Dubai Metro Red Line: Map, Stations, Route & Fares

Quick Summary: The Dubai Metro Red Line runs from Centrepoint (R11), close to Dubai International Airport, to Life Pharmacy (R42), with the Route 2020 branch serving Expo City Dubai through Expo 2020 Station (R76). The current RTA network lists 29 main Red Line stations from Centrepoint to Life Pharmacy, with six additional Route 2020 branch stations after National Paints, formerly Jebel Ali. A full trip can take about 70 to 75 minutes, depending on the branch, platform wait and time of day.

Key facts:

• 29 main-line stations + 6 Route 2020 branch stations
• Route 2020 split at National Paints, formerly Jebel Ali
• Dubai Tram connections at Sobha Realty and DMCC
• Fare zones 5, 6, 2 and 1
• Silver Nol Card fares from AED 3 to AED 7.50
• Gold fares from AED 6 to AED 15
• Red Ticket fares from AED 4 to AED 8.50
• Fares, Nol Card prices and operating hours verified via RTA on 23 July 2026
• Red and Green Line ridership reached 275.4 million in 2024

Step out of Dubai International Airport, and the Red Line is already in view. Taxis move outside, luggage wheels click along the floor, and above it all, the Dubai Metro Red Line moves the city forward.

The route links the airport with Deira, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai Marina and Expo City. Here is a simple look at the Dubai Metro Red Line map, stations, timings, fares and key updates.

Dubai Metro Red Line Map

The Dubai Metro Red Line map follows a direct corridor through Deira, Bur Dubai, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Al Barsha, Dubai Marina, Jebel Ali and the Route 2020 communities. On the official rail map, the Red Line runs through fare zones 5, 6, 2 and 1, with National Paints acting as the branch point for Route 2020 trains serving Expo City Dubai. If you’ve ever stayed near DIFC or worked in Barsha Heights, you’ve seen that red track overhead.

Passengers should still check the RTA app or station screens before travelling late at night, especially when heading towards Life Pharmacy or Expo 2020. Branch services can differ from the central section between Centrepoint and National Paints.

Dubai Metro Red Line Stations: Full List

Station names, codes, interchanges and route data have been checked against RTA sources on 23 July 2026. The current RTA list shows 29 Red Line stations from Centrepoint to Life Pharmacy. It also shows National Paints as the split point for Route 2020, while Expo 2020 station serves Expo City Dubai.

Main Line Stations, Centrepoint To Life Pharmacy

The table below lists the Red Line stations from Centrepoint to Life Pharmacy in travel order. It also shows the station code, fare zone, interchange point and nearby communities, so readers can scan the route without checking a separate map.

This table also clears up the earlier station count issue. The main Red Line section from Centrepoint to Life Pharmacy has 29 stations, while Route 2020 continues separately towards Expo 2020 after the split at National Paints.

Route 2020 Branch Stations

Route 2020 branches away from the main Red Line at National Paints, formerly Jebel Ali. The table below lists the six stations after that split, ending at Expo 2020 station, which serves Expo City Dubai and nearby Dubai South districts.

For readers travelling towards Expo City Dubai, this branch is the section to check before boarding. The train destination may still appear as Expo 2020 on RTA screens, while the destination area is Expo City Dubai.

Dubai Metro Red Line Route & Journey Time

The Dubai Metro Red Line starts at Centrepoint and travels through Deira, Bur Dubai, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Al Barsha and Dubai Marina before reaching National Paints. From there, trains continue towards either Life Pharmacy or Expo 2020 on the Route 2020 branch.

Most full-length trips take around 70 to 75 minutes. The central section, from Centrepoint through Union, BurJuman, Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall, Business Bay, Mall of the Emirates, Sobha Realty and DMCC, carries some of the heaviest daily commuter use because it links airports, offices, malls, hotels and residential towers.

Dubai Metro remains the strongest rail mover in the city. The Red and Green Lines recorded 275.4 million riders in 2024, up 6 percent from the previous year. RTA also reported 395.3 million riders across public transport, shared mobility and taxis in the first half of 2025, showing how rail still supports a large share of daily travel.

Dubai Metro Red Line Timings

Verified via RTA on 23 July 2026. Passengers should still check the RTA app before travelling, as event days, public holidays and maintenance work can affect station-specific timings.

Operating Hours By Day

Train Frequency

During peak commuter periods, the Red Line trains usually arrive every 3 to 4 minutes on the busiest central stretch. Off-peak waits are often around 5 to 7 minutes, although trains towards Life Pharmacy or Expo 2020 may have wider gaps at certain times.

The safest practice is simple. Check the train destination before boarding at National Paints and listen for platform announcements if travelling beyond that point.

Dubai Metro Red Line Fares & Nol Cards

Dubai Metro fares are based on fare zones, not the number of stations crossed. RTA confirms that Dubai’s public transport network uses seven zones, and the Red Line passes through zones 5, 6, 2 and 1. Fares and Nol Card prices below were verified through RTA on 23 July 2026.

Fare By Zone

Dubai Metro fares depend on how many fare zones a passenger crosses, not how many stations they pass. A short ride within one zone costs less, while longer trips across two or more zones cost slightly more. The table below shows the standard Red Line fare range by Nol card type.

A silver Nol Card covers most daily needs. Gold costs more because it gives access to gold class cabins. Personal Nol Cards follow regular Silver fares for standard travel, with approved concessions for eligible passengers. Red Tickets cost more per ride, but they work well for short stays.

Nol Card Types & Prices

Before choosing a Nol Card, think about how often the Metro will be used. Silver works well for most riders, Gold is for Gold Class cabins, Blue is a personalised card with balance protection, and Red Ticket suits short visits.

RTA lists the Silver and Gold Nol Cards at AED 25 each, with an AED 19 balance included. The Personal Nol Card costs AED 70 with AED 20 credit, while the Red Ticket costs AED 2 before trip loading.

Interchanges & Connections

Interchanges make the Red Line easier to use beyond a single train journey. From Union and BurJuman, passengers can move onto the Green Line for older Dubai districts. Sobha Realty and DMCC connect with the Dubai Tram, while several stations also link with bus routes for onward travel.

Green Line, Union And BurJuman

Union and BurJuman connect the Red Line with the Green Line. Union works well for Deira and creek-side trips, while BurJuman is useful for Bur Dubai, Karama and Oud Metha. RTA lists both as official Red and Green Line interchange stations.

Dubai Tram, Sobha Realty And DMCC

Sobha Realty and DMCC connect the Red Line with the Dubai Tram. This link helps passengers reach Dubai Marina, JBR, Al Sufouh and Palm Gateway without depending on a taxi immediately after leaving the Metro.

Bus Connections

Several Red Line stations connect with bus services, especially Centrepoint, BurJuman, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta, Dubai Investment Park and Expo 2020. Ibn Battuta remains one of the most useful points for western Dubai and intercity movement, while Centrepoint handles heavy airport-side commuter traffic.

Future Blue Line Connection

The Dubai Metro Blue Line is under construction and will connect with the Red Line at Centrepoint. RTA says the project covers 30 km and 14 stations, with routes serving Mirdif, Al Warqa, Dubai Creek Harbour, International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Academic City.

Once complete, the Blue Line will expand Dubai’s rail network from 101 km to 131 km and raise the total number of stations to 78. RTA projects 200,000 daily Blue Line riders by 2030 and 320,000 daily riders by 2040.

Living Near The Red Line: Best Communities By Station

Living near the Red Line can shorten daily travel and make a property easier to rent or resell. Stations around Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai Marina, JLT, Al Furjan and Expo City Dubai give residents access to offices, malls, hotels, schools and active districts without relying on the car every day.

Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall Station

Downtown Dubai suits buyers and tenants who want Metro access near Dubai Mall, DIFC, Business Bay and the boulevard. Prices usually stay on the premium side, but demand remains strong because tourism, offices and high-end residences sit within a short travel radius.

Explore the Downtown Dubai area guide, view apartments for sale in Downtown Dubai, or check apartments for rent in Downtown Dubai near Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall Station.

Business Bay, Business Bay Station

Business Bay is one of the most useful Red Line addresses for office workers and investors. The station cuts down daily car use, while the area gives buyers a broad choice of studios, one-bedroom apartments and higher-end canal-facing homes.

Explore the Business Bay area guide, view apartments for sale in Business Bay, or check apartments for rent in Business Bay near Business Bay Station.

Dubai Marina, Sobha Realty And DMCC Stations

Dubai Marina works well for people who want the Metro, tram and waterfront living in one place. Sobha Realty connects directly with the tram, while DMCC also serves JLT and the southern Marina side.

Explore the Dubai Marina area guide, view apartments for sale in Dubai Marina, or check apartments for rent in Dubai Marina near Sobha Realty and DMCC stations.

Jumeirah Lake Towers, DMCC Station

JLT attracts tenants who want larger apartment layouts than many Marina towers offer, without losing daily Metro access. The DMCC station supports quick commutes towards Dubai Marina, Media City, Downtown Dubai and Jebel Ali.

Explore the Jumeirah Lake Towers area guide, view apartments for sale in Jumeirah Lake Towers, or check apartments for rent in Jumeirah Lake Towers near DMCC Station.

Al Furjan, Al Furjan Station

Al Furjan has become a stronger residential choice since Route 2020 opened. Families and commuters get villas, townhouses and apartments near Sheikh Zayed Road and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, with the Metro reducing daily driving pressure.

Explore the Al Furjan area guide, view apartments for sale in Al Furjan, or check apartments for rent in Al Furjan near Al Furjan Station.

Expo City Dubai, Expo 2020 Station

Expo 2020 Station serves Expo City Dubai and the wider South Dubai growth corridor. Buyers tracking future business hubs, event venues and airport-linked districts should watch this area closely, especially around new apartment releases.

Explore the Expo City Dubai area guide, view apartments for sale in Expo City, or check apartments for rent in Dubai Investment Park near Expo 2020 Station.

Final thoughts

The Dubai Metro Red Line is the city’s heartbeat in motion. It links the airport to the coast, homes to offices, and communities to their everyday plans. Understanding the Dubai Metro Red Line map is part of living smarter here.

If you’re planning to relocate or invest, choose neighborhoods close to the Dubai Red Line stations. Easy access translates to time saved and steady returns.

Contact Driven Properties for expert guidance on homes connected to the metro network; our team helps you find properties that fit your lifestyle and keep you close to the pulse of Dubai.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What areas will the Red Line connect?

The Red Line runs from Centrepoint all the way to Expo 2020, passing major districts like Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Jebel Ali along its route.

2. How many stations are on the Red Line?

There are 31 primary stations on the main Red Line and six additional ones added through the Route 2020 extension.

3. Can I transfer between lines?

Yes, passengers can easily transfer between the Red and Green Lines at Union Station and Burjuman, both designed for smooth platform interchange.

4. How frequent are trains?

Trains typically arrive every three to seven minutes, depending on the time of day, ensuring minimal waiting even during peak travel hours.

5. Any extensions planned?

Yes, the new Blue Line is under active construction and will soon link additional neighbourhoods to strengthen Dubai’s metro network.

6. How does it impact the network?

The Red Line serves as the metro’s backbone, connecting major business and residential zones while linking directly with other transport modes.

7. Where is the map available?

Metro maps are displayed inside every station and carriage, and can also be accessed easily through the official RTA mobile app.

8. Is it wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all stations and trains are fully accessible, featuring lifts, ramps, and designated spaces for wheelchairs to ensure inclusive travel.

9. Are there women-only cabins?

Yes, specific cabins are reserved for women and children, clearly marked for privacy and comfort during every journey.

10. Any advice for first-time commuters?

Always keep your Nol Card topped up, listen for station announcements, and follow platform markings for quick boarding and exit.

11. Can I carry luggage on the metro?

Yes, luggage is allowed, especially convenient from airport stations where extra space is provided for suitcases and travel bags.

12. Where Does The Dubai Metro Red Line Go?

The Red Line starts at Centrepoint near Dubai International Airport and runs towards Life Pharmacy. At National Paints, the Route 2020 branch turns towards Expo 2020 station, which serves Expo City Dubai.

13. Is The Expo Station Called Expo City Or Expo 2020?

RTA still lists the station as Expo 2020, code R76. It serves Expo City Dubai and nearby south-Dubai districts.

14. How Many Stations Are On The Red Line?

The current RTA network shows 29 Red Line stations, plus six branch stations after National Paints towards Expo 2020.

15. Where Does Route 2020 Split From The Main Red Line?

Route 2020 splits at National Paints, the station formerly known as Jebel Ali, before heading towards The Gardens and Expo 2020.

16. Which Fare Zones Does The Red Line Cover?

The Red Line passes through Dubai public transport fare zones 5, 6, 2 and 1.

17. How Much Does A Red Line Trip Cost?

A Silver Nol Card trip costs AED 3, AED 5 or AED 7.50, based on the number of fare zones crossed. A short one-zone ride is the cheapest.

18. Can Passengers Transfer To The Green Line?

Yes. Union and BurJuman connect the Red Line with the Green Line.

19. Which Red Line Stations Connect To Dubai Tram?

Sobha Realty and DMCC. Both sit right along the tram route in Dubai Marina and JLT.

20. What Are The Red Line Operating Hours?

The Metro is open from 5 AM Monday to Saturday, except Sunday, when it opens at 8 AM. Friday service runs until 1 AM.

21. Is The Blue Line Connected To The Red Line?

It will be. Once built, the Blue Line meets the Red Line at Centrepoint.

22. Is The Red Line Useful For Property Buyers And Tenants?

Brokers in Business Bay know this well. A flat two minutes from the station rents for more than one further down the road, plain and simple. Al Furjan saw rents climb after its stop opened, Expo City's doing the same now.