What Time Does the Metro Start in Dubai?
Short answer: the Dubai Metro starts at 5:00 am from Monday to Saturday and at 8:00 am on Sundays, on both the Red and Green Lines.
First Train by Day (2026)
| Day | Service starts |
|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | 5:00 am |
| Friday | 5:00 am |
| Saturday | 5:00 am |
| Sunday | 8:00 am |
The first trains leave each terminus (Centrepoint, UAE Exchange, Expo 2020, Etisalat by e&, Creek) at opening time, so intermediate stations see their first train a few minutes later depending on position along the line.
Catching an Early Flight?
The metro reaches Airport Terminal 3 and Terminal 1 directly. On a 5:00 am start you can realistically be at DXB by ~5:30–6:00 am from most of the city — fine for flights from about 8:00 am. For earlier flights, or any early Sunday flight, take a taxi or an RTA night bus instead.
Ramadan Start Times
During Ramadan the RTA adjusts the timetable annually; morning start times have generally stayed similar in recent years while evening hours extend, but always confirm the current Ramadan schedule on RTA channels or the S'hail app before depending on it.
Full closing times, frequencies and planning tips are in our main Dubai Metro timings guide.
Planning more journeys? Start from the full Dubai Metro map — every line, station and fare zone on one page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Dubai Metro start on weekdays?
From Monday to Saturday the first trains depart at 5:00 am on both the Red and Green Lines.
Why does the metro start late on Sundays?
Sunday service begins at 8:00 am to allow for scheduled overnight track and system maintenance, following the RTA's standard weekly timetable.
Can I take the metro to the airport for a 7 am flight?
It's tight. Airlines recommend arriving 3 hours before international flights; with a 5:00 am first train you'd reach DXB around 5:30–6:00 am. For a 7:00 am departure, a taxi or night bus is the safer choice.