Dubai Metro Guide: Lines, Fares, and How to Use It
Dubai Metro guide for 2026: Red and Green lines, NOL card fares, peak-hour tips, and how to reach major spots from any station.
Why the Dubai Metro remains the easiest way to move around
The Dubai Metro stays the fastest public option for most daily trips inside the city. Two driverless lines, Red and Green, connect the main residential, business, and tourist areas. Trains run from 6:00 am to midnight on weekdays and until 1:00 am on weekends.
Red and Green lines at a glance
The Red Line stretches 52 km from UAE Exchange in the south to Rashidiya near the airport. Key stops include Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Jumeirah Lakes Towers. The Green Line covers 23 km between Etisalat and Creek, passing Deira, BurJuman, and Healthcare City. Both lines meet at Union and BurJuman, so transfers are simple.
How to buy and top up a NOL card
Every rider needs a rechargeable NOL card. Machines at every station sell the Silver card for 25 AED, including 19 AED credit. You can also buy a Gold card for first-class travel for 25 AED plus 19 AED credit. Top-ups start at 10 AED and can be done at machines, RTA apps, or any authorised kiosk. The card stays valid for five years from last use.
2026 fares and daily caps
A single trip inside one zone costs 3 AED. Two zones cost 5 AED and three zones 7.50 AED. Travelling across all zones costs 8.50 AED. A daily cap of 14 AED applies automatically, so unlimited rides on the same day never exceed that amount. Weekly and monthly passes are also available at ticket machines for heavier users.
Peak hours, etiquette, and safety
Trains are busiest between 7:00 am and 9:30 am and again from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Women-only carriages sit at the front of each train. Eating, drinking, and loud calls are not allowed. Luggage must stay on the floor or in designated spaces. Security checks at entrances require bags to pass through scanners.
Reaching popular destinations
From any Red Line station, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall is two stops from Downtown. Expo City sits at the end of the Red Line extension. Creek Station on the Green Line gives quick access to the new Dubai Creek Harbour development. If you need to reach Abu Dhabi or Sharjah, connect via bus at Ibn Battuta or Union stations.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a new NOL card each visit?▾
No. The same Silver or Gold card works for five years after last use and can be topped up at any station.
What is the cheapest daily fare in 2026?▾
A daily cap of 14 AED limits any number of metro trips, regardless of zones.
Are women-only carriages still in use?▾
Yes. The front carriage of every train remains reserved for women and children.
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