Airport Terminal 1 Metro Station: Everything You Need to Know

Getting to Dubai International Airport by metro is one of the most practical choices a commuter or traveller can make. Airport Terminal 1 Metro Station is on the Red Line, connected to Terminal 1 of Dubai International Airport via a covered walkway, letting you go from the platform to check-in without stepping outside.

This guide covers the station’s location, key routes from across the city, fares, facilities, and tips for a smooth journey to Terminal 1.

• Where is Airport Terminal 1 Metro Station?
• Which metro line serves Terminal 1?
• Getting to Airport Terminal 1 Metro Station
• Metro stations near Airport Terminal 1
• Fares, Nol cards, and travel times
• Station facilities and accessibility
• Tips for travelling to Terminal 1
• Key takeaways
• Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Airport Terminal 1 Metro Station?

The station is located in the Garhoud neighbourhood of Dubai, along Airport Road. It sits beside Parking B at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and provides direct access to Terminal 1, which serves a wide range of international carriers at the airport.

The station falls within Zone 5 of the Dubai Metro network. On the Red Line, it sits between Al Garhoud Metro Station to the west, in the direction of the city centre, and Airport Terminal 3 Metro Station to the east, one stop before the line continues toward Centrepoint in Rashidiya.

Which metro line serves Terminal 1?

Dubai Airport Terminal 1 Metro Station is served exclusively by the Red Line (Line 1). The Red Line runs the length of the city, from UAE Exchange in Jebel Ali in the west to Centrepoint in Rashidiya in the east, passing through major hubs including Ibn Battuta, Mall of the Emirates, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Union, and Deira City Centre.

To take the metro to Terminal 1, board a Red Line train heading toward Centrepoint. Commuters travelling from areas served by the Green Line can switch at Union or BurJuman, both of which offer direct transfers to the Red Line.

Getting to Airport Terminal 1 Metro Station

Since Airport Terminal 1 Metro Station is on the Red Line, any journey originating from another Red Line station requires no transfers. Passengers on the Green Line need to change at Union or BurJuman. Trains run every three to five minutes during peak hours, so there is no need to time your arrival at the platform precisely.

From ADCB Metro Station to Airport Terminal 1

ADCB Metro Station, located in the Al Karama area, is a popular starting point for the airport. The journey from ADCB Metro Station to Airport Terminal 1 takes approximately 21 minutes on the Red Line. Board a train heading toward Centrepoint; the route passes through BurJuman, Union, Al Rigga, Deira City Centre, and Al Garhoud before arriving at Airport Terminal 1.

No transfers are needed, and the short travel time makes ADCB Metro Station to Airport Terminal 1 a convenient option for residents in the Karama, Bur Dubai, and Trade Centre areas.

From Ibn Battuta Metro Station to Dubai Airport Terminal 1

The journey from Ibn Battuta Metro Station to Dubai Airport Terminal 1 is the longest direct Red Line trip to the airport, covering approximately 22 stations and taking around 66 minutes. Despite the distance, the route requires no transfers at any point.

Board the Red Line at Ibn Battuta heading toward Centrepoint. The train travels through some of Dubai’s busiest stops, including Mall of the Emirates, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Business Bay, ADCB, Union, and Deira City Centre, before arriving at Airport Terminal 1. Travellers making this trip should factor in ample time, especially during peak hours.

Metro stations near Airport Terminal 1

The closest metro station near Airport Terminal 1 is Al Garhoud, one stop to the west on the Red Line. Al Garhoud serves the residential and commercial Garhoud area and is a well-used station for residents who live close to the airport.

One stop in the other direction is Airport Terminal 3 Metro Station, which serves Terminal 3 of DXB. Passengers should confirm they are boarding at the correct station. This is particularly important for those flying with airlines operating from Terminal 1, rather than the airlines based at Terminal 3.

For Green Line users searching for a metro station near Airport Terminal 1, Union Metro Station is the most convenient transfer point. From Union, the Red Line heading toward Centrepoint delivers you to Airport Terminal 1 in approximately 12 to 15 minutes.

Fares, Nol cards, and travel times

Dubai Metro fares are zone-based. Airport Terminal 1 Metro Station is in Zone 5, meaning the fare increases the further your starting station is from the airport. A Silver or Gold Nol card gives you a discounted fare compared to a single-use ticket. For the longest direct trip, the journey from Ibn Battuta Metro Station to Dubai Airport Terminal 1 costs AED 7.50 with a Silver Nol card.

The table below compares travel times from key stations across the city to Airport Terminal 1 Metro Station.

Nol cards are available at every metro station from ticketing machines and service counters. For the exact fare from your starting station, check at the nearest ticketing machine or use the RTA S’hail app before you travel.

Note: The station operates from 5:00 AM to midnight on weekdays (Saturday to Thursday) and from 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM on Fridays.

Station facilities and accessibility

The station includes a staffed ticket office, Nol card top-up machines, escalators, lifts, and air-conditioned waiting areas. A dedicated assistance desk is available for passengers who need support.

Also, a covered walkway connects the station directly to Terminal 1, allowing passengers to reach the terminal without going outside. This is particularly useful during Dubai’s summer months, when outdoor temperatures can be intense. For those travelling with luggage, wide platforms and lift access make it straightforward to move with bags.

Several retail outlets inside the station offer snacks, beverages, and travel essentials. Multiple RTA bus routes also stop at the station, providing connections to destinations across Dubai for passengers who need onward transport beyond the metro.

Tips for travelling to Terminal 1

Planning ahead makes the metro to Terminal 1 smooth and straightforward. Here are some practical tips:

1. Top up your Nol card before your journey. Ticketing queues at the airport can be longer than usual during busy travel periods.
2. Confirm your terminal before boarding. Dubai International Airport has multiple terminals, each served by a different metro station. Check your flight details to confirm which terminal you need.
3. Account for check-in time. The metro gets you to the terminal efficiently, but you still need time to check in, clear security, and reach your gate.
4. Travel outside peak hours if possible. The Red Line can be busy during morning and evening rush hours. If your schedule allows, travelling between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM or after 8:00 PM is typically more comfortable.
5. Use the covered walkway. After leaving the metro station, follow signs to the covered walkway that leads directly into Terminal 1. This is the fastest route to the check-in desks and avoids walking outside.
6. Note Friday operating hours. The first metro train on Fridays departs at 10:00 AM, which is later than on other days. If you have an early morning Friday flight, plan your transport in advance.

Key takeaways

Airport Terminal 1 Metro Station sits on the Red Line between Al Garhoud and Airport Terminal 3. It is reachable from any Red Line station without changing trains, and a covered walkway connects the platform directly to Terminal 1 of Dubai International Airport, with trains arriving every three to five minutes during peak hours.

Fares are zone-based, and a Nol card reduces the cost on every trip compared to a single-use ticket. The station operates from 5:00 AM to midnight on weekdays and from 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM on Fridays, so plan ahead for early Friday departures. For longer journeys such as the trip from Ibn Battuta Metro Station, allow around 66 minutes and factor in check-in time when planning your departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

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