Baniyas Square Station Guide 2026: Timings, Routes and Nearby Places

Using Baniyas Square Station for the first time can be more confusing than it looks on the Dubai Metro map. The station is in a busy part of Deira, surrounded by hotels, markets, narrow shopping streets, restaurants, taxis, and heavy pedestrian traffic. Choosing the wrong platform can take you away from your destination, while leaving through the wrong exit may add a long and uncomfortable walk.

During my research into Dubai Metro routes, station maps, and common traveller questions, I found that most visitors face the same problems. They are often unsure whether to travel towards e& or Creek, where to change for Dubai Airport, and whether Baniyas Square, Gold Souq, or Al Ras is the best station for the place they want to visit.

The problem becomes more serious for tourists carrying luggage, families travelling with children, elderly passengers, and shoppers holding heavy bags. A route that looks short on a map can feel much longer in Dubai’s heat. Hotel entrances may also be on a different street, and some traditional markets are easier to reach from another nearby Metro station.

This guide is based on official RTA maps, current Metro schedules, route research, and a detailed review of the most common user concerns. It explains the station’s platforms, timings, Nol fares, airport connections, nearby attractions, hotels, shopping areas, and transport options in simple language.

My aim is not only to tell you where Baniyas Square Station is. It is to help you choose the correct train, avoid unnecessary walking, find the right station for your destination, and complete your journey with less stress.

Last fact-checked: 16 July 2026. Metro timings, bus routes, fares, and public transport services may change. Check RTA or the S’hail journey planner before a late-night or holiday journey.

Station information	Details
Metro line	Green Line
Station code	G21
Fare zone	Zone 5
Station type	Underground
Platforms	Two side platforms
Direction towards e&	Union is the next station
Direction towards Creek	Gold Souq is the next station
Red Line interchange	Union or BurJuman
Main areas served	Baniyas Square, Naif, and eastern Al Sabkha

Baniyas Square is an underground Green Line station between Union and Gold Souq. Union and BurJuman are the two stations where passengers can change between the Green and Red lines.

History

Baniyas Square Metro Station opened on 9 September 2011 with the first section of the Dubai Metro Green Line. That original section ran from the station then called Etisalat to Dubai Healthcare City. The northern Green Line terminal is now named e&, although some older websites may still use the Etisalat name.

The station was built to improve public transport access in central Deira. It serves an active commercial area filled with shops, offices, restaurants, hotels, and traditional markets.

1. Location and Accessibility

Baniyas Square Metro Station is located below Baniyas Square near the junction of 27th Street and Al Maktoum Road. Its coordinates are approximately 25.2692°N and 55.3077°E.

The station serves central Deira, including Naif and the eastern side of Al Sabkha. Nearby places include Naif Souk, Al Manal Centre, Deira Twin Towers, Dubai Creek, and several traditional shopping streets.

The area is useful for tourists who want to explore Old Dubai. It is also convenient for residents, shop workers, hotel guests, and business visitors travelling around Deira.

However, the streets around the station can be crowded. A building may appear close on a map but have its main entrance on another road. Before leaving the station, check the local-area map and compare the exit with your exact destination.

The station is wheelchair accessible. Dubai Metro stations provide lift access to all station levels, tactile guidance paths, information displays, platform alerts, and dedicated spaces for wheelchair users on trains.

This access is also helpful for:

• Parents using a stroller
• Elderly passengers
• Travellers carrying suitcases
• Shoppers with heavy bags
• People with limited mobility

Station layout

Baniyas Square is a fully underground Metro station. It has three main passenger levels:

• Street level for entrances and exits
• Concourse level for Nol gates and station services
• Platform level for Green Line trains

The station has two side platforms and two tracks. At both platforms, train doors open on the right.

Platform 1 serves trains travelling towards e&. Union is the next station.

Platform 2 serves trains travelling towards Creek. Gold Souq is the next station.

Check the destination shown on the platform screen before boarding:

• Take the train towards e& for Union, Salah Al Din, Stadium, Al Nahda, Dubai Airport Free Zone, Al Qusais, and e&.
• Take the train towards Creek for Gold Souq, Al Ras, Al Ghubaiba, Sharaf DG, BurJuman, Oud Metha, Dubai Healthcare City, Al Jadaf, and Creek.

The easiest way to avoid the wrong train is to look at the final destination, not only the next station.

2. Station Facilities

The concourse includes automatic fare-collection gates and a station agent. Ticket vending machines and ticket office machines are available at Metro stations for buying or topping up a Nol card.

Dubai Metro trains have three main passenger sections:

• General cabins
• Women and Children cabins
• Gold Class cabins

Gold Class is only for passengers with a valid Gold Class ticket or card. Women and Children cabins are reserved for women and children. Always check the signs above and inside the train before entering a cabin.

The wider Dubai Metro network also provides Wi-Fi, CCTV monitoring, emergency call boxes, information screens, and dedicated Metro Police.

For a smoother journey:

• Keep your Nol card ready before reaching the gate.
• Check the train destination before boarding.
• Stand behind the platform safety line.
• Let passengers leave before you enter.
• Keep luggage away from the doors.
• Use the lifts when travelling with a stroller or suitcase.
• Do not enter a reserved cabin without the correct ticket.

3. Routes

Baniyas Square Metro Station is useful because Union, a major Red and Green Line interchange, is only one stop away.

For Union and areas towards e&: Take the Green Line towards e&. Union is the next station.

For Gold Souq and areas towards Creek: Take the Green Line towards Creek. Gold Souq is the next station.

Baniyas Square to Dubai Airport Terminal 1 or Terminal 3

Take the Green Line towards e& and travel one stop to Union. At Union, change to the Red Line towards Centrepoint. Leave the train at Airport Terminal 1 or Airport Terminal 3, depending on your flight.

Allow extra time for the interchange when carrying luggage. Check your airport terminal before starting the journey.

Baniyas Square to Dubai Airport Terminal 2

Terminal 2 is not directly served by Dubai Metro. You can travel part of the route by Metro, but the final section will require a bus, taxi, or ride-hailing service.

Use the RTA journey planner to compare the current options because bus routes and connection times may change.

Baniyas Square to Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa

Take the Green Line towards e& and change at Union. At Union, board the Red Line towards Expo 2020 or Life Pharmacy. Leave at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station.

The Metro station is linked to Dubai Mall by a long air-conditioned walkway, so include extra walking time in your plan.

Baniyas Square to Naif Souk

Baniyas Square is generally the most suitable Metro station for Naif Souk. Before leaving, check the station-area map and select the exit pointing towards Naif.

Naif Souk is known for clothing, souvenirs, perfumes, accessories, and traditional products.

Do not depend only on straight-line distance. The exact walking route can depend on the market entrance you plan to use.

Baniyas Square to Gold Souk

Take the Green Line towards Creek. Gold Souq is the next station, followed by Al Ras.

Gold Souq or Al Ras may be more practical than Baniyas Square for the Gold Souk. The better choice depends on the exact shop or entrance you want to reach. The Gold Souk is mainly known for jewellery, gold ornaments, gemstones, and precious products.

Baniyas Square to Spice Souk

Take the Green Line towards Creek and leave at Al Ras. Al Ras is usually the more suitable station for the Spice Souk and nearby creekside market streets.

The Spice Souk sells spices, herbs, dried products, fragrances, and other traditional goods.

Baniyas Square to Al Ghubaiba

Take the Green Line towards Creek and leave at Al Ghubaiba. No line change is required.

Al Ghubaiba is useful for the bus station, marine transport, and parts of Bur Dubai.

Baniyas Square to BurJuman

Take the Green Line towards Creek and leave at BurJuman. BurJuman also provides an interchange with the Red Line.

Bus Connections

Current RTA information states that Route 17 terminates at Baniyas Square Metro Station. Route 77 runs as a two-way service between Baniyas Metro Station and the Al Garhoud area.

Bus routes and stop locations can change. Check S’hail or the RTA journey planner on the day of travel.

Marine and Abra Connections

RTA lists Baniyas Marine Station on Route CR3 between Dubai Old Souq and Baniyas, and on Route CR6 between Al Seef and Baniyas.

The marine station is separate from the Metro station. Check a live map for the walking route before including an abra journey in your plan, especially when travelling with luggage or children.

4. Metro Schedule

The regular Dubai Metro opening hours for all lines are:

Day	Metro station opening hours
Monday to Thursday	5:00 AM to 12:00 midnight
Friday	5:00 AM to 1:00 AM the next day
Saturday	5:00 AM to 12:00 midnight
Sunday	8:00 AM to 12:00 midnight

These are general station opening hours. The first and last train at Baniyas Square depends on the direction of travel.

The detailed timetable currently linked by RTA lists these times:

Direction	Monday–Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Towards Creek	First 5:02 AM; last 11:44 PM	First 5:02 AM; last 12:43 AM	First 5:02 AM; last 11:43 PM	First 8:02 AM; last 11:43 PM
Towards e&	First 5:12 AM; last 11:44 PM	First 5:12 AM; last 12:44 AM	First 5:12 AM; last 11:43 PM	First 8:12 AM; last 11:42 PM

These times come from the official detailed timetable linked on the RTA website. Holiday, Ramadan, event, or maintenance schedules may be different.

Do not arrive at the station close to the listed last-train time without checking your full route. Your interchange train may stop running earlier than the station itself closes.

5. Ticketing for Dubai Metro

Dubai Metro uses the Nol payment system. You must tap your card or ticket when entering and tap again when leaving.

The fare is calculated according to the number of transport zones crossed during the journey. Dubai’s public transport fare system contains seven zones.

Common Nol options include:

Nol Red Ticket: A paper ticket for occasional travellers. It costs AED 2 before adding the travel fare and can hold up to 10 single journeys.

Nol Silver Card: A reusable card for regular travel. It costs AED 25 and includes AED 19 of stored value.

Nol Gold Card: It has similar basic features to the Silver Card but allows access to Gold Class at a higher travel fare. It costs AED 25 and includes AED 19 of stored value.

Personal Nol Card: A registered card that offers category-based benefits for eligible students, senior Emiratis and residents, and People of Determination.

Keep at least AED 7.50 on a reusable Nol card before using public transport. Remember to tap out at your destination so the correct fare can be calculated.

You can buy or top up a Nol card through:

• Metro ticket offices
• Ticket vending machines
• RTA-authorised sales agents
• Nol Pay
• S’hail
• RTA digital services

Ticket vending and ticket office machines are available at Metro stations. Some online top-ups may require activation, while top-ups completed through compatible NFC methods can become available immediately.

6. Nearby Shopping Places

The area around Baniyas Square Station is popular for independent shops, traditional markets, perfumes, clothing, jewellery, electronics, luggage, and everyday goods.

Naif Souk is one of the best-known nearby markets. It is a useful place for souvenirs, clothing, perfumes, accessories, and traditional products.

Al Manal Centre is a community shopping centre in Deira. It provides another shopping option near the wider station area.

Gold Souk is known for gold ornaments, jewellery, gemstones, and precious products. Gold Souq or Al Ras Station may be easier than Baniyas Square, depending on the entrance you need.

Spice Souk is a traditional market for spices, herbs, dried goods, and fragrances. Al Ras is normally the more practical Metro stop for this attraction.

When shopping:

• Compare prices between different stores.
• Request a receipt.
• Check return conditions.
• Confirm warranties before buying electronics.
• Verify jewellery weight and charges before completing a purchase.
• Keep personal items secure in crowded streets.

7. Dining Options Around Baniyas Square Metro Station

The streets around Baniyas Square have many restaurants, cafeterias, bakeries, tea shops, and takeaway outlets.

Visitors can usually find:

• Arabic food
• South Asian meals
• Persian dishes
• Grilled meat and rice
• Shawarma and quick snacks
• Tea, coffee, and fresh juice
• Family dining
• Budget takeaway meals

This variety is useful for hotel guests, shoppers, workers, and tourists who want an affordable meal in central Deira.

Restaurant names and opening hours can change. Check recent reviews, current opening times, family seating, and payment options before travelling to a specific business.

Things to Do near Baniyas Square Station – Dubai

Baniyas Square is a useful starting point for exploring central Deira and parts of Old Dubai.

Explore Naif Souk: Browse clothing, perfumes, accessories, souvenirs, and local products.

Walk around Baniyas Square: The surrounding streets include shops, restaurants, hotels, offices, and money exchanges.

Visit Al Manal Centre: Explore a local shopping centre close to the wider station area.

Visit the Gold Souk: Take the Green Line towards Creek and compare Gold Souq and Al Ras stations for the most suitable entrance.

Explore the Spice Souk: Continue to Al Ras for easier access to the traditional spice market.

See Dubai Creek: Visit the historic creek area, explore the waterfront, or use marine transport where suitable.

See Deira Twin Towers: This is one of the recognisable landmarks associated with the area around Baniyas Square.

Wear comfortable shoes when exploring on foot. During hot weather, use the Metro or a taxi between places that require a longer walk.

Hotels near Baniyas Square Metro Station, Dubai

The area around the station has many hotels and hotel apartments. It is popular with travellers who want public transport access and accommodation near Naif, Al Sabkha, traditional markets, and Dubai Creek.

Booking.com currently lists properties such as Landmark Plaza Hotel and Landmark Hotel around 250 feet from the station, with other listed properties at different distances. Hotel availability, ratings, and prices change regularly.

Do not choose a hotel using straight-line distance alone. A property may be close to the station but have its entrance on another road.

Before booking, check:

• Actual walking route
• Nearest station entrance
• Recent guest reviews
• Street noise
• Room size
• Lift access
• Family-room availability
• Luggage storage
• Breakfast times
• Airport transfer options
• Total price after taxes and fees

Featured Hotels Near Baniyas Square Metro Station

A featured property is not always the nearest or most suitable hotel. Some booking pages may display hotels in other parts of Dubai.

Open the map for every hotel and check the route from the station before booking.

Most booked hotels near Baniyas Square Metro Station in the past month

A highly booked hotel may be popular because of its price, room supply, location, or group bookings. Popularity does not always mean that it is the best choice for your needs.

Pay close attention to recent reviews about cleanliness, noise, air conditioning, staff service, and the walking route.

Enjoy breakfast at hotels near Baniyas Square Metro Station

Breakfast can be useful for families, business visitors, and travellers planning a full day.

Check:

• Breakfast start and end times
• Whether it is included in the room price
• Buffet or fixed-menu format
• Vegetarian choices
• Child pricing
• Early breakfast availability

Budget hotels near Baniyas Square Metro Station

Deira offers many lower-cost accommodation choices. However, the lowest room price may not provide the best total value.

Consider cleanliness, street noise, luggage access, taxes, service fees, and distance from the correct station entrance.

Hotels with great access to Baniyas Square Metro Station!

Good Metro access means more than being close on a map.

A suitable hotel should have:

• A simple walking route
• Safe road crossings
• A convenient station entrance
• Lift access
• Easy luggage movement
• Nearby food options
• Clear taxi pickup access

Driving directions to Baniyas Square Metro Station, Dubai

Drivers can find the station through a live navigation service. Waze provides driving directions to Baniyas Square Metro Station, but current traffic and road access should always be checked before departure.

The surrounding part of Deira can be busy. Parking availability and restrictions may change, so check the signs and payment rules before leaving your car.

For pickup or drop-off:

• Share the exact entrance location.
• Confirm which station exit the passenger will use.
• Avoid blocking the station entrance.
• Check live traffic before arriving.
• Allow extra time during peak business hours.
• Use a legal parking or waiting area.

A taxi or ride-hailing service may be easier than driving when visiting a crowded market or travelling with luggage.

Baniyas Square vs Gold Souq vs Al Ras Station

Choosing the correct station can reduce walking time.

Destination	Usually the most suitable station
Naif Souk	Baniyas Square
Baniyas Square shops and hotels	Baniyas Square
Central Naif	Baniyas Square
Gold Souk	Gold Souq or Al Ras
Spice Souk	Al Ras
Creekside traditional markets	Al Ras
Deira Twin Towers	Baniyas Square
Union and Red Line interchange	Baniyas Square, then one stop to Union

The best station may still depend on the exact building or entrance. Check a live map before travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

After studying the official Green Line map, station timetable, nearby transport links, and the main routes through Deira, my practical assessment is that Baniyas Square Metro Station is the best choice for passengers visiting Naif, Baniyas Square, eastern Al Sabkha, nearby hotels, and the surrounding commercial streets.

However, it is not automatically the right station for every attraction in Old Dubai. Gold Souq or Al Ras may provide an easier route to some parts of the Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Dubai Creek. This is why checking the exact entrance of your destination is more useful than simply choosing the station with the closest name.

From my route-planning experience, the three most important checks are simple. First, confirm your exact destination before entering the Metro. Second, read the final train direction before boarding. Third, study the local-area map before choosing an exit.

These steps may seem small, but they can prevent the most common problems: taking the wrong train, missing an interchange, walking through several extra streets, or struggling with luggage during hot weather.

I also recommend checking RTA or the S’hail journey planner when travelling late at night, during public holidays, or when using a connecting bus. Metro hours, bus routes, and final train times can change, so current official information should always take priority over an older travel guide.

With a charged Nol card, the correct train direction, and a clear plan for the final walking route, Baniyas Square Station offers convenient access to one of Deira’s busiest and most traditional areas. Good preparation will make the journey easier, safer, and far more comfortable.