Dubai Airport to City by Metro
Costs, times & insider tips for 2026 — the cheapest and fastest way into Dubai.
Quick Facts
~AED 3–6
Cost
~35 min
Journey Time
Every 7 min
Frequency
The Dubai Metro Red Line runs directly from Terminal 1 & 3 into the city centre. Trains operate from around 05:00 to 00:00 (01:00 Fri–Sat). No taxis needed.
Step-by-Step: Arrivals to Platform
- 1Clear immigration and collect your bags from the arrivals hall.
- 2Follow green 'Metro' signs — the station is inside the terminal building (no outdoor walk).
- 3Terminal 3 uses Airport Terminal 3 station; Terminal 1 uses Airport Terminal 1 station.
- 4Buy or top up a Nol card at machines near the gates — accept cash and cards.
- 5Tap in, board the Red Line towards Rashidiya or UAE Exchange depending on your destination.
Ticket Prices
| Class | AED | USD (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Silver (standard) | AED 3–6 | ~$0.80–1.65 |
| Gold (first class) | AED 6–12 | ~$1.65–3.30 |
| Nol Card deposit | AED 25 | ~$6.80 |
Fares are zone-based. The Nol card deposit is refundable. Single-use tickets cost slightly more.
Key City Stops
Union
Deira / old city
BurJuman
Bur Dubai
Mall of the Emirates
Jumeirah / shopping
Dubai Marina
Marina & JBR beach
DAMAC Properties
Near Palm Jumeirah
3 Practical Tips
- #1Top up your Nol card with at least AED 50 — it works on buses, trams, and the Palm Monorail too.
- #2The first carriage is women-and-children only. Mixed carriages are clearly marked — choose accordingly.
- #3Avoid the metro 07:30–09:00 and 17:00–19:30 on weekdays — trains get very crowded during rush hour.
FAQs
Is the metro available 24/7?
No. The metro runs roughly 05:00–00:00 Sun–Wed, until 01:00 Thu, from 10:00 Fri, and 08:00–01:00 Sat. Plan late arrivals around taxi or ride-share.
Does Terminal 2 have a metro station?
No — Terminal 2 is not connected to the metro. Take a taxi or a free shuttle bus to Terminal 1 first, then board the Red Line.
Can I bring large luggage on the metro?
Yes, but space is limited during peak hours. Each passenger may bring reasonable luggage; oversized items may require a taxi instead.
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