Union Metro Station is a major interchange on the Dubai Metro network, serving both the Red Line and the Green Line. Located in Deira, it connects passengers travelling between different parts of Dubai and allows them to change metro lines without travelling to another interchange station.
There are two station codes – R18 for the Red Line and G20 for the Green Line. These codes are used to enable the identification of Union on metro maps and route information. For travellers, probably the most important information is the train’s timetable and direction of travel, as well as how the trains connect and the full train fare.
Union Metro Station Timings
The Union Metro Station is running on the same schedule as the rest of the metro system, which is provided by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Here is the current general timetable for the Red and Green lines.
| Day | Metro operating hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | 5:00 AM to midnight |
| Friday | 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM the next day |
| Saturday | 5:00 AM to midnight |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM to midnight |
This is the published schedule of general station operating hours (not the guaranteed departure times of any trains). In some situations, the first and last trains in each direction may be different.
Those travelling early in the morning or near the end of the day should consult their individual timetable for up-to-the-minute information on their trip. The normal schedule is also affected by special events, public holidays and temporary changes in the service.
First and Last Train
The opening time of a station does not imply the exact time of departure of every train from the station. This also holds true for the last service, especially running towards the end of either metro line.
Check the direction and time of the train before leaving if you need to reach the airport, go to an early appointment, or travel at night. This is particularly important if you are transferring between Red and Green lines on your journey.
Metro Lines and Station Codes
Dubai Metro’s two official interchange stations, between the Red and Green lines, are Union and Al Quoz. The other interchange is called BurJuman. The main transport element of the station is this connection.
Red Line — R18
The Red Line is served by the station at Union, code R18. It links the Deira area to stations along the line, which include Al Rigga, Dubai International Airport stations, central Dubai and further south.
The direction is correct according to the intended destination. The right train to use in the right direction needs to be used when heading towards Centrepoint; passengers heading towards Expo 2020 or Life Pharmacy need to pay attention to the direction of the train and the direction of the station signs.
Green Line — G20
Green Line runs to Union (G20). It links the station with the various districts of Deira and Bur Dubai from Emaar to Creek.
From Union, travellers can go towards Salah Al Din or Baniyas Square, depending on where they want to go. The Green Line is especially significant for trips in the pre-existing commercial areas of Dubai.
Changing Between the Two Lines
There is no need to get off at one station and on to another for the transfer between the Red and Green lines. Take the interchange signs within the station and check the destination on the correct platform.
Always check the colour of the line and the direction of the train before boarding. Choosing the right line is only half the equation; if the train you board runs in the opposite direction, you may end up wasting time.
Location and Nearby Areas
Union Metro Station is located in the established commercial area of Deira, which has shops, office buildings, hotels and residential streets. It is a convenient “hopper” for those who are commuting from within Deira or moving across to other areas of town via metro.
The station is located in an area where there are traffic and pedestrian routes that lead to other parts of the district. The closest exit will depend upon the specific building or street that you wish to exit. Not all station exits are directly connected to the same area in Deira.
Choosing the Right Exit
Take the exit sign within the station and match it with your final destination. For anyone who travels to a hotel, office, or shop, check the street address before selecting an exit.
This is important if a destination is said to be close to Union Metro Station. The walking distance may vary depending on the layout of the road and need not be directly adjacent to the station’s entrance.
Union and BurJuman Stations
The function of Union and BurJuman Metro Stations is similar, as both connect the Red and Green metro lines. However, they cater to different areas of Dubai.
The Union is in Deira while BurJuman is in Bur Dubai. Select the interchange that is relevant for your chosen route and not interchangeable stations as a starting point.
How to Travel Through Union Metro Station
The easiest method for using Union is to know where you’re going before you get on the train. If you know which station you need, see the line, direction and interchange (if any).
Travelling on the Red Line
If your final destination is served by the Red Line, find out if you need to get on the line towards Centrepoint or towards Life Pharmacy and Expo 2020. The direction will be determined by the station you want to reach.
All passengers who are coming to Dubai from the central area should confirm their destination with the present route map. The Red Line runs to various major areas, not all of which are reached by direct connections from stations on the Red Line without a transfer or walking.
Travelling on the Green Line
For each destination on the Green Line, identify the e& or Creek direction you will need. The line runs from Union to stations in Deira and Bur Dubai.
If you are not travelling on the Green Line, make sure you need to change trains at Union or BurJuman station on the Red Line. Check the full journey before getting on to ensure that you do not end up going off route.
Travelling to Dubai International Airport
The Red Line has an airport station in Dubai International Airport. Passengers traveling on the Union Line should remember to look for the proper direction to take and the proper terminal to use before travelling.
Never choose a train that only shows the words ‘airport’ or ‘Dubai’. Verify the station at which your terminal is located and the service details. It will depend on which terminal you are using to find the right airport connection.
Union Metro Station Fares
Fares for Dubai Metro are determined by the number of fare zones travelled and the type of Nol card or ticket used. Union has one fixed fare per passenger, as fares are different depending on the zone in which the journey is completed.
RTA has published the following standard fares for the most common categories of journeys.
| Journey category | Silver card | Gold card |
|---|---|---|
| Within one zone | AED 3 | AED 6 |
| Two adjacent zones | AED 5 | AED 10 |
| More than two zones | AED 7.50 | AED 15 |
These are typical rates of the listed card types. The fare for a single trip will vary according to the zones and ticket conditions.
Which nol Card Should You Use?
The Silver NOL Card will be the standard choice for passengers who are not interested in paying the luxury fares of Dubai’s public transport system. The Gold nol card entitles the holder to a higher fare on Gold Class on the metro and tram.
Based on the method of transportation, your option must be decided. If you’ve got a job that requires you to take the metro every day, research the fares you’ll be paying for your journey and the journey passes you can buy before picking a card. Changing lines at Union is not a requirement for a Gold Card.
Paying for Your Journey
Check and ensure that your Nol card or ticket is valid for the trip you are taking. Follow station access and exit protocols and use public transport. Check your balance.
Never use only the number of stations to calculate a train journey’s fare. Dubai’s metro fares are based on “zones” and a trip that includes multiple stations can not necessarily be priced as a trip that crosses multiple zones.
Facilities and Passenger Access
The Dubai Metro is an integrated passenger transport network which includes Union Metro Station. The RTA offers information on stations, travel guidance and accessibility services throughout the system, enabling passengers to plan their journeys and navigate between various transport modes.
Specific facilities and the location of specific facilities will be verified at the station. If you need a specific accessibility feature, assistance service, or entrance, please see the station information, not assume that all features are available at all entrances.
Accessibility
Accessibility features on the Dubai Metro include wheelchair spaces, tactile guidance for visually impaired passengers and lifts for accessibility. These features enable passengers with various mobility and navigation requirements.
For step-free access at Union, see the steps available for the route between the entrance, ticketing area and platform. If you are not sure of the entrance or lift, please ask station staff for clarification.
Train Information and Platform Signs
Platform displays and station signs guide passengers to identify train direction and destinations. These are especially significant in Union since two different metro lines run through the station.
Read the destination displayed on the train before boarding. If you are changing lines, follow the interchange signs rather than leaving the station unnecessarily or following directions intended for another platform.
Bus Connections Near Union
Union is a Dubai Metro interchange station, but its vicinity to the Dubai Metro station is also linked to the bus services. When people plan their trip, they need to be able to differentiate between the metro station and the bus station.
This is significant because a bus leaving from Union Bus Station doesn’t always leave from the entrance of the metro station. The walking route, boarding time and departure time vary depending on the service.
Intercity Bus Travel
Intercity routes are being announced by RTA and connect the Union area to destinations outside Dubai such as Sharjah, Ajman and Fujairah. Please check the current timetable for the route numbers and service arrangements before travelling.
Upon arrival by metro, check the bus station and boarding location. Please do not use the word “Union” in a route description by itself, as it could be a different transport facility.
Metro and Bus Transfers
Plans for a combined metro and bus trip must be made for both services. Verify the bus departure time and the path from the metro station to the bus stop.
Assume that the bus will not necessarily be there the instant the metro stops and not all bus routes are run during metro hours. Bus timetables may vary between routes, destinations, day and weather conditions.
Union Metro Station for Daily Commuters
Union is relevant for people who travel to and from work every day as it connects to both major metro lines from one station. Passengers who travel through Deira can use the Green Line for one portion of a trip and transfer to the Red Line for another part of the trip for the sake of travelling towards other districts.
Another common use of the interchange is when a passenger travels from one metro corridor to a different one. Passengers’ routes passing through Union will not be forced to change lines in BurJuman.
Planning a Regular Journey
If you ride the Train regularly, find your favourite line, direction and station and jot them down. Once you know these facts, you will be able to easily identify the right platform and won’t get on a train that goes the other way.
If a bus connection is required, please refer to the bus timetable. A metro ride and a bus ride are sequential segments of a journey but not necessarily in the same time period.
Travelling During Busy Periods
Union is served by two metro lines and people might be coming into and out of the metro, or changing lines. Follow platform signs and stay out of boarding areas while on and off platforms.
If travelling with a planned bus or other time-sensitive connection, make sure you have enough time to make the interchange. It should not be assumed that the transfer will take a certain amount of time, as it will vary based on platform, exit and service.
Common Travel Mistakes to Avoid
When traveling through Union, most issues tend to happen owing to the choice of an incorrect train direction, confusion in the transportation facilities and using an outdated timetable. These can be avoided with some simple checks.
- Check the station code: Union is R18 on the Red Line and G20 on the Green Line.
- Confirm the direction: Check whether your train is travelling towards your destination, not just whether it is on the correct line.
- Distinguish metro and bus stations: Confirm the exact boarding point when using an onward bus.
- Check the operating schedule: Do not assume that the last train leaves at the same time the station closes.
- Confirm the fare: Use the applicable fare zones and your Nol card type to determine the cost.
These checks are particularly applicable when travelling late at night, joining a different service and visiting an unfamiliar area of Dubai.
Conclusion
Union Metro Station is a vital Dubai Metro Station located in Deira, under codes R18 (Red Line) and G20 (Green Line). It provides direct transfer between two metro lines and heads towards destinations in Dubai.
Please verify the direction of your train, operating hours and fare before using the station. If you are going to take the bus from the metro station, be aware of the different boarding point and up-to-date timetable for the bus service, as you may get confused between the metro station and the larger Union transport zone.
Visit Also: Al Rigga Metro Station Dubai: Location, Metro Timings & Nearby Places
Deira Metro Station: Complete Guide to Routes, Timings, Nearby Attractions & Travel Tips
Al Qiyadah Metro Station: Everything Between Arrival and Departure
Frequently Asked Questions
Which metro lines serve Union Metro Station?
Union is a station on the Red Line and Green Line.
What is the station code for Union?
Union Station is R18 (red line) & G20 (green line).
What time does Union Metro Station open?
Regular times begin at 5:00 AM on 1-6 Monday-Friday and at 8:00 AM on Sunday.
What time does Union Metro Station close?
Published closure times are midnight Monday to Thursday, 1:00 AM the following day (Friday), and midnight Sunday.
Can I change metro lines at Union?
Yes. The Red line merges with the Green line at Union, where passengers can switch between the two without leaving the station.
How much is the metro fare from Union?
Normal Silver card charges are AED 3 to AED 7.50, depending on the fare zones used.
Is Union Metro Station in Deira?
Yes. Union Metro Station is in Deira, Dubai.
Does Union connect with bus services?
Bus services (including intercity) to the wider Union transport area. Check the name of the bus station, route and exact time of departure before traveling.
