Dubai Metro FAQ: the 15 questions everyone asks
The short answers, with links to the full detail. If your question is not here, it is probably answered on timings, fares, or rules.
Quick answers
What time does the Dubai Metro open and close?
5:00 AM to midnight most days, until 1:00 AM on Fridays, and from 8:00 AM on Sundays. Full table and countdown: /timings/.
How much does the metro cost?
AED 3 / 5 / 7.50 by zones crossed on a Silver Nol card, with an AED 14 daily cap. Calculator and card guide: /tickets-fares/.
How many stations and lines are there?
Two lines (Red and Green) with 55 stations across about 90 km. The Blue Line (2029) and Gold Line (2032) are on the way. Interactive map: /map/.
Which stations serve Dubai Airport?
Terminal 3 and Terminal 1 on the Red Line, directly connected to the buildings. Terminal 2 has no metro - use Dubai Airport Free Zone (Green Line) plus a 15-minute walk or short taxi.
How do I get from the airport to Burj Khalifa?
Red Line from Terminal 3 towards Expo 2020/Jebel Ali, alight at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (R25): 2 zones, AED 5, about 25 minutes, then the 820 m air-conditioned bridge to the mall.
Where do I change between the Red and Green lines?
Union (R18/G20) or BurJuman (R19/G26). Transfers are free, inside the gates.
Can I eat or drink on the metro?
No - eating, drinking (including water) and gum carry an AED 100 fine past the fare gates. Full fines table: /rules-and-fines/.
What is a Nol card and which should I buy?
Nol is the tap card for all Dubai public transport. Visitors: Silver (AED 25 incl. AED 19 credit). Residents: registered Blue for recoverable balance and concessions. Details: /tickets-fares/.
Is the metro driverless?
Yes - it has run fully automated since 2009 and is one of the longest driverless networks in the world. The front window seats in Gold Class have the best view.
Is there a women-only section?
Every train has a Women & Children cabin (pink markings). Women may ride anywhere; men entering that cabin face an AED 100 fine.
Does the metro go to Dubai Marina and JBR?
Yes - Sobha Realty and DMCC stations serve the Marina/JLT area, with footbridges to the Dubai Tram for JBR and the beach.
Does the metro go to Abu Dhabi?
No. For Abu Dhabi take the E100/E101 intercity buses (from Al Ghubaiba or Ibn Battuta - both on the metro) or a taxi. Etihad Rail passenger service will add a rail option from Jumeirah Golf Estates.
How early should I leave for a flight?
Metro journey times are reliable: roughly 25 min from Downtown, 55-60 from Marina to Terminal 3. Take one train earlier than the minimum and remember the 2-piece luggage rule.
What are the new metro lines coming?
Blue Line: 14 stations, opens 9 September 2029, ~30% built. Gold Line: 18 stations, announced 2026, opens 2032. Trackers: /lines/blue-line/ and /lines/gold-line/.
Is the Dubai Metro safe at night?
Very - stations and trains are staffed, monitored and busy right up to closing, and Dubai consistently ranks among the safest cities globally. Normal city awareness applies.