If you're planning to travel to Dubai and use the Metro for the first time, there are some essential things you need to know to make your journey hassle-free. Dubai International Airport (DXB) has two Metro stations on the Red Line - one at Terminal 1 and the other at Terminal 3. The timings for the Metro at both terminals vary, and you can find them below:
Dubai International Airport (DXB) Terminal 1 • Monday to Thursday – 5.06 am to 11.59 pm • Friday – 5.06 am to 1.01 am • Saturday – 5.06 am to 12 am • Sunday – 8.17 am to 11.59 pm
Dubai International Airport (DXB) Terminal 3 • Monday to Thursday – 5.08 am to 12.01 pm • Friday – 5.08 am to 1.03 am • Saturday – 5.06 am to 12.02 am • Sunday – 8.19 am to 12.01 am
To use the Metro, you need to purchase a 'nol card', which is Dubai's official payment option for public transportation. The nol card comes in four categories - nol Red ticket, nol silver card, nol Gold card, and nol blue card. You can buy the tickets at the counter or through the ticket vending machines in the station.
The fares for the Metro are calculated based on the number of zones you pass through. Dubai's public transport system is divided into seven zones, and if you switch from a Metro trip to a bus and then a tram within the same zone, it will be considered as a single trip.
Dubai's Metro has a baggage policy, and only two suitcases are permitted per passenger. You can bring one large suitcase, and its dimensions should not exceed 81cm x 58cm x 30cm, and one small suitcase, and its dimensions should not exceed 55cm x 38cm x 20cm. All luggage must be stowed in the dedicated luggage area, which can be found in each cabin.
If you're traveling to Dubai World Central (DWC), located in the Jebel Ali area, there is no Metro station at the airport. However, you can reach the Ibn Battuta Metro station or Expo 2020 Metro Station, which are the closest stations. To reach these stations from DWC, you can travel on the F55 bus route, which will cost you around Dh7.50, or take a taxi from the airport to either of these stations, which will range from Dh55 to Dh75.