Union Metro Station is a major underground Dubai Metro interchange in the Al Rigga area of Deira. It serves both the Red Line and the Green Line, letting passengers switch between the two lines without leaving the paid area or tapping their Nol card again.
The station is coded R18 on the Red Line and G20 on the Green Line. It opened on 9 September 2009, has four tracks, and is often described as the busiest station on the Dubai Metro. Union and BurJuman are the only two stations where you can change between the Red and Green Lines, which is why Union sits at the centre of so many journeys across the city.
This guide covers Union Metro Station timings, fares, lines, platforms, exits, facilities, bus connections, popular routes, nearby hotels and practical travel advice.
Union Metro Station at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Station name | Union Metro Station |
| Arabic name | محطة مترو الاتحاد |
| Location | Union Square, Al Rigga, Deira, Dubai |
| Red Line code | R18 |
| Green Line code | G20 |
| Lines served | Dubai Metro Red Line and Green Line |
| Station type | Underground interchange station |
| Tracks | 4 |
| Opened | 9 September 2009 |
| Adjacent Red Line stations | Al Rigga (R17) and BurJuman (R19) |
| Adjacent Green Line stations | Salah Al Din (G19) and Baniyas Square (G21) |
| Nearby shopping centre | Al Ghurair Centre |
| Nearby bus connection | Union Square Bus Station |
| Payment method | Nol card or Nol Red Ticket |
| Accessibility | Lifts, escalators, tactile paths and wide gates |
Where Is Union Metro Station?
Union Metro Station is located beneath Union Square in the Al Rigga area of Deira, one of Dubai’s oldest and busiest commercial districts.
The station lies close to Omar Bin Al Khattab Road, Al Maktoum Road and Al Rigga Road, which connect central Deira with Dubai Creek and the surrounding areas.
Popular landmarks and districts near Union Metro Station include:
- Al Ghurair Centre
- Union Square
- Al Rigga
- Baniyas Square
- Deira Twin Towers
- Dubai Creek
- Naif
- Salah Al Din Street
- Union Square Bus Station
Union’s central position makes it convenient for residents, workers and tourists staying in Deira, and it provides a useful link between Old Dubai and the districts along Sheikh Zayed Road.
The station has several entrances serving different sides of the road network. Check the directional signs inside the concourse before you pass through the exit gates, because choosing the wrong exit can add a few minutes to your walk.
Which Metro Lines Stop at Union Station?
Union Metro Station serves both the Dubai Metro Red Line and the Dubai Metro Green Line. This makes it one of the most useful stations for travelling between Deira, Bur Dubai, Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and the historic districts around Dubai Creek.
The station number that passengers look for is simply its station code: R18 on the Red Line and G20 on the Green Line.
Union Metro Station Red Line
Union is station R18 on the Red Line. The stations on either side are:
| Direction | Next station |
|---|---|
| Towards Centrepoint and Dubai Airport | Al Rigga (R17) |
| Towards BurJuman and central Dubai | BurJuman (R19) |
The Red Line runs from Centrepoint to Expo 2020, with a branch continuing to Life Pharmacy (formerly UAE Exchange). In order, the Red Line stations are:
Centrepoint (R11), Emirates (R12), Airport Terminal 3 (R13), Airport Terminal 1 (R14), GGICO (R15), City Centre Deira (R16), Al Rigga (R17), Union (R18), BurJuman (R19), ADCB (R20), Max (R21), World Trade Centre (R22), Emirates Towers (R23), Financial Centre (R24), Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (R25), Business Bay (R26), ONPASSIVE (R29), Equiti (R31), Mall of the Emirates (R32), InsuranceMarket (R33), Dubai Internet City (R34), Al Fardan Exchange (R35), Sobha Realty (R36), DMCC (R37), National Paints (R38), Ibn Battuta (R39), Energy (R40), Danube (R41) and Life Pharmacy (R42). The Expo branch continues through The Gardens (R70), Discovery Gardens (R71), Al Furjan (R72), Jumeirah Golf Estates (R73), Dubai Investment Park (R74) and Expo 2020 (R76).
Union Metro Station Green Line
Union is station G20 on the Green Line. The stations on either side are:
| Direction | Next station |
|---|---|
| Towards e& | Salah Al Din (G19) |
| Towards Creek | Baniyas Square (G21) |
The Green Line runs from e& to Creek. In order, the Green Line stations are:
e& (G11), Al Qusais (G12), Dubai Airport Free Zone (G13), Al Nahda (G14), Stadium (G15), Al Qiyadah (G16), Abu Hail (G17), Abu Baker Al Siddique (G18), Salah Al Din (G19), Union (G20), Baniyas Square (G21), Gold Souq (G22), Al Ras (G23), Al Ghubaiba (G24), Sharaf DG (G25), BurJuman (G26), Oud Metha (G27), Dubai Healthcare City (G28), Al Jadaf (G29) and Creek (G30).
Station names are updated by RTA from time to time, so check the official metro map for the latest names.
How to Change Between the Red and Green Lines
You can transfer between the Red and Green Lines inside Union Metro Station without leaving the paid area.
Follow these steps:
- Leave the train and follow the overhead signs for the line you need.
- Look for the red signs for the Red Line or the green signs for the Green Line.
- Check the destination shown above each platform.
- Use the escalators, lifts or connecting passageways to reach the correct platform.
- Board your connecting train.
You do not tap your Nol card during the transfer. Your fare is calculated when you tap out at your final station, and the whole trip is charged as one journey based on the total zones you cross.
Union is larger than a standard single-line station, so allow a little extra walking time. Passengers with luggage, children or reduced mobility may need longer.
Check the direction before boarding
Do not rely on the line colour alone. Confirm the terminal or destination shown on the platform screen.
- On the Red Line, check whether the train is heading towards Centrepoint or towards Expo 2020 and the southern part of the network.
- On the Green Line, check whether the train is heading towards e& or Creek.
Union Metro Station Timings
Union is open every day and follows the standard Dubai Metro network schedule.
| Day | Metro operating hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | 5:00 AM to 12:00 midnight |
| Friday | 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM the following day |
| Saturday | 5:00 AM to 12:00 midnight |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM to 12:00 midnight |
The opening time is 5:00 AM on most days and 8:00 AM on Sunday. The closing time is midnight on most days and 1:00 AM on Friday.
Trains are frequent. During peak periods (about 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM), Red Line trains generally arrive every three to four minutes, and Green Line trains every five to six minutes. Off-peak intervals are usually longer, around seven to ten minutes.
These are network operating hours. The first and last trains at Union depend on the line, direction and final destination, so the last train can leave before the official closing time. For early or late trips, check the departure screens at Union, the RTA journey planner or the S’hail app. RTA may adjust hours during public holidays and major events.
Union Metro Station Exits and Layout
Union is a large underground station with several exits opening towards different sides of Union Square and the surrounding roads.
Common directions from the station include:
| Direction | Useful for |
|---|---|
| Al Rigga side | Al Rigga Road, hotels and restaurants |
| Omar Bin Al Khattab Road side | Al Ghurair Centre and nearby businesses |
| Union Square side | Bus stops, taxis and central Union Square |
| Baniyas and creek direction | Commercial streets and areas towards Dubai Creek |
Exit access can be affected by maintenance or roadworks, so follow the current overhead signs inside the station rather than relying on an older online guide. For a specific bus stop, check the stop number in the RTA journey planner for your route.
Union Metro Station Map and Nearby Stations
Union holds a central position on both lines.
Red Line order around Union: City Centre Deira → Al Rigga → Union → BurJuman → ADCB
Green Line order around Union: Abu Baker Al Siddique → Salah Al Din → Union → Baniyas Square → Gold Souq
This position makes Union especially useful for moving between the airport and Old Dubai, Deira and Downtown, the Gold Souq and Sheikh Zayed Road, and Creek-side districts and Dubai Marina.
Facilities at Union Metro Station
As a major interchange, Union offers the facilities passengers need for daily travel and line transfers:
- Nol card ticket machines
- Ticket and customer-service counters
- Passenger information screens
- Escalators and lifts
- Wide access gates
- ATMs and a telecom (du) service point
- Convenience shops nearby
- Security and station staff
- Taxi and bus connections outside
Accessibility
Union is designed to support People of Determination and passengers with reduced mobility. Features include spacious lifts, wide entrance and exit gates, tactile guidance paths, escalators, clear directional signs and designated wheelchair spaces on trains. Passengers who need help can speak to a member of station staff.
Nol Cards and Metro Fares
You need a valid Nol card or Nol Red Ticket to use Union Metro Station.
The basic process is:
- Buy or top up a Nol card.
- Tap the card at the entrance gate.
- Travel to your destination.
- Tap out at the final station.
The correct fare is deducted automatically. RTA requires at least AED 7.50 on your card to start a journey and recommends keeping around AED 15 for longer trips.
Fare structure
Dubai’s public transport network is divided into seven fare zones. Your fare depends on the number of zones your journey crosses, not the distance or number of stations. Single-journey fares are:
| Nol product | One zone | Two adjacent zones | More than two zones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Nol card | AED 3 | AED 5 | AED 7.50 |
| Gold Nol card | AED 6 | AED 10 | AED 15 |
| Personal Nol card | AED 3 | AED 5 | AED 7.50 |
| Nol Red Ticket | AED 4 | AED 6 | AED 8.50 |
The Nol Red Ticket is a paper ticket for occasional use. It costs AED 2 to issue, and the fares shown above are charged per trip on top of that ticket cost. It can hold up to 10 single trips and is valid for 90 days. A reloadable Silver card is more practical for anyone taking several journeys.
Concession fares
A personalised Nol card does not automatically give discounted fares. Concessions apply to eligible categories:
- Eligible students: 50% discount
- Eligible senior Emiratis and citizens: 50% discount
- Approved social-affairs passengers: 50% discount
- People of Determination: free travel
- Children aged five and below: free travel
Eligibility and application requirements apply, and concessions are available to UAE nationals and residents.
Daily fare cap
A daily spending cap keeps costs predictable. Once your total spend in one day reaches the cap, every further ride that day is free until midnight.
| Card | Daily cap |
|---|---|
| Silver and concession | AED 14 |
| Gold | AED 20 |
Nol travel passes
Regular commuters can buy a travel pass instead of paying per journey. A pass covers the metro, buses, tram and water bus.
| 30-day pass | Silver | Gold |
|---|---|---|
| One zone | AED 140 | AED 280 |
| Two zones | AED 230 | AED 460 |
| All zones | AED 350 | AED 700 |
Discounted passes are available to eligible students, seniors and other concession holders. Anonymous Silver and Gold cards can only hold a 7-day pass; a registered or personalised card is required for 30-day, 90-day and 365-day passes. Pass activation depends on how and where you buy or renew it, so follow the instructions from the Nol Pay app, ticket machine or station office. Fares and passes are set by RTA and can change, so confirm current prices on rta.ae before you buy.
Transfers between the Metro and buses
A metro-to-bus journey is treated as one connected trip when the transfer is completed within the allowed time. RTA currently allows up to 30 minutes between tapping out of one mode and tapping into the next, and you may make multiple eligible transfers within RTA’s maximum journey time. The fare is then based on the total zones crossed during the combined journey.
Union Square Bus Station and Bus Connections
Union Square is an important bus connection point for local and intercity travel. Union Square Bus Station is located next to the metro and is reachable on foot from the appropriate exit, which makes Union a convenient place to switch between metro and bus using the same Nol card.
Depending on the current timetable, you may find local Dubai buses, cross-city routes, seasonal attraction services and intercity coaches to other emirates, including Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi, Hatta and Al Ain.
Bus routes and stops change more often than metro lines, so confirm the route number, departure stand and last-bus time in the RTA journey planner using your destination and travel date. RTA can also be reached on 800 9090.
How to Reach Popular Destinations from Union Metro Station
Union Metro Station to Dubai International Airport
Take the Red Line towards Centrepoint and stay on the train. Exit at Airport Terminal 3 (R13) or Airport Terminal 1 (R14). No line change is needed. Terminal 2 does not have its own metro station. Each passenger may carry one large and one small suitcase within RTA’s size limits, stored in the designated luggage area.
Union Metro Station to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall
Take the Red Line towards BurJuman and the south of the city, and stay on the train until Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station (R25). Follow the signs for the connecting walkway when you leave.
Union Metro Station to Dubai Marina
Take the Red Line towards the south. Sobha Realty (R36) serves parts of Dubai Marina, and DMCC (R37) serves Jumeirah Lakes Towers. Check the closest station to your building before travelling.
Union Metro Station to Mall of the Emirates
Take the Red Line towards the south and exit at Mall of the Emirates Station (R32). No transfer is needed.
Union Metro Station to Gold Souq
Take the Green Line towards Creek and exit at Gold Souq Station (G22). Gold Souq is two stops from Union: Union → Baniyas Square → Gold Souq.
Union Metro Station to Dubai Healthcare City
Take the Green Line towards Creek and exit at Dubai Healthcare City Station (G28). No line change is required.
Union Metro Station to Expo City Dubai
Take a Red Line service that shows Expo 2020 (R76) as its destination. Some Red Line trains use a different southern terminal, so check the display before boarding.
Union Metro Station to Global Village
Global Village has no metro station, but there is usually a seasonal bus link. RTA has operated Route 103 between Union Square and Global Village during the venue’s opening season (roughly the cooler months). Because the service is seasonal and changes each year, confirm the route, stops, and timings on the S’hail app or globalvillage.ae before you travel.
Union Metro Station to Dubai Miracle Garden
Dubai Miracle Garden is in Dubailand and has no metro station, so the trip combines the metro with a bus or taxi:
- Take the Red Line towards the south.
- Exit at Mall of the Emirates Station (R32).
- Walk to the Mall of the Emirates bus station.
- Take the seasonal Route 105 service to Miracle Garden, or a taxi.
A taxi from Mall of the Emirates is often quicker for families or groups. Miracle Garden is seasonal, so check its opening dates first.
Union Metro Station to Dubai Creek
For the Deira waterfront, Union, Baniyas Square or Gold Souq may be closest, depending on your exact spot. For Creek Metro Station (G30), take the Green Line towards Creek to the final stop. Search for the specific hotel or address rather than entering only “Dubai Creek.”
Union Metro Station to Sharjah or Ajman
Buses to Sharjah and Ajman run from different transport points depending on the route. Before travelling, confirm the correct bus station, route number, departure stand, Nol acceptance and last departure time rather than assuming every intercity route leaves from Union Square.
Hotels Near Union Metro Station
Union is surrounded by hotels and hotel apartments across several budgets, which makes it a practical base for travellers who want a central location with a direct metro link to the airport, the souks and Downtown.
Accommodation around Union, Al Rigga and Dubai Creek includes international hotels, four-star business hotels, mid-range and budget hotels, and hotel apartments. Staying near Union is especially convenient for direct Red Line access to Dubai Airport, easy travel on both metro lines, and quick access to Old Dubai’s markets and affordable dining.
Before booking, check the actual walking route from the station rather than the straight-line distance, since main roads, crossings and your chosen exit affect how long the walk takes.
Restaurants Near Union Metro Station
Union, Al Rigga and the surrounding Deira streets offer a wide choice of dining, including Indian, Pakistani and Filipino restaurants, Arabic grills, cafeterias, coffee shops, fast-food outlets and hotel restaurants. Al Ghurair Centre is a convenient option for air-conditioned and food-court dining, while the nearby streets have many affordable independent restaurants.
Shopping and Attractions Near Union Metro Station
Al Ghurair Centre is one of the best-known landmarks by the station, with shops, restaurants, entertainment and hotel accommodation.
Dubai Creek is within reach of the Union and Baniyas area, and a traditional abra ride across the Creek is a popular experience.
Deira Twin Towers sits closer to the Creek and holds offices, shops and restaurants.
Naif, Al Ras, Gold Souq and Spice Souq are easy to reach by Green Line, taxi, bus or a longer walk, and are known for gold, spices, textiles, perfumes and traditional shops.
Al Rigga is one Red Line stop from Union and is also walkable from some exits, with hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and busy commercial streets.
Gyms, Spas and Everyday Services Near Union
Because Union sits in a well-established part of Deira, most everyday services are within the surrounding streets. Nearby you will typically find gyms and fitness centres, spas and salons, pharmacies, medical and dental clinics, banks and ATMs, exchange houses, typing centres, supermarkets and value stores, including Day to Day in the wider Union area.
Shared Accommodation Near Union Metro Station
The Union area is popular with workers and residents looking for shared rooms or bed spaces, thanks to its central location and transport links. If you are considering shared accommodation, deal only with authorised landlords or licensed providers, request written tenancy terms, confirm all payments and deposits, check occupancy rules, and avoid overcrowded or illegally partitioned units. The lowest advertised price should not be the only factor, since safety, legality, ventilation and privacy matter just as much.
Taxis, Ride-Hailing and Parking
Taxis and app-based ride services are widely available around Union Square and central Deira. For a smoother pickup, choose an exact station exit or landmark, confirm the correct side of the road, and allow extra time during peak traffic. Ride-hailing prices and waiting times may rise during busy periods.
Union is better suited to passengers arriving by metro, bus, taxi or on foot than to drivers looking for a major park-and-ride facility. Drivers who need long-term parking should use nearby paid parking or a station with an official park-and-ride facility elsewhere on the network.
Check the train destination on the platform screens before boarding, especially on the Red Line, where trains show different southern endpoints.
Expert Tips for Using Union Metro Station
Allow extra transfer time, since Union is a large interchange.
Travel outside peak periods when you can, as weekday mornings and evenings are busiest.
Keep enough Nol balance before entering the paid area, particularly when crossing several zones or connecting to a bus.
Choose the correct cabin. Trains have general cabins, a cabin for women and children, and Gold Class for passengers with the right fare. Using the wrong cabin can lead to a fine.
Let passengers off first, standing to the side of the doors before boarding.
Check the last train on the platform screens or the RTA journey planner, rather than assuming it leaves at the official closing time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a station exit before checking the signs
- Boarding a train in the wrong direction
- Re-tapping the Nol card during an internal line transfer
- Forgetting that Sunday service begins later, at 8:00 AM
- Assuming the metro directly serves every attraction
- Entering Gold Class or the women-and-children cabin without the correct eligibility
- Leaving too little time for the last train
- Relying on an old bus timetable
- Travelling with less than AED 7.50 on your card
Pros and Cons of Union Metro Station
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Connects the Red and Green Lines | Can be crowded during peak hours |
| Direct Red Line access to Dubai Airport | Large layout may confuse first-time users |
| Central location in Deira | Transfers involve extra walking |
| Convenient access to hotels and restaurants | Busy roads surround some exits |
| Nearby bus and taxi connections | Limited park-and-ride options |
| Useful for reaching Old and New Dubai | Last-train times vary by line and direction |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which line is Union Metro Station on?
Union is on both lines. It is coded R18 on the Red Line and G20 on the Green Line, and it is one of only two Red-to-Green interchange stations, along with BurJuman.
Is Union Metro Station open today?
Yes. Union operates every day, from 5:00 AM to midnight Monday to Thursday and Saturday, from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM on Friday, and from 8:00 AM to midnight on Sunday.
What is the Union Metro Station number?
The station code is R18 on the Red Line and G20 on the Green Line. For RTA customer help, the number is 800 9090.
What is the next station from Union?
On the Red Line, Al Rigga is next towards Centrepoint and BurJuman is next towards central Dubai. On the Green Line, Salah Al Din is next towards e& and Baniyas Square is next towards Creek.
What time does Union Metro Station open?
It opens at 5:00 AM from Monday to Saturday and at 8:00 AM on Sunday.
What is the closing time of Union Metro Station?
The network closes at midnight from Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, and at 1:00 AM on Friday. The last train from Union may leave a little earlier depending on the line and direction.
Which direction should I take at Union Metro Station?
Check the platform screens. On the Red Line, choose Centrepoint or Expo 2020; on the Green Line, choose e& or Creek, depending on your destination.
Do I need to tap my Nol card when changing lines?
No. Stay inside the paid area and follow the signs to the connecting platform. You tap out only at your final station.
How much is the metro fare from Union?
Fares depend on the zones crossed and your card type. Standard Silver fares are AED 3 for one zone, AED 5 for two adjacent zones and AED 7.50 for more than two zones.
Is there a daily fare cap?
Yes. Silver and concession cards are capped at AED 14 a day, and Gold at AED 20. After the cap, further rides that day are free until midnight.
What are the stations on the Red Line?
The Red Line runs from Centrepoint to Expo 2020, passing key stops such as Airport Terminals 1 and 3, City Centre Deira, Al Rigga, Union, BurJuman, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Business Bay, Mall of the Emirates, Sobha Realty, DMCC and Ibn Battuta, with a branch to Life Pharmacy.
Is there a bus station near Union Metro Station?
Yes. Union Square Bus Station is next to the metro and reachable on foot, offering local and intercity services.
Can I travel directly from Union to Global Village?
A seasonal direct bus, Route 103, has run between Union Square and Global Village during the venue’s season. Confirm the current schedule before travelling.
Is Union Metro Station wheelchair accessible?
Yes. It has lifts, wide gates, tactile paths and other accessibility features.
Is Union Metro Station underground?
Yes. Union is an underground interchange station in Deira.
Summary
Union Metro Station is one of Dubai’s most important public transport hubs. Its position on both the Red and Green Lines makes it convenient for travelling between Deira, Dubai Airport, Bur Dubai, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Expo City and the districts around Dubai Creek, and it sits beside Union Square Bus Station for intercity travel.
For a smoother journey, keep enough Nol balance, check the train direction, allow extra time for transfers, and confirm your exit before leaving the paid area. Timings, fares, seasonal buses and station names can change, so verify time-sensitive details through RTA or the S’hail app before you travel.
