Dubai’s Red Line is one of the main lines in the city’s Metro network. It starts near the airport and runs along Sheikh Zayed Road to Jebel Ali. Two branches split off and end at Expo 2020 and Life Pharmacy. In this guide, I share the map, all 35 stations, timings, and fares. I also cover the latest news and tips for your first ride. RTA, Dubai’s road and rail agency, runs the whole metro.
- What Is the Dubai Red Metro Line?
- Dubai Red Metro Line Map and Route
- Dubai Red Metro Line Stations and Stops
- Dubai Metro Red Line Timings Today
- Dubai Metro Red Line Update Today
- Dubai Red Metro Line Fares and Nol Card
- How to Use the Dubai Red Metro Line
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How Many Stations Does the Dubai Red Metro Line Have?
- What are the stops on the Dubai Red Metro Line?
- What time does the Dubai Red Metro Line start?
- What time does the Dubai Red Metro Line close today?
- Does the Red Line go to Dubai Airport?
- Which Red Line station is closest to Dubai Mall?
- Where can I find the latest Dubai Metro Red Line updates?
- Conclusion
What Is the Dubai Red Metro Line?
The Red Line is one of two metro lines in Dubai. The other is the Green Line, which serves Deira and Bur Dubai. Trains run on their own, with no driver on board. The Red Line opened for riders on 9 September 2009. It has 35 stations and links the airport, Downtown, the Marina, and Expo City.
| Quick Fact | Detail |
| Opened | 9 September 2009 |
| Stations | 35 |
| Length | About 67 km |
| North-east end | Centrepoint (Rashidiya) |
| South-west ends | Expo 2020 and Life Pharmacy |
| Hours | 5:00 AM to midnight (Sunday starts 8:00 AM, Friday closes 1:00 AM) |
| Silver nol fares | AED 3, AED 5, or AED 7.50 per trip |
Where Does the Red Line Start and End?
The line starts at Centrepoint station in Rashidiya, close to Dubai Airport. It runs south-west to National Paints station, where the track splits in two. One branch ends at Expo 2020, and the other ends at Life Pharmacy. Older maps call Life Pharmacy by its old name, Jebel Ali.
How Long Is the Dubai Red Metro Line?
The Red Line stretches about 67 km from end to end. A full ride from Centrepoint to Expo 2020 takes about 70 minutes. Most trips, like Terminal 3 to Downtown, take less than 30 minutes.
Dubai Red Metro Line Map and Route
Dubai Red Metro Line Map
The map shows one long line with a fork in the south. Union and BurJuman show the only two links to the Green Line. Download the official rail map from the RTA website or the S’hail app. Station names change when brands buy naming rights, so use the newest map.
Dubai Red Metro Line Route and Direction
Trains run in two directions along the full length of the Red Line. Pick your train by the final stop that shows on its front screen. Trains with Centrepoint on the front head toward the airport and Rashidiya in the north-east. Trains with Expo 2020 or Life Pharmacy on the front head south-west through the city.
Red Line Branches and End Stations
The track splits at National Paints, station R38 on the main line. The Route 2020 branch adds six stops, from The Gardens to Expo 2020. The Life Pharmacy branch adds four stops: Ibn Battuta, Energy, Danube, and Life Pharmacy. Both services run straight through, so you do not need to change trains. Check the sign before you board, since trains do not all go to both ends.
Dubai Red Metro Line Stations and Stops
Dubai Red Line Metro Stations List in Order
This table lists every main-line station from north-east to south-west. The two branch tables come right after it, in the same order. I list the old names too, so older directions still work for you.
| Code | Station | Zone | Also Known As |
| R11 | Centrepoint | 5 | Al Rashidiya |
| R12 | Emirates | 5 | – |
| R13 | Airport Terminal 3 | 5 | – |
| R14 | Airport Terminal 1 | 5 | – |
| R15 | Al Garhoud | 5 | GGICO |
| R16 | City Centre Deira | 5 | Deira City Centre |
| R17 | Al Rigga | 5 | – |
| R18 | Union (Green Line link) | 5 | – |
| R19 | BurJuman (Green Line link) | 6 | Khalid Bin Al Waleed |
| R20 | ADCB | 6 | Al Karama |
| R21 | Max | 6 | Al Jafiliya |
| R22 | World Trade Centre | 6 | – |
| R23 | Emirates Towers | 6 | – |
| R24 | Financial Centre | 6 | – |
| R25 | Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall | 6 | – |
| R26 | Business Bay | 6 | – |
| R29 | Garmin | 2 | ONPASSIVE, Noor Bank |
| R31 | Equiti | 2 | First Abu Dhabi Bank, Umm Al Sheif |
| R32 | Mall of the Emirates | 2 | – |
| R33 | InsuranceMarket.ae | 2 | Sharaf DG, Mashreq |
| R34 | Dubai Internet City | 2 | – |
| R35 | Al Fardan Exchange | 2 | Nakheel, Al Khail |
| R36 | Sobha Realty | 2 | Dubai Marina |
| R37 | DMCC | 2 | Jumeirah Lakes Towers |
| R38 | National Paints | 2 | Jabal Ali |
Route 2020 branch (to Expo 2020)
| Code | Station |
| R70 | The Gardens |
| R71 | Discovery Gardens |
| R72 | Al Furjan |
| R73 | Jumeirah Golf Estates |
| R74 | Dubai Investment Park |
| R76 | Expo 2020 |
Life Pharmacy branch
| Code | Station | Zone |
| R39 | Ibn Battuta | 2 |
| R40 | Energy | 2 |
| R41 | Danube | 1 |
| R42 | Life Pharmacy | 1 |
All Dubai Red Metro Line Stops
The Red Line has 35 stops: 25 on the main line and 10 on the branches. Here is how the stops group by area from north to south.
| Area | Stops |
| Airport and Rashidiya | Centrepoint, Emirates, Airport Terminal 3, Airport Terminal 1 |
| Deira | Al Garhoud, City Centre Deira, Al Rigga, Union |
| Bur Dubai and Karama | BurJuman, ADCB, Max |
| Sheikh Zayed Road offices | World Trade Centre, Emirates Towers, Financial Centre |
| Downtown and Business Bay | Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Business Bay |
| Al Quoz and Al Barsha | Garmin, Equiti, Mall of the Emirates, InsuranceMarket.ae |
| Internet City and Marina | Dubai Internet City, Al Fardan Exchange, Sobha Realty, DMCC |
| Jebel Ali side | National Paints, Ibn Battuta, Energy, Danube, Life Pharmacy |
| Route 2020 | The Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai Investment Park, and Expo City Dubai. |
Station codes skip R27, R28, R30, and R75, but no station is closed. Most of the line runs above ground, with a tunnel from City Centre Deira to BurJuman. Two Route 2020 stops, Jumeirah Golf Estates and Dubai Investment Park, also sit underground.
Red Line Interchange Stations
You can switch to the Green Line at two stations: Union and BurJuman. Union sits in Deira, and BurJuman sits in Bur Dubai. You do not pay extra when you switch inside the gates. The Red Line also meets the Dubai Tram at Sobha Realty and DMCC.
Red Line Stations Near Major Dubai Attractions
| Place | Closest Red Line Station |
| Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain | Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall |
| Mall of the Emirates and Ski Dubai | Mall of the Emirates |
| Dubai Marina and JBR beach (by tram) | Sobha Realty |
| Jumeirah Lakes Towers | DMCC |
| Dubai International Airport | Airport Terminal 1 or 3 |
| City Centre Deira mall | City Centre Deira |
| BurJuman mall | BurJuman |
| DIFC offices | Financial Centre |
| Dubai World Trade Centre | World Trade Centre |
| Ibn Battuta Mall | Ibn Battuta |
| Expo City Dubai | Expo 2020 |
Dubai Metro Red Line Timings Today
Dubai Metro Red Line First Train Timing
The first train leaves Centrepoint at 5:00 AM from Monday to Saturday. On Sunday, service starts three hours later, at 8:00 AM. Stations farther down the line see their first train a few minutes later.
Dubai Metro Red Line Closing Time Today
The Metro runs until midnight on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays through Thursdays. On Friday, the last train runs later, until about 1:00 AM. Reach the platform at least ten minutes before closing to stay safe.
Weekday, Weekend and Public Holiday Timings
| Day | First Train | Last Train |
| Monday to Thursday | 5:00 AM | 12:00 AM |
| Friday | 5:00 AM | 1:00 AM |
| Saturday | 5:00 AM | 12:00 AM |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM | 12:00 AM |
Ramadan, Eid, and public holidays often bring special hours, so check before you travel. RTA posts special schedules ahead of time in its app and on its website. Extra hours often run for big events like New Year’s Eve.
How to Check Today’s Red Line Schedule
Use the S’hail app for live train times and trip plans. Visit the RTA website for the full timetable and any holiday notices. Station screens also show the next train and its end stop. At peak times, trains come every two to four minutes. Off-peak, you wait about five to seven minutes for the next train.
Dubai Metro Red Line Update Today
Current Service Changes and Delays
Delays can change quickly, so check the S’hail app before leaving. RTA says metro trains run on time 99.7 percent of the time. In mid-October 2026, a new walkway opened at Jumeirah Golf Estates station. The bridge is about 400 metres long and links the station to Etihad Rail’s Al Yalayis stop. Etihad Rail began passenger trips from Dubai on 30 September 2026. One QR ticket can now cover both the train and metro parts of your trip. You can also buy QR tickets for metro, tram, and bus in the nol Pay or S’hail apps.
Dubai Metro Red Line New Routes and Planned Extensions
The Red Line continues to serve Expo 2020 and Life Pharmacy stations. Dubai plans to launch the Blue Line in 2029, with a budget of more than AED 20.5 billion. It will meet the Red Line at Centrepoint and connect with the Green Line at Creek. The line will cover 30 km and serve 14 stations. In April 2026, Dubai also announced the Gold Line, which RTA plans to open in 2032. This new line is expected to increase the Metro network’s total length by about 25%.
Dubai Red Metro Line Fares and Nol Card
How Much Is a Ticket for Dubai’s Red Line Metro?
Fares depend on how many zones you cross, not how many stops you pass. The Red Line travels through fare zones 5, 6, 2, and 1. Here are the fares for one trip in 2026, using RTA rates.
| Ticket | 1 Zone | 2 Zones | 3+ Zones |
| Silver nol card | AED 3 | AED 5 | AED 7.50 |
| Gold nol card (Gold Class) | AED 6 | AED 10 | AED 15 |
| Red Ticket | AED 4 | AED 6 | AED 8.50 |
| Red Ticket (Gold Class) | AED 8 | AED 12 | AED 17 |
Gold Class costs double and gives you a marked cabin with softer seats. Centrepoint to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall crosses zones 5 and 6, so it costs AED 5 on Silver. Centrepoint to Mall of the Emirates crosses zones 5, 6, and 2, so you pay AED 7.50.
How to Pay for Your Metro Journey
You have three ways to pay: a nol card, a Red Ticket, or a QR ticket.
| Option | Cost | Best For |
| Silver nol card | AED 25, with AED 19 credit | Residents and repeat visitors |
| Gold nol card | AED 25, with AED 19 credit | Gold Class riders |
| Red Ticket | AED 2, with top-ups for 10 trips or 5 day passes | Short visits |
| Red Ticket day pass | AED 20 (AED 40 in Gold Class) | Heavy sightseeing days |
| QR ticket | Same fares, bought in the app | Quick trips with no card |
Buy cards at station machines and ticket offices before the gates. Top up in the nol Pay app, at machines, or at ticket offices. Tap your card at the blue gates when you enter and when you leave. You use the same nol card on the metro, tram, and bus.
How to Use the Dubai Red Metro Line
How to Transfer to the Green Line
Exit the train at Union or BurJuman, then follow the green signs to reach the connecting platform. Both stations connect the lines inside the gates, so you do not tap out. Check the end stop on the sign to pick the right Green Line train.
Connecting to Buses and the Dubai Tram
Many Red Line stations have RTA bus stops right outside the exit. Short feeder bus routes link stations to nearby homes, malls, and offices. Bus F38 runs from Jumeirah Golf Estates station to Dubai Production City and Dubai Sports City. At Sobha Realty and DMCC, a walkway leads to the Dubai Tram. The tram serves Dubai Marina, JBR, Media City, Al Sufouh, and Palm Jumeirah.
Tips for First-Time Metro Passengers
- Buy a nol card before you reach the gates, and load enough credit.
- Check the front sign, because some trains go to Expo 2020 and others to Life Pharmacy.
- Avoid 7:00 to 9:00 AM and 5:30 to 7:30 PM, when trains fill up fast.
- Pack light at the airport stations, since you can bring only two pieces of luggage.
- Ride Gold Class only with a Gold nol card, or you risk a fine.
- Stand behind the line, and let people leave the train before you board.
- Tap out at your last station, so the system charges the right fare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Red Line station is closest to Dubai Mall?
Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station is the closest stop to Dubai Mall. A covered walkway connects the station to the mall.
How Many Stations Does the Dubai Red Metro Line Have?
The Dubai Red Metro Line has 35 stations in total, spread across its main line and two branches. That means 25 on the main line, six on the Route 2020 branch, and four on the Life Pharmacy branch.
What are the stops on the Dubai Red Metro Line?
The stops run from Centrepoint to National Paints, then fork to Expo 2020 and Life Pharmacy. See the station table above for every name, code, and zone.
What time does the Dubai Red Metro Line start?
The first train leaves at 5:00 AM from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, the first train leaves later, at 8:00 AM.
What time does the Dubai Red Metro Line close today?
The Metro’s closing time varies depending on which day you travel. Friday closes at 1:00 AM, and every other day closes at midnight.
Does the Red Line go to Dubai Airport?
Yes, the Red Line serves Dubai Airport at Terminal 3 and Terminal 1. Terminal 2 has no Red Line station, so take the Green Line to Abu Hail and then a taxi.
Where can I find the latest Dubai Metro Red Line updates?
Use the RTA website, the RTA Dubai app, or the S’hail app. These sources list delays, special holiday hours, and new route news.
Conclusion
The Dubai Red Metro Line gives you a simple way to cross the city. It runs about 67 km from Centrepoint to Expo 2020 and Life Pharmacy, with 35 stops. Trains start at 5:00 AM, or 8:00 AM on Sunday, and close near midnight.
On Friday, trains run one hour later, until 1:00 AM. Fares run from AED 3 to AED 7.50 on a Silver nol card. For live schedules and service news, check the RTA website or the S’hail app. Save this guide for your next trip, and enjoy the ride across Dubai.
For more similar guides, visit stations.ae, where we have provided information about all the Dubai bus stations, metro stations and tram stations.
