Airport Terminal 1 is the Red Line station for DXB’s international terminal — the terminal used by roughly 100 long-haul carriers that aren’t Emirates. Like its Terminal 3 sibling, the station connects to the arrivals hall via an air-conditioned indoor walkway, putting you on a train to the city within minutes of clearing customs.
This guide covers the walk from arrivals, platforms, fares, luggage tips, timings and bus connections.
Station Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Station code | R14 |
| Line | Red Line |
| Fare zone | 5 |
| Type | Underground — 2 tracks |
| Opened | 9 September 2009 |
| Neighbouring stations | Airport Terminal 3 ← → Al Garhoud |
| Interchange | No — nearest: Union (3 stops) |
| Location | Dubai Airport Road, Terminal 1, DXB, Al Garhoud |
Which Terminal Is Which?
| Terminal | Metro station | Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Airport Terminal 1 (R14) — this station | ~100 long-haul international carriers |
| Terminal 3 | Airport Terminal 3 (R13) — one stop away | Emirates, Qantas, United, Air Canada |
| Terminal 2 | No metro | Regional / low-cost carriers — bus or taxi only |
The Walk: Arrivals → Metro
- Follow the “Metro” signs from the Terminal 1 arrivals hall — fully indoor, air-conditioned
- Walk time: roughly 10–15 minutes with bags (similar to Terminal 3)
- Lifts and escalators throughout — step-free with luggage trolleys
Platforms & Directions
- Platform 1 (northbound): toward Centrepoint — one stop (via Airport Terminal 3)
- Platform 2 (southbound): toward Expo 2020 / Life Pharmacy — Al Garhoud → Deira → Union → Downtown → Marina
Key Journeys & Fares
| Destination | Route | Silver fare |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Mall / Burj Khalifa | Red Line direct to R25 (~20 min) | ~AED 5 |
| Deira (Union) | Red Line direct, 3 stops | ~AED 3 |
| Dubai Marina | Red Line to DMCC (R37) → tram | ~AED 7.50 + AED 3 tram |
| Old Dubai (souqs) | Red Line to Union → Green Line to Gold Souq | ~AED 5 |
Buy your Nol card at the station’s ticket office or machines before boarding — the metro is Nol-only. (Check balance · recharge · tourist guide · where to buy.)
Luggage on the Metro
- Allowance: one large suitcase + one small bag per passenger
- Use lifts with heavy bags; board the middle carriages for more room
- Gold Class (first carriage, ~double fare) offers extra space and front-window views
- Avoid rush hours (7–9 AM, 5–7:30 PM) with big suitcases
Bus Connections
Terminal 1 has one of the widest bus selections of any station:
- C01: Airport Terminal 3 ↔ Satwa Station
- 24, 25, 33, 43, 77: Festival City, Rashidiya, Karama, Al Garhoud corridors
- 11A, 32C, 64A, X64: Gold Souq, Satwa, Ras Al Khor routes
- E700: Union Square ↔ Fujairah (intercity)
- N30: night service
- F04: Sabkha turnoff feeder
Timings
| Day | Operating hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Friday | 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Saturday | 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
What’s Nearby
- Bustan Rotana Hotel — ~11 min walk from the station area
- Al Garhoud district — one stop south; restaurants and services
- Dubai Festival City — short bus/taxi ride (bus 24)
Last updated: October 2026. Timings follow RTA’s published schedule; verify live departures in the RTA app.
Key Journeys From This Station
| Destination | Route | Approx. time* |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Mall / Burj Khalifa | Red Line direct to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall | ~20 min |
| Dubai Marina | Red Line to DMCC → Dubai Tram | 45–55 min |
| Gold Souq (Deira) | Red Line to Union → Green Line to Gold Souq | ~25 min |
| Expo City Dubai | Red Line ‘Expo 2020’ train to Expo 2020 | 75–85 min |
*Approximate, including average waiting time; actual times vary by time of day. Fares: AED 3 (1 zone) / AED 5 (2 zones) / AED 7.50 (3+ zones) on a Silver Nol card.
Station Facilities & Accessibility
Like all Dubai Metro stations, Airport Terminal 1 offers step-free access and the standard RTA facility set:
- Ticketing: ticket office, vending machines and Nol card top-up kiosks
- Step-free: lifts and escalators to all levels; tactile paving for visually impaired passengers
- Onboard info: audio announcements in Arabic and English; real-time digital displays
- Comfort: fully air-conditioned concourse and platforms with platform screen doors
- Services: prayer rooms, washrooms, retail kiosks, ATMs and free Wi-Fi
- Safety: 24/7 CCTV, emergency call points and staffed information desks
Station History
The station opened on 9 September 2009 with the Red Line’s first phase, as the underground counterpart to the Terminal 3 station one stop north. Terminal 1 handles roughly 100 long-haul international carriers — the station was built to absorb their passengers with a direct indoor walkway from arrivals. It has remained largely unchanged since opening, quietly doing its job as the arrival point for most non-Emirates visitors to Dubai.
Landed? A Perfect First Half-Day
Arrival: clear customs, buy a Nol card at the station machines, and ride to Union (3 stops) for a Green Line connection — or stay on the Red Line to Dubai Mall (20 min). Afternoon: the Gold Souq and Spice Souq via Union, then an abra across the Creek. Evening: back to your hotel — Deira’s hotel cluster (Sheraton, Pullman, Novotel) is minutes from the station. Total transport: under AED 10 on the metro.
Good to Know: Riding From This Station
- Tap in and out — every journey needs both taps, or you’ll be charged the maximum fare.
- No eating or drinking on trains and in stations — this rule is strictly enforced.
- Let passengers alight first before boarding; stand clear of the doors.
- Women & children cabin: the pink-marked cabin is reserved — men entering can be fined AED 100.
- Gold Class: the premium cabin (roughly double the fare) is at the front in the direction of travel.
- Luggage: one large suitcase + one small bag per passenger; use the lifts.
- Friday nights run late (until 1:00 AM); Sunday mornings start late (8:00 AM).
Where to Stay & Eat Nearby
The Bustan Rotana Hotel is about an 11-minute walk from the station area, and Deira’s hotel cluster (Sheraton, Pullman, Novotel) is minutes away by metro or taxi. Inside Terminal 1, the food courts and restaurants airside and landside cover layovers; outside, Al Garhoud and Deira offer far cheaper local eating within one or two metro stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which metro station is for Dubai Airport Terminal 1?
Airport Terminal 1 station (R14) on the Red Line — connected to the arrivals hall by an indoor air-conditioned walkway (~10–15 min with bags).
How do I get from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3?
One metro stop (R14 ↔ R13), or the free airside airport train between the terminals. They’re adjacent buildings.
How much is the metro from Terminal 1 to Dubai Mall?
About AED 5 on a Silver Nol card — Red Line direct to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (R25), roughly 20 minutes.
Can I take luggage on the metro from Terminal 1?
Yes — one large suitcase plus one small bag per passenger. Use the lifts and board the middle carriages; Gold Class has extra space.
Where do I buy a Nol card at Terminal 1?
At the station’s ticket office and vending machines — buy before going through the gates. The metro is Nol-only.
Is there a metro to Terminal 2?
No. Terminal 2 has no metro station — take a bus or taxi (~10–15 min from Terminal 1).
Which airlines use Terminal 1?
Roughly 100 long-haul international carriers — everyone except Emirates (Terminal 3) and the regional/low-cost carriers at Terminal 2.
What buses run from Terminal 1?
C01, 24, 25, 33, 43, 77, 11A, 32C, 64A, X64, F04, N30 (night) and the E700 intercity bus to Fujairah.
What time does the metro start at Terminal 1?
5:00 AM Monday–Saturday; 8:00 AM on Sunday. Last trains run before the midnight system close (1:00 AM Friday).
What fare zone is Airport Terminal 1 station in?
Zone 5. Deira/Union trips are ~AED 3; Downtown ~AED 5; the Marina ~AED 7.50 on a Silver Nol card.
Is Airport Terminal 1 station step-free with luggage?
Yes — as an underground station it has lifts and escalators from the arrivals walkway to the platforms, designed for luggage trolleys.
Which is better for tourists: Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 station?
They’re one stop apart and functionally identical. Use whichever terminal you land at — the journeys, fares and facilities are the same.
How early should I reach Terminal 1 before my flight?
Aim to be at the terminal 3 hours before long-haul departures. From most city stations the metro takes 20–40 minutes — add buffer for the 10–15 minute station walkway.
Is there free Wi-Fi at Airport Terminal 1 station?
Yes — free Wi-Fi is available across Dubai Metro stations, and the terminal itself has airport Wi-Fi. Handy for last-minute boarding-pass downloads.
Keep exploring the Dubai Metro cluster: All Dubai Metro Stations · Airport Terminal 3 Station · Metro to Airport Guide · Luggage Rules · Metro Timings · Nol Card for Tourists · Nol Card Balance Check
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