Dubai Metro Guide

1. Choose the origin and destination stations

Search by the current station name, code or a recognised former name. If the final address is not inside a station complex, include the walk or onward bus, Tram or taxi connection in the plan.

Use the route planner to see the station sequence, line changes and fare zones. Then check the map if the route reaches the Red Line branch, where the train destination matters.

2. Check the travel day and service window

Regular operating hours differ by day, and holidays, celebrations or disruptions can change them. A published network opening time is not the exact first-train time at every platform, and a closing time is not a guarantee that a late passenger can begin any possible journey.

For an airport departure, event or other fixed appointment, allow time for the final walk, queues and any interchange instead of planning around the last possible train.

3. Prepare one valid nol product per fare-paying passenger

Choose Silver, Gold, a Personal nol card or a Red Ticket according to the trip pattern and cabin class. Buy or top it up through an official RTA or station channel before entering the paid area.

RTA currently lists children aged 5 and below as free. For fare-paying passengers, amounts depend on the product and the zones travelled. Use the fares page for prices; use the nol guide for purchase, top-up, registration and validity.

4. Tap in and find the correct platform

Tap the nol product on the reader at the station entrance and wait for the gate to accept it. Keep the card accessible because the same product is needed when leaving the network.

Inside the station, follow the colour-coded line signs and the train destination shown for the platform. Do not choose a platform only from a landmark name: direction is determined by the line and destination display.

5. Interchange and check the Red Line branch

Union and BurJuman are the Red–Green interchange stations. Follow the internal interchange signs and do not exit the paid area unless the planned route specifically requires another mode.

On the Red Line, trains can continue toward different southern terminals. Check the destination display before boarding or changing trains rather than assuming every Red Line train serves both EXPO 2020 and Life Pharmacy.

6. Board the correct cabin

Use the platform markings and onboard signs to distinguish Regular Class, Gold Class and the Women and Children cabin or area. A Gold cabin requires the appropriate Gold product or entitlement, and entering or sitting in any designated area without entitlement is an offence under the current fine schedule.

Let passengers leave first, keep doors and aisles clear, and follow staff instructions and posted signs throughout the journey.

7. Tap out and complete the final leg

At the destination, follow the exit signs and tap the same nol product at the gate. The system uses the completed journey to apply the fare.

If transferring to an eligible bus or another public-transport mode, check in to the next mode within the published 30-minute transfer window for the legs to be considered together under RTA rules.

Accessibility and luggage planning

Follow station accessibility signage and allow extra time when a step-free route or staff assistance is important. Confirm time-sensitive or station-specific assistance directly with RTA before travel.

For airport travel, Dubai Airports advises a maximum of two pieces of luggage including hand luggage. Keep belongings controlled and do not block doors, aisles, lifts or emergency access.

Rules and fines passengers should know

Use your own valid nol product, tap in and out, and present it if an inspector asks. Watch the cabin markings: Gold Class requires the appropriate Gold product, while the Women and Children area is reserved for the passengers indicated by the signage.

Eating or drinking where prohibited carries a current AED 100 fine. Smoking inside public transport or its facilities is AED 200. Fare evasion or using another person’s card is AED 200, and misuse of emergency or safety equipment can reach AED 4,000. These examples come from the schedule effective from 17 February 2026; posted instructions still apply at the station and on the train.

• Let passengers leave before boarding and keep doors and aisles clear.
• Do not place feet on seats, litter, spit or create a disturbance.
• Do not enter restricted areas or a cabin for which you are not eligible.
• Keep luggage controlled and never obstruct lifts or emergency equipment.
• Follow staff instructions and the signs displayed at the point of travel.

Paying or appealing a passenger fine

A Metro or Tram passenger fine can be searched using the fine number, Emirates ID or passport details. Keep the notice and any payment receipt. The current RTA service also lists an AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation fee for each fine.

If the fine was issued incorrectly, RTA currently allows a free online dispute within 30 days. The form asks for the fine details, identity document and supporting evidence; a paid fine also requires the payment receipt and bank information for a possible refund. Use the current service instructions before submitting because deadlines and required documents can change.

Common first-trip mistakes