Planning a trip to Dubai in 2025? You need to check out the iconic Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall (one of the largest shopping malls in Dubai), traditional souks in Dubai for gold, spices, carpets and fabric, Palm Jumeirah for the best food and hotels in Dubai and many more precious attractions.
There are innumerable things to do in Dubai around the clock. But did you check the public transportation scene, too? Dubai has a robust public transport system, featuring regular public buses to different parts of the city, the Dubai Tram and Dubai Metro.
This is the ultimate Dubai Metro Guide 2025. You are going to get updated information about one of the key Dubai public transport for tourists, including operating hours, Nol cards, Gold cabins, important stations and nearby neighborhoods, and Dubai Metro travel tips.
Since commencing operations last decade, Dubai Metro has made it incredibly easy for residents and tourists alike to get around and explore different landmarks in Dubai. Let’s simplify the system for a better understanding – one step at a time.
Dubai Metro Lines in focus
Spanning nearly 90 km, the fully automated Dubai Metro is one of the best transport modes to get around the city at ease. Currently, there are a couple of main lines – Red Line and Green Line. But things change fast in Dubai. You can expect Blue, Purple and Pink Lines to be built up soon.
There are a total of 55 stations in total. More than 200 million people used Dubai Metro in 2022 alone. This number is going to spike up in the near future as Dubai aims to become one of the most popular tourist destinations globally.
Let’s start from the beginning. You just landed at Dubai International (DXB), one of the busiest airports on the planet. There are a couple of stops on the Red Line at DXB’s Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Just look for the signs to the metro after collecting your baggage.
It is that easy!
Dubai Metro operates from early in the morning and ceases operations late in the night. You can carry a couple of pieces of luggage on the metro, including a large suitcase (no larger than 81 cm × 58 cm × 30 cm) and one carry-on bag (no bigger than 55 cm × 38 cm × 20 cm).
The Dubai Metro Red Line map starts from Centrepoint Station (formerly Rashidiya), close to Dubai airport. This line runs along the spine of Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road. There are a number of key attractions and neighbourhoods, such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Dubai Marina.
The Dubai Metro Green Line stations, on the other hand, lets tourists explore some of the best cultural highlights of Dubai, such as Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Deira, Gold Souk and Spice Souk. Isn’t it incredible? You are going to learn more in the next sections of this article.
But Dubai Metro is expanding, continuously!
Just recently, official announcements came in about Dubai Metro Blue Line. The foundation stone for the first station on this line has already been laid. Located at Dubai Creek Harbour area, Emmar Properties is going to be the highest metro station globally.
You can expect the entire project to be completed by September 9, 2029. The Dh18 billion Blue Line is going to include 14 stations and cater to the needs of multiple expanding neighbourhoods in Dubai, such as Mirdif, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai International City.
The Dubai Metro Blue Line has a couple of main routes. Creek Station on the Green Line is the starting point. There is an underground interchange at International City 1 after passing through DFC, Dubai Creek Harbour and more. The second route starts at Centrepoint Station on Red Line.
There are also plans for Dubai Metro Purple Line, meant to connect Al Maktoum International and Dubai International airports. This line could be an express airport connector. There is also a Gold Line and Pink Line to focus on. But our primary focus is on the current Dubai Metro.
Dubai Metro zones and stations:
This is Dubai Metro zones explained. The fully automated metro system consists of 7 zones across the city and the fare is calculated on the basis of the number of zones you pass through on a journey.
Your journey on the Dubai Metro (also bus and tram) are part of these 7 zones. The fare is calculated and automatically deducted from your e-purse, depending on the number of zones a passenger has commuted through (as mentioned earlier).
Zone 1 of Dubai Metro includes a number of important attractions and neighbourhoods, such as Al Maktoum International, Tech Park and Jebel Ali Free Zone. Zone 2 is about Emirates Hills, Al Barsha, Umm Seqeim and The Palm Jumeirah. Zone 3, on the other hand, has Jumeirah Village, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Al Barsha South and more. For Zone 4, the key places are Mirdif, Muhaisnah and Nad Al Sheba. Zone 5 features The Palm Deira, Mamzar, Dubai International (DXB) and more. Zone 6 has Jumeirah, Business Bay, Maritime City and more. One of the key places in Zone 7 is Dubai Land.
Nonetheless, it is important to highlight here that the Dubai Metro is one of the most affordable modes of transport to get around the city. The trains run on time and feature stops at dozens of key neighbourhoods and attractions in Dubai.
Besides zones, the Dubai Metro fare is also calculated on the basis of your type of ticket. You can expect a single journey to cost in the range of Dh3 to Dh7.50. You are also not required to purchase tickets on a daily basis. There is a proper arrangement for that. More on this soon.
Dubai Metro tickets and Nol Cards
Let’s take a closer look at Dubai Metro tickets prices 2025 and Dubai Nol card types. This Nol card is more than just a transit pass for different public transport modes in Dubai, including the metro. You can also take it around for shopping and entering different attractions in Dubai.
To use the Dubai Nol card, simply touch the card to the reader at the entrance of a metro station. Your fare is going to be deducted automatically, depending on the zones you pass through and other factors. Simple, right?
But you need to keep a track of the current balance on your Nol card before taking multiple trips on Dubai Metro on the same day. To check, touch the card to the reader at any fare gate. The remaining balance is clearly displayed on the screen.
1. Benefits of using Dubai Nol cards
There is not just one. Your Dubai Nol card can be used on different public transport modes, including Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, local buses and more. You get a lot of discounts on commutes from time to time.
Plus, the Nol card can also be used at different retail outlets and attractions in Dubai. You can use it at restaurants, shops and hotels in Dubai. Use it for RTA paid parking at Etihad Museum and RTA taxi fares, too. Snacks and groceries can also be bought using this card.
Isn’t it so easy? You can use Nol card at a number of food chains and special brands in Dubai, such as Burger King, Carter’s, London Dairy, Mister Baker and Gloria Jean’s Coffee. Some supermarkets in Dubai also accept the card, such as Lulu Hypermarket, Zoom and K Circle.
2. Different types of Dubai Nol cards
You can find a detailed Nol card guide on Travel to Dubai. But in brief, let’s take a look at some of the top types of Dubai Nol cards. First of all, pay some attention to Emaar Nol card. Just as the name suggests, this is an Emaar-Nol card collaboration.
You can use your Emaar Nol card – coming at Dh55 – to incredible discounts at some of the most popular attractions in Dubai, such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, KidZania, Dubai Opera and Ekart Zabeel. Isn’t it incredible?
Next comes the Gold Nol card, making transportation on Dubai Metro easy for a long time. Its costs Dh25 and is valid for 5 years. You get access to the Gold Cabin of Dubai Metro, featuring much more comfort than other cabins.
The Silver Nol card is a regular transit pass, priced at Dh25 and valid for 5 years again. You don’t get access to the Gold Cabin. Personal or Blue Nol cards cost Dh70 and are valid for 5 years. Students, senior citizens and people of determination get special fares.
Tourists in Dubai mostly prefer the Red Nol card. Priced at Dh2 and valid for 90 days or 10 trips, this card can be purchased at ticket vending machines. Isn’t it incredible? There is another type of Nol card to focus on – going by the name ‘Nol Travel Card’.
Besides the usual access to Dubai Metro, taxi and parking, Nol Travel Card can also be used for discounts of up to Dh70,000 on multiple products and services in Dubai. There are different deals to catch at hotels, restaurants, retail outlets, travel agencies and more.
| Type of Nol Card | Cost | Period of Validity | Key Features |
| Emaar Nol Card | Dh55 | – | Discounts at key Dubai attractions, such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Dubai Opera |
| Gold Nol Card | Dh25 | 5 years | Get access to Dubai Metro Gold Cabin and other benefits |
| Silver Nol Card | Dh25 | 5 years | Regular transit pass. No access to Gold Cabin, but other key benefits remain |
| Blue or Personal Nol Card | Dh70 | 5 years | Can be used on all transport modes, plus public parks, Dubai attractions and shops |
| Red Nol Card | Dh2 | 90 days or 10 trips | Great benefits at just Dh2. Preferred by tourists in Dubai. |
| Nol Travel Card | – | – | Get discounts of up to Dh70,000, benefits on Dubai Metro, great discounts at restaurants, hotels, shops, parks and tour agencies. |
3. How to recharge Dubai Nol cards?
The Dubai Nol card is the one-stop card to multiple facilities in the Emirate. You can get it recharged at different metro stations (ticket vending machines or ticket counters). There is a Nol pay app too, offering easy ‘Top up Nol Card’ option.
You can also recharge Nol cards at grocery stores in Dubai, petrol stations, on Careem app, on RTA platforms and on banking apps. The transaction takes a handful of seconds only and the digital platforms are also incredibly user-friendly.
4. Other types of Dubai Metro tickets
Besides the Nol card (can be used at the metro and other places in the city), there are other Dubai Metro ticket options. You can get a single journey ticket at the ticket vending machines for a single journey. The charge is based on the number of zones you pass through.
Don’t forget day passes. They are incredibly useful in exploring different parts of Dubai. You can purchase a one-day pass, a 7-day pass, a 30-day pass and a 90-day pass. There are Special Tickets too, applying to different groups of people.
In Special Tickets, Person of Determination tickets offer free rides for disabled persons. Child Tickets offer discounted rides to children aged 5-12. For senior citizens aged 60 years and more, Senior Tickets are there.
Dubai Metro Stations List (key hubs)
There are a total of 55 Dubai Metro stations at present. But the Blue Line is being constructed and is set to be completed by 2029. There are plans for Purple Line, Pink Line and Gold Line, too. Let’s take a look at all of the stations before understanding the key ones.
1. Stations on Dubai Metro Red Line
R11 – Centrepoint (formerly Rashidiya)
R12 – Emirates
R13 – Airport Terminal 3
R14 – Airport Terminal 1
R15 – GGICO
R16 – City Centre Deira
R17 – Al Rigga
R18 – Union
R19 – Burjuman
R20 – ADCB
R21 – Max
R22 – World Trade Centre
R23 – Emirates Towers
R24 – Financial Centre
R25 – Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall
R26 – Business Bay
R29 – Onpassive
R31 – Equiti (formerly Umm Al Sheif)
R32 – Mall of the Emirates
R33 – Mashreq
R34 – Dubai Internet City
R35 – Al Khail
R36 – Sobha Realty
R37 – DMCC
R38 – Jabal Ali
R39 – Ibn Battuta
R40 – Energy
R41 – Danube
R42 – Life Pharmacy
R70 – The Gardens
R71 – Discovery Gardens
R72 – Al Furjan
R73 – Jumeirah Golf Estates
R74 – Dubai Investment Park
R76 – EXPO 2020
2. Stations on Dubai Metro Green Line
G11 – Etisalat by e&
G12 – Al Qusais
G13 – Dubai Airport Free Zone
G14 – Al Nahda
G15 – Stadium
G16 – Al Qiyadah
G17 – Abu Hail
G18 – Abu Baker Al Siddique
G19 – Salah Al Din
G20 – Union
G21 – Baniyas Square
G22 – Gold Souk
G23 – Al Ras
G24 – Al Gubaiba
G25 – Sharaf DG
G26 – Burjuman
G27 – Oud Metha
G28 – Dubai Healthcare City
G29 – Al Jadaf
G30 – Creek
You can use the Dubai Metro app to get access to dozens of special features designed to bring seamless support to both residents and tourists in Dubai. You can get real-time information on Dubai Metro timings. Let’s take a look at some of a key Dubai Metro station names list.
1. Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall metro station
Located on the Red Line, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station is possibly one of the most famous Dubai Metro stops. This station connects passengers to the iconic Burj Khalifa and also to The Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping and entertainment destinations globally.
You can find a number of things to do here, especially tourists. There is a climate-controlled pedestrian bridge connecting the station to the huge mall. Not surprisingly, it is also one of the busiest Dubai Metro stations, mainly during peak tourist seasons in Dubai and as the sun sets.
2. Mall of the Emirates metro station
The Red Line also features Mall of the Emirates station, another significant stop. This station is connected to Mall of the Emirates, one of the most popular shopping malls in Dubai after Dubai Mall. You can get access to memorable retail therapy here.
Plus, the mall is also connected to Ski Dubai and Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates. You can see and do a lot here. Essentially, imagine the comfort of taking the metro to the mall, shop, dine and also ski, before getting back home on the same metro.
This station underscores Dubai Metro’s link to major lifestyle hubs across the city. This stop is ideal for residents in areas like Barsha and tourists residing in nearby hotels. The indoor ski slope makes Mall of the Emirates a stunning landmark in Dubai.
3. Sobha Realty or DMCC Metro Station
Seeking to explore Dubai Marina at ease? This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dubai. Famous for its glistening buildings, scenic promenades, luxurious yachts and incredible dining options, there is a lot to see and do in Dubai Marina.
You can use a couple of metro stations to access Dubai Marina. Use Sobha Realty for the northern Marina and seamless access to the beautiful promenade. DMCC Station is useful for the Dubai Marina Mall, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and nearby areas.
4. Expo 2020 Dubai Metro Station
This station played a really important role during Expo 2020 Dubai, transporting millions of passengers from across the globe to the global fair. Post-Expo, the station has been renamed to Expo City Dubai Station.
The Metro once made the exhibition site more accessible and is currently being used to cater to the needs of passengers in nearby musuems, offices and residences. From Expo City Station, you can get to Central Dubai in 40 minutes. Isn’t it incredible?
5. City Centre Deira Metro Station
City Centre Deira is another key metro station on the Red Line. It is located right next to the City Centre Deira shopping mall, one of the key retail outlets in the city. You can also find a number of hotels in and around the area.
Deira City Centre Metro Station features plenty of facilities to make your experience as comfortable as possible. You can get your tickets at the vending machine or ticket counter. There is also a store on site for last-minute items.
6. Union Metro Station
Union Metro Station is one of the busiest stations and a major interchange, seamlessly connecting the Green Line and Red Line. Since it is a key tranfer point, this station is quite large and also offers access to a number of attractions in Dubai.
The busy Union Metro Station is strategically located, offering connections to many popular parts of Dubai. You can find multiple dining options and shops, too. This place remains busy during peak tourist seasons and office hours.
7. BurJuman Metro Station
BurJuman Metro Station is another key interchange station of Dubai Metro, connecting Red and Green Lines. Located in Bur Dubai, this station is underground and offers access to a broad range of facilities for passengers.
There are escalators and lifts on all platforms, making it easy to get around the station. You can also find plenty of F&B outlets and a small supermarket, too. BurJuman Metro Station is directly connected to Sharaf DG and Oud Metha on the Green Line and others on the Red.
8. Gold Souk Metro Station
Located at the northern end of Deira, Gold Souk Metro Station offers access to one of the major highlights of Dubai. It is quite close to the Gold Souk in Dubai, home to a number of Gold ornaments and other precious stones.
You can use our Gold Souk in Dubai guide to get all the information about the market. Open from 10 am to 10 pm, this souk is near the Deira side of Dubai Creek, just a short distance from other prominent traditional souks in Dubai.
Dubai is famous for its gold shops and hundreds of tourists plan trips to the Emirate just for the sake of this precious noble metal. The Gold Souk is one of the best places to purchase gold in Dubai, besides strings of pearl, platinum and diamonds, too.
9. Dubai Metro DXB Terminals 1 and 3
One of the busiest airports, Dubai International (DXB) caters to the needs of millions of passengers per year. Just land at the airport, get your baggage and look for signs to the metro. It is that simple!
Dubai airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are connected to the Dubai Metro Red Line. This is a huge boon for all the tourists landing at DXB from across the globe. For residents, it means a quick, hassle-free and traffic-free trip to catch flights.
Dubai Metro connects to some of the most important neighbourhoods in Dubai, offering access to both luxurious and budget hotels in Dubai. In the future, Dubai Metro is going to connect DXB and Al Maktoum International airport.
Dubai Metro Timings and Frequency
Let’s explore Dubai Metro Timings today. The trains run on all days from early morning to late at night. But remember that the first and last train times could be different in different stations. Operating hours also tend to change during public holidays in Dubai.
Monday to Thursday: 5 am to 12 am
Friday: 5 am to 1 am
Saturday: 5 am to 12 am
Sunday: 8 am to 12 am
Trains run frequently on both Red Line and Green Line, catering to the needs of tens of thousands of residents and tourists alike. For Dubai Metro frequency peak hours, trains usually run once in 4 minutes during peak hours and 7 minutes during off-peak hours.
Dubai sees a significant influx of tourists during Christmas and NYE. Thousands of people from across the globe come here for shopping, catching a glimpse of Burj Khalifa and The Palm Jumeirah, trying out delicacies at top restaurants and staying in comfort at the best hotels.
Late in 2024, Dubai Metro ran longer than usual to make it easier for the high number of tourists to explore the city. From December 28 to December 30, trains started operations from 2 am (compared to the usual 5 am from Monday to Saturday and 8 am on Sunday).
This extension applied to stations from Centrepoint to GGICO on the Red Line – helping people landing at DXB use the metro to get to the Deira area. But from December 31 to January 1, things changed for all stations.
On December 31, the Dubai Metro started operations at 5 am but didn’t stop running until the end of January 1. This helped many people skip the busy streets. You can expect something similar in the upcoming holiday period, too.
Dubai Metro Bus connectivity explained
Dubai Metro connects to dozens of attractions, neighbourhoods and financial institutions across the city. From deep in your neighborhood to the metro stations, RTA feeder bus routes play a significant role. Let’s highlight some important ones here.
| Name of Metro Station | Red Line/Green Line | Route Number | Route Destinations |
| Centrepoint (formerly Rashidiya) | Red Line | F1 | Rashidiya Metro Station – Ras Al Khor |
| F2 | Rashidiya Metro Station – Rashidiya | ||
| 4 | Gold Souk Bus Station – Rashidiya Metro Station | ||
| 48 | Mamzar, Century Mall – Rashidiya Metro Station | ||
| 365 | Rashidiya Metro Station – International City | ||
| Emirates | Red Line | 4 | Gold Soul Bus Station – Rashidiya Metro Station |
| 48 | Mamzar, Century Mall – Rashidiya Metro Station | ||
| DXB Terminal 3 | Red Line | 88 | DXB Terminal 3 – Nakheel Metro Station |
| C1 | DXB Terminal 3 – Sata Bus Station | ||
| DXB Terminal 1 | Red Line | 4 | Gold Souk Bus Station – Rashidiya Metro Station |
| 32C | Al Qusais Bus Station – Sata Bus Station | ||
| 33 | Ghubaiba Bus Station – Al Qusais Bus Station | ||
| 42 | Ghubaiba Bus Station – DXB Terminal 1 | ||
| 64A | Gold Souk Bus Station – Ras Al Khor | ||
| GGICO | Red Line | 42 | Ghubaiba Bus Station – DXB Terminal 1 |
| Deira City Centre | Red Line | C14 | Mamzar, Century Mall – Safa Terminus |
| X28 | Lulu Village – Nakheel Metro Station | ||
| 27 | Gold Souk Bus Station – Dubai Mall | ||
| 53 | Ghubaiba Bus Station – International City | ||
| Union | Red Line | C1 | DXB Terminal 3 – Sata Bus Station |
| C2 | Zabeel Park – DXB Terminal 2 | ||
| C5 | Gold Souk Bus Station – Ghubaiba Bus Station | ||
| C28 | Gold Souk Bus Station – Mamzar Beach Park | ||
| C55 | Gold Souk Bus Station – Ghubaiba Bus Station | ||
| E303 | Union Square Metro Station – Sharjah | ||
| E700 | Fujairah – Union Square Metro Station | ||
| E400 | Union Square Metro Station – Ajman | ||
| 4 | Gold Souk Bus Station – Rashidiya Metro Station | ||
| 27 | Gold Souk Metro Station – Dubai Mall | ||
| 64A | Gold Souk Metro Station – Ras Al Khor | ||
| Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall | Red Line | F11 | Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station – Dubai Mall |
| F16 | Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station – Jumeirah 2 | ||
| Business Bay | Red Line | F16 | Dubai Mall – Jumeirah 2 |
| Mall of the Emirates | Red Line | F30 | Mall of the Emirates Metro Station – Arabian Ranches |
| F33 | Mall of the Emirates Metro Station – Al Barsha 3 | ||
| 93 | Ghubaiba Bus Station – The Greens | ||
| Dubai Internet City | Red Line | 88 | DXB Terminal 3 – Nakheel Metro Station |
| X28 | Lulu Village – Nakheel Metro Station | ||
| Dubai Marina | Red Line | F37 | Marina Metro Station – Dubai Marina |
| Ibn Battuta | Red Line | E101 | Abu Dhabi – Ibn Battuta |
| 8 | Ibn Battuta Metro Station – Gold Souk Bus Station | ||
| Etisalat | Green Line | 31 | Gold Souk Bus Station – Oud Al Mateena |
| Abu Hail | Green Line | 13 | Gold Souk Bus Station – Al Qusais Bus Station |
| 48 | Mamzar, Century Mall – Al Rashidiya Metro Station | ||
| X28 | Lulu Village – Nakheel Metro Station | ||
| C2 | Zabeel Park – DXB Terminal 2 | ||
| Baniyas Square | Green Line | 17 | Al Sabkha Bus Station – Al Qusais Bus Station |
| 64A | Gold Souk Bus Station – Ras Al Khor | ||
| Palm Deira | Green Line | 8 | Gold Souk Bus Station – Al Mina Al Siyahi |
| C2 | Zabeel Park – DXB Terminal 2 | ||
| C1 | DXB Terminal 3 – Sata Bus Station | ||
| C55 | Gold Souk Bus Station – Ghubaiba Bus Station | ||
| X23 | Gold Souk Bus Station – International City | ||
| Al Ras | Green Line | 27 | Gold Souk Bus Station – Dubai Mall |
| C2 | Zabeel Park – DXB Terminal 2 | ||
| Al Ghubaiba | Green Line | 8 | Gold Souk Bus Station – Al Mina Al Siyahi |
| C5 | Gold Souk Bus Station – Ghubaiba Bus Station | ||
| X13 | Lulu Village – Al Sata Bus Station | ||
| Oud Metha | Green Line | 22 | Helathcare City – Al Nahda 1 |
| 42 | Ghubaiba Bus Station – DXB Terminal 1 | ||
| 44 | Ghubaiba Bus Station – Dubai Festival City | ||
| C4 | Gold Souk Bus Station – Jadaf | ||
| X23 | Gold Souk Bus Station – International City |
Please Note: This table doesn’t list all bus routes for all Dubai Metro stations. It features data for only a handful of key metro stations and key bus stops in and around Dubai. For the complete list of RTA feeder bus routes, check out the official platform.
Tourist attractions near Dubai Metro Stations
This list can go on and on. But if I’m asked to be specific, let me highlight some of the most significant tourist attractions in Dubai near metro stations. You can make great use of the metro and feeder buses to access these landmarks and get back to your hotels.
1. Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station
Probably the star of this list, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station offers access to some of the most famous landmarks in Dubai, including the iconic Burj Khalifa for incredible glimpses of the city, the gigantic Dubai Mall for endless shopping, and Dubai Fountain for a remarkable night.
Interestingly, the popular Dubai Fountain is apparently resuming its operations from next month. This key landmark ceased operations for a handful of months earlier this year for maintenance reasons. But things are almost back on track for the light and sound celebration to resume.
2. Mall of the Emirates Metro Station
Let’s explore Mall of the Emirates, one of the most famous shopping malls in Dubai. This metro station also offers access to Ski Dubai (one of the key indoor attractions in Dubai) and Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates (one of the most luxurious hotels in Dubai)
3. Ibn Battuta Metro Station
Just as the name suggests, Ibn Battuta Metro Station makes it easy to access another key shopping mall in Dubai, Ibn Battuta Mall. You can also find the Ibn Battuta Bus Station nearby, running buses to different parts of the city at super affordable rates.
4. Gold Souk Metro Station
You cannot miss this one. Located close to one of the most important traditional souks in Dubai, the Gold Souk Metro Station caters to the needs of thousands of people per day. You can access the Gold Souk nearby for different ornaments and precious stones.
The beautiful Gold Souk in Dubai is ideal for purchasing gold ornaments of different designs. But this market is also located close to multiple other traditional souks in Dubai, such as those selling perfumes, spices, fabrics, carpets and more.
5. Al Fahidi Metro Station
Currently called the Sharaf DG Metro Station, this stop is located on the Green Line of Dubai Metro. You can get access to a rich cultural and historical side of Dubai, such as the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and its surrounding areas.
6. Expo City Dubai
You cannot forget this one. This station played a really important role during Expo 2020 Dubai, transporting millions of passengers from across the globe to the global fair. Today, it meets the daily requirements of hundreds of people.
Hotels near Dubai Metro stations
Dubai is a paradise for tourists. You can find a number of fun things to do in this city and be part of incredible experiences you are likely not to find in any other place. There are also countless hotels in Dubai, in different budget ranges.
Be it mid-range or luxury to budget hotels near Dubai Metro stations, the options are certainly almost endless. Some of the most popular family hotels near Dubai Metro stations are located near Mall of the Emirates, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Business Bay, Deira City Centre, BurJuman, DXB Terminal 1, Al Rigga and Union metro stations.
Restaurants near Dubai Metro stations
For best food near Dubai Metro, the list expands fast as fresh names keep popping up daily. You can come to eateries near Mall of the Emirates Metro Station for fine dining and casual dining. Places near Business Bay are perfect for fine dining and cafes.
There are plenty of cheap eats options near Deira City Centre Metro Station, especially for street food and quick bites. Restaurants in Dubai near Burj Khalifa/Dubai Metro station are perfect for those seeking to indulge in some fine dining.
Basically, the list can go on and on. Dubai is a melting pot of cultures and its food scene highlights this fact quite prominently. You can find the presence of different cuisines, too, such as Chinese, Mexican, Emirati, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Italian and Pakistani.
Shopping malls near Dubai Metro stations
Shopping and Dubai go hand-in-hand. You can find a number of special shopping malls in Dubai, featuring different retail outlets, F&B outlets and entertainment options. For example, Mall of the Emirates has Ski Dubai, a special indoor attraction.
You can find many metro stations near shopping malls in Dubai, such as Dubai Mall, BurJuman Mall, Nakheel Mall, Deira City Centre, Marina Mall and Lulu Hypermarkets. Make sure to spare a lot of time for these places as shopping and busy schedules often do not fit.
Dubai Metro travel tips and safety
Planning a trip to Dubai in 2025? You need to check out these Dubai Metro travel tips before entering the trains to explore one of the most futuristic cities today. Let me take you through a list of top tips and recommendations for a safe and comfortable experience.
1. Prepare for peak hour rush
Dubai Metro runs from 5 am from Monday to Saturday and 8 am on Sunday. It ceases its operations at 12 am on all days except Friday (1 am). But peak hours can be a bit crazy. Trains and stations can be really busy from 6 am to 8:30 am and 5 pm to 7 pm.
It is therefore recommended to all the tourists in Dubai to skip using the metro during this time. But if its important, pay some extra dirhams for the Gold Cabin. This cabin features spacious seats, beautiful sights and more comfort. You need to purchase the class-specific ticket for it.
2. Eating and drinking not permitted in Dubai Metro cabins
It’s true. Eating or drinking is not permitted in the Dubai Metro cabins. It is to ensure cleanliness and for other reasons. But you can definitely find a number of food outlets at multiple metro stations and some stops also feature supermarkets. Isn’t it so easy?
3. Get recommendations from hotel concierge
Dubai Metro stations are often named after landmarks, neighbourhoods or financial institutions in close proximity. You can ask your hotel concierge to suggest the right stops. For example, if a tourist needs to get to Burj Khalifa or Dubai Mall, alight at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station.
There are hundreds of hotels in Dubai in different budget ranges. You can find both luxurious and budget properties. These hotels usually have a concierge service that can make accurate recommendations for the nearest metro station to alight at.
4. Free internet
You can get free internet on Dubai Metro trains, making it easy to remain connected to your loved ones at all times. Nonetheless, you can also get SIM cards at Dubai airport itself from different telecommunication companies, such as Etisalat by e&, du and Virgin Mobile.
5. Use your Nol Card on Dubai Metro
You might think that purchasing tickets at the counter for all trips you need to take to get around Dubai during your holiday is better, but it is more recommended to get a Nol Card instead. This tiny piece of card is helpful at almost all times.
Remember (already mentioned in earlier sections of this article), your Dubai Nol Card is not just for metro. It can also be used at supermarkets like Lulu Hypermarket and Zoom stores, plenty of attractions in Dubai, restaurants, fuel stations, shops and more places, too.
6. Collect points on Nol Card
This is the Nol Plus loyalty programme. Metro rides can bring you hefty points. Personalised Nol cards ensure one point per dirham spent – double the rate of unregistered Nol cards. You can use these points for vouchers, discounts and Metro top-ups. Isn’t it great?
7. Taking Dubai Metro straight to attractions
Skip taxis and ride-hailing platforms like Careem and Uber, though they are super user-friendly too. There are multiple attractions in Dubai directly connected to the metro system, such as the Museum of the Future connected to Emirates Towers Metro Station, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall connected to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, and Mall of the Emirates linked to the mall.
8. You don’t need to use the Dubai Mall bridge if not in the mood to
Yes, absolutely. The Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station is directly connected to one of the biggest shopping malls in Dubai through an air-conditioned pedestrian bridge. But some people might not prefer using this bridge at all times.
In such cases, use the F13 feeder bus from the station. It drops its passengers right at the entrance of Dubai Mall. Isn’t it so convenient? These feeder buses run at frequent intervals and are super affordable, too.
9. Don’t forget Nol Travel Card
To all tourists in Dubai, pay attention. Back in 2024, the Nol Travel Card came into the limelight. It offers a number of incredible benefits, such as discounts at attractions, hotels, shops and restaurants in Dubai. It can be used like a normal Nol Card but some extra perks remain.
10. Parking at Dubai Metro Stations
Renting a car in Dubai in 2025? The UAE driving licence rules are more flexible than before. This is part of the ‘Markhoos’ system that helps in the recognition and exchange of licences for both foreign nationals entering the UAE and Emirati citizens staying abroad.
Because of the recent update, people from more than 50 countries can use their national driving licences to legally drive in the UAE. You can find a complete guide to UAE driving licence rules on Travel to Dubai, including licence recognition and licence exchange.
Coming to the topic of parking at Dubai Metro stations, the options are many. You can bid goodbye to city-centre parking rush and get your car parked at some of the metro stations. Centrepoint and Etisalat by e& are offering free multi-storey parking for metro users.
11. Dubai Metro cabins for female passengers
You can find special cabins for female passengers and children, featuring extra space for push-chairs. You can look for pink signs along station tracks and inside cabins. Nonetheless, it is not mandatory for female passengers to commute in these dedicated sections only.
12. Your Dubai Metro Fair
You can use the Dubai Metro to explore the entire city for a complete day and pay no more than Dh14 (excluding Gold Class cabins) because after this its FREE. Plus, kids under the age of 5 or shorter than 90 cm can ride the metro for FREE.
13. Dubai Metro Ticket Offices
You can buy and top-up your Nol Card or ticket at ticket offices at all open Dubai Metro Stations, in addition to 7 bus stations, like DXB Terminal 1, 2 and 3, Al Ghubaiba Bus Station, Gold Souk Bus Station, Jebel Ali Bus Station and Sabka Bus Station.
Dubai Metro Tourist Guide
Let’s understand Dubai sightseeing by Metro. It is quite easy and super comfortable, actually. For a long time, Dubai Metro has been helping make different neighbourhoods and attractions in the city more accessible for tourists and residents alike.
But there are some things to keep in mind for a better experience. First of all, Dubai Metro can be quite busy during peak hours as thousands of commuters use the trains to get to their offices or get back home.
It is therefore recommended to all the tourists in Dubai to skip using the metro during this time. But if it’s important, pay some extra dirhams for the Gold Cabin. This cabin features spacious seats, beautiful sights and more comfort. You need to purchase the class-specific ticket for it.
You can ask your hotel concierge for the right recommendations about the station to alight at to get to your hotel fast. There are dozens of stations, each catering to different areas in Dubai. For example, if your hotel is near Burj Khalifa, alight at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station.
Last but not the least, use the Nol Card at all times. It is not recommended to keep purchasing separate Dubai Metro tickets each time you use the trains. Purchase a Nol Card at a station, bus stop, store or other facilities and top it up in a matter of seconds.
Dubai Metro Guide 2025: Frequently asked questions
1. What are Dubai Metro timings during weekends and public holidays?
The fully automated Dubai Metro starts operations from 5 am on all days except Sundays and ceases operations at 12 am on all days except Fridays. On public holidays, timings could be a little different to accommodate more tourists coming to Dubai during this time.
In 2024, from December 28 to December 30, trains started operations from 2 am. This extension applied to stations from Centrepoint to GGICO on the Red Line. But on December 31, the Dubai Metro started operations at 5 am and didn’t stop running until the end of January 1. This helped many people skip the busy streets.
2. What is the minimum price of a Dubai Metro ticket in 2025?
Dubai Metro is an affordable mode of transportation. Your Dubai Metro fare is calculated on the basis of your type of ticket and zones you pass through during the journey. You can expect a single journey to cost in the range of Dh3 to Dh7.50.
Besides the Nol card, there are other Dubai Metro ticket options. Don’t forget day passes. They are incredibly useful in exploring different parts of Dubai. You can purchase a one-day pass, a 7-day pass, a 30-day pass and a 90-day pass.
You can use the metro to explore the entire city for a complete day and pay no more than Dh14 (excluding Gold Class cabins) because after this its FREE. Plus, kids under the age of 5 or shorter than 90 cm can ride the metro for FREE.
3. What is the difference beteen Dubai Metro Red Line and Green Lines?
The difference typically lies in the neighborhoods, attractions and financial institutions these lines cater to. Some of the most significant stops on the Red Line are Dubai Marina, Mall of the Emirates, Sharaf DG, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, DXB Terminal 1 and 3, and Centrepoint Stations. For the Green Line, Al Fahidi, Al Qusais, Abu Hail and Al Ras stations are important.
4. Can tourists use Nol Cards on Dubai Metro?
Of course, they can and they should, too. Tourists in Dubai mostly prefer the Red Nol card. Priced at Dh2 and valid for 90 days or 10 trips, this card can be purchased at ticket vending machines. But there is another type of Nol card to focus on – going by the name ‘Nol Travel Card’.
Besides the usual access to Dubai Metro, taxi and parking, Nol Travel Card can also be used for discounts of up to Dh70,000 on multiple products and services in Dubai. There are different deals to catch at hotels, restaurants, retail outlets, travel agencies in Dubai and more.
5. Which Metro Station is closest to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall?
Considered one of the most important tourist attractions in Dubai, Burj Khalifa is an architectural masterpiece. The adjoining Dubai Mall is also one of the best things to do in Dubai – i.e., shopping. You can access both of these places from Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station.
6. Can I get some idea about the number of zones in Dubai Metro?
Certainly. The fully automated Dubai Metro system consists of 7 zones across the city and the fare is calculated on the basis of the number of zones you pass through on a journey. The fare is calculated and automatically deducted from your e-purse, depending on the number of zones and the type of ticket you have purchased.
7. Is Dubai Metro connected to Abu Dhabi?
No. Currently, the Dubai Metro is not directly connected to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi. But things change fast in this country and you can expect a lot of progress in the near future. The Etihad Rail project is scheduled to launch soon.
This project is extremely special as it is going to connect these burgeoning cities using a high-speed passenger rail line. You can find more details on this in our Etihad Rail guide. It appears some major changes are rolling in!
8. Which are the interchange stations in Dubai Metro?
There are a couple of interchange stations in Dubai Metro, named BurJuman Metro Station and Union Metro Station. Both these stops seamlessly connect the Green and Red Line. You can get access to a range of facilities at these stations, besides F&B outlets and supermarkets.
Dubai Metro Guide 2025: In a nutshell
Hope this Dubai Metro complete guide helps you plan better and more comfortable trips around the city. Not just for residents, this fully automated system has been helping tourists, too, commute across Dubai at ease.
Dubai Metro also ensures affordability. Your trip is not going to take a toll on your pocket. The operating hours are ideal for most passengers as trains start running from early in the morning and cease operations late in the night at 12 am or 1 am.
Hope the aforementioned Dubai public transport tips 2025 are useful in planning better trips to the futuristic city. You are going to adore this place, for sure. Dubai is a paradise for shopping enthusiasts, thrill seekers, foodies and entertainment seekers.
Use Dubai Metro for your UAE trip. The upcoming Etihad Rail is also going to connect Abu Dhabi and Dubai, making commutes much faster than before. Explore Dubai for its restaurants, hotels, entertainment offerings, public parks, shopping malls, cultural heritage and scenery.
Just hop onto Dubai Metro after landing at Dubai International (DXB). Happy exploring!
1 AED