We may be a walking tour company, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t appreciate the Dubai Metro. It’s a convenient way to get around the city, and it offers stunning views as you do so. Here, we give you an overview of how to use the Dubai Metro.
About the Train
The Dubai Metro is a fully automated, driverless metro network. It runs partly underground and partly via elevated viaducts.
So far, two lines have been constructed. The Red Line runs parallel through Sheikh Zayed Road for majority of its run. The Green Line runs parallel to Dubai Creek, through Deira and Bur Dubai.
Tickets and Fares
The Dubai public transport system in divided into a number of zones. You are charged based on the number of zones that you travel through.
There are a several different kinds of fare cards that can be purchased. However, tourists generally purchase the Red Ticket or the Silver Card. The kind of ticket you buy will depend on how long you are staying in Dubai, how often you will use the train and how far you will be traveling.
The table below gives a comparison of the two:
| Red Ticket | Silver Card | |
| Card Price | AED 2 | AED 25 (includes AED 19 trip credit) |
| Validity | 90 days | 5 years |
| Rechargeable | Up to 10 trips OR 5 daily passes | Yes |
| Fares | ||
| Single Trip starting and ending in same zone | AED 4 | AED 3 |
| Single trip starting in one zone and ending in adjacent zone | AED 6 | AED 5 |
| Single trip through two or more zones | AED 8.5 | AED 7.5 |
| Passes | ||
| 1 day, all zones | AED 20 | N/A |
| 7 day, starting and ending within same zone | N/A | AED 50 |
| 7 day, starting in one zone and ending in adjacent zone | N/A | AED 80 |
| 7 day, for going through two or more zones | N/A | AED 110 |
How to use the Dubai Metro
When you enter the station, you can find a friendly ticketing officer at the counter. Let him know whether you would like a red ticket or a silver card, and which station you are traveling to. He will tell you the fare, which you can pay via cash or credit card.
To enter the gate, tap your card against the card reader. Make sure you are entering the right gate - look for the green arrow for confirmation. Additionally, make sure you keep your card with you, as you will need it when exiting.
Once you enter, consult the posted signboard. The escalator to your left and the escalator to your right each lead to a train that is traveling in a different direction.
As an added note, when waiting for the train, ensure that you will enter the correct cabin. The Gold cabin (with luxury leather seats and panoramic views) is for travelers who have purchased a Gold card. The Women and Children cabin is, naturally, for women and children only. Traveling via the wrong cabin can result in a fine.
You can check whether you are about to enter a special cabin by looking the floor markings by the gate.
When you arrive at your destination, simply exit the train and make your way to the gate. Tap your card against the reader, and it will deduct the correct fare.
FAQs
What are the metro's hours of operation?
The Dubai Metro runs seven days a week. The metro station timings can be seen as follows:
| Red Line | Green Line | |
| Saturday - Wednesday | 5:30 am - midnight | 5:50 am - midnight |
| Thursday | 5:30 am - 1:00 am | 5:50 am - 1:00 am |
| Friday | 10:00 am - 1:00 am | 10:00 am - 1:00 am |
During Eid and other special holidays, the metro operating hours may be extended.
How often do the trains run?
Trains run every 3 minutes during rush hour. At other times, trains usually run every 5-7 minutes.
Can children ride for free?
If a child is under the age of 5 and is less that 90cm in height, he or she can ride for free. All other children are required to pay full-price.
Is traveling in the women's compartment mandatory for women?
No. Women and children can travel in the standard compartments if they choose to do so. The women's compartment is only provided as a convenience.
Can I eat or drink while on the metro?
No. In an effort to keep the metro clean, it is prohibited to eat, drink or chew gum while in the train.
Can I take the metro from the airport?
Yes. There are two stops on the Red Line, Airport Terminal 1 and Airport Terminal 3, that you can use. Passengers can carry 2 pieces of luggage (1 regular suitcase and 1 carry-on bag). Please note that the suitcase should not exceed 81cm x 58cm x 30cm and the carry-on bag should not exceed 55cm x 38 cm x 20cm.
We hope you found this guide to traveling by the Dubai Metro useful. For further questions, feel free to leave us a comment.
If you would like to book an Old Dubai Walking Tour while in Dubai feel free to email us on contact@dubaibyfoot.com.
