "The View at The Palm" on level 52 of The Palm Tower.
The terminus station situated at the crest of the crescent, steps away from the ticketing entrance of Aquaventure Waterpark and Atlantis The Royal resort.
How to Reach Gateway Station by Public Transit
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Take the Dubai Metro Red Line to either DMCC Station (R37) or Sobha Realty Station (R36).
- Cross via the sheltered walkway into the Dubai Tram.
- Board the tram and alight at Palm Jumeirah Tram Station (Stop 9).
- Take the elevator/escalator up into the covered air-conditioned pedestrian footbridge crossing directly into Palm Monorail Gateway Terminal.
Every fare, schedule, and rule in this guide is referenced against direct primary source documents published by Dubai transit authorities:
- Palm Monorail Official Operator Portal (Nakheel)— Verified timetable, station order, and Atlantis ticket pricing.
- Visit Dubai Official Palm Transit Guide— Confirmed Dubai Tram Stop 9 pedestrian footbridge integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Palm Monorail operated by RTA?
No. The Palm Monorail is privately owned and operated by Nakheel (a developer under Dubai Holding), not RTA. Consequently, standard RTA multi-day travel passes do not cover the monorail, although you can pay for tickets at Gateway counters using your Nol card balance.
How much is a ticket to Atlantis Aquaventure on the Palm Monorail?
A single one-way ticket from Gateway Station to Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark costs AED 20.00, and a return round-trip ticket costs AED 30.00.
How do you reach the Palm Monorail without a car or taxi?
Take the Dubai Metro Red Line to DMCC or Sobha Realty, transfer to the Dubai Tram, ride the tram to Palm Jumeirah Tram Station (Stop 9), and walk across the covered, air-conditioned footbridge directly into Palm Monorail Gateway Terminal.
What are the operating hours of the Palm Monorail?
The Palm Monorail operates daily from 09:00 AM to 10:00 PM (with train departures running approximately every 15 minutes).