Union is where Dubai’s two metro lines meet — and at 25,000 square metres, it is the largest underground metro station in the world. Sitting under Union Square in Deira, it handles 13.6 million riders a year, connects the Red and Green Lines, and feeds one of the city’s biggest bus stations. If your journey crosses between new Dubai and old Dubai, you will transfer here.
This guide covers the station layout, all four exits, platform directions, bus connections, timings and fares — and how to make the long Red↔Green transfer without stress.
Station Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Station codes | R18 (Red Line) / G20 (Green Line) |
| Lines | Red Line + Green Line (interchange) |
| Fare zone | 5 |
| Type | Underground, multi-level — 25,000 sqm |
| Opened | 9 September 2009 |
| Location | Union Square, Al Rigga, Deira |
| 2025 ridership | 13.6 million (3rd busiest in the network) |
Station Layout: Three Levels
Union’s size comes from stacking two lines underground:
- Street level (G): entrances and exits around Union Square
- Concourse (L1): fare gates, ticket machines, retail, crossover between lines
- Red Line platforms (L2): upper platform level
- Green Line platforms (lower level): below the Red Line
Platforms & Directions
| Platform | Line | Direction | Next station |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform 1 | Red | Eastbound → Centrepoint | Al Rigga |
| Platform 2 | Red | Southbound → Life Pharmacy / Expo 2020 | BurJuman |
| Platform 3 | Green | Northbound → e& | Salah Al Din |
| Platform 4 | Green | Westbound → Creek | Baniyas Square |
Transferring Red ↔ Green: follow the interchange signs from the platform up/down through the concourse — you stay inside the paid area, no tap-out needed.
Exits: Which One to Take
| Exit | Leads to |
|---|---|
| Exit 1 | Al Rigga Street — hotels, restaurants, Al Rigga district |
| Exit 2 | Omar Bin Al Khattab Road — Union bus station / bus terminal side |
| Exit 3 | Baniyas Road — Naif Souq area |
| Exit 4 | Green Line platform level access |
Union Bus Station: Intercity Connections
Union Square Bus Station (Exit 2 side) is one of Dubai’s main intercity terminals, with coaches to:
- Sharjah — frequent services (including E303/E303A corridors)
- Ajman and Fujairah — regular intercity routes
- Local feeder routes including F01 (Al Baraha) and F63
What’s Nearby
| Place | What it is |
|---|---|
| Al Ghurair Centre | One of Deira’s oldest malls — shopping, dining, cinema |
| Naif Souq | Traditional market (Exit 3 side) |
| Dubai Creek | Short walk — abra crossings and dhow views |
| Consulates & municipal buildings | Several consulates and Dubai government offices nearby |
| Maktoum Hospital | Major hospital in the district |
| Twin Towers / Union Square | Landmark towers above the station |
Timings & First/Last Trains
| 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 |
Peak frequency every 3–4 minutes. (Full detail in our Dubai Metro timings guide.)
Fares & Nol Card
Union is in Zone 5. Silver Nol fares: AED 3 (1 zone), AED 5 (2 zones), AED 7.50 (3+ zones). Transfers between lines don’t cost extra — the fare is calculated on zones crossed for the whole journey, as long as you don’t tap out. (Check balance · recharge · card types.)
Practical Tips
- Union vs BurJuman: use Union for airport ↔ Old Dubai transfers (it’s closer to the airport); use BurJuman for Downtown ↔ Bur Dubai.
- Rush hour: the concourse gets extremely crowded 7–9 AM and 5–7:30 PM — keep moving and follow the floor markings.
- Intercity buses: buy coach tickets at the bus station counters, not at the metro gates — they’re separate systems.
- Facilities: ticket machines, Nol top-up, prayer rooms, restrooms, retail outlets, free Wi-Fi and information desks.
Watch: Dubai Metro Complete Tour — Union to Expo 2020
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* |
|---|---|---|
| DXB Airport (T3) | Red Line direct to Airport Terminal 3 | ~10 min |
| Dubai Mall / Burj Khalifa | Red Line direct to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall | 20–25 min |
| Dubai Marina | Red Line to DMCC → Dubai Tram | 40–50 min |
| Gold Souq (Deira) | Green Line direct to Gold Souq | ~10 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, Union 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
Union opened on 9 September 2009 with the Red Line, and became a true interchange when the Green Line arrived in 2011. At 25,000 square metres, it was built as the network’s showpiece — and remains the largest underground metro station in the world. Its location under Union Square was deliberate: the square has been a Deira landmark and bus hub for decades, and the station fused the old intercity bus network with the new rail network in one place.
A Perfect Half-Day From Union
Morning: Green Line to Gold Souq (10 min) — explore the Gold and Spice Souqs, then an abra across the Creek. Midday: lunch at Al Seef or in the Al Fahidi quarter. Afternoon: back to Union, Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall for the Aquarium and an early fountain show. Why Union works: it’s the only station where both lines and the intercity buses meet — the ideal base for a two-sided Dubai day.
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).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which lines meet at Union station?
The Red Line (R18) and the Green Line (G20). It’s one of only two interchanges in the network, the other being BurJuman.
Do I need to tap out to change lines at Union?
No. Follow the interchange signs through the concourse — you stay inside the paid area, and the fare is calculated on total zones crossed.
Which exit is for Union bus station?
Exit 2 (Omar Bin Al Khattab Road side) leads to Union Square Bus Station, with intercity coaches to Sharjah, Ajman and Fujairah.
How long is the transfer walk at Union?
Allow 5–10 minutes. The Red Line platforms sit above the Green Line platforms with a long concourse walk between them — one of the longest interchange walks in the network.
Should I change at Union or BurJuman?
Use Union for airport ↔ Old Dubai trips (closer to the airport) and BurJuman for Downtown ↔ Bur Dubai trips. Both connect the same two lines.
Are there buses from Union to Sharjah?
Yes. Union Square Bus Station runs frequent intercity coaches to Sharjah, plus services to Ajman and Fujairah. Buy tickets at the bus station counters.
What is near Union Metro Station?
Al Ghurair Centre mall, Naif Souq, Dubai Creek, several consulates and municipal buildings, Maktoum Hospital, and the Twin Towers at Union Square.
What fare zone is Union station in?
Zone 5. Silver Nol fares: AED 3 (1 zone), AED 5 (2 zones), AED 7.50 (3+ zones).
What are Union station timings?
Monday–Thursday and Saturday: 5:00 AM–12:00 AM; Friday: 5:00 AM–1:00 AM; Sunday: 8:00 AM–12:00 AM. Peak trains every 3–4 minutes.
Is Union the biggest metro station in Dubai?
At 25,000 sqm, it is the largest underground metro station in the world — though the newer Expo 2020 station covers a larger total area above ground.
Is Union station accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes — lifts, ramps, tactile paths, wide fare gates and accessible restrooms throughout. The interchange walk is long, so allow extra time.
Can I leave luggage at Union station?
There are no left-luggage facilities in the station. For day trips with bags, use your hotel or the airport’s storage services.
Keep exploring the Dubai Metro cluster: All Dubai Metro Stations · BurJuman Interchange · Al Rigga Station · Gold Souq Station · Metro Timings · Metro Map · Nol Card Balance Check