Metro and taxi together cover city transport in Dubai. Red Line hours, tickets and Nol Card, taxi tips and a checklist.
Getting around Dubai relies on metro and taxi: the Metro Red Line connects from DXB Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, while taxis cover the points the metro doesn't reach. Metro tickets and Nol Card can be bought at the counters and machines at the airport. Below, hours, ticket types, taxis and common mistakes are explained in order.
In short
- The main transport in Dubai is metro and taxi; using both together is the most practical method.
- The Metro Red Line connects from DXB Terminal 1 and 3; check the signage for Terminal 2.
- On Sundays the metro starts at 08:00; plan a taxi or transfer for early flights.
- Metro tickets and Nol Card Gold or Silver are available at the counters and machines at Terminal 1 and 3.
- A visa is required for Turkish citizens; clarify your visa status before planning transport.
The core rule: metro as backbone, taxi as complement
Think of city transport in Dubai in two parts. The metro offers a fast and predictable main line. The taxi comes into play for hotels, beaches or late-night returns far from a metro station.
For a first-time traveller, the solid plan is this: leave the airport by metro, combine metro and short taxi distances during the day, and take a taxi for late returns. This sequence works with the fewest surprises in terms of time and budget.
The transport plan starts with your choice of accommodation. A hotel near a metro station reduces your daily dependence on taxis. Before booking, check the nearest station on the map.
This guide focuses on city transport. Entry status to the UAE for Turkish citizens appears as visa required; see the UAE visa page for details. Clarify your travel permission before planning transport.
Metro: Red Line and operating hours
The Dubai Metro Red Line connects from DXB Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. So if you land at these terminals, you can take your first step into the city by metro. Find out which terminal your flight lands at from your ticket or airline; check the airport's current signage for Terminal 2.
Operating hours are as follows:
- Monday–Thursday: 05:00–00:00
- Friday: 05:00–01:00 (next day)
- Saturday: 05:00–00:00
- Sunday: 08:00–00:00
Note that the first service on Sunday starts later than other days. If you have an early morning flight on a Sunday, don't rely on the metro; factor in a taxi or your hotel's transfer.
For returns close to midnight, know the last service time in advance. If you miss the last metro after dinner or shopping, you'll be left with a taxi. Set your return time according to the metro schedule.
When planning your daily route, also calculate the remaining distance from the station exit to your destination; this distance sometimes means walking, sometimes a short taxi ride.
Tickets and Nol Card: where and which one
Metro Red Line tickets are sold at the ticket counters and machines at DXB Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. You don't need to go anywhere else when leaving the airport; you can buy a ticket at the metro entrance.
The Nol Card is available in Gold and Silver types. If you're staying several days and will use the metro frequently, getting a card saves you from buying a ticket every single trip. For one-time use, a regular metro ticket may be enough.
When choosing a card, consider:
- How many days will you stay and how many times a day will you take the metro?
- Ask at the counter which transport types the card is valid for.
- Confirm the balance to load onto the card at the counter or machine.
Since ticket and card prices may change, we do not give figures here. You'll see the current amount at the counter or machine at the airport.
Take care not to lose the card. Plan to use any remaining balance by the end of your trip; ask the staff at the counter about the balance and refund rules.
Taxi and other options
Where the metro doesn't go, the most practical solution is a taxi. You'll take a taxi for hotels, beaches, shopping malls or returns from dinner. Use official taxi stands; the staff at your hotel's entrance will usually direct you to a suitable car.
When getting into a taxi:
- Show your destination with the hotel name or a location on the map.
- Make sure the driver turns on the meter.
- Carry your hotel's business card for the return trip.
Since taxi fares vary by distance and time, we do not list an amount. What matters is preferring to go by meter and avoiding offers with an unclear price.
If you'll use public transport options other than metro and taxi, check the route, stop and schedule information from an official transport source before your trip. For a first visit, metro and taxi together is a practical solution for most tourist routes.
If you'd like to compare with another city's public transport system, the Athens city transport guide for Greece may also be useful.
Common mistakes
Most transport problems arise from a lack of information. The most common mistakes are as follows.
Expecting an early metro on Sunday morning
On Sundays the metro starts at 08:00. Those with early morning flights may be late to the airport because they didn't know this. Plan a taxi or hotel transfer for this day.
Missing the last service
On days other than Friday, the metro ends at 00:00; on Friday it runs until 01:00 the next day. Plan your evening program accordingly, otherwise your return will be by taxi.
Confusing the terminal
The metro connection is via Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Find out in advance which terminal your flight departs from and leave time between the metro and the terminal.
Not considering the hotel's location
A hotel far from a metro station means extra taxis every day. Before booking, check the distance to the station on the map.
Trying to solve everything by taxi
Traffic can get long during busy hours. It's more predictable to cover long distances by metro and short connections by taxi.
Step-by-step plan and pre-departure checklist
Set up your trip from the airport to the hotel as follows:
- Confirm whether your flight is at Terminal 1 or Terminal 3.
- After landing, follow the metro signs and go to the ticket counter or machine.
- Decide whether you'll get a one-time ticket or a Nol Card Silver or Gold.
- Board the Red Line and get off at the station closest to your hotel.
- Walk from the station to your hotel or take a taxi.
Before setting off, check the following:
- The UAE visa page for your visa status
- The hotel's nearest metro station
- Metro operating hours and the Sunday plan
- The departure flight's terminal and how to get there
- A hotel card to show the address for the taxi
If you don't want to manage transport, visa and accommodation separately, package tours can make things easier. For example, you can choose among the Hilton Private Dubai Tour or our other international tours.
Frequently asked questions
Does the metro in Dubai depart from the airport?
The Dubai Metro Red Line connects from DXB Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Check in advance which terminal your flight lands at.
What time does the Dubai Metro start and end?
It operates Monday–Thursday 05:00–00:00, Friday 05:00–01:00 (next day), Saturday 05:00–00:00, and Sunday 08:00–00:00. The first service on Sunday starts later. Take this into account for early flights.
Where can you buy a metro ticket in Dubai?
Metro Red Line tickets are sold at the ticket counters and machines at DXB Terminal 1 and 3. You'll see the current fare at the counter or machine. Check an official transport source for sales points within the city.
What is the Nol Card, can tourists get one?
The Nol Card is used for public transport in Dubai. It's available in Gold and Silver types at DXB Terminal 1 and 3. If you'll use the metro frequently, it can be more practical than buying tickets one by one.
Should you choose taxi or metro in Dubai?
The metro is more predictable on the main line; a taxi is more suitable for places the metro doesn't reach and for late hours. Most travellers use both together. The hotel's distance to the metro determines the decision.
Can Turkish citizens travel to Dubai without a visa?
No, the visa status for Turkish citizens appears as Visa Required. See the UAE visa page for application and current requirements. Make your transport plan after clarifying your visa.
Sources
- Dubai Metro at DXB — dubaiairports.ae
My Travel Team
Travel Editor
The My Travel team prepares up-to-date travel, visa and tourism information and guides.
