Baniyas Square Station: Location, Timings, Metro Line, Exits & Nearby Places

Baniyas Square Station is one of the metro stations, which is located in Deira and is very convenient. It can help you to avoid super-congested roads and parking hassles. The station is close to Naif, Al Sabkha, and traditional souks. A single stop is all you need to get to Union on the Red Line. It is situated under Baniyas Square and is a service to the Green Line. This guide details where it is, when it runs, how much it costs, where to get out, and the buses that leave from there, plus nearby attractions.

Quick Facts

This table provides you with some key details before you start planning your trip.

Information	Details
Station name	Baniyas Square
Station code	G21
Metro line	Green Line
Area	Deira
Location	Baniyas Square, near Al Maktoum Road
Previous station	Union – G20
Next station	Gold Souq – G22
Station type	Underground
Interchange	Union and BurJuman for Red/Green Line transfers
Main nearby areas	Naif, Al Sabkha, central Deira
Transport options	Metro, bus, taxi and nearby marine transport
Nol card	Required for Metro travel
Operator	Dubai Roads and Transport Authority

RTA considers G21 to be a Green Line station between Union G20 and Gold Souq G22. The Green Line is located between e& and Creek.

Baniyas Square Station Location

Baniyas Square Station is a below-ground station in central Deira directly under Baniyas Square. The station is located near 27th Street and Al Maktoum Road, which is one of the most heavily trafficked traditional commercial districts in Dubai.

Older shopping streets, hotels, banks, restaurants, traditional markets, and businesses are located around it. The station serves the main areas of Naif and Al Sabkha.

It is also convenient for visitors to explore the old area of Deira, rather than the newer shopping districts located south of it.

Location at a Glance

Location Detail	Information
Emirate	Dubai
District	Deira
Main square	Baniyas Square
Nearby road	Al Maktoum Road
Nearby street	27th Street
Nearby areas	Naif and Al Sabkha
Nearby waterway	Dubai Creek
Station position	Underground

The station is located under the square, so that a large number of passengers can reach the surrounding streets without crossing a large distance to another Metro station.

Baniyas Square Station Green Line

It is a station on the Dubai Metro Green Line with station code G21. The current RTA map of the Metro is:

Abu Baker Al Siddique → Salah Al Din → Union → Baniyas Square → Gold Souq → Al Ras → Al Ghubaiba → Sharaf DG → BurJuman → Oud Metha → Dubai Healthcare City → Al Jadaf → Creek.

The advantage of this position is that it gives passengers the ability to be only one stop away from Union.

Union is a station where the Red Line and the Green Line meet. So passengers from areas served by the Red Line will be able to transfer at Union and continue straight to Baniyas Square.

Station Sequence

Direction	Previous/Next Station	Code
Toward e&	Union	G20
Current station	Baniyas Square	G21
Toward Creek	Gold Souq	G22

The station will thus be especially convenient for passengers who are connecting between central Deira and other stations along the Green Line.

Station Timings

The Dubai Metro operating hours include this station, which is part of the Green Line. The current regular opening times for Metro stations, as listed by RTA, are as follows:

Day	Metro Operating Hours
Monday	5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday	5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday	5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Thursday	5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Friday	5:00 AM – 1:00 AM next day
Saturday	5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday	8:00 AM – 12:00 AM

The following are the standard Metro service times. The schedules may be amended during periods of public holidays, special events, or other services which cannot be pre-determined, so travellers planning a journey at a particular time should consult the RTA journey planner or latest RTA timetable.

Also keep in mind that the opening hours of stations don’t necessarily correspond to the exact opening hours of trains during the day. The number of trains varies as demand and operating schedules dictate.

 

Station Code

According to the official RTA Metro map, the station code is G21.

Understanding the code is useful when reading the transport maps in the metro, or when looking up information or references about transport.

The station nearby (at the same time) is:

Station	Code	Line
Union	G20 / R18	Green / Red
Baniyas Square	G21	Green
Gold Souq	G22	Green
Al Ras	G23	Green
Al Gubaiba	G24	Green
BurJuman	G26 / R19	Green / Red

Union and BurJuman are the two stations where passengers can interchange between the Green and Red lines.

Metro Fare and Nol Card

Dubai Metro requires passengers to have a valid ticket or Nol card. RTA calculates the fare according to the number of zones travelled during the journey.

The Silver Nol card is usually used for regular Metro use. The Silver Card is currently available at AED 25 (with AED 19 initial balance) at RTA.

The passenger should also have an adequate balance prior to boarding the Metro. RTA states a minimum of AED 7.50 should be paid to check in.

Nol Card Information

Nol Option	Key Detail
Silver	Regular travel card
Gold	Includes access to Gold Class where available
Personal/Blue	Registered card with additional features
Red Ticket	Disposable/rechargeable ticket option
Minimum check-in balance	AED 7.50

The final fare is based on the zones that are traversed in the entire trip, and not just the zone you enter.

How to Reach the Station by Metro

It is easy to reach by Metro.

If travelling on the Green Line, just look at the direction of a train and get off at G21.

From the Red Line, depart to BurJuman or Union to change to the Green Line. Both are official Red / Green interchange stations.

From Union

Green Line is side-by-side with Union.

From Union, take the Green Line towards Creek and exit at Baniyas Square.

From BurJuman

BurJuman also offers a Red/Green interchange if you are travelling from the southern part of the Green Line.

Once on the Green Line, head towards the Deira side of the line and follow the station sequence towards Baniyas Square.

Baniyas Square Station Exits

The station is connected to various parts of the commercial district with station exits. Present-day stations point out exits to Baniyas Square, Naif Souq, Al Maktoum Hospital Street, and surrounding business districts.

There are sometimes many possible exit directions and pedestrian paths to take in a crowded old town area, so it is easier to follow the signs inside the station depending on what you are looking for.

Useful Exit Directions

Destination Area	Useful Direction
Baniyas Square	Square/plaza side
Naif Souq	Naif side
Al Maktoum Road	Roadside exits
Al Maktoum Hospital Street	Exit toward hospital street
Deira commercial streets	Follow local street signs
Bus connections	Use signs toward surface transport

The path to walk may vary according to the final destination; it is wise to confirm a live map once leaving the station to avoid wasted time.

Bus Connections

There are a number of bus stops in the vicinity of the station, providing alternative travel options to the end of the route.

Routes 17, 27, 53 and C9 run around the station, as listed on current public transport timetables. Some of the other local stations also provide lines like C28, 77, and others.

Nearby Bus Routes

Route	Example Connection
17	Baniyas Square Metro Bus Station – Muhaisnah 4
27	Gold Souq Bus Station – The Dubai Mall
53	Gold Souq / International City area
C9	Satwa – Hor Al Anz East / Qiyadah area
C28	Deira and Mamzar area
77	Baniyas Metro area – Al Garhoud

Routes and stop patterns may change, so please check the RTA journey planner or S’hail app for up-to-date travel times before travelling. For checking routes and departures, RTA has an online Journey Planner.

Taxi and Road Access

Another convenient way to get to the station is by taxi, especially if you have to carry your luggage or if you are travelling with a group.

It is located by active commercial streets, and there may be more traffic during rush hours.

For those who are being dropped off, it is preferable to use an appropriate designated drop-off spot, instead of stopping in a traffic lane.

Parking along the street is available for passenger cars (available depending on the time and exact location). The station as a whole should not be seen as an extensive dedicated park-and-ride.

Nearby Marine Transport

The station is not far from Dubai Creek, and depending on your destination, marine transport can be a valuable asset.

The current transport data indicates that Al Sabkha Marine Transport Station is within walking distance from the Metro. The existing RTA marine data also provides routes from Al Sabkha to Al Fahidi.

This opens up another alternative for people wishing to use the metro as well as marine transport when visiting older Dubai.

Nearby Places

The centre of Deira’s location is one of the greatest advantages of the station.

Within easy walking distance and/or a short local connection are several important shopping and commercial destinations.

Nearby Place	Why Visit
Baniyas Square	Central public square and surrounding businesses
Naif Souk	Traditional shopping area
Al Sabkha	Dense commercial and shopping district
Deira Twin Towers	Shopping and commercial destination
Al Manal Centre	Retail and business destination
Dubai Creek	Waterfront and traditional Dubai experience
Gold Souq	Traditional gold market
Spice Souk	Spices and traditional market shopping

The current station location guides provide information about the destinations served by the station, such as Naif Souk, Al Manal Centre, Dubai Creek, and surrounding souks, and the Twin Towers of Deira.

Baniyas Square

One of the reasons for using the station is the square.

The metro station is directly beneath the square, so it is not necessary to go to other regions of Deira just to get to the main area.

There are shops, restaurants, small businesses, hotels, banks, and other services around the streets.

This is a useful place for both locals and tourists.

Naif Souk

One of the most popular shopping areas in this part of Deira is Naif.

Clothing, perfumes, accessories, souvenirs, and other items can be purchased at the larger market area.

The roads can get congested, so walking to shops may be easier than driving to individual shops.

The station serves as a good base to explore the district.

Gold Souk

The Gold Souk is also one of the main attractions of old Deira.

Gold Souq Metro Station is near some areas of the market, but other areas of the traditional market are also accessible from Baniyas Square.

If you are specifically going to the main Gold Souk area, make sure that you look at the walking route first, as to which station you will use.

This can save time as the market extends across several streets as opposed to one building.

Spice Souk

One more popular attraction in the surroundings of Dubai is the Spice Souk near Dubai Creek.

Shops that sell spices, herbs, dried goods, and traditional items are available for visitors to explore.

There are different walking routes to the different entrances at the Metro area. You can get a more precise route from a live navigation app once you leave the station.

Dubai Creek

The streets of Deira are a different experience with Dubai Creek.

It offers the chance to walk a short distance from the tour bus stop towards the waterfront and then ride a ship back to the tour bus stop if the timing and walking distance are appropriate for the visitor.

RTA also runs “abra” and other marine services around the Creek.

This will make the area attractive to tourists who wish to experience the public transport system and the old Dubai in one go.

Station Facilities

The station is underground and located in a very busy commercial area, so it has the standard infrastructure that a Metro station needs.

Typical facilities include:

• Ticketing and Nol card services
• Fare gates
• Passenger information
• Train platforms
• Escalators and pedestrian access routes.
• Station staff
• Directional signs
• Surface transport connectivity – these are connections to other surface transport systems.

The station is on a side platform, side by side with the concourse level and the platform level; it has side platforms for trains going in opposite directions.

Please check the electronic signs and platform information before boarding, as direction is important.

Which Direction Should You Take?

That will depend on your travel destination.

Destination	General Direction
Union	Toward E &
Salah Al Din	Toward E &
Abu Baker Al Siddique	Toward E &
Gold Souq	Toward Creek
Al Ras	Toward Creek
Al Gubaiba	Toward Creek
BurJuman	Toward Creek

This is confirmed by the official RTA map.

Remember to read the platform before getting on board, as the train will be opposite to your destination.

Travel to Dubai Airport

The Green Line goes to Union, where passengers transfer onto the Red Line towards Dubai International Airport.

Dubai Airport stations (Terminal 1 and Terminal 3) are connected by the Red Line.

The route is thus:

Baniyas Square → Union → Red Line → Airport station

The amount of time will vary according to the amount of waiting time, interchange walking, and the particular terminal in the airport.

Take extra time to change lines and walk through stations if carrying heavy loads.

Travel to Downtown Dubai

The Green Line will connect to the Red Line at Union for Downtown Dubai.

Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station is the main Metro station for the Downtown Dubai and Dubai Mall area and is served by the Red Line.

The basic route is:

Baniyas Square → Union → Red Line → Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall

This is typically more convenient than getting on the central transport system with a taxi, especially during peak hours.

Travel to Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall is not part of the Green Line.

Passengers from the station must take the Green Line to Union Station, then transfer to the Red Line and proceed towards the station Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall.

Upon arrival at the Metro station, proceed towards Dubai Mall by a pedestrian link.

The time taken to reach the destination depends on the time of departure and walking speed; please consult RTA Journey Planner before travelling.

Travel to Deira City Centre

Red Line is in Deira City Centre. From the station, you can go to Union and then transfer to the Red Line towards the airport side.

Deira City Centre is just a couple of Red Line stops from Union. This route may be utilized for shopping day trips and for access to the airport area.

Best Time to Travel

The ideal travel time varies based on the preference for avoiding crowds or simply getting to the destination.

Travel Period	What to Expect
Early morning	Generally quieter
Morning peak	More commuters
Midday	Usually more manageable
Afternoon peak	Higher commuter activity
Evening	Busy around commercial areas
Late evening	Usually quieter

The streets around Deira are active even when there is less congestion on the Metro, due to its heavy commercial activity.

When travelling with luggage and/or children, it can be easier to avoid peak hours.

Travel Tips

Some simple tips can help get the ride going better.

Check the Direction

Check the direction of the train before it passes onto the platform, whether it is running towards e& or Creek.

Keep Your Nol Card Ready

Have ample balance prior to the entry gate. A minimum of AED 7.50 is required for check-in to the Metro with RTA.

Use the Correct Exit

Don’t take the first exit you come to. Look at the signs at the station to see where your train is going.

Allow Walking Time

Old Deira is a very dense area with streets, and you could be several minutes away from your final destination once you get off the train.

Check Live Transport Information

Services and timetables may be amended. RTA’s Journey Planner gives information on routes and departure times.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few common misuses of the station that could be done by a first-time user.

Choosing the wrong Green Line direction:  If you are unsure, make sure you’re heading towards either the Union or Gold Souq.

Assuming every market is beside the same exit:  Deira’s traditional markets are spread over a large area.

Using old Metro timings: The timetables for public transport may be different for special events and holidays.

Forgetting Nol balance: A card with insufficient balance may prevent you from entering the Metro.

Ignoring walking distance: An apparent proximity on the map may result in a longer trip due to crossing streets and traffic.

Is the Station Good for Tourists?

Yes, definitely if you are interested in old Deira.

It gives easy access to the traditional markets, commercial streets, Dubai Creek, and also connects passengers with the wider metro network. Tourists have to make arrangements for their walking route; however, the district around the site is dense and busy. The simplest way to get to the West in the first visit is a combination of the Metro and a map app.

Is It Good for Daily Commuters?

The station is also convenient for the residents and workers of Deira, Naif, and Al Sabkha who commute daily to and from the station. It is easily connected to the Green Line towards Union, BurJuman, and eastern parts of Dubai. These are complemented by the local bus service, which can also be used to get passengers to the final destination. Several bus services around the station are listed in the current transport.

Conclusion:

The Baniyas Square Station is one of the most helpful Green Line stations for the centre of Deira. The station is located under Baniyas Square, which is close to Naif, Al Sabkha, traditional markets, and Dubai Creek, and it has a single connection to Union, which makes it easy to transfer to the Red Line.

The best part for visitors is that they can visit Deira’s old city without having to rent a car. For those commuters, the Green Line, along with the bus services and connections at Union, offer some viable options to get to other parts of Dubai.

Please check the current RTA timetable before traveling, the direction of your train, and make sure you have sufficient Nol balance for your journey to and from the station.

Also Read: Etisalat Metro Station: Location, Timings, Facilities, and Travel Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Metro line serves Baniyas Square?

It is the Dubai Metro Green Line Station with the code G21.

What is the station code?

The official RTA map shows the station as G21.

Is Baniyas Square near Naif Souk?

Yes. The station serves Naif, one of the main commercial areas in Jeddah, and there is a souq – Naif Souk – within the wider walking area.

Can I change to the Red Line?

Yes. Take buses to Union or BurJuman, both of which have facilities to transfer to the Red/Green Lines.

What time does Dubai Metro open?

The normal hours of the RTA Metro are from 5 am till midnight on Mondays to Thursdays, 5 am till 1 am on Fridays, 5 am till midnight on Saturdays, and 8 am till midnight on Sundays.

Do I need a Nol Card?

Yes. Passengers are required to have a valid Nol card or appropriate ticket to utilize the Metro. A minimum of AED 7.50 is required to check in at RTA.

Is the station close to Dubai Creek?

Yes. Dubai Creek is in the wider area and can be reached on foot or by connecting with nearby marine transport services.

Which station comes after Baniyas Square?

The next station to Creek is Gold Souq (G22). The stop before it is Union, G20.

Which buses serve the area?

There are 17, 27, 53, and C9 routes running through the station at present, and more services can be seen at nearby stations.

Is there a direct Metro to Dubai Mall?

No, you should head to Union, switch to the Red Line, and head to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall.

Is the station underground?

Yes. The station is an underground Metro station located under Baniyas Square.