Dubai Metro Timings 2026 | Today's Opening & Closing Hours

Last Updated: July 2026

Looking for the latest Dubai Metro Timings today? This guide covers today’s Dubai Metro opening and closing hours, first and last train timings, Red Line and Green Line metro schedules, airport connections, fares, and travel tips. Whether you’re commuting to work or visiting Dubai as a tourist, you’ll find the latest Dubai Metro timings for 2026 here.

Dubai Metro normally operates Monday to Thursday from 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM, Friday from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM (next day), Saturday from 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM, and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Temporary schedules may apply during Ramadan, Eid holidays, New Year’s Eve, or major events.

Dubai Metro Timings Today

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) operates Dubai Metro on different schedules depending on the day of the week.

Day	Opening Time	Closing Time
Monday	5:00 AM	12:00 AM
Tuesday	5:00 AM	12:00 AM
Wednesday	5:00 AM	12:00 AM
Thursday	5:00 AM	12:00 AM
Friday	5:00 AM	1:00 AM (Next Day)
Saturday	5:00 AM	12:00 AM
Sunday	8:00 AM	12:00 AM

These are the standard network operating hours. During Ramadan, public holidays, or major city events, the RTA may announce temporary schedule changes.

Understanding First and Last Train Times

Although stations open according to the timetable above, the exact departure of the Dubai metro first and last train depends on the station and travel direction.

For example:

Terminal stations begin the day’s service first.
Intermediate stations receive the first train several minutes later.
The last train from your station may leave before the published network closing time.

This is why travelers heading to the airport or returning late at night should allow extra time, especially when changing trains at Union or BurJuman.

Dubai Metro Timings by Line

Red Line

The Red Line is Dubai’s busiest Metro route and connects many of the city’s major destinations, including:

Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Airport Terminal 1
Airport Terminal 3
Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall
Business Bay
Mall of the Emirates
Dubai Marina
Expo 2020

It is the preferred choice for office commuters, airport passengers, and tourists visiting Dubai’s most popular attractions.

Green Line

The Green Line connects several residential and historic areas, including Al Qusais, Deira, Al Fahidi, Oud Metha, and Creek. It intersects with the Red Line at Union and BurJuman, allowing passengers to transfer easily between both routes.

Compared with the Red Line, the Green Line is generally less crowded outside weekday rush hours, making it a convenient option for local journeys across older parts of Dubai.

Metro Timings for Popular Journeys

Dubai International Airport to Downtown Dubai

The Red Line provides a direct connection from Airport Terminal 1 and Airport Terminal 3 towards Downtown Dubai. The journey usually takes 25 to 30 minutes, depending on your destination station.

Airport to Dubai Marina

Travel time is generally 45 to 55 minutes.

Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall

This is one of the busiest stations in the network. Evening crowds increase significantly during weekends, holidays, and fountain shows, so checking the last available service before your visit is recommended.

Mall of the Emirates

Mall of the Emirates Station offers direct access to one of Dubai’s largest shopping destinations. Passenger numbers are highest during evenings and weekends, while weekday afternoons usually provide a quieter travel experience.

Business Bay

Business Bay Station serves thousands of professionals every weekday. Between approximately 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, trains can become very busy. If your schedule allows, traveling slightly before or after the morning rush usually results in shorter queues and a more comfortable journey.

Peak Hours and Train Frequency

Dubai Metro Schedule operates frequently throughout the day.

Peak Hours

Weekdays: Approximately 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Evenings: Approximately 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

These periods experience the highest passenger demand, particularly around Business Bay, BurJuman, Union, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, and Dubai Marina.

Off-Peak Hours

Late mornings, early afternoons, and most midweek evenings are generally less crowded.

Train Frequency

During busy periods, trains usually arrive every few minutes. Waiting times may increase slightly during quieter hours.

Local Tips That Can Save You Time

Transfers Take Longer Than Many Visitors Expect

Union and BurJuman are large interchange stations. If you’re catching one of the last services of the day, allow additional walking time between platforms instead of arriving just before departure.

Airport Travelers

Landing before Metro closing time doesn’t always guarantee you’ll catch the last train. Immigration, baggage collection, and the walk to the station can easily add 30 to 60 minutes to your journey.

Sightseeing

If you’re visiting Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina, or Mall of the Emirates, traveling outside weekday commuting hours generally provides a faster and more comfortable experience.

Dubai Metro Fare

Dubai Metro uses the Nol Card ticketing system.

For most adult passengers using a Silver Nol Card, fares generally range from AED 3 to AED 7.50, depending on the number of zones traveled.

Fare categories include:

1 Zone
2 Adjacent Zones
More than 2 Zones

Gold Class and concession fares are priced differently.

Accessibility Features

Dubai Metro is designed to be accessible for all passengers.

Facilities include:

Wheelchair-accessible stations
Elevators and escalators
Tactile guidance paths for visually impaired passengers
Dedicated wheelchair spaces
Priority seating for senior citizens and people with disabilities
Accessible ticket counters and gates

These features make the Metro one of the most accessible public transport systems in the region.

Ramadan and Public Holiday Timings

Dubai Metro may operate on revised schedules during:

Ramadan
Eid holidays
New Year’s Eve
UAE National Day
Major exhibitions and city events

Before planning an important journey during these periods, check the latest service announcement from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) or use the S’hail journey planning app for real-time travel information.

Official website: https://www.rta.ae

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Dubai Metro open?

Dubai Metro generally opens at 5:00 AM from Monday to Saturday and 8:00 AM on Sunday.

What time does Dubai Metro close?

The standard closing time is 12:00 AM, except on Friday, when services usually continue until 1:00 AM the following day.

Are Friday Metro timings different?

Yes. Dubai Metro Friday timings usually run from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM (the next day), providing extended late-night service compared to other weekdays. Always check the latest Dubai Metro timings for any temporary schedule changes.

Does Dubai Metro run on Sundays?

Yes. Dubai Metro runs on Sundays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM under the regular schedule. However, Dubai Metro Sunday timings may vary during public holidays or special events, so always check the latest schedule before traveling.

Which Metro line serves Dubai International Airport?

The Red Line serves Airport Terminal 1 and Airport Terminal 3.

How long does it take from Dubai Airport to Downtown Dubai?

Most journeys take 25 to 30 minutes, depending on your destination.

Is Dubai Metro wheelchair accessible?

Yes. All stations provide lifts, ramps, tactile guidance, accessible gates, and designated wheelchair spaces.

Plan Your Journey with the Dubai Metro Map

Knowing the Dubai Metro Timings is only part of planning your trip. To choose the best route, locate stations, and find transfer points between the Red Line and Green Line, explore our detailed Dubai Metro Map. It shows every station, interchange, and route, helping you navigate the Metro network and reach your destination more efficiently.

Final Thoughts

Dubai Metro remains one of the fastest, safest, and most convenient ways to travel across the city. Understanding the daily operating hours, planning your journey around peak periods, and allowing extra time for transfers can help you avoid unnecessary delays. If you’re traveling during Ramadan, public holidays, or major events, verify the latest timetable through the official RTA website (https://www.rta.ae) or the S’hail app before you begin your trip to ensure you have the most up-to-date travel information.