Dubai Metro trips can start at Sharaf DG or BurJuman. BurJuman is the more useful station to understand for changing lines: it connects the Green and Red lines, while the Metro’s zone-based fares and regular operating hours help you plan the rest of your journey.
- Stations: Sharaf DG and BurJuman.
- BurJuman: interchange between the Green and Red lines.
- Fares: depend on the number of public-transport zones travelled through.
Which station is closest?
Sharaf DG is the closer of the two stations on foot. That makes it a practical first station to consider, while BurJuman offers a direct interchange between the Green and Red lines.
From Sharaf DG, check the route for your destination before choosing a train. The station information here establishes BurJuman’s interchange role, but not Sharaf DG’s line or the direction of service from it. You can use the RTA’s station information and a one-day route through Old Dubai to plan the parts of your day around the Metro.
Using BurJuman as an interchange
BurJuman is a Green Line station and a transfer point between the Green and Red lines. It is a useful place to change trains when your trip continues on a different line.
For example, Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall is on the Red Line. If you are travelling there from Al Qiyadah or Abu Hail on the Green Line, change to the Red Line at BurJuman or Union. At BurJuman, follow the station’s interchange signs and make sure you board the Red Line for your onward journey.
Union is the other Green and Red line transfer station covered here. From Al Qiyadah or Abu Hail, take the Green Line towards e& to reach Union; take it towards Creek to reach BurJuman. These directions apply to those starting stations, so check the station and line for your own starting point before setting out.
Planning a Dubai Metro trip across the city
The Green Line runs between e& and Creek, with Union at station G20 and BurJuman at G26. Al Qiyadah (G16) and Abu Hail (G17) are consecutive Green Line stations. These station names and numbers can help you follow the Green Line route, while a transfer at Union or BurJuman connects it with the Red Line.
Start by identifying your destination station, then check whether your journey stays on one line or needs a change. For trips to Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall, the Red Line station is R25; from Al Qiyadah or Abu Hail, transfer at either Union or BurJuman.
For other destinations, consult the current Dubai Metro map and RTA station details rather than assuming the same route applies.
If your day also includes Dubai International Airport, you can plan that leg alongside the rail journey using airport-to-hotel transport options. Check the relevant route for your destination before travelling, especially if your trip includes a transfer or a change of transport mode.
Tickets, fares and Metro hours
- Ticket
- AED 4 within 1 zone, AED 6 for 2 adjacent zones, or AED 8
Dubai Metro fares depend on how many of the city’s 7 public-transport zones you pass through. RTA’s regular fares vary by nol ticket or card type, so choose the fare category that matches how you plan to pay.
- Silver nol: AED 3 within 1 zone, AED 5 for 2 adjacent zones, or AED 7.50 for more than 2 zones.
- Gold nol: AED 6 within 1 zone, AED 10 for 2 adjacent zones, or AED 15 for more than 2 zones.
- nol Red Ticket: AED 4 within 1 zone, AED 6 for 2 adjacent zones, or AED 8.50 for more than 2 zones.
- Gold nol Red Ticket: AED 8 within 1 zone, AED 12 for 2 adjacent zones, or AED 17 for more than 2 zones.
Tap your nol card on the reader at the station gates when entering and leaving; the fare is calculated from the zones passed.
A nol card needs a balance of at least AED 7.50 to use the Metro. If you change between different transport modes, make the transfer within 30 minutes for the fare system to count it as one journey.
RTA’s regular station hours are Monday to Thursday, 5:00 AM–12:00 AM; Friday, 5:00 AM–1:00 AM the next day; Saturday, 5:00 AM–12:00 AM; and Sunday, 8:00 AM–12:00 AM.
Students and senior Emiratis and residents with concession nol cards receive a 50% Metro fare discount, while People of Determination travel free. Hours and fares can change, and Metro working hours may vary during holidays and special events, so check the official site before you go.
Walking to the stations from the hotel
You can choose between Sharaf DG and BurJuman based on the line and interchange your route needs; BurJuman has the confirmed Green-to-Red connection.
For a Metro-focused stay, this aparthotel in Dubai is about an 8-minute walk from Sharaf DG and a 9-minute walk from BurJuman. Check the station details for your particular trip.
FAQs
Can you change from the Green Line to the Red Line at BurJuman?
Yes. BurJuman is a transfer station between the Green and Red lines.
How are Dubai Metro fares calculated?
Fares depend on the number of public-transport zones passed. The regular amounts vary by nol fare category.
Do Metro hours change on holidays?
They may: RTA says working hours can change during holidays and special events. Check the official site before travelling.