Dubai Metro: how does it work?

 If you travel to Dubai and want to know how to get around by metro, here is everything you need to know.

• The Dubai Metro is one of the most straightforward and efficient in the world. It has only two lines (green and red) that connect for transfers at two times.
• The red metro line, which is the main one, also connects to the tram that runs through the Dubai Marina area.
• Its stops include some of the city's main points: The Dubai Mall, the Burj Khalifa, and Terminals 1 and 3 of the airport.
• Everything is perfectly marked in Arabic, English, and with particular drawings, so it is straightforward to use (even if you don't speak English). In addition, you will find plenty of support staff at the main stations. There are also user manuals and maps at all stations.

How do I use the Dubai Metro?

The Dubai metro is very easy to use:

1. Go to the nearest station. They are easily recognizable by their golden entrances. Consider that they do not cover the entire city but essential points: the airport (terminals 1 and 3), Burk Khalifa, and the Emirates Mall. Check out more at Today In Dubai.

2. Buy a ticket. There are machines in Arabic and English and lockers with English-speaking staff. You can pay in dirhams (AED) or with bank cards. It is essential to know which station you are going to because based on that is the cost.

3. Validate your ticket. You need to pass it through the machines when entering the metro so that the turnstile opens or look for where to validate it before getting on the tram.

 

4. Transfer. If necessary, change lines or combine the metro with another means of transport such as a bus or tram. Tickets will be valid for a maximum of 3 transfers.

5. Validate your ticket again. When you leave, do not forget to validate your ticket again so that the record of where you got off remains.

How much does the metro cost in Dubai?

Metro fares start at 3 dirhams. However, everything will depend on the distance you travel (how many zones), the type of ticket you buy, and the class you want to travel in (believe it or not, we have regular golf courses). Below I explain the different tickets you can buy and which one is best.

single metro ticket

A single ticket (the red one in the photo) will only serve you for one journey with a maximum of 3 transfers. The ticket issuance costs 2 dirhams to which you must add your trip: 4, 6, or 8.5 dirhams.

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Therefore, I do not recommend it unless you use public transport less than five times on your trip to Dubai.

NOL Card: silver transport card (silver card)

A card costs 25 dirhams, of which 19 are credited for your trips. It is a rechargeable card, and the advantages of acquiring it are the cost and ease of use.

It can be used and recharged whenever necessary, instead of buying a ticket by ticket. And although it costs you 6 dirhams, you save the 2 dirhams fee for each access. In addition, each of your routes is one diorama cheaper.

Therefore, this will be your best option if you visit the city for several days and make more than four trips.

Tickets and gold card

To the previous options, we have to add its VIP version. The one that works in the same way, but in which you will pay double for each of your journeys. Of course, you will have the opportunity to travel in the golden subway car.

Other ticket options for your trip

If you are going to visit the city intensely for one or two days, perhaps buying the unlimited travel per day card is best for you. The cost is 20 dirhams (5 US dollars).

For longer trips, there is the blue card that allows you to have unlimited trips for 50 dirhams. Of course, the card costs 70 dirhams, of which only 20 are credit. So it is only recommended for intense use of transport on your trip.

How many zones are there in Dubai?

Transportation in Dubai is divided into seven zones, although the metro only covers four. The metro ticket cost will depend on whether you travel within one zone, two, or three (the maximum charge is for three or more). You must be careful because, unlike in other countries, the zones are not concentric, so you can easily cross from one to another without realizing it. Of course, they are marked on the map.

Fines in the Dubai metro?

Avoid fines when traveling in Dubai. Some things prohibited in the Dubai metro are:

• Eat and drink inside the carriages.
• I was using the wrong car. There are "gold" wagons that are VIP; wagons for women and children; wagons for disabled people and people traveling with suitcases; and wagons for the general public.
• Chew gum
• It is not validating your ticket.

What other transportation options are there in Dubai?

In addition to the tram, which is connected and works very similar to the metro, there are also alternative transport options:

• Cab
• Uber
• public buses