Baniyas Square Station is a Dubai Metro station that is situated in the centre of Deira and makes it easy for travellers to reach one of the oldest commercial districts in the city. Situated on the Green Line, it’s ideal for easy access to traditional markets, local shops, restaurants and the bustling streets of Baniyas Square. It is also ideal for visiting Dubai Creek and the historic region in the vicinity of the station. Union and Gold Souq stations are nearby, allowing passengers to easily head across Deira and beyond. The area around it provides a different kind of experience from Dubai’s shopping malls and newer business areas. From commuters to sightseers, this guide lists the station’s location, hours of operation, transportation links, ticket costs, and local sights.
Where Is Baniyas Square Station?
Baniyas Square Station is situated in Deira, Dubai, i in the vicinity of Baniyas Square and the Baniyas commercial district. It is located on the Green Line, a line connection e& and Creek and providing services to several established communities within northern and central Dubai. (
The official code of this station is “G21”. It is followed on the Green Line by Union in the direction of the Deira side and Gold Souq towards the traditional markets to the north.
Its location is great for visitors to Deira’s historic areas. Baniyas Square itself is surrounded by commercial activity, and nearby streets link travellers with shopping areas, banks, hotels,s and traditional markets.
It is also near Dubai Creek, allowing commuters to take a stroll through the historic Deira or a ride on the old marine transport system in Dubai.
Which Metro Line Serves the Station?
It’s located on the Dubai Metro Green Line. The Green Line stations that are currently listed on the RTA network map are from E11 to Al Qusais, Al Nahda, Union, Baniyas Square, Gold Souq, Al Ras, Al Ghubaiba, BurJuman, and onwards to Creek.
Commercial services on the Green Line started on 9 September 2011. According to the RTA, the initial Green Line was 23 kilometres long and had 18 stations, with the stations at Union and BurJuman being interchange stations with the Red Line.
This is beneficial not only for local travel within Deira but also for longer journeys where a change is needed to the Red Line.
Station sequence on the Green Line
The next sequence is:
Salah Al Din → Union → Baniyas Square → Gold Souq → Al Ras → Al Ghubaiba
The official RTA network map has confirmed that Baniyas Square is G21, Union is G20, and Gold Souq is G22.
Union is typically the correct transfer station to get to this section of the Green Line for passengers coming from the Red Line. The Red and Green lines are both Metro interchanges, and both are identified by RTA.RTA recognises that both Union and BurJuman are Metro interchange stations between the Red and Green lines.
Baniyas Square Metro Station Timings
Currently, the RTA has the following regular station opening timings in Dubai Metro:
- Monday to Thursday: 5:00 AM to midnight
- Friday: 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM the following day
- Saturday: 5:00 AM to midnight
- Sunday: 8:00 AM to midnight
The following are RTA’s usual working hours for stations on the Metro network. Schedules may vary for holidays, special events, and other temporary activities.
Therefore, travelers are advised to consult the latest RTA or S’Hail timing schedule before making their late-night or early-morning travel, especially on public holidays.
Another related point of clarification is that the times of station openings are not the same as the actual time the last train leaves the station. Please remember that the times of the last trains may not be very accurate in relation to the opening hours of stations, as mentioned above by RTA.
How to Pay for the Metro
Dubai Metro rides are on the Nol card system. When entering the entry gate, passengers tap the card; when departing from the destination station, passengers tap the card. The system calculates the journey according to the appropriate fare structure.
According to RTA, a minimum of AED 7.50 must be kept on the Nol account to avail the Metro service.
Dubai has a public transportation system with 7 fare zones. The fee is dependent on the zones traversed during the trip and not just the number of metro stations reached.
The same fare system can be used to cover transfers between Metro and buses. RTA says that passengers are allowed to use any of the RTA transport modes during the allowed transfer period, the fare of which will be determined by the applicable zones.
Can you use a Red Ticket?
Yes. RTA offers a range of Nol products and fare options, such as Red Tickets, and other Nol cards. Travelers should refer to the current RTA fare information and not use old fare tables to determine the exact cost, as it depends on the type of ticket, journey,d and applicable zones.
How to Reach Baniyas Square from the Red Line
If you are coming from the Red Line, you can switch to the Green Line at either Union Station or BurJuman. Both stations are designated as interchange stations by RTA.
For travellers who are already coming into central Deira from the Red Line, Union is particularly important as the Green Line extends straight on from Union to Baniyas Square.
Next on the Green Line from Union is Baniyas Square. The station, as such, acts as a very convenient node for travellers commuting from the Red Line corridors, such as central Dubai and Sheikh Zayed Road.
Do not unnecessarily leave the paid area of Union; follow the interchange signs. Being on the correct transfer route can make it easier to transfer between lines.
Nearby Attractions and Places to Visit
The best reason to go to this Metro stop is its close proximity to the old Deira.
Baniyas Square
The square is the obvious landmark around the station. The surrounding area includes a blend of retail, office, banking, restaurants, and small businesses.
It’s a handy starting point for those who want to go shopping in Deira, but not in one big shopping centre.
Naif Souk
One of the traditional shopping areas in Deira is Naif Souk. According to Visit Dubai, Naif Souk is a local market for people to purchase souvenirs, gifts and bargains.
The surrounding streets are smaller and have traditional retail – not the large malls that are found elsewhere in Dubai.
Gold Souk
Another popular attraction in the Deira market district is the famous Gold Souk. The Gold Souk is one of the oldest and most significant traditional markets in Dubai, specializing in gold ornaments and gemstones, according to Visit Dubai.
But for those travelers who come specifically to the Gold Souk, Gold Souk Station (G22) is a must-visit. According to the official RTA Metro map, it is the next station on the Green Line after Baniyas Square station.
This is important as the nearest metro station to the desired area of the market may be different if the visitor wishes to reach a specific section of the market.
Spice Souk and the Creek area
Another big attraction of old Deira is the souk district, which is close to Dubai Creek. The traditional Deira souk area of Dubai is a collection of items like spices, perfumes, fabrics, and other traditional goods by city guide groups.
Visitors get to enjoy the abra ride across Dubai Creek as well as the ride via the metro. There are multiple marine routes that connect Baniyas to Dubai Old Souq and Al Seef, which are currently listed on the RTA website.
For instance, the CR3 Dubai Old Souq – Baniyas is scheduled by RTA at AED 2 but could vary on a daily basis and during holidays or special periods.
Bus and Taxi Connections
The station is not just served by the Metro.
RTA is running bus services for the Baniyas Square area. For instance, the published timetable for Bus Route 77 lists Baniyas Square Metro Bus Stop as a stop on the bus route between Baniyas Square and Al Garhoud, which includes Union, Al Rigga and Dubai Airport Terminal 1.
This provides an extra option for passengers who do not live close to a Metro station.
Another alternative is taxis, which can be useful if you have any bags or are going out of the way from the Metro line. The public transport system in Dubai is designed to promote connectivity between the Metro stations and buses, taxis, and marine transport.
What Facilities Are Available?
Dubai Metro stations are designed to be convenient to use for both residents and tourists in Dubai. The RTA stated that each station in the network provides multiple services for passengers, such as interconnection with other types of public transportation and measures to make it easier for passengers to access the stations. Nol cards can also be found at the Metro stations,s where travelers can manage their card,d and people of Determination will also have access to special accessibility services. Facilities may differ; passengers should verify with the RTA before travelling what facilities are available.
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- ATMs
- Nol Card Purchase and Top-Up Services.Nol Card Purchase and Top-Up Services.
- Accessibility facilities for People of Determination
- Access to transport links by bus and taxi.
- The provision of other public transport services
- Services provided to passengers and support services
Is Baniyas Square a Good Station for Tourists?
The station is located in the middle of the town for those who want to explore old Dubai, traditional shopping, and Deira.
It’s not so much a place to go as a place to be, a place to experience. The station is located near Baniyas Square and the traditional commercial area of Deira.
It can also be part of a bigger sightseeing tour:
Metro → Baniyas Square → Deira markets → Dubai Creek → abra crossing → Bur Dubai
The final route will be based on the preferences of visitors and their walking endurance,e but as per the current marine network operated by RTA, Baniyas can be reached by abra routes to the Creek area.
Those looking for the Gold Souk will note that the location of the shops they have in mind should be compared with the Gold Souq Station; if the visitor has come to Baniyas Square and surrounding commercial streets, ts then G21 is more convenient.
Baniyas Square Station vs Gold Souq Station
These two Green Line stations are near each other, but offer slightly different coverage of the Deira market district.
Baniyas Square Station (G21) is located around Baniyas Square and the commercial streets. The next stop is Gold Souq Station (G22), heading towards the northern end of the traditional market area.
G21 is the obvious Metro reference point when heading anywhere nearby in the vicinity of offices, shops, or parts of central Deira and Baniyas Square.
If you are primarily going to the Gold Souk, it is advisable to stop at G22 first to avoid walking.
That’s one of the reasons why one should look for any specific attraction or street rather than assuming that any Deira landmark is the nearest to any specific station.
Practical Tips Before Visiting
Have your Nol card in hand before approaching the Metro gates. RTA uses tapping in and out for passengers, and a calculation of the applicable fare is performed automatically.
If travelling towards the last train, please consult the RTA timetable on the day of travel. RTA publishes the hours of operation for Standard Metro, but there may be special schedules during holidays and events.
For those visiting Deira’s traditional markets, make sure to wear comfortable shoes. There are multiple attractions on various streets and not all at a single shopping centre.
Before embarking on the train to Gold Souq, double-check the actual destination when planning to go on a Gold Souq visit. On the official network map, Gold Souq is located right after Baniyas Square on the Green Line.
For those who wish to proceed to Dubai Creek via sea: Please refer to the current RTA abra timings, as the timings may vary from day to day and may change during public holidays.
Conclusion
Baniyas Square Station is a significant Green Line station to access the centre of Deira and Dubai’s most established commercial district. It is strategically located within the G21 area, which is nestled between Union and Gold Souq, and has access to the broader transport network, including Dubai Creek marine services and the Red Line.
The station is especially significant for tourists as part of their visits to the old Deira and the traditional markets. Its strategic placement onthe Green Line and linking with Union offers a convenient commute across Dubai’s extensive Metro system for commuters.
The RTA timetable is the most accurate and up-to-date source to check current hours of operation before travelling with the Metro, as operating schedules and special services may change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the station code?
This station’s identifier is G21 on the Green Line.
Which Metro line serves the station?
It’s connected to the Dubai Metro Green Line between Union and Gold Souq.
Is it located in Deira?
Yes, it is located in Deira, near the traditional markets and trading streets of the area.
Which station is best for Gold Souk?
In general, it is easier to get to Gold Souq Station (G22) to visit the Gold Souk.
Can I change to the Red Line?
Yes, it is possible to transfer to the Red Line at Union or BurJuman.
Do I need a Nol card?
Yes, all passengers must have a Nol card or an approved fare option to ride the Metro.
Can I reach Dubai Creek?
Yes, there are RTA marine transport services nearby with connections to the surrounding areas of Dubai Creek.
Is it useful for tourists?
Yes, its proximity is ideal for a tour of Deira’s souks, shops, and historical sites.
