5-Day Dubai Itinerary for First-Timers
A 5-day Dubai itinerary for first-time visitors: old Dubai and the souks, Downtown and the tallest tower, beaches, the desert and a day trip, with timing tips.
Dubai Metro Guide: Nol Cards, Fares and Routes
How to use the Dubai Metro: the Red and Green lines, Nol card types, zones, Gold Class and women-only cabins, rules and connections to trams and buses.
Key takeaways
- The metro has two main lines, Red and Green, linking the airport, Downtown, the Marina and older districts.
- Buy a Nol card at any station; tap in and out every journey.
- Gold Class and women-and-children cabins are available on every train.
On this page
The Dubai Metro is one of the easiest, cheapest ways to get around the city. Trains are driverless, clean, air-conditioned and frequent, and many major sights are a short walk or taxi ride from a station.
The lines
- Red Line: runs along the main highway from the airport area through Deira, Bur Dubai, Downtown and the Marina.
- Green Line: loops through the older districts around the Creek, including Deira and Bur Dubai.
The two lines connect at interchange stations. The Dubai Tram runs through the Marina and JBR and links with the Red Line, and buses fill in the gaps.
Nol cards
You pay with a Nol card, a rechargeable smart card sold at stations and ticket machines.
| Card | Best for |
|---|---|
| Red ticket | Occasional, single-journey use |
| Silver card | Most visitors: reloadable, standard class |
| Gold card | Travelling in Gold Class cabins |
| Blue card | Personalised card for residents |
Top up at machines or ticket offices, and tap in and tap out on every journey. Fares depend on how many zones you cross.
Cabins
- Gold Class is a premium carriage at one end of each train, requiring a Gold card or Gold fare.
- Women and children have dedicated sections; men shouldn’t enter them.
Rules to know
Eating, drinking and chewing gum aren’t allowed on the metro or in paid areas of stations. Fines apply for breaking rules, including sleeping on trains or entering restricted cabins.
Tips for visitors
- Stations are large; allow extra time to walk to your platform.
- Some stations connect directly to malls through air-conditioned walkways.
- Trains get very busy at rush hour.
- Download the RTA app for journey planning and card top-ups.
Where the metro works best
Downtown, the Marina, the airport and older districts are well served. For beaches and some attractions, combine the metro with the tram, a bus or a short taxi ride. Our 5-day Dubai itinerary is planned around metro access, and where to stay in Dubai highlights areas near stations.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Dubai Metro go to the airport?
Yes. The Red Line serves Terminals 1 and 3; our Dubai airport guide covers the other ways into the city.
Can I pay with a bank card?
The Nol card is the standard payment method. Check the RTA for the latest payment options.
Is the Dubai Metro safe?
Yes. It is clean, well monitored and widely used by residents and visitors.
Sources
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