EXPO 2020 Metro Station Red Line is one of the newest and most important stations on the Dubai Metro network. It was specially built to serve millions of international visitors arriving for Expo 2020, one of the world’s largest events. Opened in June 2021, the station is now a central transport hub for residents, tourists, and business travelers heading to Expo City Dubai, the legacy site of Expo 2020.
As part of the Red Line, this station connects Dubai South with the city’s most important districts, including Jebel Ali, Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, and even Dubai International Airport. For anyone traveling to or from Expo City Dubai, it offers a fast, affordable, and eco-friendly mode of transport.
In this comprehensive guide by UAE Explorer, you’ll find everything you need to know about EXPO 2020 Metro Station, including timings, facilities, bus connections, attractions nearby, hotels, and practical travel tips. Whether you are a daily commuter or a tourist visiting for the first time, this guide will help you navigate the station with ease.
History and Development of EXPO 2020 Metro Station
The station was developed as part of Dubai Metro’s Route 2020 extension. When Dubai won the bid to host Expo 2020, RTA recognized the need for an advanced transport system to manage the millions of visitors expected during the six-month-long event. Construction began with a vision of sustainability, efficiency, and convenience.
EXPO 2020 Metro Station became the terminus of the Route 2020 Red Line extension. The design allows it to handle very high passenger volumes, making it one of the largest stations in the entire metro network. Even after Expo 2020 ended in March 2022, the station continues to play a vital role as Expo City Dubai transforms into a smart, sustainable, and futuristic urban hub.
Architecture and Design of the Station
EXPO 2020 Metro Station is more than just a transport hub. Its architecture reflects Dubai’s forward-thinking vision. The station is spacious, with high ceilings, modern finishes, and wide corridors that allow smooth movement of large crowds. The multiple exits connect directly to important zones of the Expo site.
Inside, passengers find open waiting areas, digital information screens, and easy navigation signage in both English and Arabic. The use of glass and steel in its design highlights Dubai’s commitment to building futuristic infrastructure.
Location and Station Details
-
Station Code: R76
-
Metro Line: Red Line (Route 2020 extension)
-
Fare Zone: 1
-
Opened: 1 June 2021
-
Park-and-Ride: Yes
-
Area: Expo 2020 / Dubai South
-
Previous Names: None
Located in Dubai South, the station is directly linked to Expo City Dubai’s exhibition centers, Al Wasl Plaza, and the former national pavilions.
EXPO 2020 Metro Station Timings
The Dubai Metro operates daily, with timings as follows:
-
Saturday to Thursday: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM (next day)
-
Friday: 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM (next day)
The timings were adjusted in January 2022 when the UAE shifted its official weekend to Saturday and Sunday. During national holidays such as Eid, New Year’s Eve, or UAE National Day, RTA often extends metro operating hours. For the most accurate updates, passengers can call RTA’s helpline at 800 9090.
Ticketing and Nol Card Information
All Dubai Metro stations, including EXPO 2020, use the Nol Card system.
-
Types of Nol Cards:
-
Red Ticket (single-use or short-term)
-
Silver Nol Card (most popular for daily travel)
-
Gold Nol Card (first-class travel)
-
Blue Nol Card (personalized)
-
Recharge can be done at ticket machines, customer service counters, or through the RTA mobile app.
Fares:
-
Within 1 zone: AED 3
-
Across 2 zones: AED 5
-
Across 3 or more zones: AED 7.5
For example, traveling from EXPO 2020 Metro Station to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall costs about AED 7.5 with a Silver Nol Card.
Travel Time from EXPO 2020 Metro Station
Approximate travel times from EXPO 2020 Metro Station are:
-
Jebel Ali Metro Station – 15 minutes
-
Ibn Battuta Mall – 25 minutes
-
Dubai Marina – 35 minutes
-
Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall – 50 minutes
-
Dubai International Airport (T1/T3) – 70 minutes
This makes the station an excellent choice for visitors coming from or heading to central Dubai.
Top 7 Facilities at EXPO 2020 Metro Station
Passengers enjoy modern and convenient facilities, including:
-
Ticket counters and Nol recharge machines
-
Park-and-Ride car parking
-
Elevators and escalators
-
Free Wi-Fi in some areas
-
Restrooms and waiting lounges
-
Information kiosks
-
Shaded pedestrian exits
Top 4 Accessibility for People of Determination
The station is designed to be fully accessible:
-
Wheelchair ramps and elevators
-
Tactile guiding paths for the visually impaired
-
Priority seating and assistance counters
-
Accessible restrooms
ATMs near EXPO 2020 Metro Station
-
First Abu Dhabi Bank ATM
-
Mashreq ATM – Expo Metro Station ATM1
Bus Services at EXPO 2020 Metro Station
To ensure complete connectivity, several bus routes are available:
-
Timings:
-
Daily 4:00 AM – 1:00 AM (next day)
-
Route C01 runs 24 hours
-
-
Main Routes:
-
Route 311 (to Dubai South)
-
Route 312 (to Jebel Ali)
-
Connectivity with Other Transport Modes
The station integrates seamlessly with other transport options:
-
RTA taxis available outside the station
-
Uber and Careem ride-hailing services
-
Dedicated Park-and-Ride for private cars
-
Walking-friendly pathways and nearby cycling tracks
Safety and Security
Security is taken seriously at EXPO 2020 Metro Station. The premises are monitored 24/7 through CCTV, and trained RTA staff are present at all times. Emergency exits, alarms, and medical support systems are in place. The nearest police station, Jebel Ali Police Station, is only 11.4 km away.
Top 5 Mosques near EXPO 2020 Metro Station
-
Mosque Masjid
-
Masjid Tayyab Mohammed Ibrahim
-
Mosque – Dubai Investment Park
-
Momtajul Molla Mosque
-
Al Taqwa Masjid
Top 5 Dining and Food Options
Travelers can find a variety of dining choices nearby:
-
Khan City Restaurant
-
SAD ALMADENAH Restaurant
-
Royal Al Madina Restaurant
-
Bamboo Central Kitchen
-
Giardini Naxos Dubai
Top 4 Coffee Shops Near the Station
-
Coffee Plant Store DIP
-
My Home Café
-
Boon Coffee Warehouse
-
Giardini Naxos Dubai
Top 2 Shopping Malls Near the Station
-
Dubai Expo Mall
-
Crystal Mall
Top 5 Hypermarkets and Grocery Stores
-
Yiwu Market UAE
-
Parco Supermarket
-
Hadeqat Al Madina Hypermarket
-
Nesto Carawan Supermarket DIP
-
AIKO Mall & AIKO Hypermarket
Top 5 Hotels Near EXPO 2020 Metro Station
-
Rove Expo 2020
-
Fortune Park Hotel – Dubai Investments Park
-
Premier Inn Dubai Investments Park
-
Courtyard by Marriott – Green Community
-
Besix Accommodation Jebel Ali
Top 4 Nearby Residential Communities
-
Dubai South
-
Jebel Ali
-
Dubai Investment Park (DIP)
-
Green Community
These communities benefit greatly from the connectivity provided by the station.
Top 6 Tourist Attractions Near the Station
-
Expo City Dubai (formerly Expo 2020 site)
-
Al Wasl Plaza
-
Thematic Pavilions (Sustainability, Mobility, Opportunity)
-
Dubai Exhibition Centre
-
Dubai Parks and Resorts (Motiongate, Legoland, Bollywood Parks)
-
Jebel Ali Beach
Events and Exhibitions
EXPO 2020 Metro Station continues to serve major exhibitions and festivals at Expo City Dubai. The station was originally built for the World Expo, but now it supports business events, cultural programs, and international gatherings.
Future Developments
RTA has long-term plans to expand the Red Line, and Expo City is evolving into a permanent urban hub. This makes EXPO 2020 Metro Station a critical part of Dubai’s future public transport system.
Why Choose Metro Instead of Driving
-
Avoids heavy traffic during peak hours
-
Cost-effective compared to taxis and private cars
-
Environmentally friendly option
-
Convenient and reliable travel across Dubai
Top 5 Tips for First-Time Visitors
-
Keep your Nol Card recharged to avoid long queues
-
Arrive early during events, as the station can get crowded
-
Food, drinks, and smoking are not allowed on the metro
-
Families with children can use stroller-friendly entrances
-
Download the RTA app for real-time metro schedules
FAQs about EXPO 2020 Metro Station Red Line
Here are the FAQs of EXPO 2020 Metro Station Red Line:
1. Where is EXPO 2020 Metro Station located?
It is in Expo City Dubai, within the Dubai South area, and is part of the Red Line Route 2020 extension.
2. What is the station code?
The station code is R76.
3. When was it opened?
The station opened on 1 June 2021.
4. Does it have parking?
Yes, there is a Park-and-Ride facility available.
5. What are the station timings?
Saturday to Thursday: 6 AM – 11 PM, Friday: 2 PM – 12 AM.
6. Which buses connect to the station?
Routes 311, 312, and C01 connect directly to the station.
7. Is it accessible for people of determination?
Yes, it has lifts, ramps, tactile paths, and accessible facilities.
8. What attractions are nearby?
Expo City Dubai, Al Wasl Plaza, Dubai Exhibition Centre, and Dubai Parks and Resorts.
9. Are there hotels near the station?
Yes, Rove Expo 2020, Fortune Park Hotel, Premier Inn DIP, and Courtyard by Marriott are nearby.
10. How can I get more information?
You can call RTA Dubai at 800 9090 or check the RTA mobile app.