Dubai Metro is the most reliable way to cross the city. No traffic, no parking, no surge pricing. It moves around 600,000 passengers every day across 53 stations and two active lines. But knowing the timing before you head out saves you from standing on a platform after the last train has gone.
The Dubai Metro was inaugurated on 9 September 2009. It operates two active lines: the Red Line and the Green Line. A third line, the Blue Line, is under construction with a 2029 opening target. A fourth, the Gold Line, was announced in April 2026 with a 2032 target.
First train is at 5:00 AM Monday to Saturday and at 8:00 AM on Sunday. The last train is at midnight most nights and at 1:00 AM on Fridays. Before you travel, always check and top up your Nol card since no cash is accepted on board. And if you need to connect onwards, check RTA bus routes that run from Metro stations across the city.
Dubai Metro Timings | Opening and Closing Hours
Both the Red Line and the Green Line follow the same daily schedule. First and last train times can vary from station to station. Always check your specific departure station on the RTA Dubai app or official website for exact times.
| Day | First Train | Last Train |
| Monday | 5:00 AM | 12:00 AM (midnight) |
| Tuesday | 5:00 AM | 12:00 AM (midnight) |
| Wednesday | 5:00 AM | 12:00 AM (midnight) |
| Thursday | 5:00 AM | 12:00 AM (midnight) |
| Friday | 5:00 AM | 1:00 AM (early Saturday) |
| Saturday | 5:00 AM | 12:00 AM (midnight) |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM | 12:00 AM (midnight) |
Friday: The Metro runs until 1:00 AM on Friday night to accommodate evening and late-night travel. This is technically into Saturday morning.
Sunday: The Metro starts at 8:00 AM, three hours later than on other days. This catches a lot of travellers off guard. If you have an early flight or a Sunday appointment, plan around this.
The Metro is operational on all public holidays. During major events like New Year, Eid, and National Day, the RTA usually extends operating hours. Always check the official RTA website before travelling on those dates.
How Often Do Dubai Metro Trains Run?
Frequency varies by time of day and by line. The Metro runs fully automated with no drivers, which keeps the schedule consistent and reliable.
| Time Period | Red Line Frequency | Green Line Frequency |
| Peak hours (7:00 to 9:30 AM and 5:00 to 8:00 PM) | Every 2 to 4 minutes | Every 3 to 5 minutes |
| Off-peak hours (daytime) | Every 5 to 7 minutes | Every 5 to 8 minutes |
| Late night (after 10:00 PM) | Every 7 to 10 minutes | Every 7 to 10 minutes |
During special events, the frequency can increase significantly. RTA announces the special schedules in advance on the RTA Dubai app and website.
Dubai Metro Red Line Timing and Stations
The Red Line is the backbone of the Dubai Metro, running from Centrepoint Station in Rashidiya all the way to Expo 2020 in the south. It passes through Union, Burjuman, Mall of the Emirates, and Dubai Marina. This is the busiest line in the network.
Total length: 52.1 km, making it the world’s longest single-line driverless metro. It has 35 stations plus 2 on the Route 2020 extension.
| Day | First Train (Centrepoint) | Last Train |
| Monday to Thursday | 5:00 AM | 12:03 AM |
| Friday | 5:00 AM | 1:03 AM |
| Saturday | 5:00 AM | 12:03 AM |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM | 12:05 AM |
Red Line All Stations (R11 to R90):
| Code | Station Name | Notable Connection |
| R11 | Centrepoint (Rashidiya) | Bus interchange, Terminal 1 and 3 nearby |
| R12 | Dubai Airport Terminal 3 | Arrives directly at T3 |
| R13 | Dubai Airport Terminal 1 | Arrives directly at T1 |
| R14 | Emirates | Residential area |
| R15 | Abu Hail | Bus interchange |
| R16 | Al Qiyadah | Bus interchange |
| R17 | Abu Baker Al Siddique | Business area |
| R18 | Union | Interchange to Green Line |
| R19 | BurJuman | Interchange to Green Line |
| R20 | Al Fahidi | Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood |
| R21 | Al Ghubaiba | Bus station, ferry terminal |
| R22 | Al Ras | Gold Souq, Heritage Area |
| R23 | Salah Al Din | Deira area |
| R24 | Stadium | Dubai Rugby Sevens |
| R25 | Al Qusais | Bus interchange |
| R26 | Rashidiya | Mirdif area |
| R27 | Dubai Internet City | DIC free zone |
| R28 | Sharaf DG | Karama, Trade Centre |
| R29 | ADCB | Business Bay adjacent |
| R30 | Max | Financial Centre area |
| R31 | Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall | Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain |
| R32 | Business Bay | Business Bay towers |
| R33 | Financial Centre | DIFC |
| R34 | Emirates Towers | Emirates Towers, SZR |
| R35 | First Abu Dhabi Bank | Zabeel Park |
| R36 | Al Jafiliya | Zabeel district |
| R37 | World Trade Centre | DWTC, exhibitions |
| R38 | Stadium | Al Wasl area |
| R39 | Noor Bank | JLT adjacent |
| R40 | Dubai Marina | Dubai Marina, beach access |
| R41 | DMCC | JLT towers |
| R42 | Sobha Realty | Dubai Tram interchange |
| R43 | Nakheel Harbour and Tower | Palm Jumeirah feeder bus |
| R44 | Ibn Battuta | Ibn Battuta Mall |
| R45 | Energy | |
| R46 | Jebel Ali | Dubai South |
| R47 | UAE Exchange | Route 2020 branch starts |
| R90 | Expo 2020 | Expo City Dubai |
Dubai Metro Green Line Timing and Stations
The Green Line runs through the heart of Dubai, connecting historical Deira with Bur Dubai and other commercial, residential, and cultural areas. It stretches 22.5 kilometres across 20 stations.
| Day | First Train | Last Train |
| Monday to Thursday | 5:00 AM | 12:12 AM |
| Friday | 5:00 AM | 1:12 AM |
| Saturday | 5:00 AM | 12:12 AM |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM | 12:15 AM |
Green Line All Stations (G11 to G30):
| Code | Station Name | Notable Connection |
| G11 | e& (Etisalat) | Al Qusais residential |
| G12 | Al Qusais | Bus interchange |
| G13 | Rashidiya | |
| G14 | Airport Terminal 3 | T3 connections via walkway |
| G15 | Al Nahda | |
| G16 | Centrepoint | |
| G17 | Abu Hail | Bus interchange |
| G18 | Salah Al Din | Deira area |
| G19 | Al Rigga | Deira shopping |
| G20 | Union | Interchange to Red Line |
| G21 | BurJuman | Interchange to Red Line |
| G22 | Al Fahidi | Old Dubai, museums |
| G23 | Al Ghubaiba | Ferry terminal, bus station |
| G24 | Al Ras | Gold Souq, Spice Souq |
| G25 | Baniyas Square | Deira, hotels |
| G26 | Palm Deira | |
| G27 | Dubai Healthcare City | Medical area |
| G28 | Al Jadaf | Cultural village |
| G29 | Creek | Dubai Festival City |
| G30 | Creek | Green Line terminus |
Union Station and Burjuman Station are the two interchange points between the Green and Red Lines. Passengers can transfer between lines using the same Nol card at no extra charge if the transfer is completed within 45 minutes of the first tap.
Dubai Metro Fares: Nol Card Prices and Zones
Dubai Metro uses a zone-based fare system. Fares are calculated based on how many zones you travel through. Cash is not accepted on Dubai Metro. Always recharge your Nol card before boarding to avoid being turned away at the gate.
| Zones | Nol Red Ticket (Disposable) | Nol Silver Card | Nol Gold Card |
| 1 zone | AED 3.00 | AED 3.00 | AED 6.00 |
| 2 zones | AED 5.00 | AED 5.00 | AED 10.00 |
| 3 zones | AED 7.50 | AED 7.50 | AED 15.00 |
| Daily cap (bus and Metro combined) | N/A | AED 20.00 max | N/A |
| Monthly cap | N/A | AED 300.00 | N/A |
Nol Gold Card gives access to the Gold Class cabin at the front of every train, a premium less-crowded carriage with wider seats.
Children under 5 and People of Determination travel free. The last carriage on every train is designated for women and children during all operating hours.
Dubai Metro to Dubai Airport: Timing and Stations
The Red Line serves both Dubai International Airport terminals directly.
| Terminal | Metro Station | Line |
| Terminal 1 | Dubai Airport Terminal 1 (R13) | Red Line |
| Terminal 3 | Dubai Airport Terminal 3 (R12) | Red Line |
| Terminal 2 | No direct Metro connection | Take Bus A02 or A04 from Gold Souq |
Journey times to Terminal 3 (R12):
| From Station | Journey Time to T3 | Direction |
| Union Station | Approximately 10 minutes | Rashidiya direction |
| Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall | Approximately 25 minutes | Rashidiya direction |
| Dubai Marina | Approximately 45 minutes | Rashidiya direction |
| Mall of the Emirates | Approximately 35 minutes | Rashidiya direction |
Metro is available from the airport during all operating hours from 5:00 AM. For very early morning or late-night flights outside Metro hours, use taxis, ride-hailing apps, or check airport bus routes if the Metro is not running.
Dubai Tram Timing and Connection to Metro
The Dubai Tram runs along the Jumeirah coast and connects to the Red Line at Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers stations. The same Nol card works on the Tram. Zones apply.
| Day | Tram First Service | Tram Last Service |
| Monday to Saturday | 6:00 AM | 1:00 AM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM | 1:00 AM |
The Tram runs 11 stations from Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) to Dubai Media City at intervals of 8 to 10 minutes during peak hours. From Nakheel Harbour Station, the Palm Monorail connects to Palm Jumeirah.
Dubai Metro Timings During Ramadan
During Ramadan, Dubai Metro timings are adjusted to accommodate late-night prayers and activities. The standard Ramadan schedule is below, but always confirm the exact dates on the RTA webpage when Ramadan approaches since timings shift slightly each year.
| Day | First Train | Last Train |
| Sunday to Thursday | 5:30 AM | 1:00 AM |
| Friday | 5:30 AM | 2:00 AM |
| Saturday | 5:30 AM | 1:00 AM |
Trains run later during Ramadan to accommodate Taraweeh prayers. The Metro may also see extended hours on Laylat Al Qadr (the Night of Power). Always check the RTA app closer to the time as exact Ramadan hours are confirmed a few days before the month begins.
How to Use Dubai Metro: Step by Step
- Get a Nol card. Available at any Metro station ticket machine or customer service office. A Nol Silver Card costs AED 25 (includes AED 19 credit). A Nol Red Ticket (single-use) is also available at machines.
- Top up your Nol card before travelling. Machines at every station accept cash and cards. Minimum AED 7.50 is needed to board.
- Tap your Nol card at the entry gate when entering the station. The gate opens and the fare is deducted at the exit.
- Check the platform screen to confirm you are on the correct line and direction.
- Board the correct carriage. The first carriage is Gold Class (Nol Gold holders only). The last carriage is for Women and Children only during all hours.
- Tap your card again when exiting. Forgetting to tap out means you are charged the maximum zone fare
- For transfers between the Red and Green Lines, change at Union or Burjuman station. No additional fare applies within 45 minutes of your first tap.
Free Wi-Fi is available at all Metro stations and onboard all trains. Eating, drinking, and smoking inside stations and trains carry a fine of AED 200. You can manage your Dubai road and transport expenses including Salik and Nol in one place.
Dubai Metro Blue Line and Gold Line: Latest Updates
Dubai continues to expand its public transit network with major new rail projects across the city. Review the latest official progress details and launch timelines for these upcoming transit routes below.
Dubai Metro Blue Line (Opening 2029)
The Blue Line is under active construction. In May 2026, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurated tunnelling works on the line. The official opening target is 9 September 2029, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro.
Route: 30 km, Y-shaped, 14 stations across 9 districts. Key areas served include Mirdif, Al Warqa, International City 1 and 2, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Dubai Festival City. It will connect to the Green Line at Creek Station and the Red Line at Centrepoint Station.
Construction had reached 10% completion within five months and was on track, with a target of 30% by the end of 2026. The Blue Line is not yet operational. There are no Blue Line timings until 2029.
Dubai Metro Gold Line (Announced April 2026)
On 22 April 2026, Dubai officially announced the Gold Line. It will run 42 km with 18 stations, all underground, connecting Al Ghubaiba on the Green Line with Business Bay and Jumeirah Golf Estates on the Red Line.
Gold Line target opening: 9 September 2032. After both the Blue Line and Gold Line open, the total Dubai Metro network will cover 162 km and 85 stations, reaching parts of Dubai that currently have no rail connection.
Dubai Metro Tips for Daily Commuters and Tourists
- Check the RTA Dubai app before leaving. It shows real-time arrivals, any engineering works, and planned delays.
- The Red Line gets very busy from 7:30 to 9:00 AM inbound toward Business Bay and 5:30 to 7:30 PM outbound. Shifting your time by 30 minutes usually means a seat.
- The Sunday 8:00 AM start catches people off guard constantly. If you have a Sunday flight or an early appointment, plan for an extra hour.
- For Dubai Mall, alight at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station (R31). A free air-conditioned walkway connects the station to the mall.
- For Palm Jumeirah: take the Red Line to Nakheel Harbour and Tower (R43) then feeder buses F19A or F19B.
- The Nol card works on buses, tram, Metro, and water buses. One card covers everything. Check today’s Dubai Metro schedule before heading out and earn cashback on Metro and bus travel with the Emirates Islamic RTA card.
Final Thoughts
Dubai Metro runs almost 19 hours a day, 7 days a week. The only real gap is Sunday morning when it starts at 8:00 AM instead of 5:00 AM. For most journeys in Dubai, a Nol Silver card with a topped-up balance gets you everywhere on buses, Metro, Tram, and Water Bus.
The timing tables in this article reflect the standard 2026 schedule. Always verify on the RTA app or site before travelling during public holidays, Ramadan, or major events when schedules shift. If the Metro is closed, RTA buses that run when the Metro is closed cover most of the same routes throughout the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Dubai Metro open and close?
The Dubai Metro runs from 5:00 AM to midnight Monday, Thursday and Saturday, until 1:00 AM on Friday, and from 8:00 AM on Sunday. These hours apply to both the Red Line and the Green Line.
What time is the last Metro in Dubai?
The last Metro departs at midnight on most days. On Fridays, it runs until 1:00 AM. Exact last train times vary slightly by station, so check the RTA app for the last departure from your specific station.
What time does Dubai Metro start on Sunday?
Dubai Metro starts at 8:00 AM on Sunday, which is three hours later than the rest of the week. Plan your Sunday morning travel accordingly, especially if you have an early flight or an appointment.
Does Dubai Metro run 24 hours?
No. The gap is between midnight and 5:00 AM on most nights, and between 1:00 AM and 8:00 AM from Saturday night into Sunday. During this gap, taxis, ride-hailing apps, and some RTA night buses are alternatives.
How often do Dubai Metro trains run?
Red Line trains arrive every 2 to 4 minutes during peak hours and every 5 to 7 minutes off-peak. Green Line trains run every 3 to 5 minutes during peak and every 5 to 8 minutes off-peak.
Which Metro station is closest to Dubai Mall?
Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station (R31) is the closest. A free air-conditioned walkway connects the station directly to the mall and Burj Khalifa area.
Does Dubai Metro go to the airport?
Yes. The Red Line serves Dubai International Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 directly. Terminal 2 is not served by the Metro. For Terminal 2, take RTA Airport Bus A02 or A04.
When does the Dubai Metro Blue Line open?
The official opening target for 2029 is 9 September. As of mid-2026, tunnelling works are underway and construction is on schedule. The Blue Line is not currently operational.
How much does Dubai Metro cost?
With a Nol Silver card: AED 3 for 1 zone, AED 5 for 2 zones, and AED 7.50 for 3 zones. The daily travel cap is AED 20 and the monthly cap is AED 300. Gold Class costs double those fares.
Haris Khan is the lead content expert at TheEmiratesGuides.com, where he oversees the documentation of UAE visa processes, employment opportunities, and government services. With a commitment to factual integrity and real-time updates, he provides the technical expertise necessary to guide readers through the complexities of life and work in the UAE.