Are you traveling on the busy roads of Dubai? Then the Union Metro Station in Deira is the perfect place for you. This is a huge underground hub where the Red Line and the Green Line meet. It connects to areas such as Dubai International Airport, the Burj Khalifa, and the Gold Souq. Whether you are a daily commuter, someone who avoids traffic, or a tourist looking to see the splendor of Dubai, this station makes your life easier.
Union Metro Station at a glance
Union Metro Station is one of the largest underground stations in the world, located in the heart of Deira. Spread over 25,000 square meters, it is a major interchange point for the Red and Green lines, serving millions of passengers annually. With four platforms, double tracks, and state-of-the-art facilities, the metro station is often very busy.
| Location | Deira, Old Dubai |
|---|---|
| Lines Served | Red Line (Centrepoint to UAE Exchange) and Green Line (Creek to Etisalat) |
| Platforms | Four side platforms (two per line) |
| Daily Footfall | Among Dubai’s busiest, serving millions annually |
| Accessibility | Elevators, ramps, tactile paving for disabled passengers |
Red and Green Line Metro Timings for 2025
Knowing the exact travel time is essential to avoid crowds and missing your train. Below are the 2025 schedules for Union Metro Station, based on the latest data from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). If there are any changes to these, you will be notified here.
Red Line Schedule
The Red Line connects key locations such as Dubai International Airport, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, and Expo 2020.
| Day | First Train | Last Train | Peak Hours (Frequency) | Off-Peak (Frequency) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 5:00 AM | 12:00 AM | 7:00 AM–9:00 AM, 5:00 PM–7:00 PM (every 4–5 min) | Every 7–10 min |
| Saturday | 5:00 AM | 12:00 AM | Every 7–10 min | Every 7–10 min |
| Sunday & Holidays | 8:00 AM | 11:00 PM | Every 10–12 min | Every 10–12 min |
Green Line Schedule
The Green Line connects areas such as historic Deira, Bur Dubai, Al Qusais, and Etisalat.
| Day | First Train | Last Train | Peak Hours (Frequency) | Off-Peak (Frequency) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 5:00 AM | 12:00 AM | 7:00 AM–9:00 AM, 5:00 PM–7:00 PM (every 5–6 min) | Every 8–12 min |
| Saturday | 5:00 AM | 12:00 AM | Every 8–12 min | Every 8–12 min |
| Sunday & Holidays | 8:00 AM | 11:00 PM | Every 10–15 min | Every 10–15 min |
Tip: Check the RTA Dubai app or the Moovit app for real-time updates. This will keep you informed of any delays or schedule changes. Download offline maps when traveling without Wi-Fi.
Also read: Etisalat Metro Station Dubai | RTA NOL Card Balance Check
Station Features: What makes Union Metro special?
Union Metro is very special for all passengers, whether they are residents or tourists. Here are the key features:
Seamless exchange: This allows you to move between the Red and Green lines without having to use the NOL card again (within the same travel zone). The colored signs here (red for the red line, green for the green line) help you easily navigate to the correct platform.
Modern facilities:
- Air-conditioned platforms offer a welcome escape from the Dubai heat.
- Ticket vending machines and staff counters offer the ability to buy and top up NOL cards
- Clean male and female toilets
- Small shops and cafes are available for snacks or quick purchases
- Lifts, ramps, and tactile paving for wheelchair users and visually impaired passengers.
- Security cameras, emergency exits, and on-site staff.
- The modern signaling system and double tracks here enable trains to run smoothly, even during peak hours.
Fun fact: Union Station’s underground design is a marvel, capable of handling 22,000 passengers per hour!
Rent and NOL Cards: Payment Method
A Nol card is required to travel on the Dubai Metro. Here are the options and costs:
| Nol Card Type | Best For | Cost Example (Union to Deira City Centre) |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Nol | Regular commuters | ~AED 3 (standard class) |
| Gold Nol | Premium Gold Class cabins | ~AED 6 (double Silver fare) |
| Red Nol | Occasional travelers (10 trips or 90 days) | ~AED 3 per trip |
| Blue Nol | Residents (personalized, with discounts) | ~AED 3 (standard class) |
Fare Tips:
- Top up your Nol Card at ticket machines or online via the RTA app.
- Daily, weekly, or monthly passes save money for frequent riders.
- Kids under 5 or shorter than 90 cm ride free.
- Transfers between lines at Union don’t cost extra if within the same zone.
Nearby Attractions: What to Explore Around Union Metro Station
Union Metro Station’s Deira location puts you close to Dubai’s best cultural and shopping destinations. If you’re here to visit and have some free time, you can visit the nearby famous and beautiful places. Here are some must-see places:
| Attraction | Description | How to Reach |
| Al Ghurair Centre | Major mall with shops, dining, and entertainment | 7-minute walk from Exit 2 |
| Deira Twin Towers | Iconic buildings with affordable shops and eateries | 10-minute taxi or Green Line to Al Ras |
| Gold Souk | World-famous market for gold and jewelry | 10-min taxi or Green Line to Al Ras |
| Dubai Creek | Historic waterway with abra rides | Green Line to Al Ghubaiba (~10 min) |
If you are going somewhere, you can go shopping at Al Ghurair Centre, which is just 5 minutes away. This center features a major mall with various shops, dining options, and entertainment.
Travel tip: For a cheap day trip, catch a bus from Union Square Bus Station to Global Village or Sharjah.
Bus Routes from Union Square Bus Station
Union Metro Station connects to Union Square Bus Station, which offers local and intercity routes. Here are the main options for 2025:
| Route | Destination | Frequency | Fare | Timings |
| E400 | Ajman | Every 30 min | AED 7–11 | 5:30 AM–12:30 AM |
| E700 | Fujairah | Every 40 min | AED 10–15 | 6:00 AM–11:00 PM |
| X02 | Al Satwa | Every 20 min | AED 3–5 | 5:00 AM–12:00 AM |
| F01 | Al Baraha | Every 15 min | AED 3–5 | 5:00 AM–12:00 AM |
| 103 (Seasonal) | Global Village | Every 40 min | AED 8 | 2:00 PM–12:30 AM |
| E303 | Sharjah Al Jubail | Every 30 min | AED 6–10 | 5:30 AM–11:30 PM |
Access to Global Village from Union Metro Station
Global Village is a must-see destination for its cultural pavilions and entertainment and is a favorite among tourists. If you are new to Dubai, here are some tips on how to get there:
Option 1: Bus (Route 103)
- From: Union Square Bus Station 1
- Interval: Every 40 minutes
- Fare: AED 8 (Nole Card)
- Timings: 2:00 PM–12:30 AM (Seasonal, check with RTA)
- Travel time: ~1 hour
Tip: Keep a good balance on your Nole Card and arrive early during peak season.
Option 2: Taxi
- From: Union Metro Station Exits
- Cost: ~AED 40–60 (depending on traffic)
- Travel time: 30–40 minutes
Tip: Set a fare or use RTA metered taxis
Routes from Union Metro Station to Sharjah
Heading to Sharjah? Union Square Bus Station offers multiple routes:
| Route | Destination | Frequency | Fare (AED) | Timings |
| E700 | Al Qasba, Al Nahda | Every 30 min | 6–10 | 5:30 AM–11:30 PM |
| E701 | Al Khan, Al Qasba | Every 40 min | 6–10 | 6:00 AM–11:00 PM |
| E702 | Al Nahda, Sharjah City Centre | Every 35 min | 6–10 | 6:00 AM–11:00 PM |
Tip: Use platforms 8 or 10 at Union Square Bus Station. Check the RTA app for real-time updates.
Union Metro Station Nearby Hotels: Where to Stay
If you need to stay near Union Metro Station, Deira offers options for every budget:
| Hotel | Distance from Station | Exit | Price Range (AED/night) |
| Swissotel Al Ghurair | 5-min walk | 1 | 300–500 |
| Radisson Blu Deira Creek | 10-min walk | 2 | 350–600 |
| Landmark Grand Hotel | 7-min walk | 1 | 200–350 |
| Comfort Inn Hotel | 6-min walk | 1 | 150–250 |
| Suba Hotel | 8-min walk | 1 | 180–300 |
Tip: Book early for deals in the November to March season.
Nearby landmarks and roads
Important buildings and streets around Union Metro Station are:
| Landmark | Type | Distance | Exit |
| Dubai Municipality | Government | 8-min walk | 2 |
| Emirates Post | Government | 7-min walk | 1 |
| Deira Twin Towers | Commercial | 7-min walk | 2 |
| Etisalat Tower | Commercial | 10-min walk | 2 |
Main Streets:
- Omar Bin Al Khattab Street (D 88)
- Al Maktoum Street (D 89)
- Al Raqqa Street
- Banias Street (D 85)
Frequently Asked Questions about Union Metro Station
Monday to Saturday: 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM, Sunday and holidays: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Yes, there is no additional fare within the same travel zone.
There is limited paid parking nearby (Zone D). For convenience, use public transportation.
Take the Red Line towards UAE Exchange (~10–12 minutes to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall).
