Dubai Metro with Kids: Complete Family Guide 2026
Everything parents need to know about travelling on Dubai Metro with children including fares, cabins and practical tips.
Taking the Dubai Metro with children is easier than many parents expect. The trains are clean, air conditioned, and there are specific rules and spaces that make it more comfortable for families.
The key things to know before you go: children aged 5 and under travel free, there is a dedicated Women and Children cabin at the front of every train, and most major stations have lift access for pushchairs.
Recommended options
Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa
Red Line, Burj Khalifa Dubai Mall station
The aquarium, ice rink, and Dubai Fountain are all inside or right next to Dubai Mall. It is one of the easiest full day family trips by metro with no extra transfer needed.
Global Village
Red Line to Sharaf DG, then taxi or bus
Open seasonally from October to April. The metro gets you most of the way and a short bus or taxi finishes the trip. A great evening out for families with older children.
Mall of the Emirates and Ski Dubai
Red Line, Mall of the Emirates station
Ski Dubai inside the mall is one of the most popular kids activities in the city. Direct metro access with no transfer makes it simple to plan.
Dubai Frame
Red Line, Al Jafiliya station, short taxi
The glass floor walkway at the top of the Dubai Frame is a big hit with older children. The metro gets you close and a quick taxi or walk from Al Jafiliya finishes the journey.
Fares for children
Children aged 5 and under travel free on Dubai Metro with no Nol card needed. From age 6 onwards, a standard Silver class fare applies and they will need their own Nol card to pass through the gates.
It is worth picking up a card for children aged 6 and above before your first journey. You can load it at any station machine, and a Silver card costs AED 25 including AED 19 of starting credit.
- Age 5 and under: free travel, no Nol card needed
- Age 6 and above: standard Silver fare, Nol card required
- Nol Silver card: AED 25 (includes AED 19 starting credit)
Strollers and buggies
Pushchairs and strollers are allowed on Dubai Metro. Use the wider doors at the ends of each carriage for easier access, and try to position yourself near the door during busy periods so exiting is smooth.
During peak hours on busy routes, the carriages can get crowded. If you have a folding stroller, folding it during those periods makes the journey more comfortable for everyone.
Lifts are available at most stations including Airport T3, Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Union. Check the RTA website for a full list if you are planning a specific route.
Women and Children cabin
The Women and Children cabin is at the front of every train. Women and children under 10 can use it regardless of which class ticket they hold. It tends to be quieter and less crowded than Silver carriages.
Male passengers are not permitted in this cabin. For mothers travelling alone with children, it is the most comfortable option on the train.
- Located at the front of every train
- Open to women and children under 10
- Often less crowded than standard Silver class
Best family destinations by metro
Some of the best family day trips in Dubai are directly accessible by metro. Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa are the most obvious, but Global Village and Miracle Garden can also be reached with the right connection.
Quick reference
| Passenger | Fare Rule |
|---|---|
| Child aged 5 and under | Free, no Nol card needed |
| Child aged 6 and above | Standard Silver fare (AED 3-7.50), Nol card required |
| Adult accompanying child | Standard fare applies as normal |
| Women and Children cabin | Free for women and children under 10, no extra charge |
| People of Determination | Free travel on Personal (Blue) card |
| Students / Senior Emiratis | 50% discount on Personal card fares |
Explore more guides
Visit the full guide section for more Dubai Metro travel pages, route tips, and area guides.