Dubai Metro to Expo City: The Easiest Way to Get There
Complete guide to reaching Expo City Dubai by metro using the Route 2020 line.
Getting to Expo City by metro is actually easier than most people expect. You just need to know about the Route 2020 line, which runs from DMCC station and ends right at the Expo City entrance.
The Route 2020 line opened with the 2020 World Expo and continues to serve the area. You change from the Red Line to Route 2020 at DMCC station, then ride to the Expo City Dubai terminus.
Recommended options
Expo Valley Residences
Accommodation directly within Expo City development
AED 600-1,100
For visitors who want to stay on the Expo City site itself, these units offer the closest possible base to the pavilions and event spaces.
Premier Inn Dubai Investments Park
Budget friendly option near the Route 2020 southern end
AED 200-360
A practical lower cost choice for visitors using the Route 2020 line who want straightforward rooms and easy metro access.
Avani Ibn Battuta Dubai Hotel
Mid range option near Ibn Battuta with Route 2020 line access
AED 380-700
A comfortable base that keeps you on the Route 2020 and Red Line corridors while offering a broader range of surrounding amenities.
How to get there
From anywhere on the Red Line, travel to DMCC station (station code R21). From there, follow signs for the Route 2020 platform. The two lines share the station so the connection is covered and straightforward.
Board a Route 2020 train and ride to Expo City Dubai station. The journey from DMCC takes about 15 minutes. From Airport T3 including the Red Line portion, total travel time is around 50-60 minutes.
The fare from Airport T3 to Expo City is AED 7.50. From Dubai Mall it is also AED 7.50. From DMCC itself it is AED 3 for the shorter Route 2020 leg.
- Change at DMCC from Red Line to Route 2020
- Expo City Dubai is the Route 2020 terminal station
- Trains run regularly, roughly every 7-10 minutes
What Expo City is now in 2026
After the 2020 World Expo closed, the site was transformed into a mixed use urban district called Expo City Dubai. It now hosts offices, residences, event spaces, cultural venues, and permanent pavilions including Al Wasl Plaza.
Events and exhibitions run year round, so check what is on before you visit. Some of the original country pavilions have been repurposed as innovation hubs and visitor attractions.
It is a walkable site and the weather-aware design means the outdoor areas are more comfortable than many open spaces in Dubai.
Best time to visit
Morning visits work well for exploring the grounds without peak heat. Evening visits are popular when outdoor lighting transforms the site, especially around Al Wasl Plaza.
Check the Expo City Dubai events calendar before planning. Some weekends feature large events that make the site much busier than usual.
- Evening visits offer the best outdoor atmosphere
- Check the events calendar at expocitydubai.com
- Weekday mornings are quietest for exploring
Hotels near Route 2020 stations
Several hotels along the Route 2020 corridor offer useful access for visitors making Expo City a central part of their trip.
Quick reference
| Starting Point | Fare and Journey Time |
|---|---|
| Airport T3 to Expo City Dubai | AED 7.50, approx 55 min |
| Dubai Mall to Expo City Dubai | AED 7.50, approx 40 min |
| DMCC (Marina) to Expo City Dubai | AED 3, approx 15 min |
| Mall of the Emirates to Expo City Dubai | AED 5, approx 25 min |
Explore more guides
Visit the full guide section for more Dubai Metro travel pages, route tips, and area guides.