Dubai Metro 2026: Routes, Fares & Stations Guide

Getting around Dubai is much easier when you know how to use the Dubai Metro. The driverless rail network connects Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and other popular areas making it one of the most convenient ways for Singaporeans to explore the city.

For Singaporeans planning a Dubai trip, the metro can also help you avoid road traffic and keep transport costs manageable. Here is everything you need to know before ride the Dubai metro.

Dubai Metro Overview

The Dubai metro is a driverless rapid transit system operated by Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA). The current network consists of the Red Line and Green Line, with the two lines connecting at Union and BurJuman stations.

The Red Line is particularly useful for tourists because it runs through major areas including Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Jebel Ali. The Green Line serves older parts of Dubai including Deira, Bur Dubai and Dubai Creek.

The metro is also connected to Dubai Tram, buses, and other public transport services, making it possible to combine different modes during one journey.

Dubai Metro uses the Nol Card for payment. Cash is not accepted directly for metro journeys, so Singaporeans should arrange their Nol card before travelling.

Dubai Metro Operating Hours

According to the latest RTA timetable, Dubai Metro stations currently operate during these regular hours.

These are the regular timings and may change during public holidays, Ramadan, major events or other special ocassions.

Always check the latest RTA timetable before travelling especially if you are taking a late night train.

Dubai Metro Routes and Lines

Dubai Metro currently has two operating lines: the Red Line and Green Line.

Red Lines

The Red Line is the main line for many tourists. It runs between Centrepoint and Expo 2020, with services also operating to Life Pharmacy depending on the service pattern.

The line passes through important areas such as Dubai International Airport, Deira, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Marina and Jebel Ali.

Some of the most useful Red Line stations for tourists include:

The station previously known as UAE Exchange is now Life Pharmacy, while Mashreq is now InsuranceMarket and Jebel Ali is now National Paints following RTA's station naming rights changes.

Green Lines

The Green Line connects e& in the east with Creek in the west.

It serves areas including Al Qusais, Deira, Al Nadhra, Bur Dubai and Dubai Creek. It is particularly useful if you want to explore Dubai's older neighbourhoods rather than the modern skyscraper areas along Sheikh Zayed Road.

Key Green Line stations include:

Dubai Metro Fares

Dubai Metro uses a zone based fare system. Dubai's public transport network is divided into seven zones, and your fare depends on how many zones you travel through.

For a regular Nol Silver Card, the current fares are:

The same zone based system applies when combining metro with other RTA transport services, subject to the transfer rules.

For tourists, the Nol Red Ticket is another option:

Dubai Metro 1 Day Pass

If you plan to take the metro several times in one day, a 1 day Travel Pass can be useful.

The pass is available through the Nol system, and you can purchase it using a Nol Red Ticket or through the relevant RTA channels.

For Singaporeans making several metro and tram journeys in one day, compare the expected single journey fares with the day pass before buying.

Dubai Metro Payment Method

Unlike Singapore's MRT, you cannot simply tap a Singapore bank card directly at Dubai Metro gates. The main payment system is Nol Card.

Where to Buy a Nol Card

You can purchase a Nol card at Dubai Metro stations.

RTA provides ticket vending machines and ticket office machines at Metro stations where visitors can purchase Nol cards and Red Tickets.

You can also use RTA's official digital channels for certain Nol services.

Nol Silver Card

The Nol Silver Card is the standard option for most visitors.

It can be used across Dubai's public transport network, including the Metro, Tram and buses. The current card price is AED 25 (S$8.70) , including AED 19 (S$6.60) stored value.

For most Singaporeans visiting Dubai for a few days, this is one of the simplest options.

Nol Red Ticket

The Nol Red Ticket is a disposable paper ticket designed for shorter term use.

It costs AED 2 (S$0.70) before adding the journey or travel pass products and can be used for up to 10 journeys or five daily passes, subject to the applicable rules.

This can be convenient if you only expect to use Dubai Metro occasionally.

Digital Nol Card

RTA is also upgrading the Nol system towards account based digital payment technology.

As of July 2026, RTA reported that 72% of the Nol system upgrade had been completed, with the full project scheduled for completion by the end of the first quarter of 2027.

For now, Singaporean visitors should still plan around the available Nol card options rather than assuming that any Singaporeans contactless bank card can be tapped directly at the metro gate.

How to Take the Dubai Metro

Taking the Dubai Metro is straightforward once you have your Nol card.

Step 1: Find Your Nearest Station

Check the Dubai Metro map or your preferred map application to find the nearest station.

Pay attention to the line colour and direction before entering the platform area.

Step 2: Check Your Nol Balance

Make sure your Nol card has enough balance before entering the station.

RTA states that passengers need a minimum balance of AED 7.50 (S$2.60) to use the Metro.

Step 3: Tap In

Tap your Nol card on the reader at the entrance gate.

Keep the card separate from other contactless cards in your wallet to avoid accidentally presenting the wrong card.

Step 4: Follow the Line and Direction

Check the signs for your destination and make sure you are travelling in the correct direction.

For the Red Line, check whether your train is heading towards Centrepoint, Life Pharmacy or Expo 2020 depending on the service.

Step 5: Tap Out

Tap the same Nol card when you leave the station.

The journey fare is calculated automatically and deducted from the card balance.

Best Dubai Metro Station and Attractions for Tourists

You do not need to visit every Dubai Metro station during your trip. If you are a first time visitor, these stations are among the most useful for reaching popular attractions, shopping areas, entertainment spots and historic neighbourhoods.

Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall

For first time visitors, Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall is one of the most useful stations to know. It provide access to Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai, although the walk from the station to Dubai Mall can take some time through the covered pedestrian walkway.

Mall of the Emirates

Mall of the Emirates is directly connected to the Red Line, making it convenient for shopping, dining and visiting Ski Dubai. It is also a useful station if you are staying around the Al Barsha area.

Dubai Marina and JBR

For Dubai Marina and JBR, you can combine the Red Line with Dubai Tram. Sobha Realty and DMCC provide convenient connections to the tram network, allowing you to continue towards Marina, JBR and surrounding areas without taking a taxi for the entire journey.

Union and BurJuman

Union and BurJuman are the two interchange stations between the Red and Green Lines. They are useful when travelling between modern areas along the Red Line and older neighbourhoods served by the Green Line.

Deira and Old Dubai

If you want to experience a more traditional side of Dubai, take the Green Line towards Al Ras, Gold Souq and Al Gubaiba. These stations provide access to traditional markets, historic neighbourhoods, Bur Dubai and Dubai Creek giving you different experience from the skyscrapers and malls around Downtown Dubai.

Dubai Metro Blue Line: What's Coming Next?

Dubai is currently developing the Dubai Metro Blue Line, which will become the city's third metro line.

Construction began in 2025, and tunnelling works were officially launched in May 2026. The project is scheduled for completion in 2029.

The Blue Line will be approximately 30 km long with 14 stations including three interchange stations.

It will connect with the existing network at Creek Station on the Green Line and Centrepoint Station on the Red Line, while also serving areas such as Dubai Creek Harbour, Ras Al Khor, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Al Warqa.

This means Singaporeans travelling to Dubai in the coming years may have more rail options for exploring areas that currently require taxis or buses.

Dubai Metro Tips for Singaporeans

Get a Nol card before your first Metro journey. Unlike Singapore's MRT, you cannot simply use your Singapore bank card as a direct replacement for a transport card at the Metro gates.

Keep your Nol card separate from other cards. When tapping in and out, present only the Nol card you are using to avoid payment issues.

Check your balance before entering. RTA requires a minimum balance of AED 7.50 to use the Metro.

Use the Red Line for major tourist areas. It is particularly useful for Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina and Jebel Ali.

Use the Green Line for Old Dubai. Stations such as Al Ras, Gold Souq and Al Ghubaiba are useful for exploring traditional Dubai.

Check the direction before boarding. Dubai Metro trains can have different destinations depending on the service, particularly on the Red Line.

Avoid travelling during busy periods if you prefer more space. The Metro can become crowded during commuting hours, especially on popular sections of the Red Line.

Follow Dubai Metro cabin rules. Certain cabins are designated for specific passenger categories, so check the signs before boarding.

Do not eat or drink on the Metro. Dubai's public transport has strict rules, so avoid eating or drinking while travelling.

Check operating hours before a late night journey. Metro timings vary by day, with Friday services currently running later than most other days.

Use Metro and Tram together. If you are exploring Dubai Marina and JBR, combining the Red Line with Dubai Tram can be more convenient than taking separate taxis.

Is Dubai Metro Worth Using for a Singapore Trip?

Yes, especially if you are visiting Dubai's main tourist areas.

The Dubai metro is clean, air conditioned and easy to navigate once you understand the Red and Green Lines. It is particularly useful for Singaporeans visiting Dubai International Airport, Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and many more.

For attractions that are far from a metro station, you can combine the metro with Dubai tram, buses or taxi.

For a first trip, the Nol Silver Card is a practical choice if you expect to use public transport regularly. If you only need a small number of journeys, the Nol Red Ticket may be more suitable.