Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station 1 Complete Guide 2026

Quick Facts

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What Is Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station Exit 1?

DAFZA stands for Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station, which is an elevated station on the Dubai Metro’s Green Line. It is located between Al Qusais station and Al Twar station, with fare zone code 5. The station opened on 10 September 2011 and is a frequent commuter service stop for employees and visitors to the free zone the station is named after.

Station Overview

The station is a typical elevated Dubai Metro construction, featuring two side platforms and a concourse above street level. Accessible walkways and runs are laid throughout for passengers who need to transfer between the platforms and the ground, using escalators, elevators, and stairs. If you’re new to the Green Line, make sure to verify the board before boarding the train, as trains go both ways from here, either toward Creek or toward Al Qusais and continue to Etisalat. 

Why Exit 1 Matters

The station has two exits; one for a very different crowd. There are two exits: one on the east side towards Dubai Airport Free Zone, which is the most popular exit for office-goers and business visitors to proceed to the free zone on foot or with a short transfer. On the west side, at Exit 2, is Al Quds Street, which connects to the residential pockets of Al Qusais and Al Twar. This is a common mistake made by many on their first trip, and it is better to confirm which side you require before you even board the train. 

How Exit 1 Differs From Exit 2

In addition to their directions, the two exits are also different in the objects near them. Little residential property is visible along Exit 1, which is surrounded by office towers, warehouses, and business-park signage. The other exit, on the other hand, is nearer to apartment blocks, small retail units, and bus stops of local bus service that are used by residents instead of commuters. This is the difference you need to be aware of beforehand to avoid a puzzling stroll in the wrong direction, particularly in the middle of the day.

Where Is Exit 1 Located?

Position on Al Quds Street

Exit 1 is towards the east, where the Dubai Airport Free Zone is located, with its series of office towers and business complexes. This is on Al Quds Street, which is in the Al Twar 1 area. There is signage that directs commuters to roads within the free zone, instead of the public roads used for Exit 2. 

Distance to DAFZA and Nearby Landmarks

The main entrance of DAFZA is about half a mile from the station, taking a few minutes to walk around the various roads. This same general region is also close to Dubai CommerCity, e-commerce free zone, and Al Twar Park and Al Bustan Centre are in the same region. 

Getting Your Bearings on Arrival

In certain cases, first-time visitors visit they are unable to differentiate between Exit 1 and Exit 2 on the concourse, as both are equipped with Dubai Metro standard signage. The easiest way to make sure you’re on the right track is to watch for the DAFZA branding and business-park signs as you approach the exit doors; if you see the signs for residential streets and bus stops, you’re headed to Exit 2 and must cross the concourse again to get back to the business park. 

How Do You Reach the Station Through Exit 1?

By Metro

Only the Green Line serves DAFZA, with passengers from Red Line stations required to interchange at the station first. Interchange between the Red Line and Green Line will occur at the two stations, Union and BurJuman, with people travelling towards DAFZA changing trains at either station on arrival before continuing on to Al Qusais and Al Nahda. The trip from Union Station is usually just under 45 minutes and will depend on the time of day and the number of stops.

By Bus

Several RTA bus routes stop near the station and feed the free zone, as well as the surrounding residential roads. The table below shows the key routes and their general destinations for longer journeys, where you may need to leave the walking zone.

The routes and names of the stops of RTA buses also change from time to time, so please check the current routes and stop names before depending on a certain bus to make a specific trip at a specific time on the official RTA website or the S’hail app. 

By Car or Taxi

The access road up to the station is open to drivers coming from Airport Road to DAFZA. Street parking near the station is limited, with many commuters being dropped off or taking taxis or ride-hailing services. The traffic congestion around the drop-off zone can accumulate during peak hours, and it’s better to have a few minutes extra when you’re in a rush for a meeting.

Walking Access

If you are within the free zone, walking from Exit 1 may be the easiest way, because the surrounding roads are mostly straight into the business park. Officials at the RTA station say a bicycle stand is at the station just outside for those who choose to cycle the final leg of their journey. 

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When Do Trains Run at Exit 1?

Weekday and Weekend Timings

The opening and closing times for Dubai Metro’s Green Line services are provided below and are subject to change on Fridays. The RTA S’hail app is the best way to check the exact first/last train times before you travel early or late, since they might change based on RTA schedule changes. 

Peak Hours for DAFZA Commuters

Since so much of the traffic on Exit 1 is office-related, it is heaviest between about 7 AM and 9 AM, and during the last 2 hours of the day, from 5 PM to 7 PM, when free zone employees are returning to work. It is worth noting that trips outside these windows are significantly smoother, in terms of a shorter queue at the ticket machine and more space on the platform. 

Off-Peak and Weekend Patterns

When the free zone is quieter on weekends and outside office hours, the footfall through Exit 1 also decreases. The concourse and platforms are subtly more tranquil than normal, and weekend hours are a better time to explore nearby CommerCity or Al Twar Park, when the crowds are quieter. 

Who Should Use Exit 1?

DAFZA Employees and Business Visitors

For those who work within the free zone or visit a company registered within the free zone, Exit 1 will be the shortest way in. It bypasses the necessity to cross Al Quds Street and sends commuters virtually straight into the heart of the business park, a fact that is particularly significant in the mornings, before the office hours start.

A Note for Air Travelers

It is not an airport station, so it is important to keep in mind that from the outset. It is not located within or directly adjacent to any DXB terminal, meaning that one must still have a further bus or taxi ride to Terminal 2. The Red Line, which serves dedicated stations at T1 and T3, is generally the better option to take from and to T1 and T3 from inside the airport. 

Residents of Al Qusais and Al Twar

For most residents, Exit 2 is the more natural option, but for those whose homes or errands fall closer to the free zone side of the station, the connecting pedestrian walkways above Al Quds Street provide an alternative. 

Cargo, Logistics, and Customs Staff

In addition to the many logistics and customs firms within DAFZA, the many staff movements between the free zone and the metro don’t necessarily happen during the typical nine-to-five workday, so as a result, Exit 1 is a constant flow of workers moving in and out of DAFZA during both day and night. 

First-Time Visitors and Meeting Attendees

For visitors making only a single visit with a document to pick up or drop off, or for anyone registering a company, or for any other purpose at DAFZA, Exit 1 is the more convenient side of the station as it is directed towards the business towers of the free zone and not the residential streets on the other side.

 

What Facilities Are Available at Exit 1?

Ticketing and NOL Services

There is a ticket office staffed by personnel, self-service ticket machines, and NOL card top-up machines to help commuters top up their NOL cards before getting on the platform. This is especially helpful for people who don’t have a NOL card and want one at their destination. 

Accessibility and Amenities

The station is designed to be accessible for people with disabilities, such as wheelchair users, and for those who are traveling with baby strollers or heavy bags, as required by Dubai Metro station design. The official RTA station records show that there is a bicycle stand outside the station, providing another way for commuters to ride in from nearby streets.

Safety and Passenger Support

Staff are usually on site close to the ticket gates during busy hours, and the platforms are equipped with emergency aid points as advised by the Dubai Metro safety standard protocol. Audio and visual announcements assist those passengers who are visually or hearing impaired to confidently navigate the station. 

How Does Fare Zone 5 Affect Your Journey?

What Fare Zone 5 Means for Commuters

The DAFZA is located iFare Zonene 5 of the Dubai Metro, and that influences the cost of a NOL card trip based on the number of zones you cross. Fares will be higher than a short single-zone trip to Al Qusais or Al Twar, as commuters will typically have to cross multiple zones to get to DAFZA with their ticket from Dubai Central. 

Saving on Daily Commutes

It can be worth it for those who travel through Exit 1 each day, using a NOL Silver card or a Gold card with an Auto Top-Up feature to prevent getting caught short in the morning rush. Monthly passes for NOLs can also be cheaper than daily passes for people who commute five or six days a week into the NOL free zone.

Final Thoughts

The main purpose of Exit 1 is to facilitate the movement of DAFZA employees in and out of the free zone. This is the more relevant side of the station for anyone commuting to work or visiting a client there, and for residents, Exit 2 is the best choice generally – and for travelers travelling to the airport, expect an extra bus or taxi ride. Just confirming the exit ahead of time and planning your trip to avoid morning and evening traffic is enough to make commuting a little smoother.

Add to this the easy NOL top-up access, the above-listed buses, and the direct walkway to the free zone, and Exit 1 has most of what daily commuters want without any detours. Whether you’re a new player or an experienced one, this workable shortcut for navigating the live timing of the S’hail app, combined with a short buffer in rush hour, rounds out a routine that works. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is DAFZA Metro Station on the Red Line or Green Line?

It’s not on the Red Line, but on the Green Line. 

Does Exit 1 lead toward the free zone?

Yes, the DAFZA side of the station is towards Exit 1. 

Which exit should residents of Al Qusais use?

Residents are closer to Exit 2, which is opposite Al Quds Street. 

Is the station connected to Dubai International Airport Terminal 2?

No, it is not necessary to take a taxi or bus to get to Terminal 2. 

Which stations serve DXB Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 directly?

The Red Line’s Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 stations do. 

Is the station wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it does have ramps, elevators, and wide accessible gates. 

Can I top up my NOL card at the station?

Yes, ticket machines and NOL top-up points are available.

Is parking available at DAFZA Metro Station?

There is limited street parking around the station.

What is the best time to avoid crowds at Exit 1?

Try to steer clear of the rough times on weekdays: 7–9 AM and 5–7 PM. 

Is there an app to check exact train timings?

Yes, Live and scheduled timings are shown on the RTA S’hail App.