The first time I rode the metro in Dubai, I stood outside Union station at 5:10 AM with a coffee going cold in my hand, sure that I had already missed the first train. I had not. But I did learn that Friday runs late, Sunday starts late, and the schedule saved on my phone belonged to a different day entirely.That little scare is why I take the Dubai Metro timings seriously now. Over the years, I have ridden the Red Line and the Green Line to work, to the airport, to Dubai Mall, and home again after more late dinners than I can count. This guide covers what I have learned, based on information published by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), so you can plan your day without guessing.The Dubai Metro does not run 24 hours a day. Trains run from 5:00 AM to midnight on Monday to Thursday and Saturday, from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM on Friday, and from 8:00 AM to midnight on Sunday. The Red Line and Green Line follow the same hours. If you are standing outside a station right now searching for metro timings in Dubai, this section is for you. If you only need today’s Dubai Metro timings, find the relevant day in the table below. And if you prefer private, comfortable travel for business meetings, airport transfers, or late-night journeys, a chauffeur service in Dubai can be a convenient alternative to public transport.
Dubai Metro Timings Today – Quick Overview
Whenever a friend texts me asking for the Dubai metro timing today, I ask one question back: which day is it? The day decides everything.
| Day | First train | Last train |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | 5:00 AM | 12:00 AM (midnight) |
| Friday | 5:00 AM | 1:00 AM (next day) |
| Saturday | 5:00 AM | 12:00 AM (midnight) |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM | 12:00 AM (midnight) |
This Dubai Metro timing covers when the network opens and closes. The first and last train at your own station can differ by a few minutes, and I explain how to check that further down.
Today’s operating hours. Look at the table, find the day, and keep a margin of about 15 minutes at the late end. That one habit has saved me more than once.
Regular opening and closing schedule. Five days out of seven the metro opens at 5:00 AM. The Dubai metro timing on Sunday is the exception at 8:00 AM, and Friday is the late night, with the last train at 1:00 AM.
What commuters and tourists should know. Commuters get a start early enough for almost any shift. Tourists, in my experience, get caught by two things: assuming the metro never sleeps, and forgetting the late Sunday start. Anyone who searches metro timing Dubai at 11:40 PM is usually already in a hurry.
Dubai Metro Operating Hours – Weekly Schedule
Here is how the week actually feels when you ride it.
Dubai Metro Timings from Monday to Thursday
On these four days the trains run from 5:00 AM to midnight. This Dubai Metro timing is the one I rely on for work weeks. I usually tap in around 7:30 AM, when the platform is already packed shoulder to shoulder, and by 9:30 it thins out. The evening rush mirrors it, roughly from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Travel outside those windows and you will almost always find a seat.
Dubai Metro Timing on Friday
Friday is my favourite day to ride. The trains keep going until 1:00 AM the next day, giving you one extra hour after dinner or a late film at Dubai Mall. The first train still leaves at 5:00 AM. Some visitors believe the metro pauses around Friday prayers. In my experience, it does not, although stations near malls and mosques can get busy. Whenever I read a page that quotes one fixed Dubai Metro timing for all seven days, I know Friday has been left out. For professionals attending late meetings, corporate events, or business dinners, a corporate driver service can also provide a convenient way to travel around Dubai without worrying about public transport schedules.
Dubai Metro Timing on Saturday
Saturday goes back to the standard 5:00 AM to midnight. Mornings feel lighter because many offices are closed, so I save Saturdays for long trips to the Marina side or the airport, when I do not want to fight for space. Do not count on a 1:00 AM finish, though. The extra hour belongs to Friday only, so check the metro Dubai timing for Saturday before you plan a dinner across town.
Dubai Metro Timing on Sunday
This is the one that catches people out. On Sunday the first train leaves at 8:00 AM, three hours later than the rest of the week, and the last train runs until midnight. I learned the Dubai metro timing on Sunday the hard way, when I reached an empty platform at 6:00 AM for an early flight and ended up paying for a taxi. Now my rule is simple. If a Sunday plan starts before 8:00 AM, I book another ride and keep the metro for later in the day. When someone asks me about Dubai metro timing on Sunday, my answer is always the same: not before eight.
Dubai Metro Red Line Timings
The Red Line is the spine of the city. It runs roughly 67 kilometres from Centrepoint in the north-east towards Jebel Ali in the south-west, and it passes the places most visitors want: Dubai Airport Terminals 1 and 3, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Marina. It has been carrying passengers since 9 September 2009.
Red Line Opening and Closing Times
The same Dubai Metro timing applies on the Red Line and the Green Line. Monday to Thursday and Saturday, 5:00 AM to midnight. Friday, 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM. Sunday, 8:00 AM to midnight. RTA kept this same pattern in its recent Ramadan announcements, which tells me it is the standard schedule.
First and Last Red Line Train Timings
A last train that leaves the terminal at midnight does not pass every station at midnight. At stations in the middle of the line, the last train comes a few minutes earlier or later depending on your direction. I once jogged down the stairs at Business Bay thinking I had until midnight, and I was lucky to make it. Since then I check my own station and direction on the RTA website before any late night out.
Important Red Line Stations and Their Timings
Every Red Line station follows the line hours. What changes is how crowded it is at that hour.
- Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall: busiest in the evening and on weekends.
- Dubai Marina: the last trains fill up with people coming from the beach and restaurants.
- Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 3: busy early in the morning, so remember that the Dubai metro timing on Sunday starts at 8:00 AM.
- Union: the interchange with the Green Line, so give yourself extra minutes.
- Mall of the Emirates and Expo 2020: steady all day, with spikes during events.
Dubai Metro Green Line Timings
The Green Line covers the older neighbourhoods of Deira and Bur Dubai, from e& station (earlier called Etisalat) to Creek. It is about 22.5 kilometres long with 20 stations, and it meets the Red Line at Union and BurJuman. The hours are identical to the Red Line, so anyone looking up metro Dubai timing for the Green Line gets the same table.
Green Line Opening and Closing Times
The Green Line follows the same Dubai Metro timing: 5:00 AM to midnight on most days, 1:00 AM on Friday, and an 8:00 AM start on Sunday.
First and Last Green Line Train Timings
The same station-by-station rule applies. Trains on the Green Line come a little less often than on the Red Line, so a missed train costs you more minutes. I never cut it close on this line.
Important Green Line Stations and Their Timings
- Baniyas Square and Gold Souk: my stops for the old markets of Deira.
- Al Fahidi: the gateway to the historic Bur Dubai neighbourhood.
- BurJuman: shopping and the interchange with the Red Line.
- Creek: the end of the line, close to Dubai Healthcare City and Dubai Creek.
First and Last Dubai Metro Train Timings by Station
How First Trains Start from Different Stations
The 5:00 AM Dubai Metro timing is when the network opens. In practice the first train at your station arrives a few minutes after that, and stations further along the line see it a little later. I keep a 10-minute buffer for early flights and shift starts. The same logic applies to the Dubai metro timing on Sunday, counted from 8:00 AM.
How to Catch the Last Metro Train
Over the years I have built a small routine for late nights:
- Check the last train for my station and direction on the RTA website before I leave home.
- Aim to be on the platform 15 minutes before that time.
- If I need to change lines at Union or BurJuman, I add another 10 minutes, because the connection is the tightest part of the journey.
- Keep a taxi or ride-hailing app ready as a plan B.
When a group of friends keeps saying “one more coffee,” I show them the clock and the metro timing Dubai page on my phone. It works every time. No metro Dubai timing page can replace checking your own station.
How Often Does the Dubai Metro Run?
Peak Hours and Off-Peak Train Frequency
During rush hours trains come every few minutes. RTA has previously quoted about 2 minutes 38 seconds on the Red Line and 5 minutes on the Green Line at peak times, and roughly 7 to 10 minutes off-peak. These numbers can change, so treat them as a guide, not a promise, especially when you read a metro Dubai timing summary online.
Average Waiting Time Between Metro Trains
In my own rides, I wait about 3 to 5 minutes on the Red Line during the day and a bit longer on the Green Line. Both lines need a little patience after 10:00 PM. Late at night the gap stretches, which is one more reason to reach the platform early.
Dubai Metro Timings During Public Holidays and Special Events
On holidays and big event days, RTA often changes hours, usually by extending them. The Dubai Metro timing on these dates can differ from the normal table, so I always check the RTA announcement a day or two before. Here are recent examples:
Dubai Metro Ramadan Timings
In recent years RTA has kept the regular pattern during Ramadan: 5:00 AM to midnight on Monday to Thursday and Saturday, 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM on Friday, and 8:00 AM to midnight on Sunday. That was the case in the 2025 announcement, but I still check each year because RTA can revise it. A metro timing Dubai post written for last year’s Ramadan can be wrong this year.
Eid and UAE Public Holiday Metro Schedule
For Eid Al Fitr 2026, RTA extended the Red and Green Lines to run from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM the next day between 18 and 21 March. Extended hours were also announced for Eid Al Adha. If you are visiting family or attending late Eid gatherings, those extra hours make a real difference.
New Year’s Eve and Major Event Timings
For the 2025–2026 New Year celebrations, RTA ran both lines continuously for 43 hours, from 5:00 AM on 31 December until midnight on 2 January. Event days also change things: on 1 February 2026, for the Dubai Marathon, the lines ran from 5:00 AM until midnight, even though it was a Sunday. Stations near event venues become very crowded, so leave earlier than you think you need to.
How to Check the Dubai Metro Timetable and Live Updates
Using the RTA Website for Metro Timing Updates
The RTA website lets you pick the day, the line and your station, and it shows the first and last train for that exact stop. This is the most reliable way to get the Dubai metro timing today for your own journey. You can also call the RTA toll-free number, 8009090, if you prefer a person.
Checking Metro Schedules Through the S’hail App
The S’hail app is what I use on the platform. Search your station and you can see service updates and plan a route that includes buses and trams. If a page tells you a metro Dubai timing that does not match S’hail, trust the app.
How to Read and Follow the Dubai Metro Timetable
Choose the day first, because Friday and Sunday differ from the rest. Then pick the line, your station, and the direction of travel. The last train for the same station can be different in each direction, so check both if you plan a return trip. For me, this three-step habit takes under a minute, and the Dubai Metro timing I get is always specific to my journey. Similarly, parents looking for reliable daily transportation for their children may consider a school pick up and drop off service for convenient travel between home and school.
Dubai Metro Routes, Stations and Interchange Information
Red and Green Line Routes
The Red Line crosses the city from the north-east to the south-west and the Green Line loops through Deira and Bur Dubai. Together they cover a large part of the places people actually visit. When someone asks which line to take, I tell them to start from the destination: the Marina and Downtown are Red Line, the old markets are Green Line.
Important Interchange Stations
Union and BurJuman are the two stations where you can change between the Red and Green Lines. Both are large, and a change can take several minutes of walking, so allow for it in your plan. Most metro timing Dubai guides skip this walking time, and it matters.
Metro Stations Near Dubai Airport and Popular Attractions
Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 both have Red Line stations, and the metro is the cheapest way to reach the city from the airport. Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall is the stop for Downtown, Mall of the Emirates is the stop for the mall and Ski Dubai, and Dubai Marina serves the waterfront. If you are flying, check the Dubai metro timing today before you leave the hotel.
Dubai Metro Tickets, Nol Cards and Fares
Fares can change, so confirm them with RTA before you travel. At the time of writing, a Silver Nol card costs AED 25, which includes AED 19 of travel credit, and a single trip costs AED 3, AED 5 or AED 7.50 depending on how many zones you cross. A one-day pass is AED 20. Digital Nol QR tickets are also now available through nol Pay and the S’hail app.
Different Types of Nol Cards
The main options are the Silver card for everyday use, the Gold card for the Gold Class cabin, the Blue card that carries your personal details, and the paper Red Ticket for short visits.
How to Buy and Recharge a Nol Card
Every station has ticket machines and a ticket office. You can top up at the machines, at retail outlets, or through the nol Pay and S’hail apps.
Dubai Metro Fare Zones and Ticket Options
Dubai splits the network into fare zones, and the price depends on how many you pass through. Tap in at the start and tap out at the end. If you forget to tap out, the system charges the maximum fare.
Dubai Metro Rules, Passenger Guidelines and Fines
Rules do not change the Dubai Metro timing, but a fine can ruin your day, so read this part before you ride.
Baggage and Luggage Rules
Luggage is allowed if it is a reasonable size and does not block doors or seats. If you carry an unusually large bag, check RTA’s size guidance before you travel.
Food, Drinks and E-Scooter Restrictions
Eating and drinking are not allowed inside stations and trains, and the fine starts from AED 100. Rules on e-scooters have changed in recent years, so check the current RTA rule before bringing one.
Accessibility for Wheelchair Users and Special Assistance
Stations have lifts and ramps, and trains have reserved spaces for wheelchair users and passengers who need help. Station staff can assist if you ask.
Dubai Metro vs Dubai Tram Timings – What’s the Difference?
The tram does not share the Dubai Metro timing. The Dubai Tram runs from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM from Monday to Saturday, and from 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM on Sunday. If you are going between Dubai Marina, JBR and Al Sufouh, the tram is useful, but do not assume the last tram matches the last metro. Anyone who types metro timing Dubai into Google and then finds tram hours should double-check which service they are reading.
Practical Tips for Travelling on Time with Dubai Metro
- Plan your journey before departure.
- Check the last train before travelling.
- Avoid peak-hour crowds where possible.
- Allow extra time for interchange stations.
- Check RTA announcements during holidays and events.
These five habits matter more than any metro timing Dubai table, because tables go out of date.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai Metro Timing
What is the Dubai Metro timing today?
It depends on the day. Monday to Thursday and Saturday it runs from 5:00 AM to midnight, on Friday from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM, and on Sunday from 8:00 AM to midnight.
What time does the Dubai Metro start?
At 5:00 AM from Monday to Saturday and at 8:00 AM on Sunday.
What time does the Dubai Metro close?
At midnight on most days and at 1:00 AM the next day on Friday.
What is the Dubai Metro timing on Sunday?
The Dubai Metro starts at 8:00 AM on Sunday and the last train is at midnight.
Does the Dubai Metro operate 24 hours?
No. It stops overnight, except on special occasions such as New Year’s Eve, when RTA can run it continuously.
Are Red Line and Green Line timings different?
No. Both lines follow the same daily hours, although the first and last trains at each station vary slightly.
How frequently do Dubai Metro trains arrive?
Every few minutes at peak times and roughly every 7 to 10 minutes off-peak, according to past RTA figures.
Does Dubai Metro operate during public holidays?
Yes. RTA often extends the hours for Eid and New Year’s Eve, so check its announcement before you travel.
How can I check live Dubai Metro timings?
Use the RTA website, the S’hail app, or call 8009090. Any metro Dubai timing you find elsewhere should match what these official channels show.
What happens if I miss the last metro?
Take a taxi or a ride-hailing car, or check S’hail for a bus option. Otherwise the first train starts again at 5:00 AM, or 8:00 AM on Sunday.
Are Dubai Tram and Metro timings the same?
No. The tram runs from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM Monday to Saturday and from 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM on Sunday.
Does Dubai Metro connect to Dubai International Airport?
Yes. Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 have stations on the Red Line.
