Your complete guide to Dubai Metro - fares, maps, timings & routes.
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Everything you need to know about traveling on the Dubai Metro, from rules and fares to new expansions.
A complete guide to exploring Dubai, comparing Old and New Dubai, souks, malls, and metro tips.
Read GuideHow to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi using the metro and bus network.
Read GuideEverything you need to know about the Blue Line - 14 stations, two routes, opening 2029.
Read GuideRoute, stations, timeline, and the latest official updates on Dubai's Gold Line.
Read Guide| Line | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Red Line | Normal | No disruptions reported |
| Green Line | Normal | No disruptions reported |
| Dubai Tram | Normal | No disruptions reported |
For live updates follow @RTA_Dubai on X or check rta.ae
The Dubai Metro is one of the fastest and most reliable ways to travel across the city, offering air-conditioned comfort and affordable fares. Whether you’re heading to work, catching a flight, exploring tourist attractions, or spending the evening with friends, knowing the updated metro timings helps you plan your day without delays.
Below is the complete 2026 schedule for the Red Line, Green Line, and the Dubai Tram, along with public holiday hours. Timings may be adjusted during special events, so it’s always wise to check RTA announcements before you travel.
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 key hubs like Union, BurJuman, Mall of the Emirates, and Dubai Marina. This line connects both business districts and leisure destinations, making it the busiest in the network.
Trains on the Red Line arrive every 2–4 minutes during peak hours and every 5–7 minutes during off-peak times. If you’re connecting to the airport, note that Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 stations are on this route, so plan your journey with luggage in mind.
| Day | Operating Hours | Commuter Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Morning rush between 7:00–9:00 AM, evening peak around 5:30–7:30 PM. |
| Friday | 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Next Day) | Longer hours for weekend nightlife and shopping crowds. |
| Saturday | 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Busy mid-day with families, quieter evenings after 9 PM. |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Steady flow from late morning to evening. |
The Green Line is perfect for exploring the city’s historic and cultural side. It stretches from Etisalat Station in Al Qusais to Creek Station in Al Jaddaf, passing through heritage-rich areas like Al Fahidi, Gold Souk, and Baniyas Square.
While the Green Line is generally less crowded than the Red Line, mornings and late afternoons can still see heavy traffic from office commuters and tourists heading to traditional markets.
| Day | Operating Hours | Travel Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Morning rush between 7:00–9:00 AM, evening peak around 5:30–7:30 PM. |
| Friday | 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Next Day) | Longer hours for weekend nightlife and shopping crowds. |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Busy mid-day with families, quieter evenings after 9 PM. |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Steady flow from late morning to evening. |
The Dubai Tram is a scenic way to travel along the coast, especially if you’re visiting Dubai Marina, JBR, or Palm Jumeirah. The tram links with the Red Line at Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers stations.
Trams run at intervals of 8–10 minutes during peak hours and slightly longer in off-peak times. All tram stations are equipped with platform screen doors for safety and full air-conditioning for comfort.
| Day | Operating Hours | Local Insights |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Next Day) | Smooth flow during workdays, peak between 6–9 PM. |
| Saturday | 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Next Day) | Tourists and beachgoers fill cabins after 10 AM. |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Next Day) | Late start; busiest near sunset in Marina and JBR areas. |
During major holidays and city-wide celebrations, the RTA often extends metro operating hours to manage higher passenger numbers. Whether it’s fireworks on New Year’s Eve or evening shopping during Eid, expect trains to be fuller and services to run later into the night.
| Holiday/Event | Operating Hours | Passenger Patterns |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Eve & Day | 5:00 AM – 2:00 AM (Next Day) | Extra hours for fireworks and public celebrations. |
| Eid Al Fitr | 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Next Day) | Crowded after Iftar; families visiting malls and events. |
| Eid Al Adha | 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Next Day) | Similar to Eid Al Fitr; expect evening rush. |
| UAE National Day | 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Next Day) | Heavy passenger flow near celebration venues. |
| Other Public Holidays | 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Varies depending on city events. |
Dubai continues to expand its metro network to meet the needs of its growing population and tourism sector. Planned projects include the Red Line extension towards Meydan and the Blue Line, which will connect key residential communities to the city’s central business districts.
By 2030, the RTA aims to have over 90% of Dubai’s population living within walking distance of a public transport station. These developments will not only reduce road traffic but also make daily commuting more efficient for residents and visitors alike.
Keep in mind that train frequency may vary during late hours and weekends. If you’re traveling to connect with buses or the Dubai Tram, allow some extra time for transfers. For the latest updates, visit the official RTA website.
Real stories from tourists, commuters, and families who have used the Dubai Metro.
“Airport to Dubai Mall in under 40 minutes”
Landed at Terminal 3 at midnight, followed the metro signs, bought a Nol card in two minutes and was at Burj Khalifa Dubai Mall station before I expected to be. The train was clean, cold, and quiet. The fountain show was still running when I walked out. As a solo traveller I felt completely safe the whole way.
Priya
Mumbai, India
“Two years commuting Business Bay to DIFC”
The metro removed all the unpredictability from my mornings. I walk 12 minutes, the train comes, and I know exactly when I arrive at the office. Gold class is worth it on busy Mondays. The only issue is frequency dropping off around 7pm - plan your evening departure around that if you can.
Khalid
Business Bay, Dubai
“Bus to Ibn Battuta then metro for the whole day”
We take the bus from Abu Dhabi to Ibn Battuta and then use the metro for everything - Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, Deira via Union. The total metro cost for the day is less than one hour of Dubai Mall parking. Saturday afternoons get crowded heading back, so we aim to leave before 3pm.
Sara
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Dubai Metro is more than just a mode of transportation - it connects the city's vibrant neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and busy business districts. Since 2009, it has transformed how residents and visitors move across Dubai, offering a safe, reliable, and eco-friendly alternative to road travel.
At Dubai Metro Rails, we bring you detailed station guides, fare information, expansion updates, and insider travel tips. Whether it's your first trip or daily commute, our goal is to make your journey smooth and hassle-free.
Operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Metro is one of the most advanced driverless rail systems in the world. It currently features two operational lines - Red Line and Green Line - with the Blue Line in development.
With over 80 kilometers of track and dozens of strategically located stations near malls, offices, and tourist attractions, the Dubai Metro is central to daily life in the city.
The Metro is designed for convenience, with clearly marked stations and connections to other transport modes.
Transfers between Red and Green lines are easy at Union and BurJuman stations.
Traveling on the Metro is cashless and affordable with the Nol card system. Simply tap in and out - no tickets required.
Fares depend on zones traveled, starting as low as AED 3. Cards can be recharged at machines, service centers, or online.
