Dubai Metro Timings Today Complete Schedule for Red Line, Green Line & All Days
Whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend explorer, or a tourist landing at Dubai International Airport, knowing the exact Dubai Metro timings can save you from a missed train, a frustrating wait, or an unexpected detour. The Dubai Metro — operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) — is one of the world’s longest fully automated driverless metro systems, running across 89.6 km with 49 stations on two active lines.
This guide covers every timing you need: daily operating hours for the Red Line and Green Line, peak-hour train frequency, station-specific first and last train times, Ramadan and public holiday schedules, fare information, and what’s coming with the new Blue Line expansion in 2029.
Dubai Metro Timings Today — Quick Reference
<table> <thead> <tr><th>Day</th><th>First Train</th><th>Last Train / Closing</th><th>Daily Hours</th></tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr><td><strong>Monday</strong></td><td>5:00 AM</td><td>12:00 AM (Midnight)</td><td>~19 hours</td></tr> <tr><td><strong>Tuesday</strong></td><td>5:00 AM</td><td>12:00 AM (Midnight)</td><td>~19 hours</td></tr> <tr><td><strong>Wednesday</strong></td><td>5:00 AM</td><td>12:00 AM (Midnight)</td><td>~19 hours</td></tr> <tr><td><strong>Thursday</strong></td><td>5:00 AM</td><td>12:00 AM (Midnight)</td><td>~19 hours</td></tr> <tr><td><strong>Friday</strong></td><td>5:00 AM</td><td>1:00 AM (Saturday)</td><td>~20 hours</td></tr> <tr><td><strong>Saturday</strong></td><td>5:00 AM</td><td>12:00 AM (Midnight)</td><td>~19 hours</td></tr> <tr><td><strong>Sunday</strong></td><td>8:00 AM ⚠️</td><td>12:00 AM (Midnight)</td><td>~16 hours</td></tr> </tbody> </table>
⚠️ Sunday Warning: The metro starts 3 hours later on Sundays (8:00 AM instead of 5:00 AM). This is the single most common mistake commuters make — plan your Sunday morning accordingly.
Friday Note: Extended to 1:00 AM to accommodate Friday night social travel, nightlife, and late gatherings. This is the only night the metro runs past midnight.
Dubai Metro Train Frequency — How Often Do Trains Come?
Train frequency is just as important as opening hours. Here’s what to expect:
| Time Period | Train Every |
|---|---|
| Peak Hours (7:00 AM – 9:30 AM & 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM weekdays) | 2.5 – 4 minutes |
| Off-Peak Hours (mid-morning, early afternoon) | 5 – 7 minutes |
| Late Night (after 10:00 PM) | 7 – 10 minutes |
During peak hours, the system is designed so you never wait more than 4 minutes. Maximum wait time on any part of the network is typically under 8 minutes, making it one of the most punctual urban rail systems in the world.
Red Line Timings & Key Stations
The Red Line is the backbone of Dubai Metro — running 52 km from Centrepoint Station (Rashidiya) in the northeast all the way to UAE Exchange / Expo 2020 Station in the southwest via Sheikh Zayed Road.
Key stations on the Red Line include:
- Rashidiya / Centrepoint → Terminal 3 → Terminal 1 → Union → BurJuman → Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall → Business Bay → Mall of the Emirates → Dubai Marina → Expo 2020
Red Line — First & Last Train Reference (Key Stations)
| Station | First Train (Mon–Sat) | First Train (Sun) | Last Train |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rashidiya (Centrepoint) | 5:00 AM | 8:00 AM | ~11:30 PM |
| Airport Terminal 3 | 5:05 AM | 8:05 AM | ~11:45 PM |
| Airport Terminal 1 | 5:08 AM | 8:08 AM | ~11:48 PM |
| Union | 5:20 AM | 8:20 AM | ~11:55 PM |
| Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall | 5:35 AM | 8:35 AM | ~11:50 PM |
| Mall of the Emirates | 5:48 AM | 8:48 AM | ~11:45 PM |
| Dubai Marina | 5:55 AM | 8:55 AM | ~11:40 PM |
| UAE Exchange / Expo 2020 | 6:15 AM | 9:15 AM | ~11:30 PM |
Note: These are approximate times based on station distance from the origin. For exact departure times at any station, use the RTA S’hail App or check the digital boards inside stations.
Green Line Timings & Key Stations
The Green Line covers 22 km of the older, eastern parts of Dubai — from Etisalat Station (by e&) in the north to Creek Station in the south, passing through Deira, Bur Dubai, and Al Qusais.
Key stations on the Green Line:
- Etisalat (e&) → Al Qusais → Stadium → Salah Al Din → Union → BurJuman → Al Fahidi → Al Jadaf → Creek
Both lines operate on identical schedules — same opening hours, same closing hours, same frequency. They intersect at Union Station and BurJuman Station for seamless transfers.
Dubai Metro Holiday Timings
Dubai Metro timings change during public holidays and major events — usually in the direction of extended hours, not reduced. The RTA announces changes on its official channels ahead of time.
| Event | Typical Extended Hours |
|---|---|
| Eid Al Fitr / Eid Al Adha | Until 1:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
| UAE National Day (Dec 2–3) | Extended hours with added trains |
| New Year’s Eve (Dec 31) | Often 24-hour service |
| Islamic New Year | Check RTA announcement |
| GITEX / Major Exhibitions | Extended hours for event crowds |
| Ramadan (weekdays) | Regular hours; extended Iftar/Suhoor service |
| Dubai Shopping Festival | Extended late-night service |
Ramadan Metro Timings
During Ramadan, Dubai Metro generally operates on its standard timetable without reduction. The RTA has historically added extra late-night trains during Iftar (around sunset) and Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) to accommodate increased demand. Always check the official RTA Ramadan schedule as exact times vary each year based on the Islamic calendar.
Dubai Metro Nol Card Fares
The Dubai Metro is cashless — you must use a Nol Card to travel. Cash payments are not accepted at gates. Here’s everything you need to know:
Nol Card Types
| Card | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Red Ticket | AED 2 + fare | Tourists, one-off use, up to 10 journeys |
| Silver Nol Card | AED 25 (AED 19 credit + AED 6 card fee) | Regular commuters — most popular |
| Gold Nol Card | Same as Silver | Premium Gold Class cabin access |
| Blue Nol Card | AED 70 | Students, seniors (60+), people of determination (50% discount) |
Zone-Based Fare Structure (Silver Nol Card)
| Zones Crossed | Silver Card | Red Ticket | Gold Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Zone | AED 3.00 | AED 5.00 | AED 6.00 |
| 2 Zones | AED 5.00 | AED 7.50 | AED 10.00 |
| 3+ Zones | AED 7.50 | AED 8.50 | AED 15.00 |
Daily fare cap: Silver and Blue Nol cards are capped at AED 14 per day — after hitting the cap, all subsequent rides that day are free until midnight. Blue Nol card cap is AED 7 per day.
180-Minute Transfer Rule
If you transfer from Metro to bus, tram, or water bus within 180 minutes, the journey is treated as one continuous trip — you’re only charged the highest zone fare, not multiple separate fares. This is a major money-saving feature most visitors don’t know about.
Monthly & Seasonal Passes
| Pass | Silver Card | Gold Card |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly (All Zones) | AED 300 | AED 500 |
| 7-Day Pass | AED 110 | AED 220 |
| Annual | Contact RTA | Contact RTA |
Frequent commuters save approximately 40% compared to paying per trip when using monthly passes.
Special Fare Discounts
- Children under 5: Free travel
- Students: 50% discount with Blue Nol Card (must register at RTA centre with Emirates ID)
- Senior citizens (60+): 50% discount with Blue Nol Card
- People of determination: Free travel with Blue Nol Card
- Military personnel: Discounted fares (check with RTA)
Dubai Metro Map: Red Line vs Green Line at a Glance
Red Line — 35 Stations, 52 km
Runs along Sheikh Zayed Road, connecting the airport to Expo 2020. Ideal for tourists and business travelers — passes Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, Mall of the Emirates, and both airport terminals.
Green Line — 20 Stations, 22 km
Runs through Deira and Bur Dubai — the historic, culturally rich areas. Ideal for visiting the Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Al Seef, and local neighbourhood areas.
Where the Lines Meet
Both lines intersect at two key interchange stations:
- Union Station (Deira area)
- BurJuman Station (Bur Dubai area)
You can transfer between lines at either station with no additional fare, as long as the zones permit.
Upcoming: Dubai Metro Blue Line (2029)
Dubai’s Blue Line is currently under construction and expected to open around 2029. When complete, it will add 30 km and 14 new stations, connecting the Red Line at Centrepoint to the Green Line at Creek Station — forming a circular network. New areas served will include Mirdif, Academic City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai Creek Harbour. This will significantly reduce journey times between eastern and western Dubai.
Park & Ride at Dubai Metro (Free for Metro Users)
Dubai offers free Park & Ride facilities at select metro stations for commuters who drive to the station and take the metro. Available at:
- Rashidiya (Centrepoint) — Red Line terminus
- UAE Exchange / Expo 2020 — Red Line terminus
- Etisalat (e&) — Green Line terminus
- Creek Station — Green Line terminus
- Jebel Ali — Red Line
These facilities are free of charge for passengers who tap their Nol Card to enter the metro. This makes the Metro an attractive option for residents from outer areas and neighbouring emirates.
Dubai Metro Rules — Avoid AED 200 Fines
Dubai’s metro is clean, safe, and well-regulated. Breaking the rules comes with serious fines:
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Eating or drinking on train or platform | AED 200 |
| Insufficient Nol Card balance (exit gate fail) | AED 200 |
| Riding without a valid Nol Card | AED 200 |
| Travelling in Gold Class with Silver Card | AED 200 |
| Smoking anywhere in metro premises | AED 500+ |
| Carrying prohibited items | Up to AED 2,000 |
Additional rules to follow:
- Stand to the right on escalators — left lane is for walking commuters
- Priority seating near the doors is reserved for the elderly, pregnant women, and people of determination
- Women and children have dedicated cabins at the front of most trains
- No more than 2 pieces of luggage per passenger (max 1 large suitcase: 81×58×30 cm + 1 carry-on: 55×38×20 cm)
Facilities Available at Dubai Metro Stations
Dubai Metro stations are designed to be complete transit hubs:
- Free Wi-Fi throughout all stations and trains (connect to “WiFi by Du” or “WiFi UAE”)
- Air conditioning — a critical feature given Dubai’s climate
- ATMs at most major stations
- Food and beverage kiosks (though eating is prohibited on trains and platforms)
- Ticket vending machines and Nol top-up points at all stations
- Wheelchair accessibility — all stations are fully accessible with elevators
- Prayer rooms at select major stations
- Luggage storage at select interchange stations
How to Get to Dubai Airport via Metro
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is directly accessible via the Red Line at two stations:
- Terminal 1 — Red Line, serves Emirates Skywards Terminal and other international airlines
- Terminal 3 — Red Line, serves Emirates airline exclusively
The metro is the fastest and most affordable way to get from central Dubai to the airport:
- From Union Station to Terminal 3: approximately 35 minutes, AED 5–7.50
- From Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall to Terminal 3: approximately 25 minutes, AED 5
- From Dubai Marina to Terminal 3: approximately 50 minutes, AED 7.50
The metro operates within standard daily hours, meaning early morning or late-night flights departing or arriving before 5:00 AM or after midnight will require an alternative (taxi or ride-hailing).
Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai Metro Timings
What time does Dubai Metro open today?
Monday to Saturday: 5:00 AM. Sunday: 8:00 AM. On public holidays and major events, times may be extended — check the RTA app for live updates.
What time does Dubai Metro close today?
Most days: 12:00 AM (midnight). On Fridays, it runs until 1:00 AM (Saturday). During special events and holidays, hours are often extended.
Does Dubai Metro run 24 hours?
No. Dubai Metro is not 24/7. It operates approximately 16–20 hours daily depending on the day of week. On New Year’s Eve, 24-hour service has been offered historically.
Is Dubai Metro open on Friday?
Yes — and Friday has the longest operating hours of any day. The metro runs from 5:00 AM on Friday until 1:00 AM Saturday morning.
Why does Dubai Metro start late on Sunday?
Sunday is the start of the UAE working week, but historically the metro has maintained a late 8:00 AM Sunday start. Plan accordingly if you need an early Sunday commute — alternatives include taxi, Careem, or Uber.
Do Red Line and Green Line have different timings?
No. Both lines operate on identical schedules with the same opening hours, closing times, and train frequency.
Can I use my Nol card on the bus and tram too?
Yes. The Nol Card is a unified payment system accepted on the metro, buses, tram, and water buses across Dubai. Transfers within 180 minutes are treated as one continuous journey.
What happens if I forget to tap out?
You will be charged the maximum fare for your card type. Always tap out at your destination gate — look for the green light confirmation on the reader.
Is there Wi-Fi on Dubai Metro?
Yes — free Wi-Fi is available across all stations and trains. Connect to “WiFi by Du” or “WiFi UAE” and register with your name, phone number, and email.
Can I take luggage on the Dubai Metro to the airport?
Yes — you are permitted a maximum of 2 pieces: one large suitcase (81×58×30 cm) and one carry-on (55×38×20 cm). Oversized luggage is not permitted.
Quick Tips for First-Time Dubai Metro Users
The metro is straightforward once you know the basics. A few things that will make your experience smoother:
Buy your Nol Card before you travel. You cannot board with cash. Silver Cards are available at all station vending machines for AED 25 and last five years — worth it even for a short visit.
Download the RTA S’hail App. This is the official journey planner — it gives real-time train positions, exact first/last train times at your station, service alerts, and step-by-step directions combining metro, bus, and tram.
Avoid peak hours if possible. The metro is extremely busy on weekday mornings (7–9:30 AM) and evenings (5–8:30 PM). If your schedule is flexible, travel between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM for guaranteed seating and a more comfortable journey.
Use Gold Class for comfort. If crowds bother you, a Gold Nol Card gives access to the premium cabin at the front of the train — larger seats, quieter atmosphere, and significantly fewer passengers, at double the standard fare.
Check for service alerts. Occasional maintenance and special events may cause line closures or reduced frequency. The RTA announces these in advance via the S’hail app, rta.ae, and official social media channels.
Final Summary: Dubai Metro Timings at a Glance
| What You Need | The Answer |
|---|---|
| Metro open time (Mon–Sat) | 5:00 AM |
| Metro open time (Sunday) | 8:00 AM |
| Metro close time (Mon–Thu, Sat, Sun) | 12:00 AM (Midnight) |
| Metro close time (Friday) | 1:00 AM (Saturday) |
| Peak hour train frequency | Every 2.5–4 minutes |
| Off-peak frequency | Every 5–7 minutes |
| Minimum fare (Silver Nol) | AED 3 (1 zone) |
| Daily fare cap (Silver) | AED 14 |
| App for live updates | RTA S’hail App |
| Official website | rta.ae |
Last updated: Dubai Metro timings are subject to change during public holidays, special events, and RTA maintenance periods. Always verify current schedules via the official RTA website (rta.ae) or the S’hail app before travel.
