Dubai’s Metro, trams and buses are run by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and paid for with a single nol card. The Metro runs from 5am to midnight most days, until 1am on Friday and from 8am on Sunday. A Silver nol fare costs AED 3 to AED 7.50 depending on the zones you cross. Abu Dhabi buses use a separate Hafilat card, and for trips between emirates you can take an intercity bus or, since 2026, an Etihad Rail train.
Do this next
- New to Dubai? Buy a Silver nol card at any Metro station. It costs AED 25, including AED 19 of credit.
- Early flight on a Sunday? The Metro does not start until 8am, so plan another way to the airport.
- Driving? See our UAE Traffic Fines and Vehicle Guide for fines, Salik and Darb.
Dubai Metro hours and fares
| Day | Metro hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday, Saturday | 5am to midnight |
| Friday | 5am to 1am the next day |
| Sunday | 8am to midnight |
| Ticket | 1 zone | 2 adjacent zones | More than 2 zones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver nol | AED 3 | AED 5 | AED 7.50 |
| Red ticket | AED 4 | AED 6 | AED 8.50 |
| Gold Class | AED 6 | AED 10 | AED 15 |
First and last trains differ by station and direction, and hours are often extended for holidays and major events. Check the RTA or S’hail app before a tight connection.
- Dubai Metro map, lines and interchanges
- Dubai Metro timings
- Using the Metro for the first time
- Getting to Dubai Creek Harbour by Metro
nol and Hafilat cards
A nol card pays for the Metro, tram, buses and some parking in Dubai. The Silver card suits most people, the Gold card is for Gold Class cabins, and the personal blue card carries your name and photo and is required for student, senior and people of determination concessions. Nol cards do not work on Abu Dhabi buses, which use Hafilat.
- Nol card balance check
- Recharge a nol card
- Apply for a student nol card
- Add a nol card to Apple Wallet
- Add a nol card to Samsung Wallet
- Hafilat balance check
- Recharge a Hafilat card
Buses between emirates
RTA intercity buses are paid with a nol card, not cash. Other operators, such as RAKTA from Ras Al Khaimah, sell tickets at the station. Timetables change, so check the S’hail app or the operator on the day you travel.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- Dubai to Abu Dhabi Airport bus
- Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi Airport bus
- A1 and A2 buses to Abu Dhabi Airport
Sharjah
- Al Ghubaiba to Sharjah bus
- Union to Sharjah bus E303
- Deira City Centre to Sharjah bus E307
- Al Quoz to Sharjah bus 309
- Ibn Battuta to Sharjah by bus
- Jebel Ali to Sharjah bus
- Sharjah to Rashidiya bus 113
- Abu Dhabi to Sharjah bus 117
- Al Ain to Sharjah bus 118
Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah
- Dubai to Ajman bus
- Ras Al Khaimah to Dubai bus
- Union Bus Station to Ras Al Khaimah
- Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah bus
- Fujairah to Dubai bus E700
- Sharjah to Fujairah bus
Al Ain, Hatta and Oman
Etihad Rail
Etihad Rail’s passenger trains began between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on 30 June 2026. Dubai’s station at Al Yalayis, in Jumeirah Golf Estates, and the Al Dhaid station opened on 30 September 2026. Tickets are sold on the Etihad Rail website and app.
Taxis, trams, abras and local buses
Dubai taxis are metered, and a street hail has a minimum fare of AED 12. The tram runs through Dubai Marina and JBR and connects with the Metro. Traditional abras cross Dubai Creek for AED 1 in cash.
Parking by SMS in each emirate
| Emirate | SMS to | Message format |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 7275 | Plate number, zone, hours |
| Abu Dhabi | 3009 | Plate code, plate number, S or P, hours |
| Sharjah | 5566 | Plate source, plate number, hours |
| Ajman | 5155 | Emirate code, plate code, plate number |
Dubai’s public parking, run by Parkin, is paid from Monday to Saturday, 8am to 10pm, and free on Sundays and public holidays in most zones. Always read the sign at your bay, because timings differ by zone and by emirate.
- Dubai parking SMS format
- Dubai Airport parking fees
- Sharjah SMS parking
- Sharjah parking timings
- Ajman parking SMS
Related guides
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
What time does the Dubai Metro open?
At 5am on most days and at 8am on Sunday. It closes at midnight, or at 1am after Friday service.
How much is the Dubai Metro?
On a Silver nol card it costs AED 3 within one zone, AED 5 across two adjacent zones and AED 7.50 across more than two zones.
Can I pay cash on Dubai buses?
No. RTA buses are paid with a nol card, so buy or top up one before you board.
Does a nol card work in Abu Dhabi?
No. Abu Dhabi buses use the Hafilat card.
Is there a train from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Etihad Rail added Dubai’s Al Yalayis station on 30 September 2026. Book on the Etihad Rail website or app.
How do I pay for parking by SMS in Dubai?
Text your plate number, zone number and hours to 7275, then wait for the confirmation message.
Last updated: November 2026
Reviewed by: DubaiHowTo Editorial Desk
Disclaimer: Information reflects official pages on the date above. Routes, timings and fares can change without notice. DubaiHowTo is not affiliated with RTA or any transport operator.