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How to Go to Burj Al Arab by Metro: Timings, Routes & More

Burj Al Arab is not directly connected to the Dubai Metro. However, it is easily accessible by combining the Red Line metro with a short bus ride, taxi transfer, or a final walk, depending on your starting station.

Most visitors reach Burj Al Arab via nearby metro stations on Sheikh Zayed Road, then continue towards Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, or the hotel’s access bridge.

Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai UAE view from the sea

Nearest metro stations to Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab is located on Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim 3, with access via Madinat Jumeirah and Jumeirah Beach Hotel. 

There is no single “Burj Al Arab” metro station, but several Red Line stations provide practical access when combined with buses or taxis.

The most useful stations are:

  • Mall of the Emirates Metro Station (best option)
  • Equiti Metro Station (practical alternative)

Other stations, such as Financial Centre, Al Fahidi, or Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall, are sometimes suggested by apps, but they involve longer transfers and are less efficient for reaching Burj Al Arab.

For most travellers, Mall of the Emirates is the simplest and most reliable metro station for reaching Burj Al Arab.

Why Mall of the Emirates works best

This station offers:

  • Direct access to multiple Jumeirah-bound bus routes
  • Short taxi distances
  • Clear landmarks and easy onward navigation

From Mall of the Emirates, Burj Al Arab is roughly 10 km away by road, making walking impractical but buses and taxis very efficient.

Step-by-step route from Mall of the Emirates Metro Station

Once you arrive at Mall of the Emirates on the Red Line, you can complete the journey using one of the options below.

Option 1 – Metro + bus (most common)

This is the most widely used public transport route.

Steps:

  • Exit Mall of the Emirates Metro Station
  • Walk to the nearby bus stops on Sheikh Zayed Road
  • Board Bus 81 or Bus 88 towards Jumeirah
  • Alight at “Burj Al Arab Hotel” or “Wild Wadi 1”
  • Walk a short distance to Burj Al Arab

Journey details:

  • Total travel time: approximately 30–40 minutes
  • Bus fare: AED 4–7
  • Best for: Budget-friendly travel with minimal walking

Option 2 – Metro + taxi

taxi with illuminated roof sign on a city street

If you prefer comfort or are travelling with luggage, a taxi is often the easiest choice.

Journey details:

  • Taxi rank is located outside the metro station
  • Travel time: 10–15 minutes
  • Typical fare: AED 25–30
  • Best for: Families, hot weather, time-sensitive visits

While technically possible, walking from Mall of the Emirates to Burj Al Arab is not practical.

  • Distance: around 10 km
  • Walking time: 2+ hours

For most visitors, bus or taxi is the better choice.

Alternative route from Equiti Metro Station

Equiti Metro Station is the most practical alternative for visitors not starting near Mall of the Emirates.

H3: How the Equiti route works

From Equiti, travellers typically:

  • Take a short taxi ride towards Jumeirah
  • Or connect via nearby bus routes towards Madinat Jumeirah

This route is generally more direct than using stations further south or in central Dubai.

Other stations often mentioned (and why they are less ideal)

Some journey planners suggest stations such as Financial Centre, Al Fahidi, or Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall.

While these stations connect to bus routes like 8, C10, or X28, they:

  • Add extra transfer time
  • Increase walking distances
  • Are not the closest practical hubs for Burj Al Arab

For simplicity, Mall of the Emirates remains the best metro choice.

Metro timings for visiting Burj Al Arab 

Before planning your trip, it helps to know the official operating hours.

Dubai Metro Red Line operating hours:

  • Monday–Thursday & Saturday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM (midnight)
  • Friday: 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM (next day)
  • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM (midnight)

Always check live updates using the RTA S’hail app.

Bus connections near Burj Al Arab

View of Burj Al Arab

Several RTA buses serve the Jumeirah area around Burj Al Arab.

Bus lineCommon boarding pointsKey stopsFare
81, 88Mall of the EmiratesBurj Al Arab Hotel, Wild Wadi 1AED 4–7
8Central Dubai / Sheikh Zayed RoadJumeirah area stopsAED 4–7
C10, X28Financial Centre areaJumeirah connectionsAED 4–7

Bus stops are usually a short walk from Burj Al Arab or nearby landmarks.

Costs and tickets

Public transport in Dubai uses the Nol card system.

  • Metro fare: AED 4–6
  • Bus fare: AED 4–7
  • Typical total cost: under AED 15

Nol cards can be purchased or topped up at metro stations, ticket machines, or via the RTA app.

Key tips before you go

A little planning makes the journey smoother, especially during busy hours.

  • Access to Burj Al Arab is usually via Madinat Jumeirah or Jumeirah Beach Hotel
  • Some areas require restaurant or hotel reservations
  • Use RTA S’hail for the most accurate live timings
  • Long walking routes are not recommended due to the distance and road layout

Key takeaways

  • Mall of the Emirates is the best metro station for reaching Burj Al Arab.
  • Equiti Metro Station is the most practical alternative.
  • There is no direct metro connection, so bus or taxi is always required.
  • Bus 81 and 88 stop at Burj Al Arab Hotel and Wild Wadi 1.
  • Taxi is faster and costs around AED 25–30 from nearby stations.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a metro station directly at Burj Al Arab?

No. The nearest practical stations are Mall of the Emirates and Equiti on the Red Line.

How long does it take to reach Burj Al Arab by metro and bus?

From Mall of the Emirates, it takes around 30–40 minutes in total.

How much does it cost to go by metro and bus?

Usually under AED 15 using a Nol card.

Can I walk from Mall of the Emirates to Burj Al Arab?

It is technically possible but not recommended due to the long distance (10 km).

Which app is best for live directions?

The RTA S’hail app is the official source for real-time routes and timings. 

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