How to Use the Dubai Metro: Step-by-Step

Never ridden the Dubai Metro? It's one of the easiest systems in the world — driverless, air-conditioned and fully signposted in English and Arabic. Follow these steps for a smooth first ride.

Step 1: Get a Nol Card

Buy a Silver Nol card (AED 25 including AED 19 credit) from any station machine or ticket office — full details in our Nol card guide. Keep at least AED 7.50 balance to enter the gates.

Step 2: Find Your Route

Check the network map: the Red Line follows Sheikh Zayed Road; the Green Line covers old Dubai. Change between them at Union or BurJuman without exiting. Estimate your cost with the fare calculator.

Step 3: Tap In

Touch your card on the gold reader at the gates. Follow the signs to your platform — direction is shown by the terminus name (e.g. "Towards UAE Exchange"). On the Red Line, check whether the train ends at UAE Exchange or Expo 2020 if you're heading past Jabal Ali.

Step 4: Board the Right Cabin

• Standard (Silver) cabins: most of the train — any Nol card.
• Gold Class: front cabin, double fare, Gold card required.
• Women & Children cabin: clearly marked pink zone; men entering it risk a fine.

Let passengers exit first, stand clear of the doors, and hold the rails — trains accelerate quickly.

Step 5: Tap Out

At your destination, tap the same card on the exit gate. The correct zone fare is deducted automatically; the display shows your remaining balance. Forgetting to tap out charges the maximum fare on your next entry.

Key Rules to Avoid Fines

No eating, drinking (including water) or chewing gum, no sleeping across seats, and no travelling in the wrong cabin — inspectors issue on-the-spot fines. The full list is in our metro rules guide.

Planning more journeys? Start from the Dubai Metro map with all stations — every line, station and fare zone on one page.