Dubai Metro: Start & Close Time, Ticket Prices, and Travel Tips

Dubai Metro Guide 2025: Timings, Fares, Safety, and Day Pass Costs

Dubai Metro is the first rapid transit system in the United Arab Emirates, with a vast network in the Arabian Peninsula and the Gulf Cooperation Council. It began operating on 9 September 2009. The Dubai Metro train has a total length of 89.6km and 55 stations, 35 of which are on the Red Line and 15 on the Green Line. Therefore, all Dubai Metro trains are entirely automated and driverless, making it the world's longest driverless metro network with a route length of 75km. If you are planning a trip to Dubai or are already in Dubai, you can seek convenient ways to navigate its straightforward, substantial metro system to experience its futuristic trains and ultra-clean stations. Whether you are visiting a first-time rider or someone looking for the most effortless commute system, this travel guide can be invaluable. 

How to use the Dubai Metro?

To begin your Journey in the Dubai Metro, once you reach the Dubai International Airport, there are two stops at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. When you successfully collect your baggage, follow the signs moving towards the station; travelers can carry two pieces of luggage on a Dubai Metro Station and one large suitcase. Now, you need to purchase the ticket either for a single return or a day pass ticket; travelers can use the cashless smart card, also known as NoI, at the metro station. Therefore, the city has nearly 55 stations; thus, for easy navigation, you could consider using the Dubai Road and Transport Authority official App and the Dubai Metro official app, which help to navigate the metro lines easily.

Get the Noi Card:

Before you take the train, getting yourself the Noi Card is crucial. This Dubai Smart Card is used for all types of public transport and comes in diverse varieties, such as Red, Silver, Gold, and Personal. All these cards are not only restricted to use for the metro but can be used to pay the fare in buses, Trams, and water buses, and one can easily top up the card at any station; you need to choose the stop, and it can even be topped up through the RTA official website online. To understand the different Noi card specifications, you must take note of the following data.

• Red Card - The Red Noi ticket is a paper ticket that is valid for a single journey.
• Silver Card—The Dubai Metro Silver Noi card is perfect for frequent travelers. It has stored value that holds a balance, can be topped up, and offers a slight discount compared to the Red tickets.
• Gold Card—For those who like luxury, the Gold Card can be the best choice, as it will allow access to the spacious and lavish Gold Class Cabin.
• Personal Card—Noi Personal Card is designed especially for visitors with your picture. It is super convenient and works like a unique key to enter Dubai's transport world.

How much does it cost to ride the Dubai Metro?

Significantly, Dubai Metro fares may vary as these can be calculated depending on the number of zones passed, although the metro system is sectioned into seven zones across the city. In the following further information, you will discover the fares of different cards based on the number of zones passed.

• Silver Noi cardholders should pay AED 3 within 1 zone, AED 5 for two adjacent zones, and AED 7.5 for more than two zones. The metro system does not charge fares for students, senior citizens, children under 5 years old, or residents.
• Dubai Metro Gold Card holders should pay AED 6 within the 1 Zone, AED 10 for two adjacent zones, and AED 15 for more than two zones; however, no fare is applicable for students, senior citizens, and those below 5 years old.
• For those who have personal cards, the fare for the first zone will be AED 3; for the two adjacent zones, it will be AED 5; and for more than two zones, it will be nearly AED 7.5
• Red cardholders will pay AED 4 within 1 zone, AED 6 for two adjacent zones, and AED 8.5 for more than two zones.

Does the Dubai Metro run 24 hours?

Dubai Metro runs seven days a week but is not available 24 hours a day as it has start and close times depending on the weekdays; here, we have listed the opening and closing times of the metro from Monday to Sunday.

• Monday to Thursday - 5 am till midnight.
• Friday - 5 am till 1 am (next day).
• Saturday - 5 am till midnight.
• Sunday - 8 am till midnight.

Why do people prefer using the metro in the UAE?

The majority of people in the UAE prefer using the metro, as getting around the city is quick and easy due to the futuristic trains. There are multiple reasons why it is the most convenient and popular mode of transport in Dubai, which are given below.

• It is one of the cheapest and most affordable modes of transport, and it helps to beat the rush during peak traffic hours. 
• Dubai Metro is one of the safest and most comfortable transport modes for getting around the city. 
• The women and children cabin is accessible exclusively for female passengers and children under 5 years.
• The Gold Class Cabin is reserved only for Gold Card holders who offer plush seating.
• Dubai Metro is clean and tidy, as eating, drinking, and chewing gum are prohibited.

Is it safe to take the metro in Dubai?

Yes, the Dubai Metro is the safest to take at any time of the day; however, during peak hours, it might become a bit crowded, but it is safe, comfortable, and convenient.

How much is a day pass on the Dubai metro?

Dubai Metro Noi 1-day pass can be the ideal choice for those seeking unlimited rides for one day. This pass allows travelers to take as many rides as they want to travel for just AED 20. It is available for the standard class and Gold class, and one can purchase it easily from any Dubai metro station, vending machine, or bus station. Therefore, the one-day regular card will cost approximately 20 AED, although the one-day Gold pass will cost AED 40, and you can enjoy unlimited rides for one day until midnight.