For a first Dubai Metro journey, make four decisions before going through the gates: which station serves your destination, which ticket you need, which direction to board and how you will complete the last part of the trip.
1. Start with the destination entrance
A station named after an attraction does not put you at its admission desk. Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall has a long mall link; Marina and JBR trips may need the Tram or another connection. Check the actual entrance on your booking, then use our operating-network map to choose the station.
For DXB, confirm the terminal: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 have Red Line stations; Terminal 2 needs a road connection. Our Terminal 2 guide explains that difference.
2. Choose a ticket for the journeys you will make
A Silver Nol card costs AED 25 with AED 19 credit. Standard Metro journeys cost AED 3, 5 or 7.50 according to the fare-zone tier. A Red Ticket or travel pass can suit some itineraries, but compare the issue cost, trip fares and validity rather than assuming a day pass saves money on one return trip. Each fare-paying passenger needs an individual ticket or card.
Use the fare calculator for your station pair. Allow enough balance for gate entry and the journey; a successful online payment may still require top-up activation before the card can be used.
3. Check hours and the train destination
Network opening and closing times are not the first or last train at every station. Check the current RTA timetable for your travel date and direction, particularly on Sundays, holidays or after an event.
On the Red Line, Expo 2020 and Life Pharmacy are separate southern branches. Check the destination display before boarding; a train covering the common central corridor does not necessarily reach your branch. On the Green Line the terminal directions are e& and Creek. Follow interchange signs at Union or BurJuman if changing lines.
4. Tap in, find the correct cabin and tap out
- Tap your Nol card or ticket at the entry gate and check that the transaction is accepted before proceeding.
- Use the marked boarding area. General cabins are available to all eligible riders; Gold Class requires the correct ticket, and the women-and-children section has pink signs. Do not assume either section is always at a fixed front or middle position.
- Let passengers leave first. Keep luggage in its designated area and leave doors, aisles and priority spaces clear.
- Tap out at your destination. Keep your card available during the journey for inspection.
Before leaving the station
Check the exit signs against your destination and look for the lift route if needed. A wrong exit can add a significant walk across or around major roads. For a connecting bus or Tram, check the departure and transfer rules separately.
Do not eat or drink in prohibited areas, and follow the posted conduct rules. Read the rules and fines, luggage limits and accessibility guide for the details relevant to your trip.
Correction, 26 September 2026: removed unsupported inspection, fixed-cabin-position, gap-free boarding and most-issued-fine claims. Current signage and staff instructions take precedence over this guide.