Having visited Dubai several times over the past 3 decades (don’t we feel old) we have used every transport method in the city you can think of. From the hop on hop off buses through to an abra to cross the Creek and not forgetting taxis, dhow cruises and of course our legs. Dubai has over the years grown rapidly. Each time we return we see more construction and development. Therefore, if you want to see everything, you are likely to use a range of transport options when in the city. One of, if not the best way to get around the city and see the sights is to use the Dubai Metro. But how easy is using the Dubai Metro?
Being one of the longest driverless metro networks in the world, the Dubai Metro is something that is used not only by the locals but also by the millions of tourists who visit Dubai each year. The metro is designed for relieving the traffic on the roads of Dubai. Dubai Metro is approximately 90 km long, has 2 lines (red and green, with more planned) and 53 stations which cover all the major locations of the city. It is one of the first urban train networks in the Arabian Peninsula.
Therefore the Dubai Metro is a great, quick and cost-efficient way of getting around the city. Whether you are sightseeing, shopping or commuting, there is likely to be a metro stop close by. Read on for more information about the Dubai Metro and how using the Dubai Metro to get around the city and see the sights is easier than you may think.
About the trains
The Dubai Metro is driverless and fully automated metro network which runs partly underground and partly through elevated viaducts. So far there are two lines constructed. The first is the Red Line, the second is the Green Line. The Red Line runs from Rashidiya to Jebel Ali and the Green Line runs from Al Qusais to Dubai Creek.
Remember that, you should be careful while boarding and disembarking the train as the door will only remain open for approximately 20 seconds.
Trains run at intervals of 10 minutes and during the peak times of 3-minute intervals.
Metro Fares
Depending on how far you are travelling will depend on how much you pay. The Dubai Metro network covers seven zones across the city. The fare you pay is calculated based on the number of zones you pass.
Fares range from 3 AED (approximately 61p) for a Tier 1 Silver Card standard ticket for a single trip that starts and ends in the same zone to 17 AED (approximately £3.43) for a Tier 3 Red Ticket – Gold Class for a single trip through more than two zones.
Elderly people and students will receive a discounted metro fare and under 5s travel for free.
If you plan to use the Dubai metro you will need to buy a Nol card (an electronic ticketing card) as cash is not accepted on the Dubai metro. With your NoI card, you can travel hassle-free not only on the Dubai Metro but also on Waterbuses, buses, etc and your balance is valid for 5 years.
Getting from Dubai Airport to The City Via Metro
There are two Dubai Metro stations located in Dubai Airport, one in Terminal 1 and one in Terminal 3. A metro ride from Dubai Airport to Dubai city centre takes approximately 25 minutes. The Metro runs from Saturday to Wednesday between 05:30 am and 00:00 am, Thursday between 05:30 am and 01:00 am and Friday between 10:00 am and 01:00 am. The Metro runs every 4-7 minutes in both directions depending on the time of the day.
- After entering the station, you will find the ticket counter, buy the Nol card you require to get to your destination
- Tap your card against the card reader to enter the gate. Wait for the green light, then enter.
- Once you enter the station, follow the directions on the board, you will reach to the platform from where you will board the train.
- Follow the guidelines marked on the floor if you are looking for a particular carriage.
- Listen to the announcements made inside the train. Once your destination comes, disembark the train and head towards the exit gate.
- Keep your card with you as you will need that during the time of exit.
- At exit gate, your ticket or NoI card will be required for exiting out the station.
Things To Remember
Cleanliness: You are not allowed to eat or drink on the train or in the Metro stations. However, there are metro stations where you will find many food outlets where you can eat and drink.
Safety: Do not misuse the safety facilities on the train or in the Metro station, otherwise, you will be given a penalty notice to pay.
Pets: For hygiene purposes, the Dubai Metro doesn’t allow pets on the trains or in the Metro stations.
Timings: The trains usually run from Saturdays to Thursday from 6.00 am to 11.00 pm and from 2.00 pm to 12.00 am on Fridays.
Classes: You will find three classes on the Dubai Metro. These are Women & children, gold class, and silver class. You can only enter the carriage that corresponds to the ticket you have bought.
Important stations
Deira City Centre: Here, you will find the Deira City Centre Mall. It is a shopping mall which houses over 340 shops and restaurants.
Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa: From this station, you can see and visit both the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa. The station is linked to these areas by an 828m long air-conditioned walkway.
BurJuman: This is an important station where you can change from the red line to the green line. The station is close to many famous attractions in Dubai such as BurJuman Mall, Spice Souk, Gold Souk, Textile Souk, Dubai Creek, etc.
Mall of Emirates: This station is located at the second largest mall in the city the Mall of Emirates. Shopaholics, this is the ideal destination for you. You can complete your trip with a visit to the indoor ski slope.
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