Ibn Battuta Mall is one of Dubai’s most distinctive shopping destinations, known for its themed courts, diverse restaurants, and family-friendly entertainment. The metro is the easiest way to reach it, thanks to the Red Line’s direct stop at Ibn Battuta Station (R39). Whether you’re travelling from the airport, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay or Jebel Ali, the journey is simple, affordable, and fully accessible.
- Overview of Ibn Battuta Mall and metro access
- Getting to Ibn Battuta Mall by Metro
- Step-by-step metro instructions
- Estimated Travel Times
- Metro Timings and Frequency
- Tickets, Payment and Nol Card Information
- Facilities at Ibn Battuta Metro Station
- Nearby Connections & onward travel
- Travel tips
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Overview of Ibn Battuta Mall and Metro Access
Ibn Battuta Mall is the world’s largest themed shopping mall, inspired by the travels of the famous explorer. Each court highlights a different civilisation, creating a unique shopping and dining experience.
The mall connects seamlessly to Ibn Battuta Metro Station via an air-conditioned pedestrian walkway. Located in Fare Zone 2, the station offers full accessibility with lifts, escalators, tactile paths, and RTA staff available for assistance. It is a key hub for residents of Discovery Gardens and travellers heading towards Jebel Ali Free Zone and Dubai South.
Getting to Ibn Battuta Mall by Metro
The Red Line (M1) is the only metro line serving Ibn Battuta Station. Whether you’re coming from the airport, central Dubai or the Marina, the process is straightforward.
Red Line Route Overview
The Red Line runs from Centrepoint (formerly Rashidiya) through Downtown Dubai and Business Bay before continuing south to Bur Dubai, JLT, Jebel Ali, and finally towards the Life Pharmacy / UAE Exchange terminus.
A branch line at Jebal Ali splits towards Expo 2020, but all trains that continue along the main line serve Ibn Battuta Station.
Routes from Major areas in Dubai
The instructions differ slightly depending on where you’re starting. Here is a clear breakdown:
From Central Dubai (Downtown, Business Bay, DIFC)
| Step | Route |
| 1 | Board the Red Line towards UAE Exchange / Life Pharmacy |
| 2 | Stay on the train for approx. 45–50 minutes |
| 3 | Exit at Ibn Battuta Station (R39) |
From Dubai International Airport (DXB) / Deira
| Step | Route |
| 1 | From Terminal 1 or 3, take the Red Line towards UAE Exchange |
| 2 | Stay on the train—no need to transfer |
| 3 | Ride approx. 50–60 minutes |
| 4 | Exit at Ibn Battuta Station |
From Jebel Ali or the Dubai South area
| Step | Route |
| 1 | Board the Red Line towards Centrepoint |
| 2 | Stay on the train until you reach Ibn Battuta (R39) |
These routes are fully verified using RTA
Step-by-step instructions: How to go to Ibn Battuta Mall by metro
Here’s the simplest way to navigate the journey.
1. Start at any Red Line station
Use the RTA S’hail app or Google Maps to check the nearest station and confirm the train direction.
2. Confirm the train direction
You should board:
- UAE Exchange / Life Pharmacy direction (if coming from Downtown, Business Bay, Bur Dubai, DXB Airport or Deira)
- Centrepoint direction (if coming from Jebel Ali or UAE Exchange side)
3. Ride the Red Line to Ibn Battuta Station
Trains are frequent, arriving every 5–7 minutes. Station announcements are made in English and Arabic.
4. Exit the train at Ibn Battuta (R39)
The station name is clearly displayed on platform screens.
5. Follow the covered walkway into the mall
Signs for the mall appear immediately after exiting. The walkway is shaded, spacious and air-conditioned during the summer months.
Estimated Travel Times
All times verified using RTA journey planner and Dubai Metro route guides:
| Starting Point | Estimated Time |
| DXB Airport (Terminal 1 or 3) | 50–60 minutes |
| Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall | 45–50 minutes |
| Business Bay | ~45 minutes |
| Emirates Towers / Museum of the Future | 55–58 minutes |
| JLT (DMCC Station) | 7–10 minutes |
| Jebel Ali | 5 minutes |
| Expo 2020 | ~20 minutes via branch line + transfer at Jebal Ali |
Metro Timings and Frequency
(Verified with RTA official timetable)
Monday–Thursday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Saturday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Train frequency:
- 5–7 minutes during peak hours
- 7–10 minutes during off-peak times
Always check live timings via the S’hail app for the most accurate updates.
Tickets, Payment, and Nol Card Information
You’ll need a Nol Card to travel.
Nol card types:
- Red Ticket: Pay-per-trip paper ticket for visitors
- Silver Card: Best for daily metro users
- Gold Card: Access to Gold Class cabins
- Blue Card: Personalised card with extra features
Typical fare from central Dubai: AED 6–8 (verified by RTA fare zones).
Tap in at the entry gate and tap out when exiting—Ibn Battuta is in Zone 2.
Facilities at Ibn Battuta Metro Station
The station includes:
- Ticket counters and vending machines
- Nol top-up machines
- Public restrooms
- Escalators and elevators
- Wheelchair-accessible paths
- Shops and snack kiosks
- Covered connection to Ibn Battuta Mall
- Security and RTA staff
Nearby Connections & onward travel
Ibn Battuta is a major interchange point for travellers heading to the west of Dubai. Ibn Battuta Bus Station is located beside the metro with routes towards:
- Discovery Gardens
- Jebel Ali Village
- Dubai South
- DIP
- Expo 2020 (via direct buses)
From the metro station, you can also take taxis and ride-hailing services.
Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Check the last train time, especially at night
- Keep your Nol Card topped up to avoid queues
- Use the covered walkway in summer—it is fully air-conditioned
- Plan your route using S’hail for real-time train and bus timings
- Avoid peak hours (5–7 pm) if you want a more comfortable space
Key Takeaways
Ibn Battuta Mall is extremely easy to reach by metro thanks to its direct location on Dubai Metro’s Red Line. With a covered walkway, frequent trains and an efficient station layout, the journey is smooth from almost anywhere in the city. Travel times are predictable, fares are affordable and the station offers full accessibility. For most visitors, the metro is the fastest and most cost-effective way to reach Ibn Battuta Mall.
FAQs
Take the Red Line towards UAE Exchange from Terminal 1 or 3; stay on the train and exit at Ibn Battuta (50–60 minutes).
Yes, you can. A covered, signposted walkway leads directly into the mall.
You need a Nol card whether it’s red, silver, gold or blue.
Yes, it is during peak hours. The Red Line avoids road traffic entirely.
It comes every 5–7 minutes during most of the day.
