Dubai Metro Red Line
The Red Line is the backbone of the Dubai Metro — one of the longest fully automated, driverless rail lines in the world. It sweeps about 52 km across the city, from Centrepoint in the east, past Dubai International Airport and through Deira, Downtown and the financial district, out to the Marina and on to Expo City Dubai. For most visitors it is the single most useful line in the city.
All Red Line Stations
The Red Line has 35 stations running from Centrepoint to Expo 2020, a journey of about ~52 km that takes roughly ~70 minutes end to end. Two of its stations — Union and BurJuman — are interchanges where you can cross to the Green Line. Stations are listed below in order; tap any one for its timings, exits and nearby sights.
About the Red Line
🏆 A record-breaking line
When the Dubai Metro opened in September 2009 it entered the record books as one of the longest fully automated, driverless metro lines in the world, and the Red Line has always been its busiest and most important section. Trains run without a driver under a central control system, which allows very high frequencies and consistent reliability. For visitors this means you rarely wait more than a few minutes, and the line carries hundreds of thousands of passengers a day along the spine of the city — from the airport, past Downtown, all the way to the Expo site.
🗺️ A strategic east–west route
The Red Line is so useful because it strings together almost every place a visitor or commuter needs in a single ride. Starting in the east it serves Dubai International Airport (Terminals 1 and 3), runs through the hotels and business districts of Deira and the Trade Centre area, stops right beside the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, continues through the financial district and Business Bay, reaches the Mall of the Emirates with its indoor ski slope, and finishes among the towers of Dubai Marina and out at Expo City.
🔀 The Route 2020 branch — read the train front
West of National Paints the Red Line splits into two. The original route continues towards the Jebel Ali area, while a newer branch — built for Expo 2020 and known as Route 2020 — peels off to serve The Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai Investment Park and Expo City. Because the line branches, not every train goes to every station at the far west end, so always check the destination shown on the front of the train and on the platform displays before boarding.
Red Line Features & Services
Like the rest of the network, the Red Line is fully automated and built for comfort in Dubai's climate. Here's what you can expect on board and in its stations:
Fully automated
The Red Line runs as a fully driverless, computer-controlled service, with platform screen doors at every stop and trains timed to the second. That automation is what keeps services as frequent as every 2–4 minutes through the peaks.
Free WiFi
Free WiFi covers Red Line trains and stations, handy for checking connections on the long run between the airport, Downtown and Expo City.
Air conditioned
Every Red Line train and station is air-conditioned end to end — welcome relief on a line that crosses the open city in the height of summer.
Full accessibility
Lifts, ramps and tactile paths make every Red Line station step-free, so wheelchairs, strollers and airport luggage move through with ease.
Women & Children cabin
Every Red Line train sets aside a Women & Children cabin, clearly marked on the platform and the carriage for a calmer ride at busy times.
Gold Class cabin
Ride up front in the premium Gold cabin with a Gold Nol card — more room and quieter seating for double the standard Red Line fare.
24/7 security
CCTV, platform doors and on-site staff keep the Red Line monitored around the clock, day and night.
Nol card payment
One tap of a Nol card pays for your Red Line trip and any bus, tram or water-bus connection you make afterwards.
Top Destinations on the Red Line
These are the stops worth getting off at along the Red Line:
Burj Khalifa & Dubai Mall
The world's tallest building and largest mall, linked to the station by an air-conditioned bridge.
Nearest station →Mall of the Emirates
One of Dubai's biggest malls, with Ski Dubai's indoor snow park, right by the station.
Nearest station →Dubai Marina & JBR
Waterfront towers and the beach, reached via the connecting Dubai Tram from the station.
Nearest station →Expo City Dubai
The futuristic Expo 2020 district at the southern tip of the Route 2020 branch.
Nearest station →Dubai Airport (DXB)
Direct access to Terminals 1 and 3, the easy way in and out of the city.
Nearest station →DIFC & Business Bay
The financial heart of the city and its business towers, on the central Red Line.
Nearest station →Travel Tips & Guidelines
Make your Red Line journey smooth and hassle-free with these essential tips.
Ticketing
Get a Nol card first: pick one up at any Red Line station. Fares run from AED 3 (one zone) to AED 7.50 (three or more), and a Gold card adds the premium cabin.
Best travel times
Skip the crush: the Red Line is busiest 7:00–9:00 AM and 5:00–8:00 PM. Mid-morning or early afternoon is far more comfortable.
Luggage
Two bags max: a suitcase and a carry-on are fine — handy for airport runs, but keep them clear of the doors at peak times.
Family cabins
Women & children cabin: reserved on every Red Line train and marked with pink signage on platforms and doors.
Navigation apps
Use the apps: RTA Dubai gives live Red Line times and Nol top-ups, while S'hail maps door-to-door trips.
Rules to Follow
Riding the Dubai Metro means following a few simple rules. They keep the system clean, safe and running on time — and several carry on-the-spot fines, so it's worth knowing them before you travel.
No eating or drinking
Eating and drinking are not allowed on Red Line trains or platforms outside designated areas — it keeps the carriages clean for the next passenger.
Fine ~AED 100No smoking
Smoking and vaping are banned right across Red Line stations and trains.
Fine ~AED 200Let passengers off first
Let people off before you board, and keep to the right on escalators so others can pass.
Respect priority & cabins
Offer priority seats to the elderly, pregnant passengers and people of determination, and leave the Women & Children cabin for those it is meant for.
Fine ~AED 100Always carry a valid ticket
Always travel with a valid Nol card and tap in and out — fare-dodging carries the steepest penalty of all.
Fine ~AED 200No feet on seats or littering
Do not put your feet on the seats or leave litter behind; inspectors do check and enforce it.
Fine ~AED 100Mind your luggage
Stick to two bags and do not block the doors or aisles; oversized items can be turned away at peak times.
No dangerous or prohibited items
Weapons, flammable goods and animals (guide dogs aside) are not allowed on board, and carrying hazards is heavily penalised.
Fine up to ~AED 1,000