If you are a resident or traveling to Dubai as a tourist and have a plan to use the Dubai metro, these FAQs and guidelines about using the Dubai metro are very helpful. Here are the complete Dubai Metro guidelines and policies that one must follow while traveling the Metro in Dubai.
How much does the Dubai Metro cost?
Check out the tickets page for more details on Dubai Metro ticket prices.
How can tourists use the Dubai Metro?
Tourists need to purchase a single-use ticket or an NOL card for traveling. You’ll buy these at metro station counters and ticket machines. You can also buy your NOL card online on the NOL Pay app.
What are the Dubai Metro Opening Hours?
The operating hours throughout the week of the Dubai Metro are:
Red and Green Lines
Monday to Thursday from 5.00 am until midnight, Friday 5 am until 1 am the next day, Saturday from 5.00 am until midnight, and on Sundays from 8 am until midnight. On special occasions, it is sometimes open for longer hours.
Does the Dubai Metro have WiFi?
Yes, WiFi is available in the Dubai Metro, Dubai RTA Taxis, Dubai Tram, Abu Dhabi Buses, and popular public areas.
Where can I buy my ticket?
You can buy tickets from vending machines and ticket offices at all Dubai Metro stations and bus stations, as well as malls and airports. Some supermarkets also sell Nol cards.
How to save money on the Dubai Metro?
The NOL cards can be purchased at metro stations and select retail outlets. The Dubai Nol Card is the best way to save money on transportation while visiting Dubai.
Does everyone have to buy their ticket?
Yes, each adult and child (over 5) needs to buy their ticket.
What is the payment method for the Dubai Metro?
NOL is a prepaid, contactless smart card (or virtual card) and the sole payment method accepted across all Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Metro, buses, taxis, ferries, and trams.
How much is the minimum top-up for the NOL card?
The minimum amount to top up your card is 20 dirhams.
Am I restricted in the number of transfers I can make?
Yes, on a single trip ticket, you can make only 1 transfer. On multi-zone travel, you can make 3 transfers. Time allowed between transfers is 30 minutes.
Can you take food and drink onto the trains?
No, food and drink are not allowed on the trains, and you will be fined if you are found eating or drinking.
What is the minimum balance in a NOL card?
The minimum card balance is 7.5 AED, and the maximum balance value is 1,000 AED for Anonymous nol cards and 5,000 AED for Personal and registered cards.
Do I have to pay for the feeder bus separately?
The feeder bus is included in the metro fare, so in effect it is free. As long as you travel on a bus and the Metro, this will be the case. If you only travel on the bus, then you will get charged the fare for the number of zones you travel through. So effectively, the bus and the Metro are considered as one journey.
Does the Metro have facilities for people with disabilities?
Yes, they have the following:
- Contrasting tactile guidance path for the visually impaired.
- Dedicated spaces for wheelchair users on all trains.
- Information is displayed on screens throughout trains and stations.
- Ticket counters are within easy reach for wheelchair users.
- Dedicated toilets for people with disabilities.
- Lift access to all station levels.
How many passengers can each train carry?
The trains carry almost 643 passengers per 5-carriage train.
How frequent are the trains?
Trains run every 5 minutes or more often during rush hour and every 8 minutes outside of rush hour.
Is the parking at Metro stations free?
Yes, parking is free for Metro users at the 3 designated car parks. If you don’t use the Metro, then you will be charged for using the station car parks.
What are the advantages of the blue NOL card?
The Blue NOL card is assigned to an individual and can be topped up online. If the card is lost, the credit can be recovered by reporting the lost card. NOL cards can be issued for Senior Citizens (over 60) and Special Needs users.
What happens if I miss the last train home?
There is a night bus that runs the length of the Metro between Nakheel Harbour and Tower and Rashidiya stations. The route runs every 20 minutes (upgraded from 30 minutes) from 11 pm until 2 am.
What is the security like at the metro stations?
The average security personnel per station is 14 and surveillance cameras per station is 64.
How are the fares calculated?
The metro system is divided into seven zones across the city, and fares are calculated based on the number of zones passed.
How to use the Dubai Metro for the first time?
You have to buy a NOL card for the first time. Also, a minimum balance of 7.5 AED is essential in the NOL card to start a journey using public transport in Dubai.
What is not allowed in the Dubai Metro?
Similar to spitting or littering, smoking is strictly prohibited at the Dubai Metro, at the station and while using any RTA facilities. The fine for smoking is 200 Dirhams.
Can 2 people use one metro card in Dubai?
No, NOL cards are strictly intended for individual use only. Each traveler must have their card to access Dubai’s public transportation system.
Can I take an e-scooter on the Metro?
Yes, you can take them on the metro.
How much is a 7 day metro pass in Dubai?
7-Day Pass ( AED 110 Silver, AED 220 Gold)
90-Day Pass (AED 830 Silver, AED 1660 Gold)
30-Day Pass (AED 350 Silver, AED 700 Gold)
Child Ticket (5-12 years) – Discounted single journey ticket (AED 2 Silver, AED 5 Gold)
Which metro card is best for tourists in Dubai?
Silver Card: Card price is 25 AED ( US$ 6.80) and includes 19 AED ( US$ 5.17) credit. This is the recommended option for tourists.
How to use the Dubai Metro from the airport?
If you are travelling to Dubai International Airport, there are two stations on the Dubai Metro. Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 stations on the Red Line.
Can I carry my luggage on the Dubai Metro?
55cm x 38cm x 20cm
All luggage must be placed in the dedicated luggage area, which can be found in each cabin.
Can children travel for free?
Children 5 years old and below can travel free. Otherwise, they pay the normal fares and need their ticket.