Dubai International Airport — Dubai Metro Red Line
Dubai International (DXB) to Dubai — Updated 2026
The Dubai Metro Red Line runs directly from Dubai International Airport (DXB) Terminals 1 and 3 to downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Business Bay, Marina, and JBR. It's one of the world's most convenient airport-to-city rail links: 15 minutes to Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa) for AED 6-8, running every 6 minutes at peak (10 min off-peak) from 05:00 to 24:00 (Fri from 10:00). You need a Nol card, sold from vending machines in the station — Silver Nol AED 6 with AED 19 preloaded. Terminals 1 + 3 have dedicated Metro stations directly connected via air-conditioned bridges from the arrivals halls (5-8 min walk). Terminal 2 (mostly flydubai + budget carriers) has NO Metro station — take a bus 401 to Terminal 1 (10 min) or taxi. Metro doesn't run 24 hours, so late-night arrivals (00:00-05:00) need taxi or Careem — bus + taxi lanes outside all terminals.
Dubai Metro Red Line stops
| Station / Stop | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DXB T1 / T3 Airport Stations | 0 min | Direct air-conditioned bridge from arrivals |
| Emirates Metro Station | ~5 min | Emirates HQ + Deira area |
| Union Metro | ~10 min | Line change: Green Line for Old Dubai |
| Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall | ~15 min | Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall |
| Business Bay | ~18 min | Business district, hotels |
| Dubai Marina | ~35 min | Marina + JBR beaches |
| UAE Exchange (terminus) | ~50 min | Ibn Battuta Mall + Jebel Ali |
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Dubai Metro Red Line vs alternatives
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Red Line | AED 6-8 | ~15 min to Downtown | Cheapest, direct from T1/T3. |
| Careem / Uber | AED 40-80 | 15-40 min | Door-to-door + credit card easy. |
| Airport Taxi (cream) | AED 40-100 + AED 25 airport fee | 15-40 min | Regulated meter. Fixed AED 25 surcharge. |
| Public Bus 401 / 402 | AED 5 | 30-60 min | To Deira/Bur Dubai/RTA hubs. |
| Private transfer (Welcome Pickups) | AED 120-220 | 15-40 min | Pre-booked meet-greet + luggage. |
FAQ
Does the Dubai Metro go to the airport?+
Yes — the Red Line runs directly to Terminals 1 and 3 of DXB. Terminal 2 (mostly flydubai) has NO Metro station; take shuttle bus 401 to Terminal 1 (10 min) or taxi. Metro station entrances are inside the terminals via air-conditioned bridges from arrivals halls.
How much is a Nol card at Dubai Airport?+
Silver Nol card costs AED 6 (deposit) plus you preload it with credit (minimum AED 19). Vending machines are inside every Metro station — English available. Nol works on Metro, buses, trams, and water buses across Dubai. Card is refundable at Service Centres if you have 24+ hours before departure.
Metro Red Line hours from DXB?+
Saturday-Thursday: 05:00-24:00. Friday: 10:00-24:00 (Islamic Friday prayer schedule). Peak departures every 6 minutes; off-peak every 10 minutes. Between 00:00 and 05:00 daily (and Friday mornings), Metro is closed — take taxi, Careem, or Uber. Airport is open 24/7 with taxi + bus service running through the night.
Metro from DXB to Palm Jumeirah / Atlantis?+
Red Line to Al Khail or Dubai Marina, then Palm Monorail (separate ticket, AED 25 one-way) or taxi. Total 40-60 min for AED 30-40. Direct taxi/Careem from DXB to Atlantis: 30-45 min AED 90-140. Metro cheaper if you're staying under 3 nights and don't need door-to-door.
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