DXB Free Zone Metro Station 1 Your Easy Route to DAFZA, Terminal 2 and Dubai

Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station 1 can be confusing before you even start your journey. The name makes many first-time passengers believe the station is directly inside Dubai International Airport, Terminal 2 or the Dubai Airport Freezone. In reality, the Metro may only complete one part of the trip.

While researching the station map, Green Line routes, airport access and common passenger questions, I noticed the same problems appearing repeatedly. Travellers are unsure which direction to take, which side of Al Nahda Street to exit from and whether they should walk, use a bus or take a taxi for the final connection.

These small uncertainties can quickly become stressful. Airport passengers may be carrying heavy luggage or travelling with children. Job candidates may be worried about arriving late for an interview. Business visitors may reach the Metro station on time but still struggle to find the correct DAFZ building, entrance gate or visitor-registration point.

Another common pain point is travel timing. A journey planner may show the Metro duration, but it may not include the time needed to leave the platform, choose the correct exit, wait for a bus, find a taxi or complete security checks. A route that looks short on a map can also feel much longer in Dubai’s heat.

From my route and station research, the most important thing is to plan the complete door-to-door journey rather than only the train ride. Dubai Airport Free Zone is station G13 on the Green Line, between Al Qusais and Al Nahda. It is close to DAFZ and Terminal 2, but it is not directly connected to an airport terminal.

This guide explains the station timings, layout, Green Line connections, exits, DAFZ access, Terminal 2 route, Nol card use, facilities and common travel mistakes. My aim is to help you travel with less confusion, avoid unnecessary delays and choose the most practical route for your needs.

Details

Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station is an elevated station on Al Nahda Street in the Al Qusais area, close to Al Twar. It opened as part of the Green Line in September 2011.

Station detail	Information
Official name	Dubai Airport Free Zone
Common search name	Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station 1
Station code	G13
Metro line	Green Line
Fare zone	Zone 5
Station type	Elevated
Location	Al Nahda Street, Al Qusais
Station towards e&	Al Qusais
Station towards Creek	Al Nahda
Red Line interchange	Union or BurJuman
Direct airport-terminal connection	No
Opening date	September 2011

The current RTA rail map confirms that Dubai Airport Free Zone is G13. Al Qusais is G12 and Al Nahda is G14. Dubai Online identifies the station as being in Fare Zone 5.

Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Timings

The current RTA timetable lists the following first and last scheduled trains from the station.

Direction and day	First train	Last train
Towards Creek — Monday to Thursday	5:06 AM	11:28 PM
Towards Creek — Friday	5:06 AM	12:28 AM
Towards Creek — Saturday	5:06 AM	11:28 PM
Towards Creek — Sunday	8:06 AM	11:27 PM
Towards e& — Monday to Thursday	5:18 AM	12:00 AM
Towards e& — Friday	5:18 AM	12:59 AM
Towards e& — Saturday	5:18 AM	11:58 PM
Towards e& — Sunday	8:18 AM	11:57 PM

These are scheduled first and last train times from this station. Public holidays, special events and service changes may affect them, so passengers travelling early in the morning or late at night should confirm the live schedule.

Station Layout

Passenger movement is arranged across street, concourse and platform levels.

At street level, passengers enter or leave the station. The concourse contains the fare gates and station services. The upper platform level has two side platforms.

• Platform towards Creek: next station Al Nahda
• Platform towards e&: next station Al Qusais
• Train doors normally open on the right at both platforms

The station layout also includes a crossover at concourse level, allowing passengers to reach the correct platform after entering.

Dubai Online reports that the station has:

• A ticket office
• Ticket machines
• A convenience store
• A café
• Toilets
• Lifts
• Escalators
• Bicycle parking

Retail outlets and individual facilities may change, so passengers who require a specific service should confirm it before travelling.

Green Line

Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station is on the Green Line, which connects eastern Dubai with Deira, Old Dubai, Bur Dubai and Creek.

Passengers travelling towards Creek can reach stations such as:

• Al Nahda
• Stadium
• Al Qiyadah
• Abu Hail
• Abu Baker Al Siddique
• Salah Al Din
• Union
• Baniyas Square
• Gold Souq
• Al Ras
• Al Ghubaiba
• Sharaf DG
• BurJuman
• Oud Metha
• Dubai Healthcare City
• Al Jadaf
• Creek

In the other direction, the train travels through Al Qusais before reaching e&.

Passengers can change from the Green Line to the Red Line at:

• Union
• BurJuman

Both interchange stations are useful, but the best one depends on your final destination and travel direction.

Check the final destination shown on the platform screen before boarding. One of the most common mistakes for first-time users is choosing the correct line but travelling in the wrong direction.

Exits to the City

The station has exits on the east and west sides of Al Nahda Street.

2GIS identifies the exits as:

• Towards Al Nahda Street East and Al Twar Park
• Towards Al Nahda Street West

The map does not identify one universal numbered exit for every DAFZ building. Visitors should check the exact company entrance or map pin before leaving the station.

Towards Al Nahda Street East, Towards Al Twar Park

The eastern exits lead towards Al Twar Park and the eastern side of Al Nahda Street.

This side may be practical for passengers travelling towards Al Twar and nearby residential destinations. Before leaving the station, check whether your destination is on the same side of the road and whether the route includes a safe pedestrian crossing.

Towards Al Nahda Street West

The western exits serve the opposite side of Al Nahda Street.

Check the destination pin before choosing an exit because one side may require less walking or avoid crossing the main road. The map does not confirm that one particular western exit is always best for DAFZ or Al Qusais.

Map

Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station is located at approximately 25.270011, 55.374961 on Al Nahda Street in Al Qusais.

A useful article map should clearly label:

• Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station
• Al Nahda Street
• Al Qusais
• Al Twar
• Al Twar Park
• Dubai Airport Freezone
• Dubai Airport Terminal 2
• Al Qusais Metro Station
• Al Nahda Metro Station
• Nearby bus stops

Although the station is close to DAFZ and Terminal 2, being nearby does not mean that either destination is directly connected to the platform.

DUBAI AIRPORT FREEZONE

Dubai Airport Freezone is officially shortened to DAFZ and is also commonly searched as DAFZA.

The free zone was established in 1996 and is located next to Dubai International Airport. According to its official website, it is home to more than 3,400 registered businesses across over 20 sectors and more than 20,000 professionals.

The Metro station is useful for:

• DAFZ employees
• Company visitors
• Job candidates
• Suppliers
• Consultants
• People attending business meetings
• Nearby residents

However, reaching the general free-zone area does not always mean that you have reached the correct company building.

ABOUT DAFZ

DAFZ provides offices, retail spaces, industrial units and business-support services. Its airport-side location is particularly useful for companies involved in logistics, aviation, trade, technology and international business.

Business visitors should ask their host for:

• Full company name
• Building number
• Entrance gate
• Office floor
• Contact person
• Visitor-registration instructions
• Required identification

Job candidates should aim to reach the wider area around 20 to 30 minutes before the interview. Reaching the Metro station is not the same as reaching the office, because the final transfer and security checks require additional time.

CONTACT DAFZ

The official DAFZ website currently provides the following contact information:

• Call centre: +971 600 532 392
• Call-centre hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Head-office hours: 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM
• Working days: Monday to Friday
• Postal address: PO Box 491, Dubai, UAE

Contact DAFZ or your host company before travelling when you are unsure about the correct building, gate or visitor procedure.

How to Get From Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station 1 to DAFZA by Bus, Taxi or Foot

Passengers can complete the final journey by public bus, taxi or walking.

The most suitable option depends on:

• The exact building or gate
• Weather
• Luggage
• Mobility
• Available time
• Familiarity with the area

Rome2Rio currently shows a distance of around one kilometre between the station and its selected DAFZA destination, with a 1.6-kilometre walking route. The actual distance may differ because DAFZ contains several buildings and entrances.

There Are Three Ways to Get From Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station 1 to DAFZA by Bus, Taxi or Foot

Option	Best for	Main concern
Bus	Budget travellers and regular commuters	Correct stop and waiting time
Taxi	Business visitors and passengers with bags	Higher cost
Walking	Light travellers during cooler weather	Heat, roads and distance

Walking may be practical when the weather is comfortable, the passenger has a light bag and the destination is near the entrance.

A taxi may be better for:

• First-time visitors
• Job candidates
• Formal meetings
• Elderly passengers
• People with limited mobility
• Travellers carrying work equipment

Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station 1 to DAFZA by Bus

When checked in July 2026, Rome2Rio displayed route 17 as a direct option from Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Bus Stop 1 to DAFZA. It showed an estimated six-minute journey, departures around every 30 minutes and a displayed fare of AED 3–5. These are journey-planner estimates and should be confirmed through RTA or S’hail on the travel date.

Before boarding:

1. Check the current route number.
2. Confirm the stop side.
3. Check the destination direction.
4. Make sure you have enough Nol balance.
5. Check the walking distance from the final bus stop to the building.

Bus From Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Bus Stop 1 to DAFZA

Stops may exist on different sides of the road. Check the exact stop number and location before leaving the Metro station.

Do not rely only on an old article or saved screenshot. Bus routes, frequencies and stop patterns may change.

Questions and Answers

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get From Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station 1 to DAFZA?

Rome2Rio currently shows the public bus as the cheapest displayed option, with an estimated fare of AED 3–5. Confirm the live route and final fare before travelling.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get From Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station 1 to DAFZA?

A taxi is normally the fastest option for reaching a specific office or entrance. Traffic, pickup time and the exact building may affect the journey.

Is There a Direct Bus Between Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station 1 and DAFZA?

Rome2Rio currently displays a direct route 17 connection. Verify it through RTA or S’hail because bus information can change.

How Far Is DAFZA From the Metro Station?

The practical distance depends on the gate and building. Current sources show an approximate general distance of one kilometre and a walking route of around 1.6 kilometres.

How Can I Reach DAFZA Without a Car?

You can use a public bus, taxi or walk. The bus is usually cheaper, while a taxi is more convenient for first-time visitors, time-sensitive meetings and passengers with bags.

What Companies Run Services Between Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station 1 and DAFZA?

Rome2Rio currently identifies Dubai RTA Bus as the operator of its displayed bus connection. Use the official RTA journey planner for the latest route, schedule and stop information.

Dubai Taxi Corporation

A taxi can provide a simple final connection between the Metro station and a DAFZ office.

Give the driver:

• Company name
• Building number
• Entrance gate
• Map pin

Saying only “airport free zone” may not be enough because the district contains several buildings and access points.

Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station to Terminal 2

Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station is not directly connected to Dubai International Airport Terminal 2.

Dubai Airports states that direct Metro service is available at Terminals 1 and 3 through the Red Line. Terminal 2 has public buses operating from dedicated stands at Arrivals, but passengers travelling from this Metro station still need an additional connection.

Can You Walk to Terminal 2?

A map may show that the terminal is nearby, but walking may be uncomfortable because of:

• Heavy luggage
• Outdoor heat
• Road crossings
• Unfamiliar entrances
• Children or elderly passengers
• Limited mobility
• Time pressure before a flight

A taxi or verified bus connection is usually more practical for passengers carrying luggage.

Which Option Is Best?

Option	Best for	Main issue
Metro and bus	Budget travellers	Waiting and extra walking
Metro and taxi	Passengers with luggage	Higher cost
Direct taxi from the starting point	Families and urgent journeys	Most expensive
Walking	Light travellers in cooler weather	Heat, roads and luggage

Passengers should allow time for the final connection, airline check-in, baggage drop, security and reaching the correct gate.

Nol Card and Fare Guidance

A Nol card is required to travel on Dubai Metro and public buses. RTA and Dubai Airports confirm that cash is not accepted for public-bus journeys.

Common options include:

• Silver Nol Card: AED 25, including AED 19 balance
• Gold Nol Card: AED 25, including AED 19 balance
• Red Ticket: AED 2 before adding trips; suitable for up to 10 journeys or five daily passes

The Silver Card is normally practical for repeated travel. The Red Ticket may suit a visitor taking only a few journeys.

Remember to tap your card:

• When entering the Metro
• When leaving the Metro
• When boarding a bus
• When leaving a bus

Keep enough balance for the complete journey, including any bus transfer after the Metro.

Routes to Popular Destinations

Destination	Basic route
Union	Green Line towards Creek
BurJuman	Green Line towards Creek
Gold Souq	Green Line towards Creek
Creek	Remain on the Green Line towards Creek
Terminal 1	Green Line to Union or BurJuman, then Red Line
Terminal 3	Green Line to Union or BurJuman, then Red Line
Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall	Change to the Red Line at Union or BurJuman
Business Bay	Change to the Red Line at Union or BurJuman
Dubai Marina	Change to the Red Line at Union or BurJuman
e&	Green Line in the opposite direction through Al Qusais

The RTA map confirms Union and BurJuman as interchange stations between the Green and Red lines.

Accessibility and Travelling With Luggage

The station has lifts and escalators, and secondary station sources describe it as accessible.

However, an accessible station does not guarantee that the complete route to DAFZ or Terminal 2 will be easy.

The final journey may still involve:

• Outdoor pavements
• Road crossings
• Bus boarding
• Heat
• Walking between buildings
• Managing luggage

A short taxi connection may be the better choice for wheelchair users, elderly passengers, families with strollers and travellers carrying large bags.

Dubai Airports states that Metro passengers may travel with up to two pieces of luggage, including hand luggage, subject to RTA size and weight rules.

Parking and Taxi Pickup

The station is designed mainly for public-transport access rather than long-term airport parking.

Passengers arriving by car should confirm:

• Legal drop-off point
• Correct side of the station
• Taxi pickup location
• Parking restrictions
• Whether the driver can wait

Do not assume that roadside space is legal parking. Travellers leaving a vehicle for an airport journey should use an authorised parking facility.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming the Station Is Inside Terminal 2

It is not. An additional bus or taxi connection is required.

Confusing Terminal 2 With Terminals 1 and 3

Terminals 1 and 3 have direct Red Line stations. Terminal 2 does not.

Boarding in the Wrong Direction

Check whether the train is going towards Creek or e&.

Leaving Through the Wrong Side of Al Nahda Street

Check the destination pin before passing through the exit gates.

Not Confirming the DAFZ Building

Ask for the building number, gate and visitor instructions.

Treating Metro Arrival as Office Arrival

Allow time for the final walk, bus, taxi and security process.

Checking Only General Metro Hours

Use the station-specific first and last train timetable.

Travelling Without Enough Nol Balance

Top up before entering the station or boarding a bus.

Walking With Heavy Luggage

A short map distance may still involve heat, roads and difficult crossings.

Nearby Hotels

Dubai Online currently lists these accommodation options near the station:

• TIME Grand Plaza Hotel
• Hampton by Hilton Dubai Airport

Before booking, confirm:

• Current hotel name
• Walking route
• Airport shuttle
• Which terminal the shuttle serves
• Distance to DAFZ
• Road crossings
• Check-in and checkout times

A hotel described as being near Dubai Airport may not be equally convenient for all three terminals.

Frequently Asked Questions