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Dubai Metro Fares and Ticket Prices
Dubai Metro is the world's longest fully automated, driverless metro network. It serves 53 stations across the Red and Green lines, connecting the emirate's key districts, airports, and major attractions with modern, air-conditioned trains.
Dubai Metro Operating Hours
How to Pay on the Dubai Metro
To ride the metro, you must purchase a Nol Card (a smart contactless card) from the ticket offices or vending machines available at all stations. Cash is not accepted at the gates.
There are different types of Nol cards: Red Ticket (paper, best for single/few trips), Silver Card (ideal for residents and regular tourists), and Gold Card (gives access to the premium Gold Class cabin).
Tap your Nol card on the reader at the entry gate, and remember to tap it again when you exit so the system can calculate your distance and charge the correct fare.
Dubai Metro is divided into 7 fare zones, but you will generally only travel across 3 or 4 of them. Fares start at 3 AED within a single zone, 5 AED for two zones, and 7.5 AED for crossing three or more zones.
Trains have dedicated cabins. The Gold Class cabin is located at the front (or back, depending on direction) with wider leather seats and panoramic views. There is also a dedicated cabin for Women and Children only.
Download the RTA 'S'hail' app for live route planning, balance checking, and metro timings.
Travel Tips for Dubai
Do not eat, drink, or chew gum on the trains or platforms. It is strictly prohibited and inspectors will issue an immediate fine of 100 AED.
Ensure you don't accidentally stand in the Gold Class or Women and Children's cabins if you don't have the correct ticket or meet the criteria, as this also incurs a 100 AED fine.
Friday mornings have different operating hours. The metro starts running at 10:00 AM on Fridays, whereas on other days it begins at 5:00 AM (8:00 AM on Sundays).
During rush hours (07:00-09:30 and 17:00-20:00), interchange stations like Union and BurJuman become incredibly crowded. Avoid traveling with large luggage during these times if possible.
Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport (DXB) are directly connected to the Red Line, making it the cheapest and easiest way to reach hotels along Sheikh Zayed Road.
The metro stations are connected to major malls (like Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates) via fully enclosed, air-conditioned footbridges with travelators.
Accessibility
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Dubai Metro cost?▾
Fares depend on how many zones you cross. With a Silver Nol card, a trip within one zone costs 3 AED. Crossing two zones costs 5 AED, and crossing three or more zones costs 7.5 AED. Gold Class fares are exactly double the standard rates.
Can I use my credit card or phone to pay at the gate?▾
No, currently the Dubai Metro only accepts Nol cards for gate entry. You cannot tap your standard Visa/Mastercard directly on the gates like in London or New York. You must buy or top up a Nol card first.
What are the operating hours for the Dubai Metro?▾
The metro operates from 05:00 AM to Midnight (Monday-Thursday), 10:00 AM to 01:00 AM on Fridays, 05:00 AM to Midnight on Saturdays, and 08:00 AM to Midnight on Sundays. Always double-check timings during public holidays like Eid or New Year's Eve, when the metro often runs 24 hours.
What is Gold Class?▾
Gold Class is a premium cabin located at one end of the train. It features wider leather seating, more legroom, and less crowding. To use it, you must purchase a Gold Nol card or a Gold Red Ticket. The fare is double the standard price.
Is there a fine for eating on the Dubai Metro?▾
Yes. Eating, drinking (even water), or chewing gum inside the trains or on the station platforms is strictly forbidden. The fine is 100 AED.
Which metro station is closest to the Burj Khalifa?▾
The 'Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall' station on the Red Line. It connects directly to the Dubai Mall via an 800-metre air-conditioned glass walkway. From inside the mall, you can access the Burj Khalifa entrance.