How to Change Lines on the Dubai Metro
Two stations join the Red and Green Lines — Union in Deira and BurJuman in Bur Dubai. Transfers are free, gate-free and take 3–5 minutes once you know the flow. Here's the complete how-to.
The Golden Rule
Don't tap out. Stay inside the paid area and follow the coloured line signs to the other platform — your journey (and its zone fare) continues as one. Tapping out at the interchange ends the trip and starts a new fare.
Transferring at Union
- One of the world's largest underground stations: the two lines cross on different levels, linked by escalators and lifts from a shared concourse.
- Follow the overhead red or green line-and-terminus signs (e.g. "Green Line — towards Creek"); the walk is 3–4 minutes.
- Pick Union when you're on the Deira/airport side of your journey.
Transferring at BurJuman
- Similar drill beneath Bur Dubai: escalators between stacked platforms, 3–5 minutes, fully lift-accessible (accessibility guide).
- Pick BurJuman when you're on the Bur Dubai/Karama/Sheikh Zayed side.
Which Interchange Should You Use?
| Journey | Change at |
|---|---|
| Airport → Gold Souq / old Deira | Union |
| Downtown → Al Fahidi / Meena Bazaar | BurJuman |
| Marina → Healthcare City / Creek | BurJuman |
| Centrepoint → Bur Dubai | Either — Union comes first |
When both work, the system charges the same zone fare either way — pick whichever appears first in your direction of travel.
Three More Interchanges in 2029
The Blue Line adds: Creek (Green↔Blue), Centrepoint (Red↔Blue) and International City 1 (between the Blue Line's own branches — the network's largest underground junction). The don't-tap-out rule will carry straight over.
Planning more journeys? Start from the Dubai Metro map 2026 — every line, station and fare zone on one page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I tap my card when changing lines on the Dubai Metro?
No — stay inside the gates and walk to the other platform. Tapping out ends your journey and triggers a second fare; transfers inside the paid area are free.
How long does the transfer take at Union or BurJuman?
About 3–5 minutes at either interchange via escalators or lifts, following the red/green line signage between platforms.
Should I change at Union or BurJuman?
Use Union on the Deira/airport side of your trip and BurJuman on the Bur Dubai/Sheikh Zayed side — where both work, the fare is identical, so take whichever comes first.