Dubai’s Subway Network

Dubai’s subway system is among the most advanced worldwide. Modern, fully air-conditioned, and spotlessly clean trains provide fast and affordable connections across the city. All metro lines offer free Wi-Fi, making transfers even more convenient for travelers. The network is simple and easy to navigate, consisting of just two lines: the Red Line and the Green Line.

  • Driverless, fully automated trains
  • Free Wi-Fi on all metro lines
  • Dedicated carriages for women and children
  • Optional Gold Class seats in the first carriage

The Red Subway Line at Dubai Airport

The Red Line is the main metro route serving Dubai International Airport and linking it directly to Downtown Dubai. After passing through the city center, the line continues toward the Jebel Ali Industrial Area.

  • Connects DXB Airport with Downtown Dubai
  • Stops at Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall Station
  • Approximate travel time to city center: 25 minutes
  • Interchange with the Green Line at Union and BurJuman stations

All metro stations are well connected with taxis and public buses. Planning your stop carefully is recommended to minimize walking distances, especially due to Dubai’s extreme heat.

Luggage policy: One suitcase and one piece of hand luggage per passenger are allowed.

Subway Stations at Dubai International Airport

Two out of the three DXB terminals are served by the metro:

  • Terminal 1 – Red Line station
  • Terminal 3 – Red Line station

The two stations are approximately 700 meters apart. Passengers can also use the metro to move between terminals instead of walking or waiting for the free airport shuttle bus.

Red Line Operating Hours from DXB Airport

  • Monday – Thursday: 05:00 am – 12:00 am
  • Friday: 05:00 am – 01:00 am
  • Saturday: 05:00 am – 12:00 am
  • Sunday: 08:00 am – 12:00 am

Train frequency ranges between 4 and 7 minutes, depending on the time of day.

Note: Metro schedules may change during Ramadan.

Subway Ticket Fares from Dubai Airport

Dubai’s public transport system is divided into seven fare zones. Ticket prices depend on how many zones you travel through. To ride the metro, a contactless rechargeable Nol Card is required.

Tickets cannot be purchased with cash or cards directly at the gates. Instead, Nol Cards are topped up at ticket machines inside metro stations using cash or bank cards.

Nol Card Types

  • Red Ticket (paper card – 2 AED)
    • Valid for metro, buses, and trains
    • Up to 10 single trips or 5 day passes
    • 1 zone: 4 AED
    • 2 adjacent zones: 6 AED
    • More than 2 zones: 8.5 AED
    • One transport mode per trip
  • Silver Card (25 AED – includes 19 AED credit)
    • Valid on all transport modes (metro, bus, taxi, tram, sea bus)
    • 1 zone: 3 AED
    • 2 zones: 5 AED
    • 3+ zones: 7.5 AED
    • Transfers must occur within 30 minutes
  • Gold Card
    • Same price as Silver Card
    • Required for Gold Class metro seating
  • Personal Card
    • Designed mainly for residents and frequent visitors

Important Notes

  • A journey can last up to 180 minutes and include up to 3 transfers
  • Nol Card must have a minimum balance of 7.5 AED to be used
  • Children under 5 years old travel for free