Dubai Airport to the City by Metro: The Complete Guide
Dubai is one of the few cities where the metro runs directly under the airport. Both Terminal 3 (Emirates flights) and Terminal 1 (most other airlines) have Red Line stations — so for AED 5–7.50 you can be in Downtown or Deira without touching a taxi queue.
Step 1: Find the Station
Follow the red "Metro" signs from arrivals — the stations sit below the terminals, reached by lift and escalator. Terminal 2 (budget carriers on the far side of the runway) has no station: take the free inter-terminal shuttle or a short taxi to Terminal 1.
Step 2: Buy a Nol Card
Ticket machines and a staffed office are right at the station. Get a Silver Nol card (AED 25, includes AED 19 credit) — enough for several journeys — rather than a paper Red Ticket. Full options in our Nol card guide.
Journey Times & Fares from DXB
| Destination | Station | Approx. time | Silver fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deira (City Centre) | City Centre Deira | 6–8 min | AED 3 |
| Bur Dubai | BurJuman | 15 min | AED 3 |
| Downtown / Dubai Mall | Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall | 25 min | AED 5 |
| Mall of the Emirates | Mall of the Emirates | 35 min | AED 5 |
| Dubai Marina / JBR | Sobha Realty + tram | 45–55 min | AED 7.50 |
| Expo City | Expo 2020 (change at Jabal Ali) | ~70 min | AED 7.50 |
Any pair not listed? Use the fare calculator.
Luggage, Timings & Cabin Tips
- Luggage: one large suitcase + one carry-on per person is allowed — perfect for most travellers. Airport trolleys can't pass the gates.
- First/last trains: 5:00 am start (8:00 am Sundays), last trains at midnight (1:00 am Fridays) — full detail in the timings guide. Red-eye arrival? Taxis and 24-hour buses cover the gap.
- Comfort: with bags at rush hour, consider Gold Class (double fare, guaranteed space) — or simply board the last car, usually the emptiest.
When the Metro Isn't the Answer
Travelling as a family of four with a mountain of luggage, landing after midnight, or staying somewhere far from a station (Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah beach hotels)? A taxi's fixed comfort beats two transfers. For everyone else, the metro wins on price every single time — see our cost comparison.
Planning more journeys? Start from the latest Dubai Metro map — every line, station and fare zone on one page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a metro station at Dubai Airport?
Yes — two. Airport Terminal 3 and Airport Terminal 1 stations sit directly beneath DXB on the Red Line. Terminal 2 has no station; use the shuttle to Terminal 1.
How much is the metro from Dubai Airport to Dubai Mall?
AED 5 with a Nol Silver card (two adjacent zones). The journey to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station takes about 25 minutes, plus the 15–20 minute bridge walk to the mall.
Can I take my suitcase on the Dubai Metro from the airport?
Yes. Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one piece of hand luggage. Airport trolleys cannot be taken through the fare gates.