Airport Terminal 1

Airport Terminal 1 Station provides a direct, air-conditioned metro connection to one of the world's busiest international airports. The station eliminates the need for a taxi or rental car for travellers heading to or from central Dubai, and the journey takes around 25-30 minutes to Downtown areas - competitive with taxis at a fraction of the cost.

The Dubai Metro's Red Line was specifically routed through the airport terminals to serve the enormous passenger volumes passing through Dubai International. Platforms are well-sized for luggage-carrying passengers, and signage in Arabic and English is clear throughout.

Station Overview

Airport Terminal 1 Station opened in 2009 on the Dubai Metro's Red Line. It is classified as Zone 5 under the NOL card fare system. The Dubai Metro is a fully automated, driverless system operating on elevated viaducts and underground sections, offering fast, reliable and air-conditioned travel across the city.

Lines and Connectivity

The Red Line connects Airport Terminal 1 to major destinations across Dubai. Red Line stations stretch from the UAE Exchange terminus in Jebel Ali through central Dubai to the Centrepoint terminus in the east. Green Line stations loop through Deira and Bur Dubai, connecting to the Red Line at Union and BurJuman.

Station Layout and Facilities

Airport Terminal 1 Station is a modern, fully air-conditioned facility in line with the Dubai Metro's system-wide standards. Facilities include toilets, ATMs, NOL card top-up machines and a staffed customer service point. Gold Class carriages (front of train) offer a premium seating option. Women and children have a dedicated carriage in the middle of each train, clearly marked on the platform.

Accessibility

Airport Terminal 1 Station has lifts, tactile paving, audio announcements and platform screen doors throughout, in line with the Dubai Metro's full accessibility standards. Step-free access is available between street level, the concourse and all platforms.

Travel Tips

• Get a NOL card (AED 25 including AED 19 credit) - it works on metro, bus, tram and marine transport across Dubai.
• Gold Class carriages at the front of the train require a Gold Class NOL card or ticket.
• The dedicated women and children's carriage is in the middle of the train - clearly marked on the platform floor.
• Metro hours: Saturday to Wednesday 05:30-24:00, Thursday 05:30-01:00, Friday 10:00-01:00.
• Eating, drinking and chewing gum are prohibited on the metro and at stations - fines apply.
• Download the RTA Dubai app for real-time arrivals and journey planning across all modes.

Nearby Attractions

Dubai International Airport T1 - one of the key destinations accessible from Airport Terminal 1 Station.

duty-free - one of the key destinations accessible from Airport Terminal 1 Station.

flydubai terminal - one of the key destinations accessible from Airport Terminal 1 Station.

Timings and Best Time to Travel

Dubai Metro services at Airport Terminal 1 run Saturday to Wednesday 05:30-24:00, Thursday 05:30-01:00, and Friday 10:00-01:00. Rush hours are approximately 07:30-09:30 and 17:00-19:30 on weekdays. Mid-morning and early afternoon are the quietest periods for travel. Fridays and weekends see higher leisure traffic, particularly at mall, Marina and waterfront stations.