Union Metro Station is a Red Line and Green Line metro station in Dubai that is an important interchange station in Deira. It is situated under Union Square, which links passengers to major locations like Al Rigga, BurJuman, Dubai Creek, and Gold Souq. The station is also connected to Union Bus Station, offering local and intercity bus connections. It is very convenient for daily commuters, residents, and visitors to Dubai. The station is located in the center of the city and is a key point for the city’s public transport system.
Union Metro Station Location
The station is situated under Union Square in Deira and near Al Rigga, the traditional business areas around Deira Central. The station is located in a developed commercial and residential area of Dubai, with Omar Bin Al Khattab Road, Al Maktoum Road, and Baniyas Road nearby.
The RTA’s current area map features the metro station along with Union Square, Union Bus Station, Al Ghurair Centre, Al Rigga Street, Baniyas Street, as well as several other public transport links nearby. It’s especially convenient for travelers who travel by metro and then take a bus or taxi to reach the other destinations in Deira or walk to them.
The station is called R18 on the Red Line and G20 on the Green Line. On the other hand, according to RTA’s network map, one of the two interchange stations in which passengers can transfer from one metro line to another is Union.
Lines and Metro Connections
Union is in service to both the major lines of the Dubai Metro:
- Red Line: R18
- Green Line: G20
The Red Line runs between Centrepoint and the west end of the network, and the Green Line runs between Emaar and Creek. According to RTA, Union and BurJuman are the two interchange stations between the Red Line and the Green Line.
This is especially helpful if passengers need to transfer between the two lines. For instance, Red Line customers from Deira City Centre, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall or Business Bay can switch to the Green Line to travel to the historic routes of Deira and Bur Dubai.
Similarly, passengers from other stations on the Green Line, like Al Qusais, Al Nahda, Gold Souq or Creek, can change trains for the Red Line and travel to the other side of the metro network, which runs from north to south.
Red Line
Red Line services are operated from the Union with services in both directions.
The next Red Line station is Al Rigga, then Deira City Centre, Al Garhoud, and before Centrepoint, the airport side.
The Red Line stretches to Burjuman, ADCB, World Trade Centre, Emirates Towers, Financial Centre, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Business Bay, and more major destinations before continuing towards the southern part of the network to the west and to the south. On this line, RTA’s current network map shows the number R18 for Union.
Green Line
The Green Line opens up in one direction towards e& and in the other towards Creek.
Stations on the line are Salah Al Din, Abu Baker Al Siddique, Abu Hail, Al Qiyadah, Al Nahda, Al Qusais, and e& to the north. Passengers can travel in the other direction to Baniyas Square, Gold Souq, Al Ras, Al Gubaiba, Sharaf DG, BurJuman, Oud Metha, Dubai Healthcare City, Al Jadaf, and Creek.
Union Metro Station Timings
At the moment, the following regular Dubai Metro timings are listed on RTA’s website:
| Day | Metro operating hours |
| Monday to Thursday | 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Friday | 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM next day |
| Saturday | 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
These are network-level regular hours. It is important to check the latest RTA information before travelling during public holidays, special events, and other periods of exceptional circumstances when operating hours may change, RTA notes.
Different times can also apply to train departures, depending on the direction the train is travelling. Therefore, the displayed train timetable at the station and RTA journey planner (trains) channels will be more useful than assuming that the first or last train will arrive at the interchange at the network opening or closing time.
Union Bus Station and Bus Routes
The station has a significant benefit of being close to Union Bus Station. In April 2025, RTA bus operators released a map of their bus services dotted around the station and Union Square, including local, feeder, and intercity buses.
These are notable services that are identified on the RTA map:
- F01 – Al Baraha
- X02 – Al Satwa
- E303 – Sharjah, Al Jubail
- E16 – Hatta
- E400 – Ajman
- F63 – Al Ras Metro Bus Stop
The precise stop is determined by the trip,p and the bus map indicates various stops surrounding Union Square and the Union Square streets. This means passengers need to verify the route number and stop identifier and should not rely on all buses leaving from the same platform.
Buses to Sharjah
The E303 offers an intercity road link between Dubai and Sharjah, direct to the RTA, and Union is on the official Union transport map. This allows passengers to benefit from the interchange when travelling from the centre of Deira to Sharjah without having to book an additional taxi for the entire route.
Buses to Ajman
The E400 is the road linking Union and Ajman. Due to the nature of this intercity service, it is advisable for passengers to check the latest RTA/S’hail service timetables before travelling, especially when they are travelling on the first or last train of the day.
Local and Feeder Buses
The station has local services to various areas in Dubai and neighbouring districts. The current RTA Union area map identifies the following routes: F01, X02, and F63.
The map also shows taxi facilities, bicycle parking, Nol Card top-up facilities, public toilets, and pedestrian connections around Union Square.
Nol Card and Metro Fares
Dubai Metro generally uses an RTA Nol card for its travellers. The fare is determined by how many “zones” are traversed, not by a count of stations.
Currently, RTA charges standard fares of AED 3 for Silver for one zone, AED 5 for two adjacent zones, and AED 7.50 for more than two zones. Gold tickets are double the rate of the regular fares, and red tickets have a different fare structure.
The existing fare system for the RTA also enables transfers between metro and bus services. If the transfer conditions are fulfilled, the taken trips are considered one trip, and the fare is calculated based on the zones crossed. According to RTA, there should be no more than a 30-minute transfer between modes.
Before entering the metro, passengers should make sure the card has enough balance. According to RTA, a minimum balance of AED 7.50 is required to enter the metro, and it advises one to have a sufficient balance to avoid any issues while travelling.
How to Use the Nol Card
The procedure is simple:
- At the entry gate, tap the Nol card.
- Follow platform signs for the desired line and direction.
- Look at the electronic displays and announcements before getting on the bus.
- Tap the same card at the other exit gate.
- The appropriate fare is automatically deducted.
Passengers transferring from the Red Line to the Green Line at the interchange are transferred within the metro system. No need to leave the station just to switch lines.
Station Facilities and Accessibility
Dubai Metro stations are designed to cater for all kinds of users. The metro system offers accessibility services and facilities to people of Determination, such as lifts, design spaces, and services, says RTA. In addition to metro services, stations offer amenities like Wi-Fi and ATMs.
The present Union transport map also marks out customer service stations, NOL card top-up stations, public toilets, bicycle parking, taxi facilities, and pedestrian areas around the station.
Luggage carriers should also take into account the underground layout of the station and the distance (in walking distance) from the station to the lines. Only two suitcases per passenger are allowed within a certain size limit, and the luggage must be arranged in the specified areas on the trains according to RTA rules.
Nearby Places and Areas
The station is located in a very busy commercial zone of Deira, and there are several convenient further destinations within walking distance or a short bus ride away.
Al Ghurair Centre
Al Ghurair Centre is one of the prominent shopping areas around Al Rigga station. The official RTA Union map shows the centre located on site, and therefore it’s a convenient landmark when moving around outside of the metro.
Al Rigga
Al Rigga is one of the major commercial areas close to Union. It has hotels, restaurants, shops,s and other services that are found in the streets, and Al Rigga metro station is connected directly to the Red Line too.
Union Square
The Underground interchange is below Union Square, and it is a key transit hub between the metro, buses, and taxis and the surrounding roads. The RTA map displays the square and the nearby bus stops and the Union Bus Station.
Dubai Creek and Deira Markets
The surroundings of Baniyas Road and the Creek offer access to traditional commercial areas, souks, and waterfront areas. Passengers who are going to the historic areas like the Gold Souq can follow the Green Line or take local transportation, as per their destination.
Is Union a Busy Metro Station?
Yes. The latest ridership statistics released by RTA reveal that Dubai Metro’s Union station is one of the busiest.
Dubai Metro transported 136.5 million passengers during the first half of 2026. During that six-month time frame, Union had around 6.5 million riders, and BurJuman had approximately 8.4 million riders, according to RTA. Both stations are interchanges for the Red and Green Lines.
The station is also a major hub for buses, with a high ridership due to its connections with other bus services in Dubai. When the interchange is busy, passengers should expect extra time to walk through the interchange and to the correct bus stop/exit.
Travel Tips for First-Time Passengers
Union Metro stations can be easily navigable if you check your route and the direction of the metro before you get in. Have your Nol card on hand and verify the bus route and stop if using a bus to continue. Please be careful to follow the signs at the station, particularly the changes between the Red and Green lines.
Before getting on, verify the direction of travel and line of the metro.
- Have your NOL card handy.
- Check the bus company route and bus stop number.
- Take note of platforms and exits.
- Pick-up time may be later than usual during busy times.
- Please consult the RTA travel planner for updates on routes.
- Be sure to use proper interchange signs when changing lines.
- Verify the last destination before traveling.
Metro Rules to Remember
Dubai Metro has set cabins and passenger rules that are applicable across the network.
Appropriate Gold NOL (which can only be Gold Class) is required for Gold Class cabins, and designated Women and Children cabins are limited to the passengers as designated by RTA. Luggage and large items should not be placed on doors, aisles,s or other passenger space to obstruct access for passengers either.
RTA also bans items on public transport that could be hazardous, and issues tickets for this. Passengers are expected to comply with signed callouts and instructions given to them at the station during the journey.
Conclusion
Union is not just a simple metro station; it is a huge station that provides an interchange between the Red Line and the Green Line of the Dubai Metro, with Union Square and the area’s bus network. Its proximity to central Deira, Al Rigga, traditional markets, Sharjah, Ajman and points accessed via the broader metro network make it a convenient choice for travel.
The best way to obtain accurate travel information is to refer to RTA’s up-to-date timetable, network map and S’hail travel-planning information prior to travelling, particularly during public holidays and on intercity bus services.
Read Also: Sobha Realty Metro Station
Frequently Asked Questions
Which metro lines meet at Union?
Red Line and Green Line are connected at Union Station, and it is also an important station in Dubai.
Is Union connected to a bus station?
Yes. Union is linked to the Union Bus Station (UBS), which has a wide range of local and intercity buses, including E303 to Sharjah and E400 to Ajman.
What time does the Dubai Metro open?
Dubai Metro trains operate from 5:00 AM every weekday and 8:00 AM on Sunday. Please note that time may vary on holidays.
How much does a Dubai Metro journey cost?
Fares for Silver tickets are from AED 3 for one zone and AED 5 or AED 7.50 for multiple zones.
Can I travel from Union to Sharjah by bus?
Yes. E303 bus runs between Union and Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah.
Can I travel from Union to Ajman?
Yes. There is a bus service from Union to Ajman (E400).
Do I need a Nol card to use the metro?
Yes. To enter and travel on the Dubai Metro, one must have a valid Nol card or another accepted Nol payment product.
