Dubai Metro Map 2026: Zones, Stations, Timings & Fares

The Dubai Metro map is the easiest way to plan a low-cost trip across Dubai. The current network has two operating lines: the Red Line and Green Line. These are the only operational Dubai Metro lines in 2026. They serve the airport, Downtown, Deira, Bur Dubai, Dubai Marina and Expo 2020.

As of 25 August 2026, RTA lists 35 Red Line stations and 20 Green Line stations. The Blue Line is still under construction. This guide also covers fares, timings, airport stops, luggage and station names.

Dubai Metro Map 2026 at a Glance

Current Dubai Metro Map

The current Dubai Metro map has one long Red Line network and one Green Line network. The Red Line runs between Centrepoint and Expo 2020 / Life Pharmacy. The Green Line runs between e& and Creek.

Use the official RTA map when a station name changes. Current names include InsuranceMarket, Al Fardan Exchange, National Paints and Life Pharmacy.

For the official live station map, use the RTA Metro and Tram Stations Map.

Dubai Metro Red Line

The Red Line is the main tourist line. It serves the airport, Downtown, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Marina, Jebel Ali and Expo 2020.

Current Red Line stations:

• Centrepoint, Emirates, Airport Terminal 3, Airport Terminal 1, Al Garhoud, City Centre Deira and Al Rigga.
• Union, BurJuman, ADCB, max, World Trade Center, Emirates Towers, Financial Centre, Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall and Business Bay.
• ONPASSIVE, Equiti, Mall of the Emirates, InsuranceMarket, Dubai Internet City, Al Fardan Exchange, Sobha Realty, DMCC and National Paints.
• Ibn Battuta, Energy, Danube and Life Pharmacy.
• The Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai Investment Park and EXPO 2020.

National Paints is the key branch point. Check the train destination before boarding if you are travelling toward Expo 2020 or the Life Pharmacy branch.

Dubai Metro Green Line

The Green Line is especially useful for Old Dubai, Deira and Bur Dubai.

Current Green Line stations:

• e&, Al Qusais, Dubai Airport Free Zone, Al Nahda, Stadium, Al Qiyadah and Abu Hail.
• Abu Baker Al Siddique, Salah Al Din, Union, Baniyas Square, Gold Souq and Al Ras.
• Al Gubaiba, Sharaf DG, BurJuman, Oud Metha, Dubai Healthcare City, Al Jadaf and Creek.

Union and BurJuman are the two main Red–Green interchange stations.

Dubai Metro Interchange Stations

Dubai Metro Timings 2026

RTA's current timetable lists these regular opening hours for both Metro lines:

These are station opening hours, not the exact last train from every station. The last train depends on your station, direction and branch. Check RTA or S'hail before a late trip.

RTA may also publish special hours for Eid, New Year or other major events. Use the official RTA timetable for the current day.

Route 2020 Explained

Route 2020 is not a third Metro line. It is part of the Red Line network.

The branch serves The Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai Investment Park and EXPO 2020. National Paints is the branch point where travellers need to check the train destination.

If you are going to Expo, read the destination display before boarding. Do not assume every Red Line train continues to the same end station.

First and Last Train: What Tourists Should Know

The published Metro hours show when the network is open. They do not show one last-train time for every station.

A train still needs time to reach the end of the line. So your last useful train can leave before the network closes.

• Late-night trip: check the station, direction and branch.
• Red/Green transfer: allow time to change at Union or BurJuman.
• Expo or Life Pharmacy branch: check the destination carefully.
• Special event: RTA may publish extended or changed hours.

For the exact first or last train, use RTA or S'hail on the day.

Dubai Metro Zones and Fares

RTA divides Dubai public transport into seven fare zones. Your fare is based on the total zones passed during the journey.

Do not count the number printed on the zones. Instead, count how many fare zones your route actually passes through.

There is no separate airport Metro fare. The same zone system applies.

RTA also sells travel-pass products. These are separate from normal pay-as-you-go fares. Check the official Nol fares page before buying a pass.

How Metro Transfers Affect the Fare

RTA can count supported transfers as one journey when you change within the allowed time.

RTA says the transfer must be made within 30 minutes. The final fare then depends on the total zones passed.

This matters when you use Metro and Tram together. A common tourist example is Metro to Sobha Realty or DMCC, then Tram toward JBR.

Tap correctly at every stage. The Nol system needs the entry and exit data to calculate the right fare.

Simple Dubai Metro Fare Examples

A short ride that stays inside one fare zone uses the lowest fare tier. A journey through two adjacent zones uses the middle tier. A longer journey through more than two zones uses the highest normal tier.

For a Silver Nol card, those current fares are AED 3, AED 5 and AED 7.50.

Do not judge the fare by the number of stations. A longer ride in one zone can cost less than a shorter ride across zones.

Dubai Metro Travel Passes

RTA also sells travel passes for people who ride often.

RTA lists passes for 1, 7, 30, 90 and 365 days. The options depend on the Nol product and registration status.

Anonymous Silver and Gold cards can use a 7-day travel pass. Registered cards can access longer pass products.

A travel pass is different from an automatic daily fare cap. Buy a pass only when it fits the number of trips you expect to make.

Best Nol Card for Tourists

For most visitors, the Silver Nol card is the simplest reusable option. It usually gives the best balance of convenience and low fares. RTA currently lists it at AED 25, including AED 19 travel credit.

The Gold card also costs AED 25 with AED 19 credit, but Metro and Tram Gold Class travel costs more.

A Red Ticket costs AED 2 before the trip fare. It can suit travellers making only a few journeys.

• One or two rides: consider a Red Ticket.
• Several days of travel: Silver Nol is usually easier.
• Gold Class: use a Gold Nol product.
• Frequent travel: compare RTA travel-pass products.

RTA says children under five can use Metro, Tram and Bus without a Nol card and travel free.

If you already have a card, see our Nol Card Balance Check guide before travelling.

Where to Buy and Recharge a Nol Card

RTA sells Nol products at Metro ticket machines, ticket offices and approved sales agents.

You can buy a Silver or Gold card at a Metro station. Red Tickets are also sold at ticket machines.

You can top up at station machines or through RTA's Nol services.

• Before the trip: check the card balance.
• At the station: top up before reaching the gate.
• Minimum balance: RTA advises keeping at least AED 7.50 available for normal Metro travel.
• After the trip: tap out so the system can charge the correct fare.

Do not wait until a busy airport station to learn how the card works. A quick top-up before travel can save time.

Dubai Airport Metro Route

Dubai International Airport has direct Metro stations at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Both are on the Red Line.

Terminal 2 has no dedicated Metro station. Check RTA for the best bus, taxi or Metro connection.

From Terminal 1 or Terminal 3, you can travel directly on the Red Line toward Downtown, Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Marina areas.

Check your flight terminal before choosing the airport station.

Useful Airport-to-City Metro Examples

Airport to Downtown: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are on the Red Line. Stay on the Red Line toward Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall.

Airport to Mall of the Emirates: use the Red Line and get off at Mall of the Emirates.

Airport to Dubai Marina: continue on the Red Line toward Sobha Realty or DMCC, depending on the final destination.

Airport to Old Dubai: travel toward Union or BurJuman and change to the Green Line when needed.

Always check the train destination and the branch before a long Red Line trip.

How to Download or Save the Dubai Metro Map

For offline use, save the map image or print this guide to PDF.

For the live version, use RTA's Metro and Tram map. It is better when a station name or route has changed.

Use the live RTA map for final travel decisions. Static maps are useful for planning, but they do not show every temporary service change.

Dubai Metro Routes to Popular Attractions

Luggage on Dubai Metro

RTA currently allows two suitcases per passenger:

• One large suitcase: maximum 81 × 58 × 30 cm.
• One small suitcase: maximum 55 × 38 × 20 cm.

Use the dedicated luggage area. Do not block doors or walkways.

If you have more luggage than the Metro allowance, a taxi may be easier for the airport transfer. See our Dubai Baggage Allowance Guide for wider flight-baggage planning.

Dubai Metro Rules Tourists Should Know

• Use a valid Nol card or ticket.
• Do not enter Gold Class without the right product.
• Male passengers should not enter the Women & Children cabin.
• Do not eat or drink where RTA prohibits it.
• Keep luggage and large items clear of doors and aisles.
• Always tap out at the end of the journey.

RTA publishes fines for misuse of the system. For example, eating or drinking in a prohibited area can lead to a fine, and travelling without the correct fare can also be penalised.

Use station signs and RTA staff instructions as the final rule during travel.

Dubai Metro With Children and Accessibility

RTA says children under five travel free without a Nol card. Older children need the correct fare product.

Metro stations include lifts, tactile guidance and wheelchair access. Trains also provide wheelchair spaces.

Families can use the Women & Children cabin when the group meets the cabin rules. Follow the signs on the platform.

Accessibility on Dubai Metro

RTA Metro stations provide lift access and tactile guidance. Trains have dedicated wheelchair spaces.

Audio and visual information also helps passengers follow the route and next station.

If you need a step-free entrance, ask station staff or check RTA. Large stations can have several entrances.

Dubai Metro With Children

Children under five travel free on Metro, Tram and Bus without a Nol card. Older children need the correct fare product.

RTA also has rules for children travelling alone. Check them before an older child travels without an adult.

Use lifts when travelling with a stroller. Keep the stroller and bags clear of doors and walkways.

Metro During Holidays and Major Events

RTA can change operating hours for New Year, Eid and other major events.

For example, special holiday timetables may extend service or change the normal closing time. These updates are usually published close to the event date.

Do not use last year's holiday timetable for a new trip. Check RTA on the day or shortly before travel.

Dubai Metro vs Taxi

Metro is often best for long Red Line trips. It works well for the airport, Downtown, Mall of the Emirates and Marina.

A taxi can be easier when the place is far from a station, you have too much luggage, or the Metro is closed.

For many tourists, the best plan is a mix: Metro for the long part, taxi for the final short leg.

Dubai Metro Blue Line Update

The Blue Line is not open yet. RTA says it will be about 30 km long with 14 stations.

The current target opening date is 9 September 2029. Until then, the live Dubai Metro map should show only the Red and Green Lines as operating lines.

Do not plan a 2026 journey using the Blue Line.

How to Use the Dubai Metro Map

1. Find your starting station.
2. Find the destination station.
3. Check whether both are on the same line.
4. If not, change at Union or BurJuman.
5. Check the correct branch on the Red Line.
6. Check how many fare zones the trip passes.
7. Make sure the Nol card has enough balance.
8. Check the last train if travelling late.

For a live journey, use RTA or S'hail because train times and service changes can update during the day.

How to Read the Dubai Metro Map Correctly

A metro map is a route diagram, not a street map. The stations are shown in travel order, but the distance between them is not drawn to scale.

Start with the colour of the line. Red means the Red Line. Green means the Green Line. Then find the station name you are starting from and the station you want to reach.

If both stations are on the same line, the trip is simple. Stay on that line and follow the destination shown on the platform screen.

If the stations are on different lines, use Union or BurJuman to change between Red and Green.

Always read the final destination on the train display before boarding. This matters most on the Red Line because the southern end has more than one branch.

How to Avoid Taking the Wrong Red Line Branch

The Red Line can confuse first-time visitors near National Paints because services continue toward different end stations.

If you are travelling toward Expo 2020, check that the train display shows the Expo branch. If you are travelling toward Ibn Battuta, Energy, Danube or Life Pharmacy, check the other branch.

Do not board only because the train is on the Red Line. The destination shown on the screen is just as important as the line colour.

If you are unsure, ask station staff before boarding. It is easier to wait for the correct train than to travel several stops in the wrong direction.

Best Times to Use Dubai Metro

Dubai Metro is busiest during normal work travel periods. Morning and evening rush hours can feel crowded, especially on the Red Line.

For sightseeing, late morning and early afternoon can be more comfortable. Weekend travel can also feel different from weekday commuting.

If you are carrying luggage, avoid the busiest times when possible. The same journey is much easier when there is room around the doors and luggage areas.

For a relaxed tourist trip, allow extra time instead of planning every connection to the minute.

How Much Nol Balance Should a Tourist Keep?

A tourist should keep enough balance for the highest likely fare on the next trip. For a Silver Nol card, a normal long Metro journey can cost up to AED 7.50 under the current zone fare table.

If you plan several rides in one day, keep more than the minimum. This avoids stopping at a top-up machine before every journey.

Check the balance after a long cross-city trip. Also check it before travelling to the airport, because an airport journey often crosses several zones.

Do not wait until the gate rejects the card. A quick balance check before leaving the hotel can save time.

How to Plan a Metro Day Around Dubai

A simple tourist day can combine several places on one Metro corridor. For example, you can travel from the airport area toward Downtown, continue to Mall of the Emirates, and finish in Dubai Marina.

Old Dubai works better as a separate Green Line plan. Gold Souq, Al Ras, Al Gubaiba and nearby heritage areas can be grouped into one half-day or full day.

Try to keep attractions on the same line together. This reduces transfers and makes the day easier to follow.

The best Metro plan is usually the one with fewer line changes and shorter final walks.

When a Taxi Is Better Than Dubai Metro

Metro is excellent for many major routes, but it is not always the best choice.

A taxi can be easier when your destination is far from a station, when you have more luggage than the Metro allows, or when you are travelling outside Metro hours.

It can also be useful for the last part of a trip to a beach, hotel or attraction that does not have direct rail access.

Use Metro for the long, simple part of the journey and a taxi for the final short leg when needed.

Quick Tourist Metro Checklist

• Check the latest Dubai Metro map.
• Confirm the station name.
• Check the line colour.
• Check the train destination.
• Check whether an interchange is needed.
• Keep enough Nol balance.
• Check the last train for late travel.
• Allow extra time for airport journeys.

These small checks prevent most first-time Metro mistakes and make the journey much easier.

Common Dubai Metro Map Mistakes

• Using an old station name and thinking the station has closed.
• Using a map that shows the Blue Line as already open.
• Boarding the wrong Red Line branch after National Paints.
• Assuming the network closing time is the last train from every station.
• Forgetting that JBR needs a Tram connection.
• Expecting a direct Metro station at DXB Terminal 2.
• Using the wrong Nol fare tier.
• Forgetting to tap out.

Use the current RTA map when a station name or route looks different from an older guide.

Is Dubai Metro Good for Tourists?

Yes. The Metro is clean, air-conditioned and much cheaper than using taxis for every trip.

It works especially well for the airport, Downtown, Deira, Bur Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina and Expo areas.

It does not reach every tourist attraction directly. Palm Jumeirah, JBR and some beach areas need a Tram, Monorail, bus or taxi for the final part.

Use Metro as the main travel backbone and add short taxis only where needed.

Final Dubai Metro Map Checklist

Map: use the current Red and Green network.

Fare: check zones crossed and your Nol product.

Timing: check the current RTA timetable, especially late at night.

Airport: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 have direct Red Line stations. Also check Dubai Visa on Arrival if you are entering the UAE.

Future line: Blue Line is planned for 2029, not 2026.

Use the Dubai Metro Map With Live RTA Data

The Dubai Metro map in this guide shows the Red and Green Lines, station names, fares and tourist routes. Use RTA for live departures and service changes.

Keep the guide for route planning, but let the live RTA system be the final source on the day of travel.

Last reviewed: 25 August 2026.