Dubai Metro 2026: Timings, Fares, nol Cards and New QR Code Tickets Explained
By Thasmiya
Getting around Dubai has become even more convenient in 2026, with the introduction of a new digital ticketing option for Metro passengers.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched **QR code tickets that allow commuters to travel on the Dubai Metro, Tram and public buses using their smartphones**, removing the need to purchase a physical paper ticket for certain journeys.
The new service, introduced in October 2026, is particularly useful for tourists and occasional passengers who prefer to purchase tickets digitally.
Meanwhile, Dubai Metro continues to operate across its Red and Green Lines, with regular fares starting from AED 3 for Silver nol card users.
Whether you’re commuting to work, exploring the city or visiting Dubai for the first time, here’s everything you need to know about Dubai Metro timings, ticket prices, nol cards and the new QR code system in 2026.
## **Dubai Metro Timings 2026: When Does the Metro Open and Close?**
Dubai Metro operates seven days a week, although opening and closing hours vary depending on the day.
According to the RTA’s regular timetable, the Red and Green Lines follow these operating hours:
**Day**
**Opening Time**
**Closing Time**
Monday
5am
Midnight
Tuesday
5am
Midnight
Wednesday
5am
Midnight
Thursday
5am
Midnight
Friday
5am
1am the following day
Saturday
5am
Midnight
Sunday
8am
Midnight
These are the standard operating hours.
The RTA may introduce extended or adjusted services during public holidays, major events and special occasions.
Passengers should also remember that the final train departure time can vary by station and direction.
Checking the latest journey information before travelling is recommended.
## **Dubai Metro Ticket Prices in 2026**
Dubai Metro ticket prices depend on the number of transport zones crossed during a journey.
Dubai’s public transport network is divided into seven zones.
Passengers using a Silver nol card pay between AED 3 and AED 7.50 for a standard journey.
Gold Class passengers pay higher fares.
### **Dubai Metro Silver and Gold nol Card Fares**
**Journey**
**Silver nol Card**
**Gold nol Card**
Within one zone
AED 3
AED 6
Across two adjacent zones
AED 5
AED 10
More than two zones
AED 7.50
AED 15
These fares apply to the relevant nol card categories.
The total fare is calculated automatically when passengers tap out at their destination.
### **How Much Is a Dubai Metro Red Ticket?**
The Red Ticket is intended for occasional journeys.
Its fares are slightly higher than those charged to Silver nol card users.
**Journey**
**Regular Red Ticket**
**Gold Red Ticket**
Within one zone
AED 4
AED 8
Across two adjacent zones
AED 6
AED 12
More than two zones
AED 8.50
AED 17
The new digital QR ticket provides an alternative to physical Red Tickets.
## **Dubai Introduces New QR Code Tickets in October 2026**
One of the biggest Dubai public transport updates this year is the launch of digital nol QR tickets.
Announced by the RTA in October 2026, the system allows passengers to purchase tickets through their smartphones and scan a QR code at designated readers.
The service works across three transport modes:
- Dubai Metro - Dubai Tram - Dubai public buses
Passengers can purchase tickets using the **nol Pay or S’hail mobile applications**.
The new option is designed to simplify ticket purchases, particularly for visitors and people who do not regularly use public transport.
Importantly, QR code tickets do not replace existing nol cards.
Silver, Gold and personal nol cards remain valid.
## **How to Buy a Dubai Metro QR Code Ticket**
Purchasing a digital ticket is straightforward.
### **Step 1: Download the App**
Open either the nol Pay app or S’hail app on your smartphone.
### **Step 2: Select a Digital QR Ticket**
Choose the QR ticket option available within the application.
### **Step 3: Choose Your Ticket Type**
Passengers can purchase a single-trip ticket or a one-day travel pass.
### **Step 4: Complete the Payment**
Pay for the ticket using the payment options supported by the application.
### **Step 5: Open Your QR Code**
Once the purchase is completed, the ticket becomes available digitally.
### **Step 6: Scan at the Metro Gate**
At the Metro station, open the QR code and hold your phone over the designated reader at the entry gate.
Keep the QR code visible until the system validates the ticket.
Passengers should also follow the ticket validation instructions when completing their journey.
## **How Much Do Dubai Metro QR Tickets Cost?**
The new QR ticket system has its own pricing structure.
A service fee of AED 2 applies to digital QR ticket purchases.
### **QR Code Single-Trip Ticket Prices**
**Journey**
**Regular Class**
**Gold Class**
One zone
AED 6
AED 10
Two adjacent zones
AED 8
AED 14
All zones
AED 10.50
AED 19
The displayed prices include the AED 2 service fee.
### **QR Code One-Day Pass Prices**
**Ticket Type**
**Price**
Regular Class
AED 22
Gold Class
AED 42
The one-day pass allows eligible travel across the supported Dubai public transport network during its validity period.
For regular commuters, a Silver nol card may remain more economical depending on travel frequency.
For tourists and occasional users, digital QR tickets provide another convenient payment option.
## **How Long Is a Dubai Metro QR Ticket Valid?**
Digital QR tickets can be purchased in advance.
According to the RTA, unused tickets remain valid for up to 90 days from the purchase date.
However, the validity period changes once the ticket is activated.
### **Single-Trip Tickets**
A single-trip ticket is intended for one journey.
Once used, the ticket cannot be reused for another journey.
### **One-Day Passes**
A digital one-day pass becomes active when it is first used.
It remains valid until midnight on the same calendar day.
**This means a one-day pass does not provide 24 hours of travel from the time of activation.**
For example, a passenger who first uses the pass at 11pm will only have until midnight to use it.
Travellers should consider this when deciding when to activate their ticket.
## **Can You Use Dubai Metro QR Tickets Without Internet?**
Passengers need an internet connection to access and use their digital QR tickets.
The RTA states that Wi-Fi is available at Metro and Tram stations.
However, travellers should ensure their phones are connected before approaching the ticket gates.
It is also advisable to keep the phone sufficiently charged throughout the journey.
QR tickets should not be copied, shared or transferred to other passengers.
## **Can You Get a Refund for an Unused QR Ticket?**
The RTA allows refunds for eligible unused QR tickets under specific conditions.
Refund requests must generally be made within 30 days of purchase.
The ticket must remain unused and valid.
Refunds are processed through designated ticket office machines at selected Metro stations.
A service fee applies.
Tickets that have been copied, shared, damaged or invalidated through misuse may not qualify for a refund.
## **What Is a nol Card and How Does It Work?**
The nol card is Dubai’s contactless public transport payment card.
It allows passengers to pay for journeys across the Metro, Tram, buses and other supported RTA services.
Instead of purchasing a separate ticket for every journey, commuters can load credit onto their cards.
Passengers tap their nol card at the entry and exit gates.
The system automatically calculates and deducts the applicable fare.
## **Types of nol Cards Available in Dubai**
### **Silver nol Card**
The Silver nol card is the standard option for regular commuters.
It costs AED 25, including AED 19 in usable balance.
Regular fares range from AED 3 to AED 7.50, depending on the journey.
### **Gold nol Card**
The Gold nol card provides access to Gold Class cabins on the Metro and Tram.
It also costs AED 25, including AED 19 in balance.
Gold Class fares are generally double the corresponding Silver card fares.
### **Personal nol Card**
The personal nol card is registered to an individual.
It can offer additional benefits, including access to eligible concessionary fares.
Certain students, senior citizens and People of Determination may qualify for discounted or free travel under the relevant RTA rules.
### **Red Ticket**
The Red Ticket is designed for occasional passengers.
It provides a ticket-based alternative to reusable nol cards.
The new digital QR system offers another option for passengers who previously relied on paper tickets.
## **What Is the Minimum nol Card Balance for Dubai Metro?**
Passengers using a nol card must generally maintain a minimum balance of **AED 7.50** to enter the Dubai Metro.
This requirement helps ensure that sufficient credit is available for the journey.
Commuters can check and recharge their cards through supported RTA channels.
Those travelling regularly should consider maintaining additional balance to avoid delays at station gates.
## **Dubai Metro Monthly Pass Prices in 2026**
Frequent commuters can also consider travel passes.
The RTA offers passes covering different travel zones and validity periods.
### **Silver nol Card Travel Passes**
**Validity**
**One Zone**
**Two Zones**
**All Zones**
7 days
AED 50
AED 80
AED 110
30 days
AED 140
AED 230
AED 350
90 days
AED 330
AED 550
AED 830
365 days
AED 1,060
AED 1,770
AED 2,670
These passes can be useful for commuters who travel frequently within the same zones.
Registered nol cards are required for certain longer-duration passes.
## **Dubai Metro Red Line: Main Stations and Destinations**
The Dubai Metro Red Line connects several major residential, commercial and tourist destinations.
It serves important areas including:
- Centrepoint - Dubai International Airport - Deira City Centre - BurJuman - World Trade Centre - Financial Centre - Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall - Business Bay - Mall of the Emirates - Dubai Internet City - Sobha Realty - DMCC - Expo City Dubai
The Red Line also includes services towards Life Pharmacy station.
Passengers should check the train’s destination display before boarding, particularly where routes branch.
## **Dubai Metro Green Line: Main Stations and Destinations**
The Green Line serves several established neighbourhoods and commercial districts.
It connects areas such as:
- e& station - Al Qusais - Stadium - Abu Hail - Abu Baker Al Siddique - Salah Al Din - Union - Baniyas Square - Gold Souq - Al Ras - Al Ghubaiba - Sharaf DG - BurJuman - Oud Metha - Dubai Healthcare City - Al Jaddaf - Creek
The Green Line is particularly useful for accessing older parts of Dubai, including Deira and Bur Dubai.
## **Where Can You Change Between the Red and Green Lines?**
Dubai Metro has two main interchange stations connecting the Red and Green Lines.
**Union Station:** Connects the two lines in Deira.
**BurJuman Station:** Connects the two lines in Bur Dubai.
Passengers can transfer between the lines at these stations without purchasing a separate ticket, provided their journey complies with the applicable fare and transfer rules.
## **Can You Use the Same nol Card on Dubai Metro and Buses?**
Yes.
A valid nol card can be used across supported RTA public transport services.
Passengers can transfer between the Metro and buses as part of an integrated journey.
Under RTA’s fare rules, transfers between transport modes generally need to occur within 30 minutes to qualify as part of the same journey.
The total fare depends on the applicable zones and transfer conditions.
## **Dubai Metro Blue Line: What Is Coming Next?**
Dubai is also expanding its rail network through the [Metro Blue Line project](https://www.whatmatters.ae/post/dubai-metro-blue-line-explained-routes-stations-and-construction-progress).
The new line is intended to improve connectivity between major residential and commercial communities.
The project will connect with the existing Metro network and support future urban development.
However, the Blue Line is not part of the operational Metro network in October 2026.
Passengers should continue using the existing Red and Green Lines until the new route officially opens.
## **Frequently Asked Questions**
### **What time does Dubai Metro open in 2026?**
Dubai Metro opens at 5am from Monday to Saturday and 8am on Sunday under its regular timetable.
### **What time does Dubai Metro close on Friday?**
Dubai Metro operates until 1am the following day on Fridays.
### **How much does Dubai Metro cost?**
Silver nol card fares range from AED 3 to AED 7.50, depending on the number of zones travelled.
### **How much is a Silver nol card?**
A Silver nol card costs AED 25, including AED 19 in usable balance.
### **Can I use Dubai Metro without a nol card?**
Yes. Passengers can now purchase eligible digital QR tickets through the nol Pay or S’hail apps.
### **When were Dubai Metro QR tickets introduced?**
The RTA announced the new digital QR ticketing option in October 2026.
### **How much does a Dubai Metro QR ticket cost?**
Regular single-trip QR tickets start from AED 6, including the service fee.
### **How much is a one-day Dubai Metro QR pass?**
The regular one-day QR pass costs AED 22, while the Gold Class option costs AED 42.
### **Do QR tickets work on Dubai buses?**
Yes. The digital QR ticketing system supports Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram and public buses.
### **How long is a QR ticket valid?**
Unused QR tickets are valid for up to 90 days from purchase. Activated one-day passes expire at midnight on the day of first use.
### **Is Dubai Metro free for children?**
Children under five years old or shorter than 90 centimetres can travel free on Dubai Metro and Tram under RTA’s rules.
## **Why This Matters**
Dubai Metro remains one of the city’s most important transport networks, connecting residential neighbourhoods, business districts, shopping destinations and tourist attractions.
The introduction of QR code tickets in October 2026 gives passengers another way to pay for public transport without relying on physical paper tickets.
For regular commuters, [reusable nol cards](https://www.whatmatters.ae/post/dubais-nol-card-is-changing-what-commuters-need-to-know) and travel passes continue to offer convenient options.
For tourists and occasional passengers, digital QR tickets can make journeys easier to plan and purchase.
**With Metro fares starting from AED 3 and smartphone QR tickets now available, Dubai continues to expand its public transport payment options while maintaining its existing Red and Green Line services.**
Residents and visitors should check RTA announcements for any changes to operating hours, fares or ticketing arrangements.
*Information is based on Dubai RTA’s published fare, timetable and ticketing guidance available as of October 22, 2026. Operating hours may change during public holidays and special events.*
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