Set along the edge of Dubai Creek, Al Ghubaiba Metro Station blends Old Dubai charm with modern transit ease. Located in the Al Shindagha area of Bur Dubai, the station provides direct access to the city’s heritage sites, tourist attractions, and intercity transport systems. Whether you’re strolling through the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, boarding a water taxi, or catching a bus to Sharjah, this station connects it all.
Operational since 9 September 2011, Al Ghubaiba is a key part of the Green Line and one of the few stations that serve as a true multi-modal hub. With metro, bus, and marine transport all converging here, it stands as a gateway for both residents and tourists navigating Old Dubai and beyond.
This guide covers:
- Which metro line does Al Ghubaiba serve?
- Where is Al Ghubaiba Station located?
- What are the metro timings and routes from Al Ghubaiba?
- Amenities and access at Al Ghubaiba Metro Station
- Travel tips for commuting through Al Ghubaiba
- Bus and ferry connections from Al Ghubaiba
- Things to do around Al Ghubaiba, Dubai
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Which metro line does Al Ghubaiba serve?
Al Ghubaiba sits on the Green Line of the Dubai Metro, coded G24. From this station, you can travel northbound towards the e& Station (formerly Etisalat), transfer to the Red Line at Union, or continue to key districts like Salah Al Din and Al Qiyadah. Southbound, the line takes you through Al Fahidi and BurJuman, another Red Line interchange, then continues to Dubai Healthcare City and ends at Creek Station.
Where is Al Ghubaiba Station located?
Al Ghubaiba Metro Station sits in the heart of Al Shindagha. Its central placement makes Al Ghubaiba a smart choice for commuters looking to switch lines or explore historical parts of the city without needing a car. The area around the station is also rich in culture, making it a top pick for visitors who want to walk through the older parts of town or cross the Creek on an abra. It lies within Fare Zone 5.
Close to Dubai’s cultural landmarks
From the station, it’s a short stroll to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, where you’ll find museums, wind towers, and restored Emirati homes. Landmarks like the Dubai Museum, Spice Souk, and Gold Souk are just minutes away.
What are the metro timings and routes from Al Ghubaiba?
Dubai Metro operates on a consistent weekly schedule, though timings may vary during public holidays or special events. Al Ghubaiba Metro Station follows the same timetable.
| Day | Metro Operating Hours |
| Monday – Thursday | 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. |
| Friday | 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. (Sat) |
| Saturday | 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. |
| Sunday | 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. |
Trains at Al Ghubaiba follow the general Green Line schedule, with some variation across days. The first and last train times from Al Ghubaiba are as follows:
| Direction | Monday–Thursday | Friday | Saturday & Sunday |
| To Creek | 5:07 → 23:49 | 5:07 → 0:49 (next day) | 5:07 → 23:49 / 8:07 → 23:48 |
| To e& | 5:07 → 23:39 | 5:07 → 0:38 (next day) | 5:07 → 23:37 / 8:07 → 23:36 |
These timings align with official RTA/Dubai Metro sources, but it is always good to check the Dubai RTA app while planning your travel. Travel times to key Dubai destinations:
- Dubai Mall – 20 minutes (metro + bus)
- Burj Khalifa – 25 minutes (metro + bus)
- Mall of the Emirates – 30 minutes (metro + bus)
- Jumeirah Beach – 35 minutes (metro + tram)
- Dubai International Airport (DXB) – 25–40 minutes (metro + bus or direct)
- Union Station (Red Line transfer) – 10 minutes
- Gold Souk / Deira – 3 minutes
- BurJuman Mall – 5 minutes
- Dubai Healthcare City – 12 minutes
Amenities and access at Al Ghubaiba Metro Station
Al Ghubaiba Metro Station is built to manage the constant pulse of traffic flowing through Bur Dubai. Whether you’re stepping in from the souk, getting off a long-haul bus, or walking from the waterfront, the station’s layout is crafted for convenience, accessibility, and efficiency.
Entrances and station layout
There are multiple station entrances, including direct access from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station and nearby pedestrian paths. The station features elevators, escalators, and wide stairways that guide passengers smoothly to the platform level. Whether you’re carrying shopping bags, luggage, or simply navigating with mobility needs, the layout offers seamless movement throughout.
In-station facilities
Inside the station, you’ll find all the essential facilities to support daily travel or tourist visits:
- Ticket vending machines and NOL card top-up points
- Customer service desks for route help or fare issues
- Real-time train arrival displays on digital boards
- Air-conditioned seating zones for short waits
- Barrier-free access and tactile flooring for inclusive transit
Nearby transport and connectivity
Outside the station, you’ll find taxi ranks, ride-hailing zones, and shaded walkways leading to nearby bus bays. The station sits just across from the Al Ghubaiba Marine Transport Station, where you can hop onto abras or ferries and travel across the Creek or along Dubai‘s coast.
Travel tips for commuting through Al Ghubaiba
With its mix of daily commuters and tourists, Al Ghubaiba can feel like a city unto itself. Planning your visit or commute smartly can help you avoid delays and make the most of your journey.
- Start early – Morning hours are best for exploring Old Dubai and catching connecting ferries or buses without the midday rush.
- Mind your NOL balance – Especially if you’re connecting to an intercity bus, keeping your card topped up will save time.
- Look for marine options – If you’re crossing the Creek or heading along the coastline, the ferry station is just a short walk away.
- Check schedules during holidays – Metro and bus timings can shift during public holidays or special events, so refer to the RTA app before travel.
- Stay hydrated – The walking routes from here to the souks or heritage zones can be long and warm, especially in the afternoon.
Bus and ferry connections from Al Ghubaiba
Al Ghubaiba’s location at the edge of Bur Dubai makes it a major launching point for local bus and ferry services heading into key districts across the city, and beyond.
Bus travel
Al Ghubaiba is adjacent to one of Dubai’s busiest bus hubs, the Al Ghubaiba Bus Station. It operates from early morning until midnight, with a robust network of local and intercity buses running throughout the day.
Thanks to its prime location in Bur Dubai, the station serves as a crucial junction for commuters, shoppers, and travellers heading to other emirates. Buses from here connect to heritage quarters, coastal landmarks, business hubs, and more.
The most travelled intracity routes are:
- Route 29 connecting Al Ghubaiba with the Dubai Mall
- Bus N55 runs between Al Ghubaiba Bus Station and the Al Maktoum Intl Airport
- X23 links Al Ghubaiba with International City
Intercity bus travel
If you’re looking to travel beyond Dubai, Al Ghubaiba is one of the most convenient metro stations to begin your intercity journey. The bus terminal adjacent to the station operates multiple inter-emirate routes, including:
Marine transport from Al Ghubaiba
What sets Al Ghubaiba apart from most other metro stations is its seamless connection to marine transit. Just a short walk from the station lies the Al Ghubaiba Marine Transport Station, where passengers can board abras, ferries, and water taxis to destinations across the Creek and along Dubai’s coastline. Options include:
- Deira – Traditional abras offer a quick and scenic ride, ideal for visitors heading to the Gold Souk or Spice Souk.
- Dubai Marina – Ferries run scheduled services, providing a leisurely route along the water to the Marina.
- Al Jaddaf – Regular ferry services connect passengers to this cultural and business district.
- Sharjah Aquarium Station – Ferries offer a scenic alternative to road travel for those visiting Sharjah’s waterfront attractions.
For those looking to explore Dubai’s waterfront, the ferry station is a gateway to an entirely different view of the city. Tickets can be purchased on-site, and the area is well signposted for easy navigation between land and water transport.
Things to do around Al Ghubaiba, Dubai
Few metro stations offer as much character, history, and convenience as Al Ghubaiba. From here, you’re steps away from some of Dubai’s most beloved cultural landmarks, all within walking distance or a short ride. Some of these are:
- Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
- Dubai Museum
- Textile Souk
- Spice Souk & Gold Souk
- Port Rashid
- Meena Bazaar & Local Cafés
Key takeaways
Al Ghubaiba Metro Station is a central hub linking metro, bus, and marine transport, making travel across Dubai and neighbouring emirates easy. Its location in Al Shindagha puts passengers within walking distance of cultural landmarks, traditional markets, and Dubai Creek.
Designed for accessibility and convenience, the station features multiple entrances, elevators, and clear pedestrian flow. With the nearby bus and marine stations, commuters and tourists can seamlessly connect to Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, or explore Dubai’s heritage and shopping districts.
FAQs
Yes. The station features elevators, escalators, barrier-free walkways, and tactile flooring for visually impaired passengers.
Yes. NOL cards are accepted on local and intercity buses as well as certain ferry services from the station.
There is limited parking nearby. It’s recommended to arrive via metro, bus, or taxi for a smoother experience.
Yes. Customer service desks at the station can assist with metro routes, bus schedules, and guidance to nearby attractions and ferry services.
Absolutely. From this station, the Dubai Mall, BurJuman Mall, and Deira’s Gold and Spice Souks are easily reachable via metro, bus, or abra.
