Dubai’s metro, run by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), starts early in the morning and stays open until the early hours of the next day. Because the exact times shift between weekdays, weekends, and holidays, having a clear schedule in hand makes planning your trip a lot easier.
Metro Timings Table
| Line | Weekday Hours | Weekend Hours | First Train | Last Train | Free‑Day / Holiday Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Line (Al Ghubaiba – Dubai Internet City) | 5:00 am – 1:00 am | 5:00 am – 1:00 am | 5:00 am | 1:00 am | Free rides on 1 Dec each year; holiday schedules unchanged unless announced by RTA |
| Green Line (Dubai Media City – Rashidiya) | 5:00 am – 1:00 am | 5:00 am – 1:00 am | 5:00 am | 1:00 am | Free rides on 1 Dec each year; holiday schedules unchanged unless announced by RTA |
Notes
- 24‑hour weekend service (Sunday–Friday).
- Peak‑hour frequency: every 4–5 min (Red Line) / every 5–6 min (Green Line).
- Off‑peak frequency: every 6–7 min (Red Line) / every 7–8 min (Green Line).
- 7‑day holiday schedules (e.g., New Year’s Eve, Eid) are published on the RTA site and may feature earlier closing times.
Toll & Fare Information
- Single‑ride fare: AED 4.
- Children (under 12) and seniors (over 60) receive a 50 % discount.
- Peak‑hour surcharge: AED 0.50 extra per ride.
- Free‑day (Dubai Free Day) on 1 December: all metro rides are fare‑free; other modes of transport still charge.
How to Register for a Darb Card
- Visit the official RTA website: https://www.rta.ae.
- Click “Darb Card” under the “Ticketing” section.
- Follow the step‑by‑step guide to create an account, upload required documents (passport, visa, or Emirates ID), and pay the card fee.
- The card will be mailed to your registered address within 7–10 business days.
Mobile App Recommendation
The RTA Dubai app (available on iOS and Android) provides real‑time train schedules, route planning, and ticket purchasing. Download it from the App Store or Google Play and sign in with your Darb card credentials.
Disclaimer: Train times and frequencies are subject to change. Always check the RTA website or the RTA Dubai app for real‑time updates before you travel.
Ever wondered how a single ticket can feel like a passport to Dubai’s entire transit web?
We’ve cracked the code on the flat‑fare system that keeps commuters moving.
No peak‑hour surcharge, no hidden fees—just a simple, zone‑based price list.
And yes, we’ve spotted a typo in the RTA brochure—‘tariff’ was written as ‘tarif’.
Let’s dive into the numbers that make your wallet smile.
Flat‑fare structure
Fares are set per zone, with a single‑ride ticket covering any distance within that zone.
The same price applies whether you travel 2 km or 10 km.
There are no peak‑hour surcharges, and the fare is consistent across the day.
Discounts
Seniors, students, and people with disabilities receive discounted fares.
The exact discount amount varies by program and can be confirmed on the RTA website.
Pass options
Unlimited‑ride passes are offered for 3‑day, 7‑day, and 30‑day periods.
These passes allow you to travel across all zones without purchasing individual tickets.
Example scenario
If you plan to travel frequently, a 3‑day pass may be more economical than buying separate single‑ride tickets each day.
The exact savings depend on the number of trips and the fare per zone.
Reloading a Darb card
Reloading a Darb card is simple: you can add credit or a pass via the RTA app, at kiosks, or at participating banks.
The card is contactless, so you can tap and go without waiting for change.
The balance updates instantly, making it convenient for daily commuters.
The next part will walk you through the registration steps, so you’re ready to tap and go.
Step‑by‑Step Darb Card Registration: From Sign‑up to First Ride
We’re about to walk you through the Darb card journey, from signing up online to swiping your card on the first metro train. Think of it as a digital passport that opens doors to buses, water taxis, and trams. We’ll share insider tips—register early, double‑check your document formats, and pick the right pass for your travel rhythm. Ready? Let’s dive in.
1. Create an Online Account
- Visit the official portal: https://darb.qmobility.ae/.
- Click “Register” and enter your Emirates ID or passport number.
- Verify your email and phone; we’ve seen many people miss the activation link because the inbox is cluttered.
2. Submit Required Documents
| Document | Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Emirates ID or passport | PDF or JPEG | Scan clearly; no blur. |
| Passport‑size photo | JPEG, 300 dpi | 2 × 2 cm, white background. |
| Proof of address | Utility bill, tenancy, or bank statement | Issued within the last 3 months. |
| Student ID (optional) | PDF or JPEG | Valid for the current semester. |
| Senior medical certificate (optional) | For the 30 % senior discount. |
Ask yourself: “Am I using the right file type?” A wrong format can delay approval by a day.
3. Choose Card Type
- Standard Darb Card – metro and bus only.
- Darb Plus – adds water taxi and tram.
- Darb Card + Metro Pass – choose a 7‑day, 3‑day, or 30‑day pass during registration.
We recommend the Darb Plus if you plan to hop on a water taxi; it’s like buying a Swiss‑Army knife for your commute.
4. Pay the Issuance Fee
| Payment Method | Fee | How to Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Credit / Debit Card | AED 5 | Online checkout. |
| Cash | AED 5 | Any RTA kiosk or customer center. |
The fee is tiny, but it covers the card’s RFID chip and initial instalation.
5. Activation & Delivery
- Once your documents are verified, you’ll receive a confirmation email.
- The card ships within 5–7 business days, or you can pick it up at any RTA service center.
- After receipt, open the RTA app, tap “Add Card,” and scan the chip to link it to your account.
6. Reload & Manage
- Load money or passes via the RTA app, website, or kiosk.
- Set auto‑top‑up for frequent travelers; it’s a lifesaver on busy mornings.
Pro tip: Register at least a week before your first trip; the approval queue can spike during holidays.
We’ve seen commuters who registered early save hours each week, turning the Darb card into a daily travel ally. Stay tuned for our next section, where we’ll explore how to optimize your fare usage and keep your wallet light while you ride.
Ever wondered how a single tap can turn a maze of tracks into a smooth ride? We’re here to decode the real‑time pulse of Dubai’s metro, so you never miss a train. Think of the RTA app as your personal conductor, the Metro app as a dedicated playlist, and Google Maps as the universal tour guide. Which one will be your go‑to? Let’s find out.
Official RTA Dubai App
At the heart of Dubai’s transit ecosystem lies the RTA Dubai app. It bundles live schedules, ticket purchases, and a journey planner into one sleek interface. Riders can buy a single‑ride ticket or a 7‑day pass with a tap. Plus, the app sends instant alerts when a train is delayed or a platform changes.
Dedicated Dubai Metro App
The Dubai Metro app focuses solely on the Red and Green Lines. It offers a detailed map, real‑time train arrivals, and service alerts. However, it lacks the ability to buy tickets or manage a Darb card directly. It’s great for quick checks but not for full travel control.
Google Maps
Google Maps has become a staple for many commuters. It displays metro routes, estimated travel times, and traffic conditions. While it pulls data from the RTA, its updates lag by a minute or two, and it doesn’t support ticket purchases. Still, its cross‑platform consistency makes it handy.
Why RTA Wins
We champion the RTA app because it unifies all services—metro, bus, tram, water taxi—under one umbrella. Real‑time accuracy rivals the official schedule, and push notifications keep you in the loop. Think of it as a Swiss Army knife for public transport; you can’t do without it.
Recommendation
The RTA app is the most comprehensive tool for Dubai commuters. It offers real‑time updates, journey planning, and ticket purchasing all in one place. Download it from the App Store or Google Play, and remember to keep it updated to receive the latest features.
Disclaimer
Always verify real‑time updates before traveling, as schedules can change due to maintenance or unforeseen events.
Ever wondered why your train suddenly disappears? In Dubai, metro schedules shift all the time—construction, events, holidays. We’re here to keep you in the loop so you never miss a ride.
Stay Updated with Real‑Time Changes
Tracks can be blocked by construction, events can stretch into the night, and holidays tweak first and last train times. These changes happen without notice, so staying updated is as essential as your ticket.
The RTA website and mobile app deliver real‑time alerts faster than any news feed. We recommend launching the app every trip; it shows live departures, delays, and schedule changes instantly.
Quick checklist before you board
- Verify the RTA app shows your route’s current departure time.
- Check for any construction alerts on the map.
- Confirm if the day is a public holiday or event day.
- Ensure your Darb card has enough balance or a valid pass.
- Set a reminder for the first train if you’re traveling early.
We’ve seen commuters panic when a train is delayed because they missed an app notification. By making the app check a daily habit, you’re steering clear of surprise detours.
| Scenario | Typical Change | How to Spot It |
|---|---|---|
| Construction on Al Maktoum Station | First train delayed by 10–15 min | Check construction alerts on the map |
| Dubai Expo event | Extended operating hours until 3 am | Look for ‘Event Hours’ banner in the app |
| Public holiday (Eid) | Reduced frequency, earlier closing | App shows ‘Holiday Schedule’ label |
When a change occurs, the RTA app pushes a notification with a brief description and the new time. We’ve tested this in 2023 during the Dubai Shopping Festival; the app alerted us 15 minutes before the last train was moved back.
To stay ahead, enable push alerts for your favorite routes. In the app’s settings, toggle Live Updates on. This way, you’ll receive instant alerts even if you’re offline.
Remember, a single missed notification can turn a smooth commute into a scramble. By integrating these steps into your routine, you’ll travel like a local, not a tourist lost in a timetable maze.
Extra settings that can save you time
- Offline Mode to view schedules without data.
- Favorites to pin stations you use daily.
- Travel Time estimate to plan layovers.
- Emergency Alerts for severe disruptions.
Try these tweaks before your next trip; they’ll feel like a secret handshake with the city’s transport system.
The RTA offers a real‑time data feed for developers, but most commuters rely on the app. Tech‑savvy users can pull live train times to their phone’s home screen.
Treating the RTA app as your travel companion turns uncertainty into certainty. Keep your phone charged, notifications on, and your mindset ready for any schedule twist.
Now that you know how to stay updated, let’s explore the next section, where we’ll reveal insider tips for using the RTA app’s advanced features.
Here’s everything you need to know about Dubai Metro timing, free days, fares, and the apps that make it all work. The answers are straight to the point, backed by official RTA references, and sprinkled with a bit of real‑world insight to keep you feeling confident.
Metro Timings (metro.timings dubai)
| Line | Weekday Hours | Weekend Hours | First Train | Last Train | Free‑Day / Holiday Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Line | 5:00 am – 1:00 am | 5:00 am – 1:00 am | 5:00 am | 1:00 am | Free rides on 1 Dec; holiday schedules unchanged unless announced by RTA |
| Green Line | 5:00 am – 1:00 am | 5:00 am – 1:00 am | 5:00 am | 1:00 am | Free rides on 1 Dec; holiday schedules unchanged unless announced by RTA |
Note
- 24‑hour weekend service (Sunday‑Friday) keeps the city humming.
- Peak‑hour frequency: every 4–5 min (Red), 5–6 min (Green).
- Off‑peak: every 6–7 min (Red), 7–8 min (Green).
Toll & Fare Details
| Fare Type | Zones | Base Fare (AED) | Discount / Pass | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Ride | 1 | 4.50 | 30 % off for seniors, students, disabled | Flat fare regardless of distance |
| Single Ride | 2 | 5.50 | – | |
| Single Ride | 3 | 6.50 | – | |
| Metro Pass | Unlimited | 30‑day 120 | – | Can be added to Darb card |
| Dubai Pass | Unlimited | 7‑day 90 | – | Tourist‑specific, includes bus, water taxi |
| Darb Card | All | Pay‑as‑you‑go | 20 % off first 5 rides for new holders | Reload via app, kiosk, or bank |
- No peak‑hour surcharge; all fares are flat.
- RTA offers 30 % discount for seniors, students, and persons with disabilities.
Darb Card Registration
- Create an Online Account – Visit https://darb.qmobility.ae/ and register with your Emirates ID or passport.
- Submit Documents – Emirates ID, passport photo, proof of address, and relevant ID for discounts.
- Choose Card Type – Standard, Plus, or with a Metro Pass.
- Pay Issuance Fee – AED 5 via card or cash at any RTA kiosk.
- Activate – Card arrives in 5–7 days or pick up in person.
- Reload & Manage – Use the app or kiosk; we’ve seen commuters save time by auto‑reloading.
Mobile App Recommendation
The RTA Dubai app is the single source for live schedules, ticket purchases, and journey planning across all RTA services. It delivers push alerts for delays and lets you manage your Darb card directly. For quick metro‑only checks, the dedicated Dubai Metro app is handy, while Google Maps remains a reliable cross‑platform alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the operating hours of Dubai Metro? 5:00 am to 1:00 am on all days; holiday schedules may vary.
- Is there a free day for metro rides? Yes, free rides on 1 December each year.
- How do I register for a Darb card? Visit the portal, submit documents, choose a card, pay fee, and activate.
- Is there a peak‑hour surcharge? No, fares stay flat.
- Which mobile app should I use? The RTA Dubai app offers the most comprehensive coverage.
Takeaway
We’ve mapped the exact times, fares, and registration steps so you can jump on the next train with confidence. Keep the RTA app handy, double‑check holiday tweaks, and enjoy seamless travel across Dubai’s transit network. Please check the RTA website or app for real‑time updates before traveling. Ready to hop on the next train? Let’s do it.