Dubai Metro Map: A Full Map Guide 2026

Dubai Metro remains one of the world’s most modern and efficient driverless rail systems in 2026. Operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), it features the Red Line and Green Line, covering key areas from residential neighborhoods to major tourist spots, malls, and the airport. With over 55 stations and seamless integration with buses, trams, and Nol cards, the metro offers fast, air-conditioned, traffic-free travel across Dubai. The network spans about 90 km, and the upcoming Blue Line (under construction, expected by 2029) will add even more connectivity. This 2026 guide explains everything — routes, stations, timings, fares, and step-by-step tips — to help you navigate easily.

Dubai Metro Overview

The Dubai Metro is fully automated, driverless, and highly reliable. It includes two main lines:

Red Line — Longer route along Sheikh Zayed Road, ideal for airport access, business districts, and southern extensions.
Green Line — Connects historic areas like Deira and Bur Dubai with modern hubs.

Key facts in 2026:

Total stations: Around 55 (35 on Red, 20 on Green).
Daily ridership: High volume, especially in peak hours.
Benefits: Avoids traffic, eco-friendly, and integrated with other RTA transport.

Always check the official RTA website or S’hail app for real-time updates, as minor changes occur occasionally.

Metro Lines Explained

Dubai Metro currently operates two lines:

Red Line — Runs from Centrepoint (Rashidiya) in the northeast to Life Pharmacy (Expo City Dubai) in the southwest. It follows Sheikh Zayed Road for most of its path and includes the Route 2020 extension.
Green Line — Runs from Etisalat in the northeast to Creek in the south-central area, serving older Dubai neighborhoods and business zones.

No Blue Line is operational yet in 2026 — construction continues, with full opening planned for 2029.

Red Line Route

The Red Line is the longest and most used line:

Starts at Centrepoint (R11) near Al Rashidiya.
Passes through Dubai International Airport (Terminals 1 & 3).
Covers major areas like Deira, Bur Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa, Mall of the Emirates, Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and ends at Expo City Dubai.

Key highlights: Direct airport link, connects to Dubai Tram at certain points, and serves Expo legacy areas.

Green Line Route

The Green Line focuses on central and eastern Dubai:

Starts at Etisalat near Al Qusais.
Goes through Al Nahda, Al Qusais, Al Rigga, Union, Bur Dubai, Healthcare City, and ends at Creek near Al Jaddaf.

It serves historic souks, creekside areas, and community zones effectively.

Route Map Zones

Dubai Metro uses a 7-zone system for fares:

Zone 1 — Includes Airport and northern areas.
Zones 2–5 — Cover central Dubai, Business Bay, Marina.
Zones 6–7 — Southern extensions like Expo City and Jebel Ali.

Fares depend on zones crossed (e.g., 1 zone = lowest fare; more zones = higher). Maps show color-coded zones clearly.

Metro Stations List

Red Line Stations (selected major ones):

Centrepoint (R11)
Emirates (R12)
Airport Terminal 3 (R13)
Airport Terminal 1 (R14)
Union (R18) – Interchange
BurJuman (R19) – Interchange
Business Bay
Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall
Mall of the Emirates
DMCC
UAE Exchange / Life Pharmacy (R76)

Green Line Stations (selected major ones):

Etisalat
Al Qusais
Al Nahda
Union (G26) – Interchange
BurJuman (G19) – Interchange
Al Ghubaiba
Dubai Healthcare City
Creek (G30)

Full lists available on RTA site or app.

How To Read Map

Open the official RTA Metro map (download PDF from rta.ae).
Look for Red (red color) and Green (green color) lines.
Station codes appear like R11 (Red) or G30 (Green).
Interchange points marked with overlapping lines (e.g., Union, BurJuman).
Zones shaded in different colors for fare calculation.
Use legend for tram connections or airport icons.

Tip: Zoom in on digital map in S’hail app for street-level details.

How To Plan Trip

Step-by-step guide:

Download S’hail or RTA Dubai app.
Enter your starting point and destination.
Select Metro as mode.
App shows best route, transfers, time, and fare.
Check timings and platform.
Tap on/off with Nol card at gates.
For multi-mode: Add bus/tram if needed.

Interchange Stations

Main interchange points:

Union Station — Red & Green lines meet here (central Deira/Bur Dubai).
BurJuman Station — Another key switch between Red & Green.

Use escalators/lifts to change lines without exiting.

Airport Metro Access

Red Line connects directly:

Airport Terminal 1 (R14)
Airport Terminal 3 (R13)

From arrivals, follow signs to metro. Trains run frequently. Perfect for tourists arriving at DXB.

Tourist Popular Stops

Must-visit stations:

Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall — Iconic mall and tower.
Mall of the Emirates — Ski Dubai and shopping.
Dubai Marina — Waterfront views.
Al Ghubaiba — Near souks and abra rides.
Expo City Dubai — Innovation and events.

Operating Timings

Standard 2026 timings (all lines):

Monday–Thursday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM (midnight)
Friday: 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM (next day)
Saturday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM (midnight)
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM (midnight) — occasional extensions (e.g., events)

First/last train times vary by station. Check app for exacts.

Ticket Fare Zones

Zone-based fares (Silver Nol card example):

1 zone: AED 3
2 adjacent zones: AED 5
More than 2 zones: AED 7.5

Gold class doubles the fare (premium cabin). Daily/weekly/monthly passes available for frequent travel.

How To Buy Tickets

Step-by-step:

Buy Nol card at any metro station machine or RTA center.
Choose type (Silver, Gold, etc.).
Load credit (cash/card).
Tap card at entry gate.
Fare deducted automatically on exit.
Recharge via app, machine, or store.

No single paper tickets — Nol card required.

Nol Card Types

Main types in 2026:

Silver Nol Card — Standard, AED 25 (AED 19 credit + fee).
Gold Nol Card — Premium cabin access, higher fare.
Red Ticket — Single-use, cheap for short trips.
Personal/Blue Card — For residents/students with discounts.

Tourists usually start with Silver.

Metro Travel Rules

No eating/drinking (except water).
No smoking/vaping.
Priority seats for elderly, pregnant, people of determination.
No large luggage blocking aisles.
Stand right on escalators.
Follow announcements.

Accessibility Facilities

Lifts and ramps at all stations.
Priority seating and spaces.
Braille signs and audio announcements.
Wheelchair-friendly trains.
Assistance available via staff.

Future Metro Expansions

Blue Line (under construction):

30 km long, 14 stations.
Connects Creek (Green) and Centrepoint (Red).
Areas: Dubai Creek Harbour, Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Mirdif, Al Warqa.
Expected full operation: 2029.
Will form a more circular network.

Metro Travel Tips

Buy Nol card on arrival at airport metro.
Use S’hail app for live updates.
Travel off-peak to avoid crowds.
Carry small change for machines.
Take photos of map on entry.
Combine with tram/bus for full coverage.
Gold class worth it in summer for less crowding.

Final Conclusion

The Dubai Metro in 2026 makes exploring the city simple, affordable, and enjoyable. With clear maps, easy Nol card system, direct airport access, and reliable timings, it’s perfect for tourists and residents alike. Master the Red and Green Lines, plan via the app, and avoid traffic forever. As the Blue Line approaches in the coming years, Dubai’s metro network will only get better. Safe travels and enjoy your time in Dubai!