Baniyas Square Station – Timings, Route, Map & Nearby Places

Baniyas Square Station is G21 on the Dubai Metro Green Line in Deira, located between Union (G20) and Gold Souq (G22). The underground station is a convenient stop for Naif Souk, traditional Deira markets, local shopping streets, and Dubai Creek, with nearby bus and Abra connections. Passengers can also reach the Red Line through Union or BurJuman. This guide covers the station’s timings, route, fares, transfers, nearby places, and the best stop to use for popular Deira destinations. 

Quick Facts 

RTA current Metro map places G21 between Union and Gold Souq on the Green Line. The line runs from e& (G11) to Creek (G30), with Union and BurJuman serving as the two Green-Red interchange stations.

Where Is Baniyas Square Station?

Baniyas Square Station Location

The station is in Deira, one of the older commercial parts of Dubai. The surrounding streets are filled with traditional shops, small businesses, restauran,t,s and markets, so the area feels quite different from the newer parts of the city.

The stop is useful for people visiting Naif Souk, Gold Souk, Spice Souk, the traditional Deira markets and Dubai Creek. Visit Dubai places Naif Souk roughly a six-minute walk from the nearby Metro, which makes the train a practical way to reach the market without dealing with road traffic.

Baniyas Square and the Station Are Not the Same Thing

The name can refer to both the square and the wider area around it, while the Metro stop is the transport facility serving that district. This distinction becomes useful when you are checking directions because a map may show several places using the same name.

For public transport, look for G21 or the full Metro station name. Using the station code can make it easier to identify the correct stop when several nearby streets or businesses appear in search results.

Baniyas Square Station on the Dubai Metro Map

G21 sits on the Green Line as it passes through Deira and the older districts of Dubai. From here, passengers can continue towards the northern Green Line stations or travel in the opposite direction towards Creek without changing trains.

The nearby station sequence is:

Salah Al Din → Union → Baniyas Square → Gold Souq → Al Ras → Al Ghubaiba → Sharaf DG → BurJuman

RTA’s current network map identifies Union as G20, G21 as the Baniyas stop, Gold Souq as G22,  and Al Ras as G23.

Station Code G21

G21 is the station code used on Dubai’s Metro network. It is particularly handy when reading the network map because the code points to the transport stop itself rather than the surrounding streets.

Previous and Next Stations

Gold Souq comes next when you travel towards Creek. Union is the previous stop when you travel towards e&, so checking the destination displayed on the train before boarding can save you from taking the wrong direction.

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Baniyas Square Station Route

The Green Line is straightforward from G21 because trains run in two directions. Your choice comes down to the destination shown on the train and platform displays.

Toward e&

Take the train marked e& if you are heading towards the northern end of the Green Line. The route continues through Union, Salah Al Din, Abu Baker Al Siddique, Abu Hail, Stadium, Al Qiyadah, Al Nahda, Al Qusais nd finally e&.

Toward Creek

For the opposite direction, take the train marked Creek. The route from here continues through Gold Souq, Al Ras, Al Ghubaiba, Sharaf DG, BurJuman, Oud Metha, Dubai Healthcare City, Al Jadaf and Creek.

RTA identifies E11 (G11) and Creek (G30) as the two ends of the Green Line.

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Baniyas Square Station Timings

RTA currently publishes these general Metro operating hours:

These are the normal network hours rather than a guarantee that every train follows the same schedule every day. Public holidays, major events and special operating arrangements can change the timetable, so it is worth checking RTA before travelling on an unusual date.

First and Last Train

There is no single first or last train time that should be treated as fixed for every situation. The departure depends on the direction, day, and timetable in operation.

RTA’s published timetable shows an early Green Line service passing through G21 at around 5:02 AM in the relevant direction on the displayed schedule. If you are travelling to the airport or have another time-sensitive connection, use the RTA Journey Planner for the exact trip instead of relying on a general station guide.

Baniyas Square Station Fares and Nol Card

Dubai Metro uses a zone-based fare system. The amount charged depends on the number of zones covered by the journey and the type of Nol ticket or card you use.

RTA’s current standard fares are:

The fare zone shown for a station does not mean every trip from that stop costs the same. Your complete journey determines how many zones you travel through and therefore which fare applies.

Nol Transfers

Nol transfer rules become important when you combine Metro and bus services. Qualifying transfers made within the permitted transfer period can be counted as part of the same journey instead of being charged as completely separate trips.

Make sure you tap your Nol card correctly when entering and leaving the transport system. Keeping the card accessible also makes transfers easier when you are changing between different services.

How to Transfer to the Red Line

There is no Red Line platform at G21. Passengers changing from the Green Line can use Union (R18/G20) or BurJuman (R19/G26).

Via Union

Union is a convenient choice for many Red Line journeys towards Dubai International Airport, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall and destinations farther south. Travel to Union on the Green Line and follow the signs for the Red Line platforms.

Via BurJuman

BurJuman is the other Green-Red interchange and may be more convenient depending on your final destination. Rather than choosing an interchange simply because it appears first on the map, compare the full journey and the walking distance after you leave the train.

How to Get From Baniyas Square to Popular Destinations

Dubai Airport

Take the Green Line to Union, then change to the Red Line for the airport. RTA identifies Airport Terminal 1 as R14 and Airport Terminal 3 as R13, so check your flight terminal before boarding.

Give yourself extra time for the interchange, the walk between platforms,s and the airport’s check-in and security process. A Metro journey that looks short on the map can take longer once these parts are included.

Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa

Travel to Union on the Green Line and change to the Red Line. Continue to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (R25), then follow the station signs towards the mall.

BurJuman

Stay on the Green Line and travel towards Creek to reach BurJuman. The station is G26 on the Green Line and R19 on the Red Line, so you can also use it to change lines for onward travel.

Al Fahidi

The best option depends on the exact place you want to visit in Al Fahidi. If you are going to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, check the walking route before leaving the station because the most suitable exit can depend on your final destination.

Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek separates Deira from the historic Bur Dubai side and remains one of the main landmarks of Old Dubai. You can combine Metro travel with an Abra crossing when your itinerary takes you from one side of the Creek to the other.

For visitors exploring the markets and historic districts, this can be easier than taking a road route around the water.

Gold Souk

Gold Souq (G22) is the next stop towards Creek. If the Gold Souk is the main reason for your trip, getting off there can save you a longer walk through Deira.

Bus Connections at Baniyas Square

Bus networks change more often than Metro station names, which means older online guides can contain route numbers that no longer apply. Two RTA changes worth knowing about are Route 17 and Route 77.

Route 17

RTA changed Route 17 so that it terminates at Baniyas Square Metro Station instead of Al Sabkha Bus Station, with the change taking effect on 2 May 2025. This gives passengers using Route 17 a direct connection with the Metro.

Route 77

Route 77 was also changed into a two-directional service connecting Baniyas Square Metro Station with Al Garhoud. Since bus routes and timetables can change, check the current RTA information before setting out rather than relying on an old route list.

Marine Transport and Abra Connections

Deira has another useful transport option that is easy to overlook: the traditional Abra network on Dubai Creek. This gives passengers another way to move between the historic districts on either side of the water.

RTA currently lists these relevant routes:

The standard fare listed by RTA for these commuter Abra routes is AED 2. Timings can change during Ramadan and public holidays, so check the marine schedule if you need to catch a particular departure.

Why the Abra Connection Matters

A simple Old Dubai trip can look like this:

Metro → Deira → Baniyas Marine Station → Abra → Dubai Creek/Bur Dubai

For visitors, the Abra is useful because it can replace a road journey around the Creek while also giving the trip a more traditional Dubai feel.

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Facilities and Accessibility

Passengers can expect the standard facilities associated with Dubai Metro, including Nol and ticketing services, passenger information, lifts, escalators, platform access and staff assistance. Accessibility provisions are also available for People of Determination.

RTA continues to work on first- and last-mile connections around public transport stations, including pedestrian and cycling improvements. If you require a particular accessibility feature, check the latest RTA information before travelling rather than depending on an old third-party description.

Places Near Baniyas Square Station

The main attraction of this part of Deira is how much there is to see within a relatively compact area. Traditional markets, independent shops, restaurants,nt,s and Creek-side destinations are all part of the surrounding Old Dubai experience.

Naif Souk

Naif Souk is one of the area’s well-known traditional shopping destinations. Visit Dubai describes it as one of the city’s older souks, with shops selling clothing, textiles, leather goods, electronics, souvenirs, and other products.

The tourism authority places the souk around a six-minute walk from the nearby Metro, making it one of the easiest local destinations to combine with a train journey.

Gold Souk

Deira’s Gold Souk is famous for its jewellery shops and concentration of gold retailers. It sits within the wider traditional market district, close to other souks and the Creek-side transport network.

If the Gold Souk is your main destination, Gold Souq Metro Station is normally the more convenient stop because it comes next on the Green Line.

Spice Souk

The Spice Souk is part of Deira’s traditional market area near the Gold Souk. Its shops sell spices, herbs, dried fruits and other products associated with the region’s trading culture.

Visitors can combine the Spice Souk with the Gold Souk and nearby streets during the same walking trip.

Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek remains central to the character of Old Dubai. The waterway separates Deira from Bur Dubai and provides access to traditional Abra services that connect several points along the waterfront.

If your plan includes both sides of the Creek, checking the Abra route can save time compared with travelling around the water by road.

Old Deira Shopping Streets

There is more to the area than the major tourist markets. The streets around central Deira contain smaller retailers, restaurants, local businesses and long-established commercial activity.

For these busy streets, taking the Metro can be more convenient than trying to park or drive directly into the heart of the shopping area.

Which Metro Station Should You Use?

Baniyas Square vs Gold Souq

Choose G21 when you are heading for Naif Souk, the Baniyas Square area,  or the surrounding commercial streets. Choose Gold Souq (G22) when the Gold Souq itself is the main destination.

The stations are only one stop apart, so choosing the one closest to the final destination can make a noticeable difference to the amount of walking involved.

Baniyas Square vs Union

Union is the more useful choice when you need to change to the Red Line or your final destination sits more conveniently along that line. G21 is better suited to central Deira and the streets around Naif Souk.

Baniyas Square vs Al Ras

Al Ras can be a better choice for destinations closer to the traditional souks and the Creek-side part of Old Deira. G21 generally works better for the Baniyas Square and Naif Souk side.

When two stations appear close on a map, look at the final walking route as well. The nearest station on paper is not always the easiest one to use.

How Busy Is Baniyas Square Station?

RTA’s H1 2026 ridership figures show that the station handles a significant number of passengers. It recorded 3.8 million riders during the first half of 2026, placing it second among Green Line stations during that period, behind Sharaf DG at 4.9 million and ahead of Stadium at about 3.7 million.

Passenger levels still vary throughout the day. Commuting hours, shopping activity, and events in the surrounding area can all affect how busy the station feels, but the latest figures clearly show that it is an important Green Line stop.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Taking the wrong Green Line direction.
   Check the destination on the train before boarding. e& and Creek serve opposite directions.
2. Looking for a direct Red Line platform.
   There is no Red Line service here. Change at Union or BurJuman.
3. Following an old bus route list.
   Routes 17 and 77 have changed, so an older article may not reflect the current bus network.
4. Treating station hours as the exact final train time.
   Station opening hours and individual train departures are different things. Check the timetable for your travel date and direction.
5. Choosing G21 when Gold Souq is your actual destination.
   Gold Souq G22 is one stop towards Creek and may leave you with a shorter walk.
6. Ignoring the Abra option.
   If your plans include Dubai Creek, check the current marine services before automatically choosing a taxi.

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Keep your Nol card somewhere easy to reach when entering and leaving the Metro, particularly during busy periods. If you plan to shop in Naif Souk or the nearby markets, think about your return journey before filling your hands with shopping bags.

For airport trips, allow more time than the basic Metro journey suggests. The transfer, station walking, and airport procedures can all add time to the trip.

If you are planning to use an Abra, check its timetable separately because marine services do not follow exactly the same operating hours as the Metro. For journeys involving several transport modes, the RTA Journey Planner is the better option for checking the route on the day.

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Final Takeaway

G21 works particularly well as a starting point for exploring central Deira. Naif Souk, traditional shopping streets and the wider Old Dubai area are all within easy reach, while the nearby bus and Abra network gives you more options once you leave the train.

Before boarding, check whether your train is heading towardsEmaar& or Creek. Use Union or BurJuman when you need the Red Line, and consider Gold Souq G22 instead if the Gold Souk is the main destination.

For a trip that depends on a specific departure, use RTA’s latest timetable and Journey Planner before leaving. That gives you the current Metro bus and marine information rather than relying on an older static schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Baniyas Square Station on the Green Line?

Yes. The stop is G21 on Dubai Metro’s Green Line, between Union G20 and Gold Souq G22.

What is the station code?

The station code is G21.

What is the next station after Baniyas Square?

The next stop towards Creek is Gold Souq (G22). Union (G20) is the previous station when travelling towards e&.

What are the Metro operating hours?

RTA currently lists general Metro station hours of 5:00 AM to midnight from Monday to Thursday, 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM on Friday, 5:00 AM to midnight on Saturday, and 8:00 AM to midnight on Sunday. Special schedules can apply during holidays and major events.

Is Baniyas Square Station underground?

Yes. The stop forms part of the underground section of Dubai’s Green Line through central Old Dubai.

How do I get from Baniyas Square to Dubai Airport?

Take the Green Line to Union, change to the Red Lin,,e and continue towards your airport terminal. Airport Terminal 1 is R14 and Airport Terminal 3 is R13.

How do I get from Baniyas Square to Dubai Mall?

Travel to Union, change to the Red Line, and continue to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (R25).

Which station is better for Gold Souk?

Gold Souq G22 is normally the better Metro stop when the Gold Souk itself is your destination. G21 is more useful for Naif Souk and the streets around Baniyas Square.

Which buses serve the station?

RTA currently identifies Route 17 as terminating at the Metro station and Route 77 as connecting the station with Al Garhoud. Check the latest RTA timetable before travelling because bus services can change.

Can I reach Dubai Creek from the station?

Yes. You can continue along the Green Line towards the Creek area or use RTA’s Abra network. Current services include connections from Baniyas Marine Station to Dubai Old Souq and Al Seef.

Is Baniyas Square Station busy?

Yes. RTA recorded 3.8 million riders during H1 2026, giving the station the second-highest ridership on the Green Line for that period.

Is the station useful for tourists?

Yes. The location works well for visitors exploring Naif Souk, Gold Souk, Spice Souk, traditional Deira markets, and Dubai Creek. The Green Line also provides connections to Union, BurJuman, and the wider Metro network.