Dubai Metro & Bus Timings Today: RTA Schedule for 2026

Dubai Metro & Bus Timings depend on the day, route, station, and direction of travel. Dubai Metro generally starts at 5:00 AM from Monday to Saturday, except Sunday when services begin at 8:00 AM, while most RTA buses operate between approximately 4:00 AM and 1:00 AM.

These are general network operating hours, not the exact departure time for every train or bus. Always check your specific station, bus stop, route number, and travel direction when planning an early-morning or late-night journey.

Dubai Metro & Bus Timings at a Glance

The table below gives a quick overview of regular public transport operating hours in Dubai.

The Dubai Metro schedule applies to the general operating window for the network. The first train may reach your station after the network opens, while the final train may leave before the official closing time.

Dubai bus timings vary even more because every route has its own timetable. A bus operating within the general 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM window does not mean every route runs for the entire period.

Dubai Metro Timings Today

Dubai Metro operates seven days a week, but opening and closing times change depending on the day. Friday has the latest regular closing time, while Sunday has a later morning start.

Dubai Metro Timings by Day

These regular hours are useful for general trip planning. They should not be treated as the exact first and last train time at every Dubai Metro station.

For example, a passenger boarding at an intermediate station will not necessarily see a train at exactly 5:00 AM. The first train must travel from its starting point before reaching stations further along the line.

First and Last Dubai Metro Train Times

The first and last Dubai Metro train times vary by station, line, destination, and travel direction. This is one of the most important details to understand when travelling early in the morning or close to closing time.

A station may be open while the first train is still on its way. Similarly, the station may remain open near the end of service even though the last useful train for your destination has already departed.

Station Hours and Train Times Are Not the Same

There are two different timings to check:

• Metro operating hours: The general period when the network and stations operate.
• First and last train times: The actual departure times for a specific station and direction.

This difference matters most during late-night journeys. Reaching a station at 11:55 PM does not guarantee that another train will be available for your destination.

How to Check the Exact First or Last Metro Train

Follow these steps before an early or late journey:

1. Open the official RTA journey planning service or S’hail app.
2. Enter your starting Metro station.
3. Add your final destination.
4. Select the correct travel date and preferred departure time.
5. Review the suggested train and transfer times.
6. Allow extra time to enter the station and reach the correct platform.

Check again on the same day when travelling during a public holiday, major event, or temporary service change.

Dubai Metro Red Line Timings

The Dubai Metro Red Line follows the regular weekly Metro operating schedule. General hours start at 5:00 AM from Monday to Saturday, except Sunday when the network starts at 8:00 AM.

Exact first and last train departures depend on the station and direction. Passengers travelling from airport stations, residential areas, business districts, or stations near the ends of the line should check the specific journey rather than relying only on general operating hours.

The Red Line serves many of Dubai’s busiest areas, including:

• Dubai International Airport Terminal 1
• Dubai International Airport Terminal 3
• Deira
• BurJuman
• Downtown Dubai
• Business Bay
• Mall of the Emirates
• Dubai Marina area
• Jebel Ali
• Expo City Dubai area

Travel times can be longer when a journey includes a transfer, a long walk between platforms, or a connection to the Dubai Tram or an RTA bus.

Dubai Metro Green Line Timings

The Green Line follows the same general Metro operating schedule as the wider Dubai Metro network. It serves important areas in Deira, Bur Dubai, Al Qusais, and the historic centre of the city.

Passengers can transfer between the Red and Green lines at:

• Union Metro Station
• BurJuman Metro Station

Allow additional time for these interchanges, especially during busy morning and evening periods. A journey may still fit within general Metro operating hours but become impossible if the connecting train for the next section has already finished.

Dubai Metro Friday Timings

Dubai Metro opens at 5:00 AM on Friday and normally operates until 1:00 AM on Saturday morning. This is the latest regular closing time of the week.

Friday evening services can be busy around shopping malls, tourist districts, entertainment areas, and major event venues. Leave extra time for station entry, platform waiting, and any connection to a bus or tram.

Dubai Metro Sunday Timings

Dubai Metro starts later on Sunday than on other days. Regular Sunday operating hours are from 8:00 AM until 12:00 AM.

This later opening time is important for airport passengers, early workers, and anyone with a morning appointment. An alternative bus, taxi, or other transport option may be needed before Metro services begin.

What Time Does the Last Dubai Metro Leave?

There is no single last-train time that applies to every Dubai Metro station. The final departure depends on where you board, which direction you travel, and where the train finishes its journey.

Use the following rule:

Check the last usable train from your station, not only the official Metro closing time.

This is especially important when:

• changing between the Red and Green lines
• connecting to the Dubai Tram
• travelling to a station near the end of a line
• catching a late-night bus after leaving the Metro
• travelling on Friday night
• using public transport during a major event

For a safer late-night journey, plan to reach the platform well before the network’s closing time.

Dubai Bus Timings Today

Most Dubai buses operate within a general network window of approximately 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM the next day. Exact Dubai bus timings depend on the route number, stop, direction, weekday, and service schedule.

There is no single opening and closing time for every RTA bus. Some routes start later, finish earlier, or run less frequently during particular parts of the day.

Dubai Bus Operating Hours

The general operating window should be used only as a starting point. Always check the timetable for your exact route.

Why Dubai Bus Timings Vary by Route

Dubai has a large bus network serving residential communities, business areas, Metro stations, airports, shopping districts, and transport hubs. Each route is planned according to local travel demand.

Exact bus times can vary because of:

• route length
• traffic conditions
• starting and ending points
• weekday or weekend schedules
• peak and off-peak frequency
• temporary diversions
• roadworks
• major events
• public holiday schedules

Two buses using the same stop may have completely different operating hours. Even the same route can have different timings depending on the direction of travel.

How to Check the Next RTA Bus Time

For the most useful result, check the exact stop and route instead of searching only for general Dubai bus timings.

Step 1: Find Your Bus Route Number

Confirm the route you need before checking the timetable. Route numbers may include regular city services, feeder routes beginning with F, and other specialised services.

Step 2: Confirm the Correct Bus Stop

Stops on opposite sides of a road usually serve different directions. Choosing the wrong stop can show a valid bus time for a journey going away from your destination.

Step 3: Select Your Travel Direction

A route may have different departure times in each direction. Check the destination shown for the bus before using the timetable.

Step 4: Check the Travel Date

Friday, Sunday, public holiday, and temporary schedules may differ from normal weekday services. Make sure the date in your journey planner is correct.

Step 5: Review the Live or Scheduled Arrival

A scheduled time shows when the bus is expected according to the timetable. Live information may better reflect current traffic and service conditions.

Step 6: Arrive Before the Bus

Reach the stop a few minutes early. A passenger who arrives exactly at the displayed departure time may miss the bus.

RTA Bus Timings vs Live Arrival Times

A timetable and a live arrival estimate are not always the same.

Traffic congestion, diversions, accidents, weather, and road conditions can affect live arrivals. For time-sensitive trips, check the route shortly before leaving.

Dubai Metro Feeder Bus Timings

Metro feeder buses help passengers travel between Metro stations and nearby communities. Their route numbers usually begin with the letter F.

Feeder bus timings are route-specific. They should not be assumed to match the full Dubai Metro operating hours.

A Metro station may still be open after the last convenient feeder bus has left. The reverse can also happen, particularly early in the morning.

How to Avoid Missing a Feeder Bus

Before travelling:

1. Check the Metro arrival time at your interchange station.
2. Add time to leave the platform and exit the station.
3. Find the correct bus stand or stop.
4. Check the final feeder bus departure.
5. Keep an alternative transport option in mind for late-night journeys.

A connection that looks possible on paper may be too tight after walking and waiting time are included.

24-Hour Bus Service in Dubai

Most Dubai buses do not operate 24 hours. However, the C01 route is known for operating around the clock.

Do not assume that every late-night or night bus runs continuously. Routes, frequencies, and service patterns can change, so passengers should check the exact journey before travelling.

A 24-hour route may also operate less frequently during the night. Missing one bus can therefore mean a longer wait than during daytime hours.

How to Plan a Metro-to-Bus Connection

A combined Metro and bus journey needs more planning than a direct trip. The most common mistake is checking the last Metro time without checking the final connecting bus.

Use this process:

1. Find the final bus departure from your connecting stop.
2. Check which Metro station serves that bus.
3. Work backwards from the bus departure time.
4. Add time to exit the Metro and walk to the bus stop.
5. Add a safety buffer for waiting and delays.
6. Choose an earlier Metro when the connection is important.

For example, a bus leaving at 12:10 AM may not be a realistic connection if your Metro reaches the station at 12:07 AM. Walking from the platform to the bus area can take several minutes.

Dubai Airport Metro and Bus Timing Tips

Dubai International Airport Terminals 1 and 3 are directly served by the Red Line. This makes the Metro a convenient option for many passengers arriving during regular operating hours.

However, travellers landing late at night should check the last train from the airport station. Flight arrival time is not the same as the time you will reach the Metro platform.

You may need extra time for:

• immigration
• baggage collection
• customs
• walking through the terminal
• buying or topping up a NOL card
• reaching the correct platform

A flight landing shortly before the Metro closes does not guarantee that the passenger will catch the last train.

What About Dubai Airport Terminal 2?

Terminal 2 does not have its own Dubai Metro station. Passengers usually need a bus, taxi, or another connection to reach the Metro network or their final destination.

Check the complete journey before departure, especially for late-night and early-morning flights.

Dubai Tram Connection Timings

Dubai Tram has its own operating schedule, which should be checked separately from Dubai Metro timings. Passengers commonly connect between the two systems around Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers areas.

Allow enough walking time when changing between Metro and Tram services. The final Metro train does not guarantee that a connecting Tram service will still be available.

Public Holiday and Special Event Timings

Dubai Metro & Bus Timings can change during public holidays and major events. Temporary schedules may apply during periods such as Eid holidays, New Year celebrations, large exhibitions, major sporting events, and other high-demand occasions.

Do not rely on an old holiday timetable found in a previous article or social media post. A schedule published for one year may not apply the following year.

Check current timings when travelling during:

• Eid Al Fitr
• Eid Al Adha
• UAE National Day
• New Year’s Eve
• major exhibitions
• large concerts
• citywide events

Extended operating hours may sometimes be introduced, but passengers should verify the exact date and service.

Common Dubai Metro and Bus Timing Problems

The Metro Is Open but No Train Is Available

You may have arrived after the last departure for your direction. General station operating hours do not guarantee another train to every destination.

Check the exact first or last train for the station and direction you need.

The Bus Has Not Arrived at the Scheduled Time

Traffic and temporary disruptions can affect bus arrivals. A timetable shows the planned service, while live arrival information may reflect current conditions more accurately.

Check for updated journey information before assuming the service has been cancelled.

The Journey Planner Shows the Wrong Direction

Confirm that you selected the correct stop. Stops on opposite sides of the same road can have similar names but serve different directions.

Also check the final destination displayed for the bus or train.

The Metro Arrives After the Last Bus

This usually happens when passengers check each service separately. Plan the complete Metro-to-bus journey and allow time to walk between the platform and bus stop.

For the final connection of the night, take an earlier Metro where possible.

Public Holiday Timings Are Different

Special schedules may temporarily replace regular hours. Check the current date rather than relying on the normal Monday, Friday, or Sunday schedule.

Old holiday timing articles can become inaccurate quickly.

Practical Tips for Using Dubai Public Transport

Keep Enough NOL Balance

Check your NOL card balance before starting the journey. A low balance can delay you at a station or prevent boarding when you are trying to catch a final service.

Keeping at least the required minimum travel balance before entering the Metro is a safer approach.

Do Not Leave Late Connections Too Tight

Walking through large stations can take longer than expected. Interchanges, station exits, pedestrian bridges, and bus bays can add several minutes to a journey.

A five-minute connection may not be realistic at a busy transport hub.

Check Both Directions Carefully

The same station or bus route may have different first and last departures in each direction. Always confirm the destination shown before boarding.

This is particularly important at interchange stations and on longer routes.

Check Again Before an Important Journey

Schedules can be affected by temporary changes. Recheck the trip on the day of travel when going to the airport, attending an appointment, catching a flight, or relying on the final service.

A quick check can prevent a much longer delay.

FAQs

What are the Dubai Metro & Bus Timings today?

Dubai Metro & Bus Timings depend on the day and route. The Metro usually runs from 5:00 AM to midnight Monday to Thursday and Saturday, until 1:00 AM on Friday, and from 8:00 AM on Sunday. Most buses operate within approximately 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM.

What time does the Dubai Metro open and close?

Dubai Metro & Bus Timings show that Metro services generally begin at 5:00 AM from Monday to Saturday, except Sunday when they start at 8:00 AM. Closing is usually midnight, while Friday services continue until 1:00 AM on Saturday morning. Exact train departures vary by station.

What time is the last Dubai Metro train?

There is no single last-train time for every station. Dubai Metro & Bus Timings provide general network hours, but the final usable train depends on your station, direction, and destination. Check the exact journey and arrive well before closing, especially when changing lines or connecting to a bus.

What are the Dubai Metro timings on Friday and Sunday?

Regular Dubai Metro & Bus Timings differ on Friday and Sunday. The Metro normally operates from 5:00 AM until 1:00 AM on Friday, continuing into Saturday morning. On Sunday, services usually begin later at 8:00 AM and continue until midnight, subject to temporary schedule changes.

What are the RTA bus timings in Dubai?

Dubai Metro & Bus Timings indicate that most RTA buses operate within a general window of around 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM the next day. Exact schedules vary by route, stop, direction, and day, so passengers should check their specific route instead of relying only on network hours.

Is any Dubai bus available 24 hours?

Yes. Dubai Metro & Bus Timings include the C01 bus route as a 24-hour service. Most other Dubai bus routes do not run throughout the night and may have different starting, finishing, and frequency schedules. Always check the specific route before planning a late-night journey.

How can I check the next bus time in Dubai?

To check the next bus, use the official journey planning service or S’hail app and enter your exact stop, route, destination, and travel time. Dubai Metro & Bus Timings vary by direction, so confirm that you selected the correct side of the road before relying on the displayed arrival.

Do Dubai Metro and bus timings change on public holidays?

Yes. Dubai Metro & Bus Timings may change during public holidays, New Year’s Eve, major exhibitions, concerts, and other special events. Extended or adjusted schedules can be introduced temporarily. Check the current timetable for your exact travel date instead of relying on an older holiday schedule from a previous year.