If you are traveling to Dubai and want to know how to get around by metro, here is everything you need to know.
- The Dubai Metro is one of the simplest and most efficient in the world. It only has two lines (green and red) that connect for transfers in two moments.
- The red metro line, which is the main line, is also linked to the tram that runs through the Dubai Marina area.
- Its stops include some of the main points of the city: The Dubai Mall, the Burj Khalifa and terminals 1 and 3 of the airport.
- Everything is perfectly signposted in Arabic, English and with certain drawings, making it very easy to use (even without speaking English). Additionally, you will find plenty of support staff at the main stations. There are also user manuals and maps at all stations.
How do I use the Dubai metro?
The Dubai metro is very easy to use:
1. Go to the nearest station. They are easily recognizable by their golden entrances. Consider that they do not cover the entire city but they do cover important points: airport (terminal 1 and 3), Burk Khalifa and Emirates Mall.
2. Buy a ticket. There are machines in Arabic and English and lockers with English-speaking staff. You can pay in dirhams (AED) or with bank cards. It is important to know which station you are going to because that is what the cost is based on.
3. Validate your ticket. You just need to pass it through the machines when entering the subway so that the turnstile opens or find a place to validate it before boarding the tram.
4. Transfer. If necessary, change lines or combine the metro with another means of transport such as bus or tram. Tickets will be valid for a maximum of 3 transfers.
5. Re-validate your ticket. When you leave, don’t forget to validate your ticket again so that there is a record of where you got off.
My hotel
I stayed in the 4 star hotel TRYP by Wyndham Dubai paying 150 USD per night for two people with half board included (breakfast and lunch/dinner). It has very good service, cleanliness, staff and the location is very good, a few steps from the Dubai Internet City metro station. More information and reservation here.
How much does the metro cost in Dubai?
Metro fares start at 3 dirhams, however, everything will depend on the distance you travel (how many zones), the type of ticket you purchase and the class where you want to travel (believe it or not, we have regular and gold class) . Below I explain the different tickets you can buy and which one is best.
Single metro ticket
It is a single ticket (the red one in the photo) that will only serve you for a trip with a maximum of 3 transfers. The issuance of the ticket has a cost of 2 dirhams to which you must add your route: 4, 6 or 8.5 dirhams.
Therefore, I don’t recommend it Unless you are going to use public transport less than 5 times on your trip to Dubai.
NOL Card: Silver transportation card (silver card)
A card that costs 25 dirhams of which 19 are credit for your trips. It is a rechargeable card and the advantages of purchasing it are the cost and ease of use.
It can be used and recharged whenever necessary, instead of buying ticket by ticket. And although it costs you 6 dirhams, you save the 2 dirham fee for each ticket issue. In addition, each of your tours is 1 dirim cheaper.
Therefore, if you visit the city for several days and will make more than 4 trips, this will be your best option.
Tickets and gold card
To the previous options, we have to add its VIP version. The one that works in the same way, but in which you will pay double for each of your trips. Of course, you will have the opportunity to travel in the golden subway car.
Other ticket options for your trip
If you are going to visit the city intensively for one or two days, perhaps what is best for you is to buy the unlimited travel card per day. The cost is 20 dirhams (5 US dollars).
For longer trips, there is the blue card that allows you to have unlimited trips for 50 dirhams. Of course, the card costs 70 dirhams of which only 20 are credit. So it is only recommended for intense use of transportation on your trip.
How many zones are there in Dubai?
Transportation in Dubai is divided into 7 zones, although the metro only covers 4 zones. The cost of the metro ticket will depend on whether you travel within one zone, two or three (the maximum cost is for three or more). You must be careful because, unlike other countries, the areas here are not concentric, so you can easily cross from one to another without realizing it. Of course, they are clearly marked on the map.
Basic information
Fines in the Dubai metro?
Avoid fines when traveling through Dubai. Some things prohibited in the Dubai metro are:
- Eat and drink inside the carriages
- Using the wrong car. There are “gold” cars that are VIP; the carriages for women and children; carriages for disabled people and people traveling with suitcases; and wagons for the general public.
- Chew gum
- Do not validate your ticket
What other transportation options are there in Dubai?
In addition to the tram, which is connected and works very similar to the metro, there are also transportation alternatives:
- Cab
- Uber
- Public buses
The complete Dubai transportation guide here.
⚠️It is mandatory to travel with insurance
Insurance is an essential requirement to travel to many countries in the world such as those in the Schengen Area. You can get it from 20 USD and if you use my code you receive 20% discount. Get an insurance quote here.