The Dubai Metro is one of the most modern fully automated urban rail systems in the world. Clean, air-conditioned, punctual, and surprisingly affordable, it connects the airport, the major shopping malls, the Burj Khalifa, the Marina, and the Palm Jumeirah in a way that makes Dubai navigable without a taxi. For tourists who assume Dubai requires a car for everything, the Metro is a revelation. This guide covers everything you need to use it confidently.
The Dubai Metro uses a contactless smart card called the Nol card, issued by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). You must tap in and tap out — do not exit through a gate without tapping, as you will be charged the maximum fare.
There are four types of Nol card. For tourists, the most useful is the Red Nol card (a prepaid card available from vending machines at every station and from airport ticket counters). It costs AED 25 (approximately £5.50 or $7) including AED 19 of initial credit and a AED 6 card fee. Load additional credit at any station machine.
Fares are zone-based. A single journey within Zones 1–2 (covering central Dubai and most tourist attractions) costs around AED 3–4 with a Nol card. Without a card, single-use paper tickets cost significantly more. The daily fare cap on a Nol card is AED 20 for Zones 1–5, making it excellent value for a busy sightseeing day.
The Silver Nol card (AED 25, personalised) can be registered and replaced if lost — worth getting if you are visiting for a week or more. Both Red and Silver cards work on the Metro, Dubai Tram, RTA buses, and water buses.
The Red Line is the most important line for tourists. It runs 52 kilometres from Rashidiya (near Dubai International Airport Terminal 3) in the east, through the city centre, all the way to Jebel Ali and Expo City in the west. Almost every major Dubai attraction is accessible from a Red Line station.
Key Red Line stations for tourists:
The Green Line (13 stations) runs through Deira and Bur Dubai, covering the older, more historic parts of the city. Key stops include Al Ras (for the Gold Souk and Spice Souk — exit and take the Abra water taxi across the Creek), Al Ghubaiba (Dubai Creek ferry terminal), and Al Fahidi (Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai Museum).
Both lines share central stations — Union and BurJuman are full interchanges where you can transfer between lines without paying a new fare.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is directly connected to the Red Line. Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 each have their own Metro stations inside the arrivals halls. Follow the Metro signs past customs — the stations are in the basement of each terminal.
The journey from Terminal 3 to Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall station takes approximately 28 minutes and costs around AED 4 with a Nol card (compared to AED 60–100 for a taxi). Trains run frequently — every 3 minutes at peak times — and operate from 05:00 to midnight on weekdays and until 01:00 on weekends. On Fridays, service starts at 13:00 (after Jumu'ah prayers).
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), used by some budget airlines, connects to the Red Line at Expo 2020 station via a feeder bus. This journey is considerably longer — allow 60–90 minutes to reach central Dubai.
← See the full Dubai city guide with transit lines and stations
Take the Red Line from Dubai Airport Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 station towards Jebel Ali/UAE Exchange. Exit at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station. The journey takes around 28 minutes and costs AED 4 with a Nol card. From the station, use the free air-conditioned pedestrian bridge to reach Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa entrance.
The Dubai Metro's Red Line stops at DAMAC Properties (formerly Nakheel) station, which connects directly to the Dubai Tram. The tram runs around the Palm Jumeirah trunk and connects to the Palm Monorail at Palm Jumeirah station. The monorail takes you to Atlantis The Palm. Allow around 45 minutes from central Dubai for the full journey.
The Nol card is the RTA's reloadable transit card, used on the Metro, tram, buses and water buses. The Red Nol card (AED 25 including AED 19 of credit) is the best option for tourists and is available from vending machines at every Metro station, including inside Dubai Airport arrivals.
Yes. The Dubai Metro is extremely safe by international standards. The dedicated Women and Children carriage at the front of every train provides an additional option for female travellers who prefer a separated space. CCTV and staff presence throughout the network are consistent.
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