Dubai, in my humble opinion, has one of the most easy-to-use, clean, comfortable, and safe metro systems I've seen yet. Sure, it might not be open 24 hours a day, but what it lacks in after-hours service, it makes up for in efficiency. It's also inexpensive and offers breathtaking views of the city.
So to aid you in getting around town, I present to you the Super Simple Dubai Metro Guide.
The Basics
The Dubai Metro has 2 lines: the Red Line and the Green Line. The Tram Line is separate.
Metro Lines
Red Line: Centrepoint to Expo 2020
Green Line: e& to Creek
Transfer Stations: Union Square and Burjuman
How to Ride the Metro
Find Your Stations
Figure out which station is closest to your starting point and destination. Use Google Maps or ask your hotel concierge. Note which color line you're on (Red or Green) and if you need to transfer.
Buy Your NOL Card
At the metro station, purchase a card from the ticket office (recommended) or the machine. There are different card types depending on your needs.
Tap In at the Gate
Tell the agent your requirements, pay via cash or card, then tap your NOL card on the reader to enter. Keep your card safe for checkout.
Board the Correct Cabin
Go right or left depending on your direction. Stand in front of the correct entry point (Gold Class, Regular, or Women & Children cabin). Watch the screens for station announcements.
Tap Out at Your Destination
Exit the metro and tap your NOL card at the exit gate so your fare gets deducted. Stow it safely for your next trip!
Which NOL Card Should You Get?
| Card Type | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Red Ticket | AED 2 + fare | Tourists, one-off trips (up to 10 uses, single zone) |
| Silver Card | AED 25 (AED 6 fee + AED 19 balance) | Frequent users, Regular class, multi-zone travel |
| Gold Card | AED 25 (AED 6 fee + AED 19 balance) | Frequent users, Gold class access, multi-zone travel |
| Blue Card | Apply in advance | UAE residents wanting personalized cards |
My Recommendation
Whichever ticket or card you buy, I highly recommend opting for Gold Class! It's more comfortable, less crowded, and the views from the front cabin are spectacular.
Red Ticket Details
Best for one-off users (tourists). You pay only the AED 2 issuance fee plus your exact trip fare. Prices depend on zones traveled and cabin class selected. You can reuse the same ticket for up to 10 trips by topping it up, but only within the same zone. Red Tickets only work on one transport type (bus OR metro OR tram).
Silver & Gold Card Details
Best for frequent users. The AED 25 price includes a AED 6 card fee and AED 19 balance. You can travel across any zones as long as you have funds. If your trip exceeds your balance, you can top up at info desks or tap anyway for a small negative balance (top up later to reuse). These cards work across ALL RTA transport: bus, metro, and tram.
For full card details, visit the NOL website.
Metro Rules & Tips
Do
- Keep your NOL card handy for exit
- Stand in the correct cabin queue
- Use dedicated wheelchair/luggage areas
- Watch the screens for station names
- Respect the Women & Children cabin
Don't
- Eat or drink on the metro
- Chew gum
- Enter Gold cabin without Gold Card
- Sleep on the metro
- Forget to tap out (you'll be fined!)
Operating Hours
Metro Schedule
Mon-Thu & Sat: 5AM - 12AM
Friday: 5AM - 1AM
Sunday: 8AM - 12AM
Hours may change during public holidays. Contact RTA at 8009090 to confirm.
Good to Know
- The metro is fully accessible for passengers with special needs, with lift access and dedicated wheelchair spaces.
- From Dubai International Airport, you can carry up to 2 suitcases following size specifications. Stow luggage in dedicated areas.
- The Palm Jumeirah Monorail is operated separately and NOL cards don't work on it.
Fines Apply
Breaking metro rules can result in fines. This includes eating, drinking, entering wrong cabins, sleeping, and failing to produce your NOL card when asked.
Alternative Transport Options
Besides the metro, you can get around Dubai by:
- Public Taxis: Hail from the street (all legit taxis have meters - if one doesn't, get out)
- Hala Ride: Book via Careem app, select "Hala Ride"
- Ride-hailing: Uber or Careem apps
Save Money
If using Careem for Hala Rides, check their promo codes on IG for select rides and first-time user discounts if any!
