Union Metro Station is one of the most convenient stations of public transport for those who is traveling through Deira or switching between Dubai’s two major Metro lines. The station is situated in Union Square, Union Metro Station serves both the Red Line and Green Line and allows customers to switch routes without having to leave in the Metro system.
Tourists can enjoy easy connections to Dubai International Airport, Old Dubai and many of the modern parts within the town. For daily commuters and residents the central Deira position helps in getting to the nearby offices, shopping malls hotels, bus routes and other facilities.
In the Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Union is officially coded R18/G20 and is one of two stations at which passengers can switch between the green and red lines. The other station is BurJuman.
Union Metro Station at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Station name | Union Metro Station |
| Station codes | R18 / G20 |
| Metro lines | Red Line and Green Line |
| Area | Deira, Dubai |
| The main function | Metro interchange as well as local transport access |
| Nearby region | Union Square, Al Rigga and central Deira |
| Payment | nol card or a valid nol ticket |
| Alternatives to interchange | BurJuman Metro Station |
The current RTA details of the networks confirm that Union BurJuman and BurJuman are interchange stations that connect the Dubai Metro’s Red and Green lines.
Where Is Union Metro Station Located?
Union Metro Station is in Deira near the Union Square and the busy commercial areas surrounding Al Rigga, Al Maktoum Road and Omar Bin Al Khattab Road.
This area is especially useful due to the fact that Deira includes residential areas traditional commercial streets, hotels and restaurants, as well as shopping centers and has access to Dubai Creek.
Al Ghurair Centre is also just a few steps away from the station. The current public transport map places the mall around five minutes walk from Union but the actual walking distance is dependent on the station exit that you take.
Why Union Metro Station Matters
Union’s greatest benefit is its function as an interconnection with the Red Metro and the Green Metro lines.
Red Line: The Red Line is useful for accessing areas such as Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Mall of the Emirates and destinations further south. Its Green Line serves more of Old Dubai and areas including Baniyas Square, Al Ras, Al Ghubaiba, Oud Metha, Dubai Healthcare City and Creek.
Because both lines intersect at Union the passengers can switch trains within the station, instead of having to travel outside to locate a new Metro connection.
This is what makes Union particularly practical when one starts in Deira and then continues towards the central Dubai or the historical areas that surround Dubai Creek.
Red Line Connections From Union Metro Station
Union Station Station R18 located on the Red Line. On the side of the airport, the nearby stations comprise Al Rigga, City Centre Deira, Airport Terminal 1 and Airport Terminal 3 before the line gets to Centrepoint.
The reverse direction leads passengers towards BurJuman and then onwards to the most important areas of Dubai.
| Direction | Key Stations / Destinations |
|---|---|
| Towards Centrepoint | Al Rigga, City Centre Deira, Airport Terminal 1 & 3, Emirates, Centrepoint |
| Towards Expo 2020 | BurJuman, World Trade Centre, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina area, Expo 2020 |
| Green Line Transfer | Change at Union Station for the Green Line towards e& or Creek |
Based on the final destination and the current Red Line branch, the route will lead you to places like:
- BurJuman
- World Trade Centre
- Emirates Towers
- Financial Centre
- Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall
- Business Bay
- Mall of the Emirates
- Dubai Internet City
- Sobha Realty
- DMCC
- Ibn Battuta
- Expo 2020
Always confirm the destination indicated on the station and train information screens, especially when traveling on routes where Red Line services divide farther south.
Green Line Connections From Union Metro Station
In the Green Line, Union carries station code G20. The line is currently operating between the stations of eand (G11) and Creek (G30).
From Union passengers are able to take a journey towards Salah Al Din and the northern part of the Green Line or in the opposite direction towards Old Dubai and Creek.
The Green Line is especially beneficial for those who want to explore traditional Dubai since it offers easy access to Baniyas Square, Al Ras and Al Ghubaiba as well as places further along the way.
| Direction | Key Stations / Destinations |
|---|---|
| Towards Creek | Baniyas Square, Gold Souq, Al Ras, Al Ghubaiba, Al Fahidi, Creek |
| Towards e& | Salah Al Din, Abu Hail, Al Qiyadah, Stadium, Al Nahda, e& |
| Red Line Transfer | Change at Union Station for Red Line services across Dubai |
How to Change Between the Red and Green Lines at Union
The process of changing the lines in Union is easy when you’re in the pay Metro zone.
After you’ve left the train, check at overhead signs indicating Red Line, Green Line and the direction or terminal of the service you require. Follow the interchange signals to the proper platform, instead of heading toward an exit.
There is no need to take your nol card out and then back in to switch from Metro lines. The pay zone ensures that the journey is uninterrupted.
A common error is to follow just the colour of the line and not confirming the direction of the train. Before getting onto a new platform make sure you confirm both the destination and line indicated on the signage.
Union Metro Station Timings
The RTA currently has the following opening hours for standard use for Metro stations along both lines:
| Day | Standard Metro Station Hours |
| Monday-Thursday | 5 am – 12 midnight |
| Friday | From 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM the next day |
| Saturday | 5 am – 12 midnight |
| Sunday | 8 AM – 12 midnight |
These are the operating hours for stations and networks and are not any guarantee that the last train of every direction departs Union at the time of closing. The exact departure time for the first and final train will depend on the direction and route. RTA recommends that passengers be aware of holidays and special events schedules.
If you’re planning to travel late at night by train, ensuring you have the RTA’s travel information or the S’hail application shortly prior to departure is more secure than using an outdated timetable that you can find elsewhere online.
Union Metro Station Fares and nol Card Information
Dubai public transport operates on an zones-based fare structure. Your final cost is based mostly on the number of fare zones you travel in instead of Union Station itself.
The current Silver nol fares that are published by RTA are:
| Journey | Silver nol cost |
| Within a single zone | AED 3 |
| Two adjacent zones | AED 5 |
| More than two square kilometers | AED 7.50 |
For a normal Nol Red Ticket, the corresponding published prices are AED 4, AED 6, or AED 8.50. Travel in the Gold class is more expensive.
The card you use for nol is activated upon entering or leaving the system. The correct amount is automatically deducted. RTA declares that tickets and cards are available for purchase through Metro machine vending at stations, as well as ticket machines at stations.
Metro-to-Bus Transfers
A great option to Union passengers is the integration of charging for public transport.
RTA stipulates that when switching between Metro and buses the new mode must generally be accessed in less than 30-minutes in order for the two trips to be considered one trip for the calculation of fare. The final price then depends on the total number of zones traveled.
This is especially useful when your destination isn’t close to an Metro station.
Union Metro Station Exits and Getting Around
Union is a major interchange station, therefore choosing the right exit will help you avoid unnecessary walking.
The access points around them are located in The Union Square area and streets like Al Maktoum Road and Omar Bin Al Khattab Road, as well as there are the Al Ghurair and Al Rigga areas are also close by.
Instead of relying solely on a guidebook for exit numbers online, look up the destinations on the station before you go through the gates for fare. The exit arrangements, routes for pedestrians and nearby construction may be altered.
If you’re going to be attending a gathering, agreeing on a location and an exit number could keep things from getting confused.
Places Near Union Metro Station
Al Ghurair Centre
Al Ghurair Centre is one of the most convenient shopping spots close to Union. It has stores, restaurants as well as other services for visitors. It is just a short stroll from the Metro area.
Union Square
The station is situated in Union Square, making this one of the most convenient landmarks to locate yourself once you have left the Metro.
Baniyas Square and Old Deira
Baniyas Square is also accessible within this region of Deira and is home to the Green Line station one stop away in the right direction. Depending on where you’re going using the Green Line from Union may be more relaxing than walking, particularly in the summer months of Dubai.
Naif and Traditional Shopping Areas
The greater Naif along with the Old Deira districts contain numerous small restaurants, shops along with traditional street markets. Union could therefore be an excellent starting point but another Green Line station could bring you near a particular shop or market.
Dubai Creek Area
Union is also placed to continue towards the historical Dubai Creek districts. For destinations that are directly around Al Ras or Al Ghubaiba and Al Ghubaiba, switching to or remaining in the Green Line is often more efficient than taking the entire journey by walking.
Travelling From Dubai Airport to Union Metro Station
Passengers who arrive to Dubai International Airport Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 are able to reach Union directly by taking Union directly via the Red Line. Both airport stations are visible as part of the Red Line before City Centre Deira, Al Rigga and Union in the direction of central Dubai.
This means that there is usually no Metro interchange needed between these terminals of the airport and Union.
Before you board, ensure that you have the correct nol card or ticket, and verify the train’s direction.
The luggage-carrying passengers should be aware of the Metro’s baggage regulations. RTA allows two suitcases per passenger – a big and a smaller one. Both have limits that have been set and the luggage must be kept in the designated space within the train.
Union Metro Station vs BurJuman : Where Should You Change Lines?
The two lines Union as well as BurJuman permit passengers to switch between the Red or Green lines.
The most efficient interchange will depend on the route you take.
Union is typically more user-friendly for those whose source, destination, or connection is located around Deira or in the northern portion of the Metro network.
BurJuman could be more suitable for trips that are centered around Bur Dubai or when your route is destined to reach that interchange first.
There is no benefit to staying on a train to transfer at a different station in the event that Union already has the connectivity you require. A trip planner can help find the most efficient solution for a particular trip.
| Feature | Union Metro Station | BurJuman Metro Station |
|---|---|---|
| Metro Lines | Red & Green Lines | Red & Green Lines |
| Area | Deira | Bur Dubai |
| Best For | Deira, Old Dubai, airport-side travel | Bur Dubai, healthcare and central Dubai |
| Interchange | Red ↔ Green Line | Red ↔ Green Line |
| Nearby Highlights | Al Ghurair Centre, Deira | BurJuman Mall, Khalid Bin Al Waleed area |
| Passenger Traffic | Busy interchange | Busier interchange overall |
Facilities and Accessibility at Union Station
Dubai Metro stations are designed with accessibility features that cater to people with different mobility requirements.
RTA provides facilities throughout the Metro network, including access to lifts at stations and tactile guidance paths information screens, visual and audible platforms, and accessibility for wheelchair users.
The facilities for ticket vending are offered at Metro stations, which allows passengers to buy or manage eligible Nol products.
Since Union has an interchange, those who are unable to climb staircases should follow the signs to elevators, not assuming that the closest escalator is the only way to the platform connecting them.
Practical Tips for Using Union Metro Station
Make sure you know for your directions, not only that line. Both Red and Green Line trains operate in two directions, therefore simply knowing the colour of the train is not enough.
Create your nol cards prior to stepping through the gate. Having sufficient balance helps avoid delays, particularly in busy commute times.
Do not leave just to switch Metro routes. Follow the internal exchange signals if your journey is merely a matter of the switching of Red as well as Green.
Give additional time during busy times. Union serves two Metro lines within a highly frequented area of Dubai and, as a result, platforms, escalators and even fare gates may be crowded during rush hour.
Utilize Metro instead of taking long walks in the temperatures. A destination that appears to be close to maps may be difficult to access on foot in the heat.
Find live information for late departures. Published station hours shouldn’t be confused with last departure of a certain platform.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common error is taking the correct line but in one direction. Make sure to verify the terminal or destination’s name on top of the platform.
Another possibility is leaving the train station even though you need to change. This could cause unnecessary interruption to the trip and reduce the convenience of the transfer.
Some visitors also believe that any attraction listed by the name of “near Union” is directly away from the station. Deira is a dense city, and even a few blocks could appear to be a long distance in the heat. Find the best Metro station to your specific location prior to deciding whether or not to walk.
Don’t rely on an outdated screenshot that shows Metro timings. Dubai’s RTA may offer special operating hours on major holidays and public holidays.
Conclusion
Union Metro Station is an important transport hub for all who travels through Deira because it integrates the Red Line as well as Green Line services into just one location..
Its location makes it suitable for travel that involves Dubai International Airport the central Dubai, Old Dubai and adjacent areas like Al Rigga, Union Square and Al Ghurair Centre.
To make your journey as smooth as possible be aware of your route and route prior to boarding. ensure you have your nol card on hand to follow interchange instructions instead of leaving the station and check the live schedules if you are traveling in the morning or at night. These steps will can make Union easy to navigate even for the first time visit.
FAQ’s
1. Which Metro Line is Union Metro Station on?
Union Metro Station serves both the Red Line and Green Line of the Dubai Metro. The station codes include R18 G20 and R18. G20.
2. Can I Change from the Red Line to the Green Line at Union?
Yes. Union is a official interchange station for two lines, the Red as well as the Green lines, which means that passengers are able to switch routes inside Metro. Metro system.
3. What is the Location of Union Metro Station?
Union Metro Station is located in Deira, Dubai, around the Union Square area.
4. What Time Will Union Metro Station Open?
In the normal RTA schedule, Metro stations open at 5:15 AM on Mondays through Saturdays and at 8:00 AM on Sunday. Special-event schedules can differ.
5. Does Union Metro Station Close to Al Ghurair Centre?
Yes. Al Ghurair Centre is within walking distance from Union Metro Station, with the current map of transit estimating around five minutes.
6. Can I travel Directly from Dubai Airport to Union Metro Station?
Yes. Dubai International Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 stations and Union are all connected via The Red Line, so a Metro interchange is usually not necessary.
7. Do I Require a Valid Nol Card at Union Metro Station?
Dubai Metro fares are paid with nol cards that are eligible or tickets. Tickets vending machines are available in Metro stations.
8. Does Union Metro Station Wheelchair Accessible?
Dubai Metro stations provide accessibility amenities like lifts, wheelchair friendly accessibility and tactile guides for passengers who are visually impaired.
9. Are Union or BurJuman More Suitable for Switching Metro Lines?
Both are Green/Red Line interchange points. Union is typically more suitable for Deira-based trips, whereas BurJuman could be suitable for routes that pass through Bur Dubai.
10. Can I Change to Union Metro to a Bus?
Yes. Bus services are accessible throughout the Union region and RTA allows for integrated Metro-to-bus travel in the event that transfer conditions, such as the appropriate 30-minute transfer window meet.
