Dubai Metro Timings
Plan your journey with the latest Dubai Metro timings. The Dubai Metro operates on two lines - the Red Line and the Green Line - with specific operating hours.
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 2025 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.
Dubai Metro – Red Line Timings
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 | 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. |
Dubai Metro – Green Line Timings
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. |
Dubai Tram Timings
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. |
Dubai Metro Timings on Public Holidays
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. |
Future Metro Extensions
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Dubai Metro fares are calculated based on the number of zones you travel through. The network is divided into 7 zones. Traveling within 1 zone costs AED 3 with a Silver Nol card, 2 zones costs AED 5, and 3 or more zones costs AED 7.5. There are also special rates for Red tickets (paper tickets) and Gold Class (premium cabin).
- Yes, Dubai Metro offers a daily fare cap of AED 14 for Silver Nol cards and AED 7 for Blue Nol cards. This means you won't pay more than the capped amount regardless of how many journeys you make in a day. Additionally, there are monthly passes available: Silver Nol passes cost AED 300 for all zones, while Gold passes cost AED 500.
- Yes, students, seniors (aged 60+), and people of determination can get a 50% discount on all Dubai Metro fares by using a personalized Blue Nol card. To get this card, eligible individuals need to apply at an RTA customer service center with the required documentation (student ID, Emirates ID showing age, or disability card).
- Gold Class is a premium service that costs twice as much as Standard Class. Gold Class passengers travel in a dedicated cabin at the front of the train with more comfortable seating and less crowding. For example, a 1-zone journey costs AED 3 with a Silver Nol card in Standard Class, but AED 6 with a Gold Nol card in Gold Class.
- Yes, your Nol card can be used across Dubai's integrated public transport system, including the metro, tram, buses, and water buses. The fare cap applies across all these services. Additionally, if you transfer from metro to a feeder bus within 30 minutes, the bus ride is free. Nol cards can also be used for RTA parking payment and at select retail outlets.
- If you don't have enough balance on your Nol card when exiting a station, you'll need to recharge your card at the station's ticket office or vending machine. If you're unable to pay, you may be subject to a fine of AED 200. It's recommended to always ensure your Nol card has sufficient balance before starting your journey.
- Yes, Dubai Metro remains operational on public holidays. However, operating hours may vary during Eid, National Day, and other events. It's recommended to check the RTA schedule or Dubai Metro Rails for the latest updates before traveling on a holiday.
- The Red Line primarily runs along Sheikh Zayed Road, connecting key areas like the airport, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Marina. The Green Line covers older parts of Dubai such as Deira, Bur Dubai, and Al Jadaf. Both lines intersect at Union and BurJuman stations for convenient transfers.
- Tourists can easily use the Dubai Metro by purchasing a Nol Red Ticket at any metro station. It's a paper-based ticket ideal for short-term use and can be loaded with up to 10 trips or a 1-day pass. Metro stations also offer clear signage in English for easy navigation.
- Yes, the Dubai Metro is one of the safest public transport systems in the world. It has CCTV cameras, dedicated staff, and separate cabins for women and children. It is well-lit, regularly patrolled, and safe for solo travellers, women, and families.
- During peak hours, Dubai Metro trains run every 3 to 5 minutes. Off-peak frequency is around 6 to 7 minutes. Trains are punctual, and live arrival times can be checked using the RTA app or electronic boards at stations.
- A Nol Card is a smart payment card used for Dubai's public transportation, including the Metro, buses, trams, and water buses. Tap your Nol Card at entry and exit gates to automatically deduct the correct fare based on zones traveled.
- Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in most Dubai Metro stations and inside trains through the ‘WiFi UAE’ service. Some restrictions apply on speed and usage, but it's enough for basic browsing and messaging while on the move.
- Yes, Dubai Metro is fully accessible. All stations have elevators, tactile guidance paths for the visually impaired, and designated wheelchair spaces in trains. The system is designed to be inclusive and user-friendly for people of determination.
- Gold Class is a premium cabin in the Dubai Metro offering spacious seating, privacy, and panoramic windows. It requires a Nol Gold Card, and the fare is roughly double the standard class. It's ideal for travelers seeking comfort or carrying luggage.
- The Dubai Metro is busiest during morning (7:00–9:30 AM) and evening (5:00–7:30 PM) rush hours on weekdays. Fridays and holidays tend to be less crowded. For a comfortable ride, try to avoid peak commuting times.
- Pets are not allowed on the Dubai Metro, except for service animals assisting people with disabilities. For pet travel, consider using taxis or private transport options.
- Yes, several Dubai Metro stations offer Park & Ride facilities, especially at terminal stations like Rashidiya, Etisalat, and Jebel Ali. Parking is free for Metro users, making it convenient for commuters to leave their cars and travel by train.
- You can use the Dubai Metro to reach Expo City via the Route 2020 extension on the Red Line. However, Global Village is not directly accessible by Metro; you’ll need to take a connecting RTA bus or taxi from the nearest station like Mall of the Emirates.
- Yes, the official RTA Dubai app and S'hail app provide real-time Metro schedules, fare calculations, trip planning, and Nol card balance checks. These apps are available on both Android and iOS platforms.
- Dubai Metro is divided into 7 zones. Fares are calculated based on how many zones you travel through. The more zones crossed, the higher the fare. Use a fare calculator or Nol card reader at stations for exact charges.