National Paints Metro Station

R38 Red Line Zone 2 Elevated

Independent transport guide · Source: RTA (rta.ae) · Unofficial guide — for live updates use the RTA S’hail app

National Paints (R38) is the Red Line branch junction in zone 2. The main corridor towards Centrepoint meets the branches for Expo 2020 and Life Pharmacy here.

Do you actually need to change?

Main corridor to Expo 2020 branch: choose an Expo 2020 train and stay aboard.
Main corridor to Life Pharmacy branch: choose a Life Pharmacy train and stay aboard.
Between the two branches: change at National Paints. For example, The Gardens to Ibn Battuta is one stop to this junction, a train change, then one more stop.

Follow the destination screens and station signs. Do not assume a fixed platform, an alternating service interval or a guaranteed connection time. A missed or wrong-branch train can change your arrival time materially.

Names that can cause confusion

Older references may call this station Jabal Ali or Nakheel Harbour & Tower. Check the code R38 when comparing old directions. Life Pharmacy, farther along the other branch, also has a separate history involving the Jebel Ali name; the two stations are not interchangeable.

Parking and onward travel

National Paints is one of the major dedicated Metro park-and-ride locations. Check entry conditions, permitted parking duration and any charges on the facility’s signs before leaving your car. Do not apply its parking arrangements to every Route 2020 community station. See the parking guide.

Correction, 26 September 2026: replaced unsupported platform and connection-time assurances with branch-specific directions.

Next stations

DMCC (1 stop · Red Line)
Ibn Battuta (1 stop · Red Line)
The Gardens (1 stop · Red Line)

Fares from National Paints

Silver Nol fares on the shortest route. Gold Class doubles these. RTA does not publish an automatic daily cap.
To	Zones	Stops	Fare	Est. time
Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall	2	10	AED 5.00	~22 min
Airport Terminal 3	3	22	AED 7.50	~46 min
Union	3	17	AED 7.50	~36 min
Mall of the Emirates	1	6	AED 3.00	~14 min
Sobha Realty	1	2	AED 3.00	~6 min

Times are rough estimates: two minutes per stop, six per train change and a two-minute allowance. They exclude access walks, unpredictable waits and disruption; use S’hail for a departure-specific plan. Calculate any journey →

Onward travel from National Paints

Buses

Use the RTA S’hail planner to check the bus stop, direction and departure time for your destination. A nearby bus stop does not mean every route serves this station entrance.

Tram, marine & rail

No direct tram, marine or rail connections at this station.

Taxi & walking

Check your destination’s entrance before choosing an exit. Roads, restricted premises and the heat can make a short map distance unsuitable for walking. Follow local taxi signs or ask station staff for the designated pick-up point.

Park & Ride guide →

Hours at this station

The normal network operating window starts at 5:00 AM (8:00 AM on Sundays). These are not departure times at this station. First and last trains depend on direction and service date; check the RTA timetable or S’hail before a late journey or airport connection. Network operating hours.

About National Paints station

Must every passenger change at National Paints?

No. Main-corridor trains continue to either Expo 2020 or Life Pharmacy. A trip between the two branches requires a change here.

Check the RTA for current departures and operational changes. Sources and corrections policy.