Al Rigga Metro Station Dubai Complete Guide to Location, Routes and Fares

Al Rigga Metro Station is a busy and central station situated in the heart of Deira on Al Rigga Road in Dubai Metro’s Red Line. This station is one of the best places to transfer to Dubai, whether you’re traveling to the station for the first time, commuting to work, or finding accommodation.

Quick Facts

• Al Rigga is one of the busiest stations on the Red Line, after BurJuman.
• One stop from Union Station, the biggest intersection point of the Red and Green Lines, to Dubai’s largest station.
•  Catering for hotels, dining, and shopping, the two exits lead straight out onto Al Rigga Street and Al Ghurair Centre.

Where Is Al Rigga Metro Station Located?

Al Rigga Metro Station is situated on Al Rigga Road, the oldest and one of the most historic districts in Dubai. Hotels, exchange houses, as well as retail shops line Deira’s busiest commercial road.

 The station is located near Al Maktoum Road and Baniyas Road intersections, with the majority of central Deira easily accessible by walking. The station is easily accessible by walking from the majority of Deira’s central area, including Riggat Al Buteen residential pocket (just north of the station).

Station Overview

Al Rigga is operated by Dubai Metro on the Red Line, which is the longest and busiest line of the metro, and has a station number of R17. It is an underground station with two platforms for the trains that run in both directions.

 It was opened on 9th September 2009, when the Red Line was first opened. It has since become one of the busiest stations on the network, with ridership data from the RTA placing it in the top three busiest stations throughout the network, along with BurJuman and Union.

Al Rigga Metro Timings and Operating Hours

The service is fairly regular at Al Rigga, and is slightly longer on Friday and starts later on Sunday:

The time for first and last trains may differ slightly from train to train and platform to platform, so please check with the RTA S’hail application or the digital displays on the platform before travelling, particularly late at night.

Also Explore: Salah Al Din Metro Station

Metro Routes and Connections from Al Rigga

Two trains operate from Al Rigga on the Red Line. Eastbound trains go towards Centrepoint (formerly Rashidiya) and go near Dubai International Airport Terminals (1, 3). Westbound trains go through Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, and Dubai Marina to Expo City Dubai.

 The Red Line’s Union Station is a one-stop station to the Green Line, which leads to Al Qusais, Al Ghubaiba, Dubai Creek, and the older neighborhoods of Deira.

Travel Times From Al Rigga to Major Destinations

These are approximate scheduled travel times for the time being, according to RTA timetables, and may change slightly during peak hours as dwell times may vary. 

Nol Card and Fare Information

There is no cash payment at gates; the Dubai Metro uses the Nol Card system. Al Rigga is in fare zone 5, and the exact fare depends on the number of fare zones crossed, and is not a flat fare from station to station.

 A general rule of thumb is that a short hop, that is within the same or neighboring zone (such as Al Rigga to Union), is about AED 3, and a longer trip across zones (such as Al Rigga to Mall of the Emirates) is closer to AED 7 – 8, depending on your Nol card type.

 The fares quoted are only a guide as they will depend on the fare zone travelled and the type of NOL card used.

•  Nol Silver Card– This is the standard fare, and it is offered to all riders.
•  Nol Gold Card – top-of-the-line cabin access, higher ticket price.
•  Nol Red Ticket – one-way ticket for tourists in paper.

 Riding in a feeder bus is usually free within 30 minutes of your arrival at Al Rigga on the same Nol card, unless you continue your trip to a different train service.

 The zone system pays for planning – typically, if you are traveling within one or two zones every day, a monthly NOL pass is cheaper than paying by the trip. If you use Al Rigga regularly, it’s good to take the time to compare them at the ticket machine.

Station Exits, Entrances, and Facilities

There are two primary ways to get out of Al Rigga, and it’s worth a bit of walking to get it right:

•  Exit 1 – Al Rigga Street: suitable for budget hotels, cafés, and currency exchange and budget hotels on Al Rigga Street.
•  Exit 2 – Al Ghurair Centre: leads straight into the oldest mall in Deira, where there are shops, restaurants, and a cinema.

 The station is equipped with air-conditioned waiting areas, escalators and elevators, Nol card machines and top-ups, digital arrival boards and platform-designated Women & Children and Gold Class cabin zones. The station is fully accessible to people of determination, and tactile guidance is provided; trains have space for wheelchairs.

Bus and Taxi Connections from Al Rigga

Al Rigga is one of the busiest transport interchanges outside of the Deira Metro in the city. Several local RTA bus lines drop off right outside the station, such as bus line 11A, which goes to Gold Souq Bus Station, bus line 27 to Dubai Mall, and 77 to Al Garhoud.

The majority of intercity buses to Sharjah and Ajman have been moved to the bigger Union Bus Station, which is one metro stop away, so if you’re going to the Northern Emirates, it’s best to transfer from Al Rigga to the Union station instead of getting onto the bus straight from there.

Al Rigga is an easy point to get to by taxi, or pick up a private taxi, from both exits, at any time of day.

Pickups from ride-hailing services are smoother from the Al Rigga Street side (Exit 1) as the Al Ghurair Centre side is jammed with the traffic of malls during evenings and weekends. 

Also Explore: Abu Dhabi Bus Station

Nearby Landmarks and Attractions

The character of Deira is immediately apparent as soon as you leave Al Rigga station:

• Al Ghurair Centre – Dubai’s oldest shopping mall, which is connected to the center by a direct walk through Exit 2 (2 minutes).
• A prominent landmark roundabout, Deira Clock Tower, is 8 minutes’ walk away.
• Traditional markets are called Gold Souk & Spice Souk, which are located 10-12 minutes by metro and walking from the airport.
• Dubai Creek – waterfront walkways and abra rides (walk 12 – 15 minutes)

It’s the combination of history, cheap hotels, and normal business that keeps Al Rigga so busy all day, every day.

Al Rigga vs Nearby Metro Stations: Which Should You Use?

There are three Red Line stations which are very close together in Deira – Al Rigga, Union, and Deira City Centre stations, and depending on where you are actually going, these may not be the closest stations to your building. 

Union is a better exit if you are getting on or off the Green Line. Al Rigga remains the center of central Deira for any shopping, souk, or daily activities that necessitate walking. 

Who Uses Al Rigga Metro Station?

Al Rigga has an assortment of cyclists, like the people who live around it. Deira’s commercial buildings are a significant source of weekday traffic, as are tourists in the area’s budget and mid-range hotels.

• People in the office at Deira, and those working in retail stores there,
• Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Dubai Creek are the areas that tourists would explore while in Dubai.
• Students who travel to college on the Red Line outside the local area.
• Travelers travelling to/from the airport from within Centrepoint. 

Living Near Al Rigga Metro

The neighborhood around Al Rigga, which cuts across the border to Riggat Al Buteen just north of Al Rigga station, is one of the more sought-after residential areas of Deira, for those who prefer not to own a car. Apartments in this area vary in size from studios to 2/3 bedroom family-sized, many of which are within a 5-10 minute walk from the station.

Expect 2-bedroom units in nearby Creek-facing developments to range from AED 130,000 – 150,000 per year, depending upon the level of activity in the listings on the website, but units in more aged buildings further from the Creek can be significantly less.

Also Read: Al Ghubaiba Metro Station Dubai

Travel Tips for Al Rigga Metro Users

• Fill your Nol card up before leaving, before traveling — machines at the stations can queue during peak hours.
• If possible, do not come and go between 6:00 am and 8:30 am, or 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm, as trains and platforms are very busy.
• Do not stand in Gold Class or Women & Children cabins without the matching ticket (fines will be imposed).
• Always use the RTA S’hail app to find the real timetable of the train, not the fixed timetable, particularly late at night. 

Final Thoughts

The reputation of Al Rigga Metro Station Dubai, is well deserved, as it is one of the Red Line’s most convenient stations, well connected and with a variety of budget hotels and historic souks all around.

Al Rigga is one of the most convenient metro stations for both residents and visitors living in and around Dubai, given that it is connected to the Red Line, has excellent connectivity, is close to attractions, and has low-priced residential properties.

Must Explore: Dubai RTA

Frequently Asked Questions

What metro line is Al Rigga Metro Station on?

Al Rigga is located on the Dubai Metro Red Line (R17 Station). 

What is the fare zone for Al Rigga Metro Station?

Al Rigga is located in Fare Zone 5 of the Dubai Metro. 

What are Al Rigga Metro Station’s operating hours?

Weekdays and Saturday: 5:00 AM – midnight, Fridays: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM, Sundays: 8:00 AM. 

How far is Al Rigga from Dubai International Airport?

It takes approximately 10–15 minutes by metro, direct service to Terminals 1 and 3 on the eastbound Red Line. 

Can I pay cash at Al Rigga Metro Station?

No, only Nol Cards and Nol Red Tickets will be accepted—no cash will be accepted at the gates; 

Which exit should I use for Al Ghurair Centre?

Exit 2 – which is right into the malto

Is Al Rigga Metro Station accessible for people of determination?

Yes, it does have elevators, tactile guidance, and specific spaces for wheelchairs on the trains.

How do I reach Sharjah or Ajman from Al Rigga?

Go on the Red Line one stop to Union Station and board an intercity bus. 

When did Al Rigga Metro Station open?

It was inaugurated on 9th September 2009 as a part of the original Red Line. 

Is the area around Al Rigga good for renting an apartment?

Yes, a popular option among renters who do not have a car and prefer to travel by direct metro.