Dubai Metro Timings
Dubai never sleeps and neither does its public transport system. The Dubai Metro, operated by RTA Dubai, is the backbone of public transportation in the Emirate. Whether you’re going to work, visiting the Burj Khalifa or Dubai International Airport, understanding Dubai Metro timings is a must for a hassle free journey. It’s important to check the exact Dubai Metro timing for your planned travel day, as schedules can vary depending on weekdays, weekends and public holidays. In this complete guide, you’ll find the latest schedules, tips on buying tickets, metro stations and more. This is your one stop shop for everything Dubai Metro timings.
Dubai Metro
What is Dubai Metro?
The Dubai Metro is a state of the art, fully automated urban rail system that has changed the way people move around the city. Launched in 2009, it’s the longest driverless metro network in the world, stretching 89.6 km with over 50 metro stations. It’s known for its punctuality, cleanliness, safety and accessibility, making it the preferred choice for millions of residents and tourists every year. The metro is managed and regulated by RTA Dubai, which also oversees other forms of public transport in the city.
Features:
- Fully automated, driverless trains
- Air conditioned stations and trains
- Gold Class and Silver Class cabins
- Seamless integration with buses, trams and marine transport
- Direct metro link to Dubai International Airport (Terminals 1 & 3)
Dubai Metro Lines: Red Line, Green Line & Branches
Dubai Metro operates on two lines: the Red and Green lines.
- Dubai Metro Red Line: The metro red runs parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road, connecting Centrepoint Station (Rashidiya), Dubai International Airport, Deira City Centre, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Business Bay, Dubai Marina, and UAE Exchange. The Dubai Metro Red Line also includes a branch line to Jebel Ali Industrial Area and another branch line to Expo 2020.
- Green Line: The Green Line serves the city’s central and old districts, including Al Rigga, Al Ghubaiba, and Dubai Healthcare City, terminating at Etisalat and Creek stations.
Interchange Stations: Interchange stations like Union and BurJuman allow transfers between the Red and Green Lines, so you can get around the city easily.
Branch Lines: Branch lines off the main Red Line connect to areas like Jebel Ali and Expo 2020, for extra convenience for commuters and visitors.
Dubai Metro Timings: Latest Operating Hours
Dubai Metro timings are key as train schedules vary by day, station and line. Below are the latest operating hours.
Standard Dubai Metro Timings (Monday to Saturday)
| Line | First Train | Last Train (To Centrepoint) | Last Train (To UAE Exchange/Expo 2020) |
| Red Line | 5:00 am | 12:00 am (midnight) | 12:00 am (midnight) |
| Green Line | 5:30 am | 12:00 am (midnight) | 12:00 am (midnight) |
| Branch Lines | 5:00 am | 12:00 am (midnight) | 12:00 am (midnight) |
Note:
- Timings may be extended during special events or public holidays (see below).
- All times such as ’11:59 pm’, ’12:00 am’, ’12:00 pm’ are shown in the 12-hour clock format (for example, ‘2:00 pm’ means 2 o’clock in the afternoon).
- Always check for the latest updates on the RTA Dubai website or Nol Pay app.
Dubai Metro Timings on Sunday and Public Holidays
- Sunday: Red and Green Lines start later, usually from 8:00 am to 12:00 am.
- Friday: First train usually starts at 5:00 am, with last train at midnight.
- Public Holidays: Timings may change; special arrangements are made for events like Expo 2020, New Year’s Eve or major festivals.
Tip: Always check “Dubai Metro timings today” via the RTA Dubai official site or mobile app before planning your trip, as schedules can change for maintenance or events.
Dubai Metro Timings Today: How to Check Real-Time Schedules
- RTA Dubai Website: Up-to-date schedules, special announcements and downloadable timetables.
- Nol Pay App: Real-time train timings, fare calculators and route planners.
- Station Display Boards: Electronic boards at all metro stations show arrival and departure times.
- Google Maps & Third-Party Apps: Integrated with Dubai’s public transport system for real-time navigation.
Dubai Metro Timings by Station
The Dubai Metro timings are designed to be convenient but please note that operating hours vary by station and line. While many stations on the Red Line and Green Line open from 5:00 am and close 1:15 am the next day, some stations may have slightly different timings based on their location and passenger demand. The RTA updates these schedules regularly to ensure smooth operation of the metro and to cater to all commuters in Dubai.
Always check the timings for your departure and arrival stations to make your journey seamless. The RTA provides detailed station-by-station timings for Red and Green Lines so you can plan your trip whether you’re taking an early morning train or late night train. By knowing the latest train timings you can avoid waiting and make the most of Dubai’s public transport.
Popular Metro Stations and Their Timings
Dubai Metro has over 50 stations, each with its own schedule. Here are some key stations and their typical timings:
- Dubai International Airport (Terminals 1 & 3): 5:30 am (Mon-Sat), 8:00 am (Sun). 12:00 am.
- Centrepoint: 5:00 am. 12:00 am.
- BurJuman: 5:14 am. 11:46 pm.
- Sobha Realty (Dubai Marina): 5:27 am. 11:59 pm.
- Ibn Battuta: 5:34 am. 11:56 pm.
- Emirates Towers: 5:23 am. 11:53 pm.
- Al Rigga: 5:34 am. 11:58 pm.
- Business Bay: 5:19 am. 11:51 pm.
- Jumeirah Lake Towers: 5:29 am. 11:57 pm. Jumeirah Lakes Towers is a major stop on the Red Line and a key part of the Dubai Metro network.
Note: Timings may vary slightly depending on the direction and day of the week. Check station-specific timings if catching the last train.
Interchange and Branch Stations: What to Know
- Union Station: Red and Green Lines interchange, major hub.
- BurJuman: Another key interchange.
- Branch Lines: UAE Exchange and Expo 2020 are terminus points for Red Line branches with direct access to events and industrial areas like Jebel Ali Industrial Area.
Last Train Timings: Don’t Miss the Last Metro!
Missing the last train can ruin your plans, especially if you rely on the metro for late-night travel. Here’s what you need to know:
Last Train Timings for Major Stations
| Station | Last Train (Mon-Sat) | Last Train (Sun) |
| Dubai International Airport | 12:00 am | 12:00 am |
| Dubai Mall | 11:46 pm | 11:46 pm |
| Business Bay | 11:51 pm | 11:51 pm |
| Ibn Battuta | 11:56 pm | 11:56 pm |
| UAE Exchange | 12:00 am | 12:00 am |
Special Notes:
- Midnight Friday/Sunday: Last trains may depart slightly earlier or later. Always check “last train timings” at your station.
- Events: For events like Expo 2020 or New Year’s Eve, extended timings are often announced.
What to Do if You Miss the Last Metro Train:
- Use Dubai’s extensive public transport network, including buses, trams, or taxis.
- Major stations like Dubai Mall Bus Station and Hatta Bus Station operate late routes.
Dubai Metro Fares, Tickets & Zones
How Many Zones Does Dubai Metro Have?
Dubai Metro is divided into 7 zones, the more zones you cross, the higher the fare.
| Zone | Key Areas Covered |
| 1 | Deira, Bur Dubai |
| 2 | Business Bay, Dubai Mall, Jumeirah Lake Towers |
| 3 | Dubai Marina, Ibn Battuta, Sobha Realty |
| 4 | Jebel Ali, Expo 2020 |
| 5-7 | Outskirts, including connections to Hatta, Al Ain |
Tip: Use the Nol Pay app or RTA fare calculator to calculate your fare based on zones.
Dubai Metro Tickets: How to Buy & Use
Where to Buy Dubai Metro Tickets:
- Ticket Booths: At every metro station.
- Vending Machines: Cash and card accepted for quick ticket purchase.
- Nol Card: The most popular option—tap to pay for metro, bus, tram, and marine transport.
- Nol Pay App: Buy, recharge and manage your Nol card digitally.
Ticket Types:
- Single Journey Ticket: One way ticket.
- Red Ticket: Rechargeable up to 10 journeys.
- Silver Nol Card: For regular commuters.
- Gold Nol Card: Access to Gold Class.
- Blue Nol Card: Personalized, for frequent travelers.
Tip: You can buy Dubai Metro tickets at all metro and bus stations and some supermarkets.
Gold Class vs Silver Class: What’s the Difference?
- Gold Class: Luxury seating, more space and scenic views—ideal for tourists or business travelers.
- Silver Class: Standard seats and air conditioning.
Fact: Gold Class is roughly double the standard fare but worth it for some.
Dubai Metro Connections: Bus, Tram and Marine Transport
Connecting to Dubai Tram and Tram Stations
The Dubai Tram connects with the metro at Sobha Realty (Dubai Marina) and Jumeirah Lake Towers stations. This allows for easy travel to Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Marina Mall and Al Sufouh.
Key Tram Stations:
- Dubai Marina
- Jumeirah Lake Towers
- Al Sufouh
- Palm Jumeirah
Dubai Mall Bus Station, Hatta Bus Station and Hatta Buses
- Dubai Mall Bus Station: Direct access to Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and surrounding areas.
- Hatta Bus Station & Hatta Express: Connects Dubai to Hatta, a popular weekend getaway. Buses also link to Hatta Wadi Hub and Hatta Hill Park.
- Hatta Buses: Special services for adventure seekers going to Hatta’s hiking and biking trails. These buses also provide convenient access to the Heritage Village, a key cultural attraction in Hatta that showcases traditional Emirati life and local history.
Other Public Transport Links
- Dubai Canal: Metro stations near Dubai Canal offer marine transport and ferry services.
- Marine Transport: Ferries and water taxis connect key locations along the creek and coastline.
- Bus Stations: Every major metro station has a bus station for last mile connectivity.
Dubai Metro Tips for Commuters and Tourists
Carry On Bag Rules and Luggage Policy
- Carry On Bag: Small bags and suitcases are allowed. There are dedicated luggage areas especially on airport routes.
- Prohibited Items: Flammable materials, oversized luggage and pets (except guide dogs) are not allowed.
Accessibility and Facilities at Metro Stations
All Dubai Metro stations are designed for accessibility:
- Elevators and Escalators: Available at every station.
- Restrooms: Clean and well maintained.
- Ticket Booths and Vending Machines: Convenient for buying or recharging Nol cards.
- Direct Access: Some stations have direct access to malls and attractions (e.g. Dubai Mall, Dubai Festival City).
Safety, Cleanliness, Etiquette
- Safety: Security personnel and CCTV cameras.
- Cleanliness: Very clean.
- Etiquette: Priority seating for women, children and people of determination; eating, drinking and chewing gum not allowed inside trains.
Dubai Metro Timings for Public Holidays and Special Events
During public holidays and special events, the Dubai Metro adjusts its operating hours to cater to the increased number of passengers traveling across the city. The RTA Dubai announces any changes to metro timings during occasions like Eid, National Day and other major celebrations. These changes are to ensure everyone can enjoy the festivities and reach their destination safely and efficiently.
Plan your journey in advance and check for metro timings during public holidays to avoid any inconvenience.
How Metro Timings Change During Major Events
When Dubai hosts major events like Expo 2020, the RTA extends metro timings and increases the frequency of metro trains to handle the influx of visitors. Special services may be introduced and some stations may operate for longer hours to facilitate access to event venues and crowd management.
If you’re attending a big event, always check the RTA website or app for the latest metro timings and special instructions to avoid last minute surprises and have a comfortable journey to and from the event.
Tips for Using Metro During Festivals and Citywide Celebrations
Traveling on the Dubai Metro during festivals and citywide celebrations can be an experience but it also means busier metro stations and trains. Plan ahead and allow extra time to reach your destination. Arriving early at the station can help you avoid the rush and using the RTA’s journey planner tool will help you find the best route through the Dubai Metro.
Be prepared for bigger crowds and possible delays especially at popular metro stations and interchange points. Keep an eye on the latest metro timings and be flexible with your travel plans and you can enjoy the Dubai’s celebrations while making the most of the metro.
Dubai Metro Timings FAQs
What are the Dubai Metro timings today?
Check RTA Dubai website or Nol Pay app for updates. Timings may change for events or maintenance.
Are there different timings on weekends or public holidays?
Yes, Friday, Sunday and public holidays have different timings. Always check before you travel.
How do I find the last train timing for my station?
Station display boards, RTA website or Nol Pay app for last train timings.
Can I use the Dubai Metro to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi or Al Ain?
No direct metro. Use intercity buses from major bus stations for Abu Dhabi or Al Ain.
How do I transfer between metro and tram lines?
Interchange stations like Sobha Realty or Jumeirah Lake Towers for Dubai Tram.
How do I get to Dubai Festival City or Expo 2020 by metro?
Take Red Line to nearest station and use connecting buses or taxis for last mile.
Conclusion: Use Dubai Metro Timings Wisely
The Dubai Metro is a wonder of Dubai. With fixed schedules, wide coverage and easy payment, the metro is the best way to get around Dubai—whether you’re a resident or tourist. Always check the Dubai Metro timings before you travel and use the tools to plan your journey. With this guide, you’ll never miss a train or get caught off guard by schedule changes.
For latest information, always check RTA Dubai website or Nol Pay app and enjoy Dubai!