Line🟢 Green Line
Station IDG13
ZoneZone 2
Fare (Silver)AED 5.00
Fare (Gold)AED 10.00
Operating Hours05:00–00:00
Accessibility♿ Full Access
Status
Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station platform
Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station, Dubai
Dubai Airport Free Zone station entrance
Dubai Airport Free Zone station area

About Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station

Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station (G13), commonly known as DAFZA Metro Station, is on the Green Line in Zone 2 in the Al Qusais 1 district. The station primarily serves employees of DAFZA — the Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority — an aviation-oriented free economic zone adjacent to Dubai International Airport. It also serves the large residential population of Al Qusais 1 and workers in the nearby Sonapur area connecting onward by bus.

The station opened in September 2011 as part of the Green Line extension. DAFZA itself is a restricted zone requiring an access pass and is not open to the general public, but the station's position in Al Qusais 1 makes it useful for the thousands of DAFZA employees who commute daily, as well as Al Qusais residents for whom this stop is slightly more convenient than the adjacent Al Qusais Metro Station (G12), one stop to the north.

Exit 1 opens toward the Al Qusais 1 residential streets where the Aster Clinic, cafeterias and grocery stores are located. Al Nahda Road runs past the station, and the commercial strip along its service roads includes clinics and supermarkets serving the area's residential population. Dubai International Airport's perimeter is directly adjacent to the DAFZA zone, making this the Green Line stop with the shortest distance to the airport precinct.

From Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station you can reach Al Qusais (G12) in about 2 minutes heading north. Al Nahda (G14) is two stops south at approximately 5 minutes. Union Metro Station (G20/R20, the Green–Red Line interchange) is around 12–15 minutes away. BurJuman (G26) takes approximately 18–20 minutes on the Green Line heading toward Creek.

The station is used primarily by DAFZA employees commuting from across Dubai and by Al Qusais 1 residents heading into the city. The Zone 2 Silver Nol Card fare is AED 5.00, and the daily cap of AED 20 keeps travel costs manageable for frequent commuters. Bus routes 7 and C19 connect from the station to the Sonapur and Muhaisnah areas, extending Green Line access into zones the metro does not directly serve.

Opened
September 2011
Platform Type
Elevated
Platform Doors
Yes
Gold Class
Yes (Car 1)
Women & Children Car
Yes (Car 3)

About Al Qusais — Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station Area

The area around Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station is a mix of residential apartment blocks, clinics and grocery stores typical of Al Qusais 1. The neighbourhood serves the workers and families who live in this district and provides transit access to the DAFZA employment zone for the thousands of people who work there. The Green Line runs overhead on Al Nahda Road, making DAFZA Metro Station (G13) the closest transit point for the Al Qusais 1 side of the district.

Aster Clinic at 205 metres from the station is the most useful medical facility in the immediate catchment — 4.5 stars with over 2,400 reviews, open until 22:00 daily. Sahel Al Neel Cafeteria at 120 metres from the exit is a quick South Indian and fast food option opening from 07:00. For grocery needs, Pasons Supermarket on Street 7 and Al Madina Hypermarket on Damascus Street cover daily and bulk shopping within a 9-minute walk of the station.

DAFZA employees arriving by metro should confirm the pick-up point for any company transport relative to Exit 1, as the free zone gate requires an access pass. Bus routes 7 and C19 from the station run to the Muhaisnah and Sonapur bus terminals, extending Green Line access for workers in those areas. The Zone 2 Silver Nol Card fare is AED 5.00 for journeys to the city centre; the daily cap of AED 20 applies across unlimited trips once reached.

Green Line — Nearby Stations

Adjacent stations on the line.

 Etisalat by e& G11 Visit →
Al Qusais G12 Visit →
Dubai Airport Free Zone G13 ← You are here
Al Nahda G14 Visit →
Stadium G15 Visit →

Nearby Places

GPS-verified distances from Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station, Exit 1 (Al Qusais 1 side).

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Aster Clinic — Al Qusais

AQU Building, Al Nahda St, Al Qusais 2 · Address: "Near DAFZA Metro Station" · Open daily 08:00–22:00

★ 4.5 · 2,481 reviews ~3 min walk (~205m)

Aster Clinic in the AQU Building on Al Nahda Street is listed in reviews as being directly near DAFZA Metro Station. With 4.5 stars across over 2,400 reviews, it is one of the better-regarded private clinics on the Green Line. Walk-in consultations are typically available; check the Aster app for current waiting times before heading over. Open daily until 22:00.

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Sahel Al Neel Cafeteria

Al Qusais 1 · Affordable Nadan / South Indian & fast food · "Close to the metro" per reviews · Open daily 07:00–00:00

★ 4.1 · 175 reviews ~1 min walk (~120m)

At 120 metres from the station exit, Sahel Al Neel is the closest food option to Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station. Opening at 07:00 and running until midnight, it is useful for DAFZA workers catching early trains or grabbing a quick meal before boarding the Green Line. South Indian and Nadan dishes typically run AED 10–25 per person.

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Pasons Supermarket — Al Qusais

Street 7, Al Qusais 1 · Daily groceries & essentials · Open daily 06:00–01:00

★ 4.0 · 926 reviews ~8 min walk (~660m)

Pasons on Street 7 is the closest general supermarket for Al Qusais 1 residents using this station. It opens at 06:00 — one of the earlier starts in the area — making it practical for pre-work shopping before catching the Green Line. The 8-minute walk is manageable from October to April; in summer, a taxi of around AED 8–10 is more comfortable.

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Al Madina Hypermarket — Al Qusais

Damascus St, Al Qusais · Bakery, grocery, fresh produce · Open daily 07:00–01:00

★ 4.2 · 232 reviews ~9 min walk (~705m)

Al Madina Hypermarket on Damascus Street handles larger grocery runs with fresh produce, a bakery and a broader product range than the nearby corner supermarkets. The 705-metre walk from the station takes about 9 minutes and is comfortable in cooler months. A taxi of AED 10–12 makes the trip faster in summer. Open daily from 07:00 to 01:00.

How to Use Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station Metro Station

Here is a straightforward guide to entering, navigating, and exiting Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station Station whether you are a first-time visitor or a regular commuter.

  1. Look for the Dubai Metro logo (red M on white background) on street signage. Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station has multiple exits — check which exit is closest to your destination before entering. Exit maps are displayed at the top of the stairs and beside the gates.

  2. Tap your Silver or Gold Nol Card on the reader at the entrance gate. The gate will display your remaining balance. If your balance is below AED 3.00 the gate will not open — top up at the vending machines beside the gates before entering.

  3. Check the overhead direction signs on the platform. On the Red Line trains run towards Centrepoint (Rashidiya) in one direction and towards UAE Exchange / Expo City in the other. On the Green Line trains run towards Etisalat by e& or towards Creek. Confirm your direction on the station map before the train arrives.

  4. Stand behind the yellow safety line until the train stops and doors open. Let passengers exit first then board. Tap your Nol Card at the exit gates at your destination — forgetting to tap out results in the maximum fare being charged for that journey.

Nol Card tip: If you are visiting Dubai for more than 2 days a Silver Nol Card (AED 25 including AED 19 travel credit) saves money compared to buying individual paper tickets. It works on metro, bus, tram, and water bus across all of Dubai. Available at every metro station vending machine.

Getting There

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By Metro

Green Line, Station G13. Hours: 05:00–00:00 (Mon–Thu, Sat–Sun); 10:00–01:00 (Friday).

Green Line G13
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By Bus

Route 7 runs from the station to Sonapur and the Muhaisnah bus terminals, covering the labour and residential zones north-east of DAFZA, with buses every 15–20 minutes during peak hours. Route C19 is a circular service through Al Qusais and Muhaisnah residential streets, useful for reaching addresses away from the main roads. Both routes accept Nol Card — tap on the metro gate and again on the bus reader, and the Zone 2 fare covers the full combined journey.

7C19
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By Taxi / Ride-Hail

RTA taxis are available near the station exit. Approximate fares from Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station: Al Qusais Police Station (AED 10–15), Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 (AED 18–25), Terminal 1 (AED 15–22), Union / BurJuman (AED 20–30), Gold Souq / DCC (AED 28–38), Downtown Dubai (AED 40–55), Sharjah (AED 25–40 depending on destination). Uber and Careem are available from the station area.

Walking Distances from Station

~1 min
Sahel Al Neel Cafeteria
Al Qusais 1 · Affordable meals, tea · ~120m via Exit 1
~3 min
Aster Clinic Al Qusais
Al Nahda St · "Near DAFZA Metro Station" in address · ~205m
~8 min
Pasons Supermarket
Street 7, Al Qusais 1 · ~660m
~9 min
Al Madina Hypermarket
Damascus St, Al Qusais · ~705m · Bakery on site
Access pass
DAFZA Food Court / Jones The Grocer
Inside DAFZA free zone — requires employee access pass

Nol Card Fares from Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station — Zone 2

Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station is in Zone 2 of the Dubai Metro fare system. Your fare depends on how many zones your journey crosses. The table below shows Silver and Gold Nol Card fares to the most common destinations from this station.

Destination Metro Station Silver Nol Card Gold Nol Card
Dubai International Airport T1Terminal 1 (R14)AED 10.00AED 15.00
BurJuman (interchange)BurJuman (R20)AED 5.00AED 10.00
Downtown Dubai / Burj KhalifaBurj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (R23)AED 5.00AED 10.00
Mall of the EmiratesMall of the Emirates (R25)AED 3.00AED 6.00
Jumeirah Lakes TowersDMCC (R27)AED 3.00AED 6.00
Union (interchange)Union (R19)AED 5.00AED 10.00
Expo City DubaiExpo 2020 (R35)AED 5.00AED 10.00

Fares shown are for Nol Card holders. Red Paper Tickets cost approximately 50% more per journey. Children under 5 travel free. A daily spending cap of AED 20 (Silver) and AED 40 (Gold) protects frequent travellers — once you hit the cap all further journeys that day are free. Airport stations carry an additional RTA airport surcharge of AED 5.00 per trip.

Best value: A Silver Nol Card costs AED 25 total (AED 6 card fee + AED 19 travel credit) and is available at every metro station vending machine. It works on all RTA transport including metro, bus, tram, and water bus. For stays of 5 or more days it saves significantly over paper tickets.

✦ Visitor Tips

Practical advice for using this station.

💳

Use a Nol Card

Top up your Nol Card at station vending machines (cash or card accepted). Zone 2 applies here — AED 5.00 (Silver) / AED 10.00 (Gold) per single journey. A daily fare cap protects frequent travellers.

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Operating Hours

Metro runs 05:00–00:00 Monday–Thursday and Saturday–Sunday. On Fridays the service starts late: 10:00–01:00. Plan accordingly for early Friday mornings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station operates 05:00–00:00 Monday to Thursday and Saturday to Sunday. On Fridays the station opens at 10:00 and closes at 01:00. Trains run every 3–7 minutes at peak times and every 7–10 minutes off-peak.
Exit 1 of Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station opens toward the Al Qusais 1 residential streets and is the exit for public-access destinations including Aster Clinic, local cafeterias, and supermarkets. Most non-DAFZA visitors and residents use Exit 1. The DAFZA free zone itself is accessible from the station but requires an employee or visitor access pass to enter.
Yes. "DAFZA Metro Station" is the common short name for Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station (G13). DAFZA stands for Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority. On RTA signs and maps the full name is used, but most commuters and residents refer to it simply as DAFZA Metro.
Yes. Aster Clinic Al Qusais is approximately 205m from Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station (Exit 1) — about a 3-minute walk. The clinic's address explicitly states "Near DAFZA Metro Station." It is open daily 08:00–22:00 and is rated 4.5★ with 2,481 reviews. It serves general practice, specialist consultations and has pharmacy services on site.
Dubai Airport Terminal 2 is not directly walkable from this station. The closest metro station to Terminal 2 is Airport Terminal 1 (R14) on the Red Line — take the Green Line from G13 toward Al Qiyadah and transfer to the Red Line at either Etisalat by e& (G11 / R11 connection) or take the standard route. Terminal 3 (R13) is also served by the Red Line. A taxi from DAFZA Metro to Terminal 2 takes about 10–12 minutes.
Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station has multiple exits. Check the exit map displayed at the top of the stairs inside the station, or use the RTA Dubai app which shows numbered exit locations on a map. The app will suggest the exit closest to your specific destination. If in doubt, station staff near the gates can advise on the quickest route out.
Yes, passengers are permitted to bring personal luggage including standard suitcases on the Dubai Metro. Each train has designated luggage areas near the doors. Large or oversized items are not allowed during peak hours (06:00–09:00 and 17:00–20:00 on weekdays). Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station has elevators and wide corridors making it suitable for passengers with luggage. Keep bags out of the aisles and do not place them on seats.
The RTA Nol Card daily cap is AED 20 for Silver Card holders and AED 40 for Gold Card holders. Once your spending reaches the cap in a single calendar day all further metro journeys that day are free. The cap resets at midnight. This makes the Nol Card excellent value for people making multiple trips in one day. The cap applies to metro, bus, tram, and water bus journeys combined. You can check your current day spend in the RTA Dubai app or at any ticket machine.
During peak hours (06:00–09:00 and 17:00–20:00 on weekdays) trains at Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station run every 3–4 minutes on the Red Line and every 5–7 minutes on the Green Line. During off-peak daytime hours trains run every 7–10 minutes. On Fridays before 13:00 the metro opens later and trains run less frequently. Real-time train arrival information is displayed on the platform screens and in the RTA Dubai app.
RTA bus routes 7, C19 stop directly at or within 200 metres of Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station Metro Station. Bus routes connect this station to residential areas and destinations not directly served by the metro. Use the RTA S'hail app for real-time bus schedules and route planning from Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station.