Airport Terminal 3 Metro Station: Timings, Fares, and How to Get Around Dubai

Airport Terminal 3 Metro Station is the direct link between Dubai International Airport and the city’s Red Line, giving commuters, residents, and arriving passengers a fast, air-conditioned route into Dubai without the cost or wait of a taxi.

This guide covers how to reach the station from the terminal, Dubai metro timings, Nol card fares, and key connections across the city.

• Overview of Airport Terminal 3 metro station
• Getting from Terminal 3 to the metro station
• Station timings and operating hours
• Nol card fares and the airport surcharge
• Connections and onward travel
• Tips for using the metro from Dubai Airport
• Key takeaways
• Frequently Asked Questions

Overview of Airport Terminal 3 metro station

The Airport Terminal 3 Metro Station Dubai (station code R13) is a stop on the Dubai Metro Red Line. It opened in September 2009, coinciding with the Red Line’s inaugural launch, and has since become a primary entry point to the city’s rapid transit network for international arrivals.

Located in the Garhoud district, the station sits directly beneath Dubai International Airport’s (DXB) Terminal 3. Its immediate Red Line neighbours are Emirates station (R12), one stop toward the city centre, and Airport Terminal 1 (R14), one stop in the other direction.

The station has two platforms, two tracks, and two exits. The mezzanine level houses the fare gates, Nol card vending machines, a ticket office, an information desk, and a retail area.

Getting from Terminal 3 to the metro station

Reaching the terminal 3 metro station is straightforward. Inside the arrivals or departures hall, follow the signs marked ‘Dubai Metro’. An air-conditioned underground walkway connects the terminal directly to the station, and the walk takes approximately four to six minutes.

The walkway features moving walkways and lifts, making it accessible for passengers with heavy luggage, pushchairs, or mobility requirements. The corridor is climate-controlled throughout, so the walk is comfortable regardless of outdoor temperatures.

For travellers arriving from outside the terminal building, the metro station near airport terminal 3 is accessible via the main terminal entrance. Follow pedestrian signage into the building and look for the Dubai Metro signs.

Station timings and operating hours

Dubai metro timings at Airport Terminal 3 follow the overall Red Line schedule, with one key exception: the metro does not run in the early hours on Sundays.

The start time is important to factor in if you have an early flight or a pre-dawn arrival, especially on a Sunday. During this window, taxis, ride-hailing services, and hotel transfers are the available alternatives.

Note: The timings above reflect standard operating hours. The RTA occasionally adjusts Dubai metro timings during public holidays and special events. Check directly before travelling.

Nol card fares and the airport surcharge

Travelling via the Terminal 3 Metro Station Dubai requires a Nol card, Dubai’s rechargeable smart card for public transport.

There are two main Nol card tiers in use at this station. Silver is the standard option, while Gold gives access to dedicated first-class carriages, usually at the front of the train.

Once the daily cap is reached, further journeys on the same day are free. Nol cards can be topped up at vending machines inside the station, at the ticket office, or via the RTA app and Nol Pay, a contactless payment option supported at the station.

Note: Luggage is permitted on the Dubai Metro, but each passenger is limited to two pieces: one large item (maximum 81 x 58 x 30 cm) and one smaller item (maximum 55 x 38 x 20 cm).

Connections and onward travel

Red Line destinations

From Airport Terminal 3 Metro Station (R13), passengers can take the Red Line towards the city centre. Key stops include Emirates (R12), Airport Terminal 1 (R14), Al Garhoud (R15), Deira City Centre metro station (R16), Al Rigga (R17), Union (R18) and BurJuman (R19). Union and BurJuman are interchange stations for the Green Line, providing connections to destinations across Bur Dubai, Deira, and other parts of the city.

Passengers travelling from Dubai Airport Terminal 3 to Burjuman metro station can take the Red Line directly from R13, with no transfer required. BurJuman station provides onward access to the Green Line, connecting to areas such as Gold Souq, Al Fahidi, and Al Jafiliya.

Bus connections

Several RTA bus routes serve the Terminal 3 metro station, offering links to areas beyond the metro network:

• Route 77: Connects to Union, Al Rigga, and Baniyas Square
• Route C01: Serves Union, Gold Souq, and Sharaf DG
• Route N30: A night service linking Terminal 2 and International City
• DXB2-1: A Ajman Transport Authority route for passengers travelling to Ajman

Tips for using the metro from Dubai Airport

1. Account for different timings. The metro does not operate before 8:00 am on Sundays. If you are arriving or departing early on a Sunday morning, arrange a taxi or ride-hailing service in advance.
2. Purchase a Nol card on arrival. Nol card vending machines are available inside the station. If you are new to Dubai’s metro system, buy a Nol Silver card and top it up with enough credit for your first journey. You cannot pay in cash at the gates.
3. Know your luggage limits. Passengers are allowed a maximum of two bags on board. Oversized luggage that exceeds the permitted dimensions is not allowed, so plan accordingly if you are travelling with large cases.
4. Use Nol Pay for convenience. The station supports Nol Pay, meaning you can link a compatible mobile phone or contactless card to your Nol account and tap in without a physical card.
5. Allow time for the walkway. The walk from Terminal 3 to the platform takes approximately four to six minutes. During busy periods, allow extra time, especially if you need to top up your Nol card on arrival.
6. Board the correct carriage. If you hold a Gold Nol card, board only from the designated Gold carriage at the front of the train. Gold carriages offer more space and seating.

Key takeaways

• Airport Terminal 3 Metro Station (R13) sits on the Red Line, directly beneath DXB Terminal 3. An air-conditioned underground walkway connects the station to the terminal’s arrivals and departures halls in approximately four to six minutes.
• Usually, the first trains depart between 5:00 am and 8:00 am. Plan alternative transport for earlier journeys.
• All trips from this station include an airport surcharge: AED 5 per trip for Silver Nol card holders and AED 10 for Gold, with daily caps of AED 20 and AED 40 respectively.
• The station connects to multiple Red Line destinations, including Union and BurJuman for Green Line transfers, and is served by RTA bus routes 77, C01, and N30.

Frequently Asked Questions

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