Dubai Metro’s Union Station is one of the key interchange stations, where the Red Line and the Green Line meet each other. It allows passengers to easily switch between the two lines without leaving the Metro system. The station is particularly convenient for accessing Deira, Dubai Creek, Bur Dubai, Dubai Airport, and other key areas in Dubai. It’s also a convenient urban option for tourists and commuters alike, as they can easily travel around the city via the Metro. R18 is the Red Line station, and G20 is the Green Line station. Union is well connected, and it is a key component in the Dubai public transport system.
Where Is Union Metro Station?
Union is located in the old and thriving northern city of Dubai, in the town of Deira. The station is located underneath the Union Square area, with access via other streets and pedestrian pathways. The official map of the RTA station area indicates that Union is in the vicinity of Al Rigga, the Red Line and the Green Line, in addition to other roads and public areas in the area.
The site is especially valuable due to its mix of residential, office, retail, and hotel buildings and traditional markets. The Metro provides an alternative to road travel from Union to other parts of Dubai.
In addition, the station also links the two Metro lines. According to the RTA, there are two stations in Cairo where passengers can change from the Red Line to the Green Line and vice versa: Union and BurJuman.
Which Metro Lines Stop at Union?
Union is the hub for both major metro lines in Dubai:
Red Line
As per the current RTA timetable, the Red Line will run between Centrepoint and Expo 2020/Life Pharmacy. This route has Union marked as R18.
Red Line passengers from Union can head towards Al Rigga, City Centre Deira, Airport Terminal 1, Airport Terminal 3, and Centrepoint stations. On the other side, the line passes through the heart of Dubai and main destinations, and then turns towards its southern branches.
Union is especially convenient for riders who are getting on or off from a bus and onto the Dubai Metro, or vice versa.
Green Line
Union is also G20 on the Green Line. The Green Line is being built from e& to Creek, running through a number of recognised areas in Deira and Bur Dubai.
Union: Green Line service towards Salah Al Din, Abu Baker Al Siddique, Abu Hail, Al Qiyadah, Stadium, Al Nahda and e&. The other side of the route: Baniyas Square, Gold Souq, Al Ras, Al Ghubaiba, Sharaf DG, Oud Metha, Dubai Healthcare City, Al Jadaf and Creek.
It is very useful for those who are in transit between the historic districts on either side of Dubai Creek.
How to Change Lines at Union
One of the primary uses of the station is for transfer from the Red Line to the Green Line.
Change lines without leaving the Metro system or taking a second ticket. Rather, take the necessary line and direction from the station signs, and do not leave your NOL card behind.
The application is quite simple:
- Tap the NOL card at the gate as you enter the station.
- Take the Red or Green Line and look at the electronic displays to see where you’re going.
- Take the platform for the other line at Union, following the signage.
- Press the walk button at the end of your path.
RTA says Metro cards are used in transit, and riders have to tap in at the entry and out at the end of their trip. Fares will be determined based on zones traveled.
Union Metro Station Timings
RTA’s latest published Metro timetable indicates that the normal operating hours for Dubai Metro stations are:
- 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
These are network-level operating times and do not guarantee the arrival of all trains at the times indicated. The opportunity to work hours is also subject to change during holidays and special events, RTA says.
Use the RTA Journey Planner or S’hail app for an exact departure, particularly late at night or early in the morning before making your trip. RTA offers journey planning tools, which enable passengers to choose origin, destination, and departure time.
Union Metro Station Fares
Dubai Metro adopts a zone fare system. The public transport system is subdivided into 7 zones by RTA, and fares are calculated based on the number of zones travelled. Where appropriate, metro and bus transfers can be a component of the same trip, provided the transfer rules from the applicable service are followed.
The current standard Nol fares provided by RTA are:
| Journey tier | Silver/Personal | Gold | Red Ticket |
| Within 1 zone | AED 3 | AED 6 | AED 4 |
| 2 adjacent zones | AED 5 | AED 10 | AED 6 |
| More than 2 zones | AED 7.50 | AED 15 | AED 8.50 |
On Gold Class fares, passengers will board the metro in the Gold Class cabin. Before travelling, it is important to check up on RTA’s fare information, as fare products and ticketing plans are subject to change.
There are various Nol card options, including Nol Red Ticket for visitors and occasional users, and Silver, which will be used more widely across Dubai public transport system. According to RTA, anonymous Nol cards and Red Ticket vending machines can be found in Metro stations to buy tickets.
What Nol Card Balance Do You Need?
The RTA has stated that the minimum balance needed on a standard Nol card to use the Metro system is AED 7.50; it also advises having a higher balance to prevent issues on the way.
Passengers can top up via RTA-supported digital channels, ticket machines and authorised sales channels.
Facilities at Union Metro Station
Dubai Metro’s modern, automated system of trains includes Union. The Dubai Metro is a driverless transport system, according to RTA, that offers station amenities such as Wi-Fi, ATMs, facilities for People of Determination, and links to buses, taxis and other transport options.
The most significant facilities and services are:
Accessibility
Dubai Metro is constructed to ensure that passengers with diverse mobility needs have access to the trains. Accessibility services for People of Determination are a specific service that is designated within the RTA system.
Ticketing and Nol Services
Eligible Nol cards and tickets can be bought at Metro stations (including ticket vending machines). Fares are automatically calculated on the card when it is used at the gates.
Digital Information
Digital screens and station announcements assist passengers in identifying the next service, platforms, and destination. RTA recommends passengers refer to information and digital displays at the stations during their travels.
Bus and Taxi Connections
Union is not in a vacuum when it comes to Dubai’s transportation system. The public transport system is also integrated into RTA, providing access to the Metro, buses, taxis, and other forms of transport; the Union area map displays the station’s links with surrounding streets and pedestrian routes.
Places Near Union Metro Station
The main advantage of the station is that it is located in the heart of Deira. The station can be reached from a variety of established commercial, residential, and cultural areas, and can be accessed within a short onward journey.
Union Square and Deira
The station is surrounded by Union Square, the immediate urban environment. The historic commercial district of Deira is also one of Dubai historic commercial districts, where traditional markets and modern shops, hotels, offices, and residential areas are intermingled.
Therefore, Union is also a viable spot for visitors to base themselves when exploring older parts of Dubai, besides just the newer skyscraper districts.
Dubai Creek
Dubai Creek is one of the iconic geographical landmarks of Dubai’s history. The Green Line can be used to access various areas on the creek, such as Al Ghubaiba and Creek and Al Ras, with other links from Union allowing access to other destinations along the creek.
A combination of walking and marine transport or a Metro trip can be joined by visitors interested in traditional markets, historic neighbourhoods and waterfront transport.
Al Ghurair Area
There are substantial retail and hospitality activities in the wider Union and Al Rigga area. Al Ghurair Centre is one of the more recognized shopping centers in the shopping district of central Deira, which is also called Union/Al Rigga.
It is advisable to use the exact walking time based on the exit of the station and the entrance of the station in the final walking route, as the walking time will vary depending on the specific route; it’s better to use an RTA Journey Planner or a live map for the final walking route.
Why Union Is Important to Dubai’s Metro Network
The significance of Union is not just where it’s located. It’s one of just two official interchanges between Dubai’s Red and Green Metro lines: Union and BurJuman.
This is reflected in the demand for passengers. According to the report from the RTA, Union station was among the busiest stations in the Dubai Metro network, with a total of 6.5 million riders in the first half of 2026. During the same period, BurJuman dealt with 8.4 million passengers.
By comparison, RTA said that 16.2 million passengers used BurJuman and 12.9 million passengers used Union in 2024. The figures highlight the significance of the two interchange stations in the public transport network of Dubai.
The numbers also provide a reason for the busier atmosphere that can be felt at Union at commuting times. There are naturally times when passengers are going through a station that serves two Metro lines, as well as other passengers whose trips start or end at the station.
Union Metro Station for Tourists
Union could be useful for tourists staying in Deira or around Dubai, as it makes two metro routes more easily accessible.
For travelers who stay close to Union, the Red Line can be used for trips to the main north-south Metro route of Dubai, and the Green Line can help you visit the old districts and Dubai’s surrounding areas, which also include Dubai Creek.
It is also convenient for travelers who come to the airport because Airport Terminal 1 and Airport Terminal 3 are linked by the Red Line. But it will be different depending on which airport terminal, accommodation, and travel direction are used.
For airport travel, passengers are advised to consult the latest RTA journey planner before travelling, as the service is subject to change and operating conditions vary.
Is Union Metro Station Good for Daily Commuters?
Proximity to one attraction is not the primary benefit for commuters.
A person who resides or works near Deira will be able to transfer to another Metro corridor without changing the mode of transport for many cross-city trips by making use of Union. The station is also integrated with the extensive RTA bus and taxi network.
A practical problem to consider, however, is that passenger numbers can be high, as Union is a large interchange station. RTA itself also encourages passengers to plan their trips to avoid congestion by travelling during off-peak hours.
If you’re a regular commuter, your commute will be a whole lot easier if you have your Nol card refilled and check the trip before you leave.
Tips for Using Union Metro Station
Check your route beforehand and have your NOL card ready, and it’s easy to use Union Metro Station. The station is a junction between the Red and Green lines, so always check which line you are on and the direction of travel before boarding.
- See the direction and line of the metro before getting in.
- Have your Noll card handy so you can tap the gates.
- Change from the Red Line to the Green Line and vice versa, following the signage.
- If travelling on public holidays or during big events, refer to the latest RTA updates.
- Maintain a card balance that will cover the entire trip.
In summary, it is a convenient option for tourists seeking to explore Dubai through the Metro in a straightforward and accessible manner.
Future of Dubai Metro and Union
Dubai’s rail network is continuing to evolve. In April 2026, Dubai’s government released the Dubai Metro Gold Line, a proposed 42 km-long train line that will feature 18 stations and an estimated investment of AED 34 billion. The project will link with the Red Line and Green Line, as well as linking with Etihad Rail, RTA said.
This does not mean that the Union’s current station layout or services will immediately change. The Gold Line is a future line and should not be used for current trips; travellers should use current RTA maps and service information for these trips.
In July 2026, RTA announced that 72% of the process of replacing the Nol system has been completed, and the larger-scale account-based digital payment project is expected to be finished by the end of the first quarter of 2027.
These developments are a sign of Dubai’s public transportation system becoming increasingly digital and of the expansion of its rail network.
Conclusion
Union Metro Station is an integral element of Dubai’s public transport system, providing a seamless connection between the Red Line and Green Line, making travel more convenient and convenient. It has strong connections, which are useful for connecting to popular areas, major attractions, and important transport points. If you’re traveling from afar or commuting regularly, you can make your travel easier if you take the right line and don’t forget to have your Nol card handy. Overall, it is a convenient solution for basic and well-connected travel within Dubai’s Metro network. It is easy to plan trips with it since the interchange facilitates the process without having to make needless changes or complex routes. It is still a convenient transit point for traveling around Dubai with its connections and access to other transportation options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Union Metro Station on the Red Line?
Yes. R18 is where Union is located on Dubai’s Red Line Metro. It is also an interchange station for the Green Line.
Is Union Metro Station on the Green Line?
Yes. Union is G20 on the Green Line, where you can transfer from the Green Line to the Red Line.
What time does Union Metro Station open?
The current Metro timetable for RTA states that stations operate between 05:00 AM and 00:00 AM (until 08:00 AM on Sundays). Service runs until 1:00 AM on Friday and is usually until midnight on Sunday, Thursday, and Saturday. The schedule for holidays or special events may vary.
How much is the Metro fare from Union?
The fare will be based on the number of zones crossed and the type of ticket or NOL used. At present, the RTA charges AED 3 for one zone, AED 5 for 2 neighboring zones, and AED 7.50 for more than 2 zones for Silver/Personal fares.
Can I change from the Red Line to the Green Line at Union?
Yes. It is now officially listed along with BurJuman as being one of the two interchange stations between the Red and Green lines.
Do I need another ticket when changing Metro lines at Union?
When changing lines at Union, you are usually within the Metro system. You travel via the applicable NOL card/ticket rules, and the fare is calculated based on the journey and zones travelled.
Is Union Metro Station near Dubai Creek?
Yes. Union is located in Deira, and the Green Line connects to several Creek-side districts and stations such as Al Ras, Al Ghubaiba, and Creek.
Can tourists use Union Metro Station?
Yes. Dubai Metro is open to all citizens and tourists, and RTA offers ticket and Nol card sales at Dubai Metro stations.
Does Union Metro Station connect to Dubai Airport?
The Red Line station in Union is not a terminal station, but passengers can be directed towards Airport Terminal 1 and Airport Terminal 3. This will depend on the terminal and service pattern to be operated.
Is Union one of Dubai’s busiest Metro stations?
Yes. The Union station serves as one of the busiest stations in the Metro network, having received 6.5 million riders in the first half of 2026, the RTA said.
Which is better for changing lines: Union or BurJuman?
They are both official Red–Green Line interchange stations. The better station will depend on your origin, destination, and direction of travel; the best way to work out the quickest route is to use the RTA Journey Planner.
