So here is your guide to Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station 1, which will provide you with all the necessary information about the station’s location, how to get to it, what fare zone it belongs to, how it is connected (or not) to Dubai International Airport and other things that are useful to know before your 2026 commute.
What Is Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station 1 (DAFZA)
There are different names for the station but you’ll most likely use its shortened version – DAFZA. This is an elevated station on the Green Line of the Dubai Metro that was opened to the public on 9 September 2011, together with the Green Line.
Since then DAFZA has become one of the busiest stations for everyone who works in the business district of Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station 1 or lives in the residential areas of Al Qusais and Al Twar. This station sits right on the border between Al Qusais, Al Twar and Dubai Airport Free Zone – that’s why it gets so many visitors throughout the day.
To sum it up, DAFZA Metro Station is a Green Line stop for the Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station 1 business district and the neighboring residential areas of Al Qusais and Al Twar – not a station located at Dubai International Airport.
Read Also: Onpassive Metro Station
Exact Location & How to Get There
Now you’ve got the general idea of where the station is situated – and here’s the more detailed information about how to get there and where it is located.
Station Address and Coordinates
The station is located along Al Nahda Road and through one of the exits here, you will be able to access Al Quds Road (otherwise known as D91). DAFZA is positioned between the residential communities of Al Qusais and Al Twar.
Getting There by Car, Bus or Taxi
If you don’t intend to travel to the station by walking, the following are some alternatives available to help you arrive at the destination:
- By Bus: You may travel via buses along the routes 31, C26, 64A, and F26 which link DAFZA to Al Qusais, Al Twar, and surrounding residential areas.
- By Taxi: There will be taxi stands at the station and you won’t have any difficulty in calling a taxi using a taxi application.
- By Car: There is no parking space at the station, but you could park at the adjacent paid parking lots to catch the metro from here if you are traveling by car to reach this station.
Walking Distance from Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station 1 (DAFZ)
The second blunder that tourists make is that they think this station is located in the middle of the Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station 1. But the reality is that the main entrance to DAFZ is located approximately half a mile away from the station – and it takes 10 minutes to walk to it.However, if you wish not to walk (especially during the summertime), you can always catch a taxi and get there in no time.
Is the metro station DAFZA connected to Dubai Airport
The main question that the majority of visitors come here for is whether this station is somehow connected with Dubai International Airport. Thus, the simple answer would be:
No, the metro station in DAFZA doesn’t link up with Terminal 2 of Dubai International Airport.
DAFZA is not an airport terminal – it serves the area of the free zone business district and its residents only and if you have to go to Terminal 2 at DXB, you will have to do an additional transfer.
Here’s how that transfer typically works:
| Station | Terminal Served | Transfer Method | Approx. Time |
| DAFZA (Green Line) | Not directly connected | Taxi or bus to Terminal 2 | 10–15 minutes |
| Abu Hail (Green Line) | Terminal 2 | Taxi or bus | Roughly 2 km, 5–10 minutes |
| Airport Terminal 1 & Terminal 3 (Red Line) | Terminal 1 & Terminal 3 | Direct metro access | Immediate |
For example, if the flight that is leaving is departing from Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport, it would be wise for you to use the Red Line train service at the stations.
Dubai Metro Green Line Route & Timings (2026 Update)
After finding the directions to the station, the next thing that you have to do is arrange your travel time.
Timings of First and Last Trains
Dubai Metro works longer hours during weekends than during weekdays and on Fridays, the metro usually starts its work later in the morning. And since the schedule can sometimes be changed by the RTA, it is better for you to check the updated schedule on the website of the RTA before your travel date.
Train Frequency During Peak vs. Off-Peak Hours
During rush hour, there are trains that come every few minutes but during off-peak hours, there are gaps between the trains’ arrival times. During weekdays, DAFZA sees a lot of office workers who use the metro to travel from Al Qusais, Al Twar or even downtown Dubai – so if you have a 9-to-5 job in the Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station 1, you will have company during your commute.
Journey Time to Key Stations
It is quite convenient to use DAFZA station for your journeys to some other important stations of the Green Line, as well as to the Red Line stations. You can reach Al Rigga, Union and Deira stations with ease, so keep that in mind when planning your route. And if you need to get to Dubai Mall or any other station on the Red Line, you will need to change at Union station.
According to the RTA, Dubai Metro sees hundreds of thousands of passengers each day – that shows how important stations like DAFZA are for daily travel. For the latest information about ridership and service statistics, you should check the reports provided by the RTA.
Fares & Nol Card Zones for DAFZA Station
The first thing you should know about traveling on the Dubai Metro is which fare zone DAFZA belongs to.
Standard, Silver, and Gold Class Fare Differences
DAFZA comes under Zone 5, and therefore, you would be paying different charges depending on where you start from. Dubai Metro has different classes including Standard, Silver and Gold (the latter is a little expensive), so if you use Dubai Metro daily to travel to DAFZA, it is recommended to use Silver class.
How to Recharge Your Nol Card Near This Station
You can top up your Nol card either manually at the station’s ticket office or by using a vending machine. Or you can recharge your card online before you even leave home using the special application.
Station Facilities & Accessibility Features
DAFZA is not missing anything and is a fully accessible station.
- Elevators and escalators to move smoothly between street level and the platform
- Tactile guide paths for people of determination for independent navigation through the station
- Parking lots for bicycles for those who commute by bike
- Ticket office and vending machines for buying and recharging Nol cards
- Convenience amenities in the form of a small counter of snacks and beverages
These facilities show the RTA’s commitment to making the stations of the Dubai Metro accessible to everyone, not only to able-bodied people.
What’s Near Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station 1
After leaving DAFZA Metro Station, you will be surrounded by the area of business and commercial activities and residential buildings.
Business & Commercial Landmarks
This station is near Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station 1 and is used by office workers who work in trade, aviation services, logistics and other industries in this area.
Residential & Retail Areas
Al Qusais and Al Twar residential districts are located right behind the business zone, along with everyday facilities such as Al Bustan Centre and Al Twar Park for leisure after work.
Hotels and Other Places To Stay (Short Term)
If you are coming in for a business meeting in Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station 1, you can always find a suitable hotel within a close distance from DAFZA station.
Tips for Commuters – Making the Most of DAFZA Station
Here are some tips that will improve your commute experience:
- Try to avoid the rush hour period when possible – it is better to arrive 20 minutes earlier or later when you will find the carriage less crowded.
- Use the RTA Dubai app to check the live arrival of trains instead of using a printed schedule.
- Check for service alerts on the Dubai Metro Green Line before you travel, especially during the maintenance periods.
- Always keep your Nol card topped up.
DAFZA Metro Station vs. Nearby Alternatives — Which Should You Use?
Each journey requires its own station, hence here is the basic comparison table:
| Station | Best For |
| DAFZA | Commuting directly to Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station 1 offices |
| Abu Hail | Transferring toward Terminal 2 by taxi or bus |
| Al Qiyadah | Reaching residential areas slightly further along the Green Line |
If your final destination is the business area of DAFZA, then there is a high probability that you may choose DAFZA station as your final destination station. On the other hand, in case your destination is Dubai International Airport, then other stations like Abu Hail are recommended for you.
Conclusion
Now you have all the information about the station location, accessibility, fares, the area’s surroundings, and how to reach the airport if required.
Before you take your travel, ensure that you have the RTA app bookmarked for the live timetable whenever you need it.
And for those traveling to Dubai International Airport, it may be good for you to check out the information on Abu Hail Metro Station.
Read Also: Abu Hail Metro Station
FAQs
Is Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station 1connected to Dubai International Airport?
No, it doesn’t connect directly to Terminal 2. You’ll need to transfer via Abu Hail Metro Station or take a short taxi ride to reach the terminal.
What line is DAFZA Metro Station on?
DAFZA sits on the Green Line of the Dubai Metro, located between Al Qusais and Al Twar.
How far is DAFZA Metro Station from Dubai Airport Free Zone?
It’s roughly half a mile away — about a 10-minute walk, or just a couple of minutes by taxi.
What are the operating hours of DAFZA Metro Station in 2026?
Timings vary between weekdays and Fridays, with service typically starting later on Fridays. Check the RTA app for the exact current schedule before you travel.
What fare zone does DAFZA Metro Station fall under?
DAFZA falls under Fare Zone 5, which factors into your Nol card fare depending on your starting station.
