Al Garhoud metro station, formerly known as GGICO, is on the Red Line of the Dubai Metro. It carries the station code R15 and serves as an important stop for both daily commuters and airport travellers.
The station is strategically located near the Al Garhoud district and Dubai International Airport, making it one of the most convenient points on the network. It first opened on 15 May 2010, with the official name change to Al Garhoud taking place on 14 April 2025.
Here’s a quick breakdown of everything you’ll find at Al Garhoud (GGICO) Metro Station:
- Where is Al Garhoud (GGICO) metro station located and how accessible is it?
- What are the metro routes from Al Garhoud (GGICO) station?
- How frequent are the trains at Al Garhoud station?
- What bus connections are available from Al Garhoud (GGICO) station?
- What other travel options are available near Al Garhoud (GGICO) station?
- What are the metro schedules and operating hours at Al Garhoud (GGICO)?
- What are the fares at Al Garhoud (GGICO) metro station?
- What are the key nearby destinations from Al Garhoud (GGICO) metro station?
- What facilities are available at Al Garhoud (GGICO) metro station?
- How can you travel from GGICO metro station to Al Garhoud?
- How can you navigate Al Garhoud (GGICO) metro station?
- Key takeaways
- Frequently asked questions
Where is Al Garhoud (GGICO) metro station located and how accessible is it?
Al Garhoud Metro Station, formerly known as GGICO, is in the Al Garhoud district just east of Deira. The location is highly practical, sitting close to both residential and commercial areas and only minutes from Dubai International Airport. This makes it a key stop for office workers, residents, and travellers.
Accessibility is straightforward. Taxis, ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem, and RTA feeder buses are available right outside the station, giving smooth last-mile connections to surrounding districts. Pedestrian walkways make it easy to reach local spots on foot, while lifts, escalators, and air-conditioned waiting areas keep the station comfortable for all passengers.
What are the metro routes from Al Garhoud (GGICO) metro station?
Al Garhoud Metro Station (R15), formerly known as GGICO, is on the Red Line of the Dubai Metro. It sits between Airport Terminal 1 (R14) and City Centre Deira (R16).
The routes from Al Garhoud are:
- Towards Centrepoint (R11) → next stop: Airport Terminal 1 (R14)
- Towards Expo 2020 / Life Pharmacy (R42) → next stop: City Centre Deira (R16)
How frequent are the trains at Al Garhoud metro station?
Trains on the Red Line arrive at Al Garhoud Metro Station (R15) very frequently.
- Peak hours (6:00–8:30 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM): a train comes every 2–3 minutes.
- Off-peak hours: intervals stretch to about 5–7 minutes.
The ride to Airport Terminal 1 (R14) or City Centre Deira (R16) takes just a few minutes, making it a quick and efficient stop for transfers.
What bus connections are available from Al Garhoud metro station?
The station is directly served by two RTA bus stops: Al Garhoud Metro Bus Stop 1 and Al Garhoud Metro Bus Stop 2, located right outside the entrances.
- Feeder service F04: This circular route connects key residential and commercial areas in Al Garhoud before looping back to the station, making it the most convenient “last-mile” option.
- Other services: Routes such as 32C and 77 also pass nearby, linking the area to wider parts of Dubai.
- Fares: Feeder buses like the F04 are free when transferring from the metro with a Nol card, provided the bus is boarded within 30 minutes of exiting the station.
These connections make short trips within Al Garhoud quick and cost-effective, especially for commuters heading to places not directly on the metro line.
What other travel options are available near Al Garhoud metro station?
If you prefer not to use the metro or bus, there are several convenient alternatives:
- Taxis and ride-sharing: Taxis are available outside the station, with a minimum fare of AED 12. A short trip to Dubai International Airport usually costs AED 12–15. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem are also widely used.
- Airport starting fare: It’s important to note that if you pick up a taxi from the airport, the starting fare is higher, at AED 25.
- Luxury car services: For a premium option, luxury cars (often called limousines or towncars) can be booked in advance. A typical ride to the airport ranges from AED 150–220.
- Walking: The station is surrounded by pedestrian-friendly areas, making short walks within Al Garhoud an option if you prefer to travel on foot.
These alternatives give flexibility depending on whether you want the fastest trip, a luxury ride, or a walkable journey.
What are the metro schedules and operating hours at Al Garhoud metro station?
Trains at Al Garhoud Metro Station (R15), formerly known as GGICO, run daily on the Red Line, serving both Centrepoint and Expo 2020 / Life Pharmacy directions.
From Expo 2020 towards Centrepoint
| Day | First train | Last train |
| Mon–Thu | 5:04 a.m. | 11:53 p.m. |
| Friday | 5:04 a.m. | 12:53 a.m. (next day) |
| Saturday | 5:04 a.m. | 11:53 p.m. |
| Sunday | 8:21 a.m. | 11:57 p.m. |
From Centrepoint towards Expo 2020 / Life Pharmacy
| Day | First train | Last train |
| Mon–Thu | 5:12 a.m. | 11:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 5:12 a.m. | 1:00 a.m. (next day) |
| Saturday | 5:12 a.m. | 11:00 p.m. |
| Sunday | 8:11 a.m. | 11:59 p.m. |
Important note
These timings are approximate and based on the RTA’s standard schedule for the Red Line. Exact times can vary slightly depending on the train’s origin, and public holiday schedules may differ. For the latest updates, always check the official RTA S’hail app or Wojhati planner before travelling.
What are the fares at Al Garhoud metro station?
Fares are dependent on where your journey starts and ends; this is something you may want to consider when planning.
Metro fares
Metro fares depend on the number of zones you cross and the type of Nol card you use. With a standard Silver Nol card, fares are:
- 1 zone or less than 3 km → AED 3
- 2 zones → AED 5
- 3+ zones → AED 7.50
Bus fares
Bus journeys follow the same zonal system as the metro. Fares start from AED 3 with a Silver Nol card. Feeder buses, like the F04, can be free if you transfer from the metro within 30 minutes using the same Nol card.
Taxi fares
All taxis in Dubai are metered.
- Minimum fare: AED 12
- Al Garhoud to Dubai International Airport: AED 12–15
- Airport pick-up surcharge: AED 25 starting fare when boarding directly from the airport terminal.
Nol card
The Nol card is required for all metro and bus trips. Options include:
- Red Ticket: Paper card for tourists (AED 2 + trip cost, up to 10 trips).
- Silver Card: Rechargeable card for regular commuters (AED 25, with AED 19 balance included).
- Gold and Blue Cards: Premium or concession options for specific travellers.
| Mode of transport | Average cost (AED) | Payment method |
| Metro | AED 3–7.50 (by zones) | Nol card |
| Bus | AED 3+ (by zones) | Nol card |
| Taxi | AED 12–15+ (metered) | Cash or card |
What are the key nearby destinations from Al Garhoud metro station?
There are a number of destinations you can travel to from Al Garhoud metro station. It is particularly useful in getting to Dubai’s most popular spot: DXB Airport.
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
The station is just one stop from Airport Terminal 1 (R14) when heading towards Centrepoint. The journey takes about 2–3 minutes, making it one of the quickest options for travellers catching a flight.
Deira City Centre
In the opposite direction, Deira City Centre Mall (R16) is also one stop away. It’s a popular destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment, and the metro ride takes around 2–3 minutes.
Local hotels and schools
Al Garhoud has a strong mix of hotels, schools, and residential buildings. The closest major hotel is the Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Dubai, formerly known as Bustan Rotana. Schools such as the Indian High School and GEMS Legacy School are also nearby, along with many residential blocks within walking distance.
Quick highlights
- Airport Terminal 1 → 1 stop (~2–3 minutes by metro)
- Deira City Centre Mall → 1 stop (~2–3 minutes by metro)
- Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Dubai → ~5 minutes by car
- Schools and residential areas → within the Al Garhoud district
What facilities are available at Al Garhoud metro station?
There are a number of facilities available at the station, from bilingual signage and Wi-Fi to a dedicated taxi stand.
Platforms and access
The station has modern, elevated platforms with clear signage in both English and Arabic. Access is straightforward through:
- Escalators
- Lifts
- Air-conditioned waiting areas
- Multiple entry and exit points
Passenger services
Facilities are designed to make daily travel easy and comfortable:
- Ticket vending machines and offices for Nol cards
- Accessible restrooms and baby changing facilities
- Free Wi-Fi connectivity
- Security personnel and CCTV surveillance
- Information desks for assistance
Connections outside the station
The station links smoothly to other parts of the city through:
- RTA feeder bus stops right outside the entrances
- A dedicated taxi stand and ride-sharing pick-up areas
- Pedestrian-friendly walkways that connect to nearby destinations
How can you travel from Al Garhoud metro station to nearby areas?
Continuing your journey? There are a few options available to you from the station.
By metro
The station itself sits in Al Garhoud, so you’ll mostly use the metro to hop to nearby stops. Airport Terminal 1 (R14) is one way, City Centre Deira (R16) the other.
- Duration: 2–3 minutes
- Frequency: Every 2–3 minutes at peak, 5–7 minutes off-peak
- Cost: AED 3–7.50 with a Nol card
By bus
Step outside and you’ll find Al Garhoud Metro Bus Stop 1 and 2. The feeder bus F04 loops through the neighbourhood, making it handy for short rides.
- Duration: Around 5 minutes to hotels like Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Dubai
- Frequency: 7–8 minutes in peak times, 12–15 minutes off-peak
- Cost: Free if you transfer from the metro within 30 minutes on the same Nol card; otherwise AED 3+
By taxi
Taxis line up outside the station, ready for quick trips.
- Duration: About 4 minutes for local rides; roughly the same to Dubai International Airport
- Cost: AED 12 minimum fare, AED 12–15 for the airport. From the airport side, fares start at AED 25
On foot
If the weather plays along, walking is a decent option.
- Examples: Dubai Civil Aviation College (~6 min), Indian High School (~7 min), or another station entrance (~11 min)
- Best for: Short commutes and everyday errands in the district
How can you navigate Al Garhoud metro station?
A new place can be intimidating, but the metro station couldn’t be easier to navigate.
Digital maps and apps
Al Garhoud Metro Station is covered across all major navigation tools, each with its own strengths:
- RTA S’hail app → The official app combining metro, bus, taxi, and tram services with Nol card top-ups and real-time traffic updates.
- Wojhati planner → The RTA’s step-by-step journey planner, showing routes, costs, and departure times. Great for pre-planning.
- Google Maps → Reliable for walking directions, driving routes, and metro schedules, with seamless integration into other Google services.
- Moovit → Strong on real-time updates and live step-by-step directions, including service alerts and offline bus maps.
- Rome2Rio → Best for longer or multi-mode trips, giving a bigger picture of how to connect across different cities or transport types.
Real-time planners
Interactive route planners make journeys smoother by providing:
- Ticket prices and zone information
- Accurate travel time estimates
- Live metro and bus schedules
For the most precise updates, the RTA S’hail app and Wojhati planner are your best bet, especially during peak hours or public holidays.
Key takeaways
Al Garhoud Metro Station (R15), formerly known as GGICO, sits on the Red Line between Airport Terminal 1 and Deira City Centre, making it a prime stop for commuters and travellers heading to DXB.
The station offers smooth connections through the metro, RTA feeder buses like the F04, taxis, ride-sharing services, and pedestrian-friendly routes for last-mile access. Trains run every 2–3 minutes during peak hours and 5–7 minutes off-peak, ensuring quick and reliable journeys to neighbouring stops.
Fares remain affordable, starting from AED 3 with a Nol card, while feeder buses can be free if you transfer within 30 minutes. Facilities are modern and accessible, featuring air-conditioned platforms, lifts, escalators, restrooms, Wi-Fi, and clear bilingual signage for easy navigation.
Frequently asked questions
The station was formerly called GGICO. Since April 2025, its official name is Al Garhoud Metro Station.
It is on the Red Line, between Airport Terminal 1 (R14) and Deira City Centre (R16).
During peak hours (6:00–8:30 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM), trains arrive every 2–3 minutes. Off-peak, the interval is around 5–7 minutes.
Yes. Two bus stops — Al Garhoud Metro Bus Stop 1 and 2 — are located directly outside the station. The feeder bus F04 loops through Al Garhoud, with other routes like 32C and 77 also nearby.
Yes. Airport Terminal 1 is just one stop away by metro (about 2–3 minutes), or around 4 minutes by taxi.
