Overview
Dubai Metro is a rapid transit system consisting of two fully automated, driverless rail lines that serve the city. To ride the metro end-to-end, you'll need a Nol card (a rechargeable smartcard) or a single-use Red Ticket, which you can purchase or top up at ticket machines in metro stations or via a mobile app. Tap your card or ticket at the reader when entering and exiting the station. The metro runs underground in the city centre and on elevated viaducts elsewhere. All trains and stations are temperature-controlled, making them comfortable even during Dubai's hot summers. The system is efficient and integrated with other public transport, including buses, trams, and water taxis.
The network
Dubai Metro currently operates two main lines totalling 89.6 kilometres with 55 stations. Two additional lines are under construction.
- Red Line: 67.1 kilometres with 35 stations, stretching from Jebel Ali in the south-west to the border with Sharjah in the north-east. It passes through major attractions including Mall of the Emirates, The Dubai Mall, and Burj Khalifa. Route 2020, a 15-kilometre extension completed in 2020, adds seven stations and connects to Expo 2020. A further extension to Al Maktoum International Airport is underway.
- Green Line: 22.5 kilometres with 20 stations, serving the historical areas of Dubai. It passes through the Dubai Museum, Gold Souk, and Spice Souk.
- Blue Line (under construction): Scheduled to open in 2029, this 30-kilometre line with 14 stations will extend from Centrepoint Station (Red Line terminus) to Creek Station (Green Line terminus).
- Gold Line (under construction): Announced in April 2026 and scheduled to open in 2032, this 42-kilometre line with 18 stations will run from Al Ghubaiba to Jumeirah Golf Estates with interchanges to the Red and Green Lines.
Beyond the metro, Dubai offers complementary public transport options: the Dubai Tram operates a 10.6-kilometre network with 11 stations along Al Sufouh Road and Jumeirah Beach Road, connecting to the metro and Palm Monorail. Dubai buses comprise a fleet of 1,518 vehicles serving 87 per cent of urban Dubai, with 35 lines linking to metro stations, 12 intercity lines to other emirates, and 62 internal lines. Marine transport includes abras (water taxis), the Dubai Water Taxi, and the Dubai Ferry service.
Tickets & fares
The Nol card is Dubai's integrated smartcard system for metro, tram, and bus travel. There are several types:
- Red Ticket (single-use): AED 2 plus the fare cost. Ideal for occasional or one-off journeys.
- Silver Nol Card (prepaid): AED 25 (AED 19 credit plus AED 6 card cost). This is the standard option for most visitors, offering discounts on fares and free transfers between services.
- Gold Nol Card (prepaid): Same price as Silver; grants access to Gold Class cabin seating, though fares are doubled.
- Blue Nol Card (concessionary): AED 70, available to students, seniors (60+), and people of determination, offering 50 per cent fare discounts.
Metro fares are zone-based. Standard adult fares with a Red Ticket are approximately AED 4 for one zone or journeys under 3 kilometres, AED 6 for two zones, and AED 8.50 for three or more zones. With a pre-paid Silver Nol card, fares are slightly lower at AED 3, AED 5, and AED 7.50 respectively. Children under 5 travel free. The Dubai Tram operates on a flat rate of AED 3. Both Silver and Blue Nol cards are capped at AED 14 per day; once you reach this daily maximum, further journeys are free until midnight. All fares are approximate and subject to change.
You can purchase and top up Nol cards at automatic ticket machines located in metro stations throughout the city. Cards can also be recharged using the nol Pay mobile app if you have an NFC-capable smartphone and a credit card. Recharging via the app typically offers the fastest and most convenient method for visitors with compatible devices.
From the airport
Dubai has three main airports with different public transport connections:
- Dubai International Airport (DXB): The largest hub in the Middle East. Terminals 1 and 3 each have their own metro station. The metro journey to the city centre takes 15–20 minutes. This is the most convenient and fastest public transport option from the main airport.
- Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC): Located at Jebel Ali, approximately 60 kilometres south-west of central Dubai. During the day, bus line F55 departs every 30 minutes and goes to Expo 2020 metro station. At night, bus line N55 serves the Al Ghubaiba bus station in the city centre. Taking public transport from this airport to the city centre requires at least two hours. A train connection is planned for the future.
- Sharjah International Airport (SHJ): Located about 30 minutes by road from Dubai in the neighbouring emirate of Sharjah. Air Arabia operates a bus service from the airport to Rashidiya Metro Station in Dubai, which is close to Dubai International Airport. From there, you can use the metro to reach your destination.
Etiquette & customs
Dubai Metro and public transport have several conventions visitors should observe. Queue in an orderly fashion when boarding and always allow passengers to exit before you enter. On escalators, stand on the right side to allow others to walk or hurry past on the left. The front and rear sections of metro trains have specially designated seating for families and those with mobility needs; do not occupy these seats unless you qualify. Eating and drinking are prohibited on metro trains and in stations, though water is generally acceptable. During peak hours, trains become crowded; remain patient, keep bags and belongings close, and avoid blocking doors or aisles. Respect quiet zones where indicated, and keep conversations at a low volume. These customs reflect the city's emphasis on orderly, efficient public transport use.
Official links
Survival terms
- مترو (Metro) – Subway/metro
- تذكرة (Tadhkira) – Ticket
- خط (Khatt) – Line
- مدخل (Madkhal) – Entrance
- مخرج (Makhraj) – Exit
- تحويل (Tahweel) – Transfer
- تذكرة واحدة (Tadhkira Wahida) – Single fare
- تذكرة يومية (Tadhkira Yawmiya) – Day pass
Download a transport app such as Google Maps (which displays metro and tram routes as map layers) or the official RTA Wojhati Journey Planner before your trip to help navigate routes and check timetables in real time.