Union Metro Station Dubai: The Ultimate Guide (2026)

Tens of thousands of people, regardless of whether they are going to work, tourists, or traders, pass through the doors of the Union Metro Station, which is considered one of the most important stations for people who make use of the Dubai Metro Red Line. It is found at the periphery of Old Dubai, in the heart of Deira. It is one of those stations that come alive from the first train to the last.

It can be a little disconcerting for people who are new to Dubai, especially for those who want to know the right exit to take to go to the famous Gold Souk, the best bus to take to go to Sharjah, or the last train times to catch to go back home by Friday night. These are issues that even locals get wrong, but this guide will have all the information that you need to know for your first visit as a tourist, your first weeks as a new resident, or as a regular user who wants to get the best out of your daily commute.

What Is Union Metro Station? An Overview

Where Exactly Is Union Station Located?

The location of this station is at one of the oldest places in Dubai. The name of this place is Deira. It must be noted that this station is famous for its cultural heritage. It must be noted that this station is located at one of the places that are close to Bani Yas Square and the Dubai Creek waterfront. It must be noted that Dubai Creek is the lifeline that gave life to this great city before the skyscrapers came into existence.

Furthermore, due to the geographical location of this station, it can be clearly understood that this station is of great importance and significance as it is located at one of the places that are close to the Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Al Ghurair Centre, and one can reach this place by merely walking. However, in case your destination is Al Ras Station and your direction is towards the east, or your destination is at the heart of the new city, and your direction is towards the west, then this station is merely a ride away. However, in case your destination is merely to visit Old Dubai, then this station is for you.

Which Metro Line Serves Union Station?

As mentioned in the above paragraph, the Union Metro Station serves the Dubai Metro Red Line. This line extends from Rashidiya to the UAE Exchange. The stations that are located near the Union Metro Station are Al Ras Station towards the east and Baniyas Square towards the west, one station away in both directions.

A Common Misconception

Until recently, the Metro Station at Union has been serving not only one, but two lines. Just to let you know, as of today, the Dubai Metro lines that pass through the Metro Station at Union are only the Red Line. So, if your sources have indicated that Metro Station at Union serves not only one, but two lines, namely, the Red Line and Green Line, just to let you know, your sources must have obtained this information from an outdated Dubai Metro map. To get the latest information, you just have to download the official RTA Dubai app or visit their official website to get the latest Dubai Metro map.

What Are the Operating Hours of Union Metro Station?

Day	Operating Hours
Saturday – Wednesday	5:00 AM – Midnight
Thursday	5:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Friday	10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Public Holidays	Hours may vary — check the RTA app

Note: During major events like the Dubai Shopping Festival or Eid, extended hours are sometimes introduced. The RTA app provides real-time updates.

Union Metro Station Route & Line Information

Destination	Metro Line	Travel Time	Fare (AED)
Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall	Red Line	17 minutes	5.00
Dubai Marina	Red Line	35 minutes	7.50
Mall of the Emirates	Red Line	29 minutes	7.50
Al Ghubaiba	Green Line	8 minutes	3.00
Dubai Healthcare City	Green Line	12 minutes	5.00
Etisalat	Red Line	22 minutes	5.00
Expo 2020	Red Line	47 minutes	7.50
Jebel Ali	Red Line	52 minutes	7.50
Al Rigga	Red Line	3 minutes	3.00
Burjuman	Red Line	5 minutes	3.00
Deira City Centre	Red Line	7 minutes	3.00
Al Ras	Green Line	5 minutes	3.00
Baniyas Square	Green Line	2 minutes	3.00
Al Fahidi	Green Line	7 minutes	3.00
Salah Al Din	Green Line	5 minutes	3.00
Gold Souq	Green Line	6 minutes	3.00
Business Bay	Red Line	19 minutes	5.00
Financial Centre	Red Line	15 minutes	5.00
Emirates Towers	Red Line	14 minutes	5.00
Sharaf DG	Red Line	33 minutes	7.50
Noor Bank	Red Line	25 minutes	7.50
First Gulf Bank	Red Line	31 minutes	7.50
Nakheel	Red Line	39 minutes	7.50
DMCC	Green Line	42 minutes	7.50
Al Nahda	Green Line	14 minutes	5.00
Etisalat	Green Line	18 minutes	5.00

Which Metro Line Serves Union Station?

Union Metro Station was made available for public usage after the inauguration of Phase 1 of the Dubai Metro in September 2009. It should be noted that this particular metro station in Dubai was actually named after the union that took place in the UAE in 1971. It should also be noted that this particular metro station is actually located in an area that is referred to as Deira. It should also be noted that this particular area came into existence even before Dubai, as we know it, came into existence, and still maintains some of its traditional appeal.  

How to Get to Union Metro Station — All Routes Explained

Getting There by Dubai Metro

The Red Line connects Union Station to the rest of Dubai quickly and affordably. Some useful reference travel times:

• From Dubai Mall / Burj Khalifa station: approximately 25–30 minutes
• From Dubai International Airport (Terminal 1 / Terminal 3): approximately 20–25 minutes
• From JBR / Jumeirah Beach Residence (DMCC station): approximately 40–45 minutes

Bus Routes Connected to Union Station

Union Metro Station can be considered to be one of the best-connected stations in Dubai in terms of transportation facilities. This can be stated because this particular station is located near one of the major RTA Dubai bus terminuses. Several bus routes emanate from this particular station, some of which are quite important in terms of their contribution to other areas in Dubai.

 The more important routes that can be accessed from this particular station are the ones that can take an individual to Al Qusais, Muhaisnah, Al Nahda, and Sharjah Central Bus Station. In order to know the bus numbers that need to be taken in order to get to the required destination, it would be advisable to make use of the RTA Dubai app, as it would be able to provide an individual with more accurate information. 

This would be more accurate in comparison to making use of any other medium for the same, considering the fact that this is one of the busiest stations. Taxi and Ride-Hailing Taxis are also available at this station, and one can get picked up and dropped off at this station, within the specified area, near one of the exits of the station. 

Taxi and Ride-Hailing Options

Union Metro Station In addition to that, the services of Uber and Careem are readily available at this station, within this specified area. Considering the fact that this station is within the Deira region, one can get the service without having to face ‘Surge Pricing,’ unlike other areas of Dubai, for instance, Downtown Dubai.

As far as the service of ride-hailing is concerned, it might take a little longer to get your booked ride from 7 AM to 9 AM and from 5 PM to 8 PM, i.e., peak hours. It might take less time to get your Metro ride, even in the peak hours.

Union Metro Station Walking Distance Landmarks

Several of Dubai’s most iconic destinations are reachable on foot in under 10 minutes from Union Station:

• Gold Souk — the world-famous open-air market
• Spice Souk — a sensory experience unlike anywhere else in the city
• Naif Souk — traditional clothing, perfumes, and household goods
• Al Ghurair Centre — one of the UAE’s oldest shopping malls
• Dubai Creek waterfront — ideal for a dhow ride or a scenic walk

Union Metro Station Exits — Which Gate Should You Use?

It is extremely important to know which exit to take while exiting the Metro Station to save your precious time and get rid of any confusion. We have divided this into three sections for your convenience. Kindly read on.  

Exit 1 — What’s Nearby?

This exit is in the direction of Baniyas Road and the Dubai Creek waterfront. If your destination is Dubai Creek for a dhow cruise or a casual stroll along the waterfront towards Deira Corniche or any of the hotels and restaurants located along the waterfront, then you should take this exit.  

Exit 2 — What’s Nearby?

This exit will prove to be best for you if you are heading to the Gold Souk, Spice Souk, or Naif Souk. This exit will take you to the streets of Old Deira. This exit is the most popular exit for tourists who are heading to this destination.  

Pro Tip: Using the Right Exit Saves You Time

The most common mistake that is made by tourists at this Union Metro Station is that they are coming out of the wrong exit and are facing a road that is not familiar to them. It should be noted that this Union Metro Station is located at a very busy intersection, and if you are coming out of one exit, you will be in a very different environment compared to when you are coming out of the other exit. Hence, before proceeding towards the exit gates, it would be wise to check out your destination by using Google, and get your exit location also by using Google. This would take only 10 seconds, and this would save you 10 minutes.  

Things to Do Near Union Metro Station

Shopping Near Union Station

Al Ghurair Centre is also within walking distance of this station. This would also provide you with a very modern experience of shopping. If you want to get something traditional, you can always move towards Naif Souk. Naif Souk has everything that you want to purchase, like Abayas, fabrics, perfumes, household items, etc. These items would be available at much lower rates compared to what you would be spending on shopping malls.

The electronic and textile market in Deira is within walking distance of this station too. This would be one of your favorite places if you are one of those who know this place very well.

Food & Dining Around Union Metro Station

The food available in Deira is some of the cheapest food available in Dubai. There are many restaurants available near Union Station to cater to the people residing in this area, too. The food available in these restaurants would cost around AED 15-30.

If one wants to take some food with them, there are many street food stalls available near Spice Souk and Gold Souk, where one can get food such as fresh fruit juices, shawarma, etc., at any time of the day. If one wants to take a proper meal, there are many halal food restaurants available on Baniyas Road, where one can get all kinds of food available in Deira.

Cultural Attractions You Can Reach from Union Station

Dubai Creek Dhow Rides: If one is interested in taking some real experiences, one can take an abra ride across the creek, which is near Union Station. This is one of the most authentic experiences that one can get in Dubai, and this would cost one just 1 AED.

Dubai Museum: If one is interested in knowing about the history of Dubai prior to the discovery of oil, one can visit this museum, which is just a metro ride away from the Union Metro Station.

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood: This is one of the best historical sites in Dubai. This historical place is near the Union Metro Station.

Coffee Museum: This is a quaint little museum in Al Fahidi. If one is a coffee lover, then this museum is of great interest to him or her.

Hotels Near Union Metro Station

If one is one of those who prefer location over luxury, then one can experience some of the best prices in Deira, Dubai. There are many hotels in this area. One can find many budget hotels in this area, between 0.5 and 1 km from the Union Metro Station.

Note: The extra hours are added to the operating hours of the Dubai Metro for special occasions like the Dubai Shopping Festival and Eid.  

How Much Does It Cost to Travel from Union Station?

The cost of traveling while using the Dubai Metro is as follows:

If you are coming from Union Station:

• Union → Dubai Mall: approximately AED 4.00
• Union → Dubai International Airport (T3): approximately AED 5.00
• Union → UAE Exchange: approximately AED 7.50

If you want to have more luxury while traveling, then you should opt for the Gold Class carriages. They are available in the front two cars of the train. The amount will be double what you are presently paying, but you will also get the same amount of time, as well as space to sit.

How to Use Your NOL Card at Union Station

NOL cards can be topped up at:

• Ticket vending machines inside the station
• Customer service counters (for larger top-ups or card issues)
• The RTA Dubai app (mobile top-up, with a short sync delay before use)

RTA Dubai App

If you are not in a position to use your NOL card, then look for the RTA staff. The staff will always be available at any time of the day. The staff will always be in a position to assist you with your problem. Your problem could be that the money in your NOL card is not sufficient or that your NOL card will not be in a position to function unless you tap twice to sync your recent top-up done through your mobile phone.

Facilities Inside Union Metro Station

• Ticket vending machines and customer service counters near the main entry
• Lifts, ramps, and full wheelchair access at all levels
• Retail kiosks selling snacks, beverages, and convenience items
• Washrooms on the concourse level
• Prayer rooms are accessible within the station
• Designated ladies’ and children’s carriages (the rear car is reserved)
• Wi-Fi is available throughout the Dubai Metro network, including Union Station
• Lost and found: Contact RTA directly via the app or call center for items left on trains or at the station

Union Metro Station vs. Other Major Dubai Metro Hubs

Union Station vs. BurJuman Metro Station

BurJuman Metro Station

This is a metro station where people can interchange from the red line to the green line. This is a little complicated as well as convenient. It is recommended that this station be used while traveling to the Southern region of the Emirate, i.e., while traveling to Karama, Oud Metha, or Jadaf.

Union Metro Station

The Union Metro Station is quite simple and easy to use. There are fewer metro routes to follow. It is recommended that this station be used while going to Old Dubai or Deira. 

Union Station vs. Union Square

This might probably be one of the biggest confusions that tourists might face. Though the Union Metro Station is situated in the Deira region, the Union Square is situated in a completely different location. This location is a commercial location and therefore has no connection whatsoever to the Union Metro Station. Hence, it is imperative that before setting off to either of these locations, it is ensured that the exact location of the destination is given. 

Insider Tips for Using Union Metro Station Like a Local

• Avoid traveling between 7:45 and 9:00 AM and 5:30 and 7:30 PM on weekdays. The Red Line gets genuinely packed during these windows, particularly heading toward the airport or downtown.
• Board toward the back of the train if you’re heading to the Gold Souk exit. The rear carriages align more conveniently with Exit 2.
• During Ramadan, metro hours shift—the Friday schedule often applies across the week. Double-check timing during this period.
• Google Maps works well for metro directions in Dubai, but the RTA app is more accurate for real-time bus connections from Union Station’s terminus.
• Keep your bag in front of you in the souk areas around the station. The neighborhoods are safe, but Deira is busy and crowded — basic awareness goes a long way.

Union Metro Station for Tourists — Everything You Need to Know

Is Union Metro Station Safe for Solo Travelers?

It is also believed that it is one of the safest places for tourists to visit. There are officials from the RTA present at the Union Metro Station, and CCTV cameras have also been installed to provide maximum security to the tourists who visit this particular station. It is completely safe for single women tourists to explore and roam around the areas near the Union Metro Station. It is also recommended that tourists should also ensure that they display some amount of modesty while visiting Dubai so that they can respect the culture of the country.

Is Union Station Good for Families?

Yes, it is very good for families. The lifts are very convenient, and it is very easy to get around with your prams and strollers. The Gold Souk, the dhow cruises in the creek, and the Al Ghurair Centre are very good for family outings and activities. It is also not very large and very easy to get around, not very complicated, unlike some of the other stations in Dubai.

Useful Arabic Phrases to Know at Union Station

Although it may not be very important to know these phrases to navigate the metro station, as English is the language of the day, it will surely be very helpful in Deira, as the locals will surely appreciate your attempt to learn their language.

• Mahatta (مَحَطَّة) — Station
• Wain (وين) — Where?
• Shukran (شكراً) — Thank you
• Kam? (كم؟) — How much?
• Yimeen / Yassar — Right / Left

Your Gateway to Old Dubai Starts Here

The Union Metro Station is not only your station, your gateway to your train, or your gateway to your destination, but it is also your gateway to the rich and interesting history of Dubai, where the creek, the souk, and the trading culture that built this emirate from scratch come into one. This is also your gateway to the best that Old Dubai has to offer to tourists, and it is also your gateway to your destination, especially if you are one of the locals who live in this area.

This is also your gateway to where the new and the old meet. With this guide in your hands, you have everything you need to know to have a smooth experience in the station, where to exit, how to pay your fare, when to go, and where to go after your exit from the metro. Planning to visit Dubai? Bookmark this post and share it with your friends who are visiting this beautiful emirate. Have questions about Union Station and everything else along the Red Line? Let us know your questions in the comments below!