Dubai Metro Guide: Lines, Zones, Fares and Nol Cards

The Dubai Metro is the simplest way to cross the city without a car. It is driverless, air-conditioned, mostly elevated and runs through the busiest districts, from Dubai Marina and Downtown to the airport and the creek. A trip costs a few dirhams, and it avoids the traffic and parking costs that make driving in Dubai expensive.

This guide explains the lines, how zones and fares work in 2026, which Nol card to buy, the rules and fines, airport stations, connections to tram and bus, and what is coming next. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) sets fares and operating rules, and they change from time to time, so check the RTA website or app for the latest figures. For wider options, see our driving and transport guide and the metro fare calculator.

The lines

Dubai has two operating metro lines, which opened in 2009 and 2011.

Red Line

The Red Line is the backbone. It runs from Rashidiya near the airport in the east, through Deira and Bur Dubai, and down the Sheikh Zayed Road corridor past Downtown, Business Bay and Dubai Mall, the Marina and the Expo area. It is the line most visitors and commuters use. Major stations include Burjuman, Union, Business Bay, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Financial Centre, Mall of the Emirates and the Marina area.

Green Line

The Green Line serves the older heart of Dubai. It runs from near Etisalat by e& station in Al Qusais through Deira, across to Bur Dubai, and ends at Creek. It passes the Gold Souk and the old heritage districts, and it connects with the Red Line at Union and BurJuman.

Route 2020

Route 2020 is a branch of the Red Line, built before Expo 2020 and opened in 2021. It runs from the Jebel Ali area to the Expo site (now Expo City Dubai) through Jumeirah Golf Estates, Discovery Gardens and Al Furjan. It is useful for residents of those communities and for trips to Expo City.

Zones and fares

The network is split into seven zones, numbered 1 to 7. The fare depends on how many zones your trip crosses, not how far you travel. Here are the 2026 standard fares for a Silver card:

Zones crossed	Fare
One zone	AED 3
Two zones	AED 5
Three zones or more	AED 7.5

Other card classes cost more:

• Gold class cabins cost roughly double the Silver fare, in exchange for a quieter carriage with more space.
• Red Ticket (paper) trips cost slightly more than Silver fares.
• A daily cap applies, so you do not pay more than a set amount in a day when you travel a lot. Check the RTA site for the exact cap, as it can change.

Use the RTA's fare calculator or our metro fare tool to price a specific journey.

Which Nol card to buy

A Nol card is a rechargeable smart card that works on the metro, tram, buses, water taxis and some taxis and parking. There are four main types:

• Red Ticket. A paper ticket for occasional visitors, which can be topped up for a limited number of trips and a limited validity. Cheaper to start but less convenient.
• Silver. The standard card for most residents and tourists. It can be topped up at stations, in the app, or at supermarkets and shops.
• Gold. Works in Gold class and standard carriages and gets you onto premium bus services.
• Blue. A personalised card linked to your name and Emirates ID. It protects your balance if the card is lost and allows concessions and features, such as automatic top-up.

You can also add a Nol card to your phone through the Nol Pay app and compatible digital wallets, and some banks offer cards with Nol built in. The card itself has a small fee and starts with a credit balance. Check the RTA site for the current cost.

Tap in and tap out at every journey on the metro. If you forget to tap out, the system may charge the highest fare. Keep enough balance for a longer trip before you tap in.

Operating hours

The metro runs most days from around 5:00 am until midnight. Fridays and weekends usually run later, and Sundays start later in the morning. Hours change for Ramadan, Eid, New Year's Eve and large events, so check the RTA app before a late return. The trains are frequent, usually every three to ten minutes at peak times.

Tram and bus connections

• Dubai Tram. Runs through Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence and Al Sufouh and connects to the Metro at DAMAC Properties and Jumeirah Lakes Towers stations. It also links to the Palm Jumeirah monorail. Tram fares use the same Nol card.
• Metro link buses. Feeder buses run from many stations to nearby areas such as Al Barsha, Karama and Jumeirah. They use the same Nol card, and the fare rules depend on the route.
• Water taxis and abras at the creek can be paid with Nol on many routes.
• Other services. Taxi and ride-hailing services can be used for the last mile. Our Dubai emirate page has more on getting around.

Etiquette and fines

The Dubai Metro is very clean, and the RTA enforces its rules.

• No eating or drinking inside stations and trains, apart from small drinks in some zones. Fines start at around AED 100 as of 2026, but check the RTA for the current schedule.
• Women and children cabin. One carriage on every train is reserved for women and children. Men who enter it can be fined.
• Gold class is for Gold card holders. If you sit there with a Silver card you can be fined.
• No smoking, no vaping, no littering and no spitting.
• Give up seats for elderly, pregnant and disabled passengers.
• Stand clear of the doors, and keep to the right on escalators.
• Valid ticket. Travelling without a valid ticket or with insufficient balance can lead to a fine of around AED 200 as of 2026, so confirm the current amount with the RTA.
• Do not photograph other passengers without their permission.

For more on local manners, see our culture and etiquette guide.

Airport stations

Two Red Line stations serve Dubai International (DXB):

• Terminal 1, for most international airlines.
• Terminal 3, for Emirates and its partners.

Terminal 2 is not directly on the metro and needs a short bus or taxi transfer. Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central is not on the metro. Check which terminal your flight uses before you go. The metro is an easy way to reach the airport, but plan extra time for luggage with the hours of operation in mind.

Tips for commuters

• Avoid peak times if you can: 7:00 to 9:00 am and 5:00 to 7:00 pm on weekdays.
• Use the app. The RTA Dubai app and Google Maps show real-time routes and delays.
• Top up in advance so you do not queue at the ticket machine.
• Plan your last mile. Many stations link to air-conditioned footbridges, but some walks are long in summer.
• Take a hat and water in summer, and note that food and drinks are not allowed on board.
• Check train times at night for returns after midnight.

The Blue Line

The Blue Line is a new 30 km line under construction, with around 14 stations and a mix of underground and elevated sections. It is expected to open by 2029. It will serve communities such as Mirdif, International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City and Dubai Creek Harbour, and will connect with the Red and Green lines. Dates can change, so follow the RTA for updates. The new line is part of Dubai's plan to carry more passengers as the city grows.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the Dubai Metro cost in 2026?

On a Silver Nol card, fares are AED 3 for one zone, AED 5 for two zones and AED 7.5 for three or more zones. Gold class costs about double, and a daily cap applies.

Which Nol card should I buy?

Most people choose a Silver card. A Blue card is good for residents who want balance protection, and a Red Ticket suits short visits.

What time does the Dubai Metro start and stop?

Usually around 5:00 am to midnight, with later hours on Fridays and weekends and a later start on Sundays. Check the RTA app for holidays.

Which metro stations serve Dubai Airport?

Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 on the Red Line. Terminal 2 needs a short transfer.

Can men sit in the women and children cabin?

No. It is reserved for women and children and men can be fined.