Have you ever tried to work out exactly what time the Dubai Metro starts running or wondered if the Red Line will get you to that early appointment on time? Each day, thousands of residents and tourists rely on the metro to get around Dubai quickly, affordably, and without the headache of traffic. Just imagine standing on the platform already knowing the exact Dubai Metro timings.
Whether you’re heading from Rashidiya to UAE Exchange or taking the Green Line from Etisalat to Creek, no matter if it’s a weekday, weekend, or public holiday. Having that information at your fingertips makes travelling so much simpler.
That’s the kind of clarity we’re bringing you here—no guesswork, no last-minute taxi rides, just clear, updated Dubai Metro Red Line timings and Dubai Metro Green Line hours that help you plan your day, your commute, or even your sightseeing.
Stick around, because in the next few minutes, you’ll know exactly when to catch your train, how schedules change between weekdays and weekends, and the little timing tricks that can save you both time and money.
Dubai Metro Timings – At a Glance
Getting around Dubai by metro is simple once you know the key operating hours, and a few smart habits can make your journey even easier.
From Monday to Thursday, as well as Saturday, trains usually start running at 5:00 AM and continue until midnight.
On Fridays, services run later, with most lines operating until 1:00 AM the next day. Sundays are often around 8:00 AM.
The Red Line runs from 5:00 AM to midnight from Saturday to Wednesday, with extended hours until 1:00 AM on Thursdays and Fridays. The Green Line opens slightly later at 5:30 AM, but keeps the same closing times.
If you’re heading to or from Dubai International Airport (DXB) on the Red Line, note that Sunday services may start earlier—around 5:00 AM—while still ending at midnight.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, use the RTA journey planner or the official Dubai Metro app, which can save you from unexpected changes.
To avoid heavy crowds, steer clear of peak rush hours, typically 7–9 AM and 5–8 PM. Travelling just before or after these times can make your ride far more comfortable. Check the latest metro timings before you travel on Fridays or public holidays, as they may change.
Dubai Metro Red Line Timings (Dubai Metro Red Line schedule)
The Dubai Metro Red Line schedule shows that the Red Line runs from 5:00 AM to midnight on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. On Friday, services extend until 1:00 AM the next day. On Sunday, operations typically begin later, around 8:00 AM, and also close at midnight.
Airport connections have similar, yet specific, schedules: At Dubai International Airport (Terminals 1 and 3), trains typically depart around 5:06–5:08 AM and run until midnight, with Friday services extending to approximately 1:00 AM.
Be aware of increased frequency during rush hours: While not always line-specific, general system-wide trends show significantly shorter intervals during peak times, often every 2–3 minutes.
Quick tip: Always check live timings on the RTA website or Dubai Metro app before traveling—especially on Fridays or during holidays—since schedules can shift due to events or maintenance.
Weekend Red Line Schedule
On Saturdays, the Red Line runs from 5:00 AM to midnight, the same as Monday to Thursday. On Sundays, it starts later, around 8:00 AM, and ends at midnight. On Fridays, trains run from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM the next day.
First and last train times can be slightly different depending on the station and direction—for example, Terminal 1 at DXB may have its own timings. Always check the official RTA app or journey planner for the latest weekend schedules.
Public Holidays & Special Events on Red Line
Extended Holiday Service: During major holidays like Eid al‑Adha 2025, the Red Line runs longer—typically from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM—to accommodate high passenger demand.
Event-Specific Adjustments: During large-scale events such as Dubai Ride or city festivals, the RTA may further stretch metro hours or increase frequency to manage crowds.
Always Confirm Range of Service: Since first and last train times during events or holidays can vary by station, check your exact travel path via official channels.
Quick Recap: Whether it’s a public holiday or a big city event, always check the Dubai Metro Red Line schedule using the RTA’s app or announcements to stay informed of extended timings—no one wants to be left waiting alone on a platform!
Dubai Metro Green Line Timings (Dubai Metro Green Line hours)
The Green Line runs from about 5:50 AM to midnight from Monday to Saturday. On Thursdays, it stays open until 1:00 AM, and on Fridays, it starts later, around 10:00 AM, and also closes at 1:00 AM.
On Sundays, it usually starts at 5:50 AM and ends at midnight, the same as most weekdays. In general, the Dubai Metro operates from 5:00 AM to midnight (Mon–Thu, Sat), from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM (Fri), and starts at 8:00 AM on Sundays. Timings can change slightly, so it’s best to check the RTA timetable or app before you travel.
Weekday Green Line Schedule
On weekdays (Monday to Wednesday), the Green Line runs from about 5:50 AM to midnight.
On Thursdays, trains run later, until 1:00 AM.
Most stations open between 5:30 AM and 5:50 AM, but there are no express services on the Green Line.
During rush hours, trains arrive every 5–8 minutes, and even more often at the busiest times.
Timings can vary slightly by station or day, so check the RTA app or website for real-time updates before you travel.
Weekend Green Line Schedule
Saturday hours
The Green Line starts around 5:50 AM and runs until midnight on Saturdays.
Sunday opening time
On Sundays, service also begins at 5:50 AM, matching the weekday schedule, and ends at midnight.
General metro operating hours over the weekend
The overall Dubai Metro, including both lines, typically runs from 5:00 AM to midnight on Saturday, and starts at 8:00 AM on Sunday, ending at midnight.
Best planning habit
Since timing can vary by station, always check the RTA app or website before heading out to make sure you know the exact first and last train times.
Public Holidays & Special Events on Green Line
The Red Line and the Dubai Metro Green Line often operate from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM the following day during significant holidays like Eid al-Adha and the Islamic New Year.
For huge events like the Global Encounters Festival, the RTA may keep the metro open longer and run trains more often.
Check the RTA website or app before you travel, as times can change on holidays and during events.
Weekdays vs Weekends – What Changes?
Operating Hours Change by Day
Monday to Thursday (and Saturday): Metro services run from 5:00 AM to midnight.
Friday: Trains run longer—from 5:00 AM until 1:00 AM the following day.
Sunday: Operations begin later, starting at 8:00 AM and running until midnight.
Adjust Your Travel Times
If you usually catch an early ride, remember that Sunday starts later—so plan accordingly if you’re commuting early.
Late-Night Travel on Fridays
The extended hours on Friday (until 1:00 AM) give you extra flexibility. It’s a perfect option for evening outings or late-night returns.
Stay Updated
Always double-check schedules using the RTA website or app before starting your journey—especially on Fridays and Sundays, when hours differ from the usual weekday pattern.
Tips for a Smooth Dubai Metro Ride
Make sure your Nol Card has enough balance before you travel. Recharging it through the RTA app, at kiosks, or in stations ensures you breeze through entry without delays.
Avoid the busiest times. The metro gets very crowded between 7–9 AM and 5–7 PM on weekdays. If possible, travel mid-morning or early afternoon for a more relaxed ride.
Stand back from the doors and let people exit first. It’s a small gesture that keeps the flow smooth and speeds up boarding.
Place your bags on the floor, not the seats. During busy times, this frees up seating for others.
Stick to the right cabins. Women’s cabins are for women and children only, while Gold Class is for those with the Gold Card. Respecting these keeps things comfortable for everyone.
Travel quietly. Keep your voice down and use headphones when listening to music or videos. It helps make the ride more pleasant for everyone.
Plan your journey using official tools. The RTA app and website can help you check schedules, routes, and timings in real time.
How Timings Affect Your Dubai Trip
The Dubai Metro runs from 5:00 AM to midnight on most weekdays and Saturdays. On Fridays, it stays open until 1:00 AM, and on Sundays, it starts later, at about 8:00 AM.
The busiest times are between 7:00–9:30 AM and 5:00–7:30 PM. If you travel outside these hours, you’ll find the trains less crowded.
Popular places like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the old historic districts are best visited early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid heavy crowds and match metro hours.
If you’re out late on a Friday, the extended service until 1:00 AM makes it easier to get back without using a taxi or bus.
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Frequently Asked Questions
From Monday to Thursday and on Saturday, the metro starts at 5:00 AM. On Fridays, it also begins at 5:00 AM but runs later into the night. Sundays have a later start at 8:00 AM, which is important to note if you have early plans.
Most days, the last trains run until midnight. On Fridays, services extend until 1:00 AM the next day, giving passengers more flexibility for evening events or late returns.
Yes. During major public holidays like Eid al-Adha or the Islamic New Year, the RTA often extends metro hours and increases train frequency to accommodate larger crowds. Always check before you travel.
They are similar, but the Green Line generally starts a few minutes later in the morning—around 5:50 AM—while closing at the same time as the Red Line.
The most reliable way is to use the RTA website or the official Dubai Metro app. Both provide live updates, first and last train times, and service changes for special events.
