If you are planning to use the Dubai Metro, knowing the operating hours makes getting around the city far easier. The Dubai Metro timing schedule covers both the Red and Green Lines, with services starting early in the morning and running until late at night. Opening and closing times vary by day, while public holidays and special occasions can have separate schedules announced by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
- Dubai Metro Timing 2026: Full Schedule
- First Train and Last Train: What the Published Hours Mean
- Dubai Metro Red Line and Green Line: Routes and Timings
- Dubai Metro Timing From the Airport
- Does Dubai Metro Run on Public Holidays?
- How Often Do Dubai Metro Trains Run?
- Nol Cards and Metro Travel
- What About the Blue Line?
- How to Check Dubai Metro Timings Before You Travel
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Dubai Metro Timing: Quick Summary
- Final Thoughts
Quick answer: Dubai Metro runs from 5:00 AM to midnight Monday to Thursday, 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM on Friday, 5:00 AM to midnight on Saturday, and 8:00 AM to midnight on Sunday. Both the Red Line and Green Line follow the same regular station operating hours.
Dubai Metro Timing 2026: Full Schedule
| Day | Dubai Metro Timing |
|---|---|
| Monday | 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Tuesday | 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Wednesday | 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Thursday | 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Friday | 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM the next day |
| Saturday | 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
These are the regular station operating hours published by the RTA for all Dubai Metro lines.
Why does Dubai Metro start later on Sunday?
Sunday has a later Metro start than the other days of the regular timetable. Stations open at 8:00 AM rather than 5:00 AM.
If you have an early Sunday morning journey, check the timetable before travelling. Depending on your destination and departure time, a taxi or another transport option may be more practical.
Friday has the longest regular operating window, with Metro services continuing until 1:00 AM the following day.
First Train and Last Train: What the Published Hours Mean
The timetable above gives the station operating hours. It should not be treated as the exact departure time of a train from every station.
First train: Metro service begins from the opening time listed above, but the exact time a train reaches your station depends on where you are on the line.
Last train: The published closing time refers to the station operating schedule. The final train available from your station can depend on your location, direction and destination.
If you are travelling late at night, do not rely only on the midnight or 1:00 AM closing time. Check your specific journey using the RTA Journey Planner before leaving, particularly if you need to change between the Red and Green Lines.
Dubai Metro Red Line and Green Line: Routes and Timings
Both Metro lines follow the same regular station operating schedule. What differs is where they travel.
Red Line
The Red Line runs between centrepoint (R11) and Expo 2020 (R76), with services also operating to Life Pharmacy (R42).
The line serves many major areas and destinations across Dubai, including Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Marina.
If you are travelling towards the southern end of the Red Line, check the destination displayed on the train and platform before boarding, as services can operate towards different terminals.
Green Line
The Green Line runs between e& (G11) and Creek (G30). It serves several established areas of Dubai, including Deira, Al Rigga, Gold Souq, Al Fahidi and Dubai Healthcare City.
Interchanges
You can change between the Red and Green Lines at:
- Union (R18/G20)
- BurJuman (R19/G26)
These are the two official Metro interchange stations between the Red and Green Lines.
Dubai Metro Timing From the Airport
Dubai Metro serves Dubai International Airport (DXB) Terminals 1 and 3 through the Red Line.
If you are planning to use the Metro for an airport journey, keep the operating schedule in mind:
- The regular Metro service starts at 5:00 AM on most days.
- Sunday services start at 8:00 AM.
- Late-night arrivals may fall outside normal Metro operating hours.
- If you have a very early flight, compare the Metro schedule with your airline’s recommended airport arrival time.
- For some early departures or late arrivals, a taxi may be more practical.
For a specific airport journey, check the RTA Journey Planner rather than relying only on the general Metro schedule.
Does Dubai Metro Run on Public Holidays?
Yes, but public holiday schedules can be different from the regular timetable.
The RTA publishes separate operating hours for major holidays and special occasions. For example, during the 2026 Eid Al-Adha holiday, the Red and Green Lines operated with extended hours compared with the regular schedule.
This means you should not automatically apply the normal Monday-to-Sunday timetable to a public holiday.
The same applies to major events and other occasions when RTA announces temporary changes.
The best approach is to check the latest RTA announcement for the specific holiday or event you are travelling on.
How Often Do Dubai Metro Trains Run?
Train frequency changes throughout the day and can vary depending on the line, time and operating conditions.
For everyday travel, the general timetable tells you when the Metro operates, but it does not tell you the exact departure time from every station.
If you need to reach a destination at a specific time, use the official RTA Journey Planner to check your route rather than relying on the general opening and closing hours.
Nol Cards and Metro Travel
You need a valid Nol card or another accepted payment method to use Dubai Metro.
For a first-time visitor, it is worth making sure your card has enough balance before starting a late-night journey. This can help you avoid delays at ticket machines or stations, particularly when services are approaching their closing time.
If you are travelling frequently around Dubai, check the latest RTA information on Nol cards, fares and payment options before your trip.
What About the Blue Line?
Dubai Metro currently operates with the Red and Green Lines. The Blue Line is under construction and is not yet available for passengers.
According to the RTA, the Blue Line will be a 30-kilometre route with 14 stations, connecting several areas of Dubai and linking with the existing Metro network. The project is scheduled to open in 2029.
There are therefore no passenger operating hours for the Blue Line yet.
How to Check Dubai Metro Timings Before You Travel
The regular schedule answers the general question, but your specific journey may require a closer look.
The RTA recommends checking its official transport information and Journey Planner, particularly when travelling during holidays or special occasions.
Check your specific journey when:
- You are travelling late at night
- You need to change between the Red and Green Lines
- You are travelling on a UAE public holiday
- You are going to or from the airport
- You need to reach a specific station by a fixed time
This is especially useful if you are travelling close to the end of daily Metro service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Dubai Metro open?
Dubai Metro stations open at 5:00 AM Monday to Saturday under the regular timetable, while Sunday services start at 8:00 AM. Both the Red and Green Lines follow the same regular station operating hours.
What time does Dubai Metro close?
Under the regular timetable, stations close at midnight Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. On Friday, operating hours continue until 1:00 AM the following day.
What time is the last Dubai Metro train?
The exact final train time can depend on your station, direction and destination. The published closing time should not be treated as the exact departure time of the last train from every station. Check the RTA Journey Planner if you are travelling late at night.
Do the Red Line and Green Line have different timings?
No. Both lines follow the same regular station operating schedule.
Does Dubai Metro run 24 hours?
No. Dubai Metro does not operate 24 hours a day under the regular timetable. Its operating hours vary by day, with a later start on Sunday and a later closing time on Friday.
Is Dubai Metro open on Eid?
Yes, but RTA may use a special timetable during Eid and other public holidays. Check the latest RTA announcement for the specific holiday.
Can I take the Metro to Dubai Airport?
Yes. The Red Line serves Dubai International Airport’s Terminals 1 and 3. For an early flight or late-night arrival, check the Metro schedule against your travel plans before relying on it.
Dubai Metro Timing: Quick Summary
Monday to Thursday: 5:00 AM to midnight
Friday: 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM the next day
Saturday: 5:00 AM to midnight
Sunday: 8:00 AM to midnight
These are the regular station operating hours for Dubai Metro’s Red and Green Lines. Special timetables may apply during public holidays and major events.
Final Thoughts
Understanding Dubai Metro timing is one of the simplest ways to make a trip around Dubai easier. The three details most visitors need to remember are the 8:00 AM Sunday start, the 1:00 AM Friday closing time, and the fact that special holiday schedules can replace the normal timetable.
For a late-night or early-morning journey, check your specific route with the RTA before leaving. That small step can help you avoid arriving at a station when the service you need is no longer available.
Last updated: 15 September 2026. Regular operating hours verified against the official RTA public transport timetable.
