danube metro station

Danube Metro Station Dubai 2026: Red Line R41, Timings, Routes, Bus Services, Jebel Ali & Complete Guide

In this guide

Last reviewed: October 19, 2026

Danube Metro Station Dubai (R41) is a Dubai Metro Red Line station located in the Jebel Ali industrial district along Sheikh Zayed Road. It provides public transport access to factories, logistics companies, warehouses, commercial businesses and employment areas in and around Jebel Ali.

Unlike tourist-oriented Metro stations near Dubai Mall or Dubai Marina, Danube is primarily used by workers, residents and business visitors traveling to the industrial and free-zone areas of southern Dubai.

The station is part of the Red Line branch toward Life Pharmacy Metro Station, formerly known as UAE Exchange.

If you’re searching for Danube Metro Station timings in 2026, directions to Jebel Ali Free Zone, nearby buses or how to change from the Red Line to the Green Line, this comprehensive guide covers the station’s location, neighboring stops, nol fares, transport connections and useful travel routes.

1. Danube Metro Station at a Glance

FeatureDetails
Official nameDanube Metro Station
Arabic nameدانوب
Station codeR41
Metro lineRed Line
Red Line branchLife Pharmacy branch
Fare zoneZone 1 in newer station fare references; confirm against RTA’s current fare map
Station typeElevated
LocationSheikh Zayed Road, Jebel Ali Industrial Area, Dubai
Previous station toward CentrepointEnergy (R40)
Next station southboundLife Pharmacy (R42)
Important connecting stationIbn Battuta (R39)
Branch interchangeNational Paints (R38)
Red–Green interchange stationsBurJuman and Union
Nearby areasJebel Ali Industrial Area, Mina Jebel Ali and JAFZA
Bus services associated with stationF49 and Route 56
Original opening dateDecember 12, 2012
Main usersIndustrial workers, commuters and business visitors

Quick answer: Danube Metro Station is R41 on the Dubai Metro Red Line, between Energy (R40) and Life Pharmacy (R42). Travelers coming from central Dubai must board a train marked Life Pharmacy, rather than Expo 2020.

2. Where Is Danube Metro Station Located?

Danube Metro Station is situated along Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) in Jebel Ali, near industrial and commercial facilities.

The station lies between the D57 and E77 road junction areas, with industrial properties and logistics businesses surrounding it.

Open Danube Metro Station on Google Maps.

What is outside Danube Metro Station?

Unlike Metro stations serving major shopping malls, Danube opens into a largely industrial environment.

Nearby place or areaMain purposeAccess consideration
Jebel Ali Industrial Area 1Warehouses, workshops, factories and officesBus, taxi or walking depending on address
Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)Business and logistics districtConfirm company gate and access rules
Mina Jebel AliPort-related industrial and logistics businessesMany locations require road transport
Local supermarkets and cafeteriasEveryday commuter servicesCheck individual business locations
Staff accommodation and commercial areasWorker transportationConfirm relevant shuttle or feeder bus
Industrial company officesMeetings, deliveries and business visitsNavigate to the exact company entrance

Important: Jebel Ali Free Zone is extensive. A company described as being in JAFZA may be many kilometres from the station. Do not assume the Metro provides walking access to every company.

3. Danube Metro Station on the Red Line

Danube is situated on the Life Pharmacy branch of the Dubai Metro Red Line.

This distinction is essential because the Red Line splits into two southern branches.

Nearby Red Line stations

StationCodeRelationship
National PaintsR38Junction between southern branches
Ibn BattutaR39Toward central Dubai
EnergyR40Immediately toward Centrepoint
DanubeR41Current station
Life PharmacyR42Next station and branch terminus

Which train goes to Danube?

When traveling from central Dubai, board a southbound train displaying Life Pharmacy as its destination.

A train displaying Expo 2020 follows the other branch after National Paints and does not stop at Danube.

Can I reach Danube directly from Downtown Dubai?

Yes. The Red Line operates direct services from Centrepoint toward Life Pharmacy, passing through central stations such as BurJuman, Emirates Towers, Business Bay and Dubai Marina before continuing to the Jebel Ali branch.

You do not need to change trains if you board the correct Life Pharmacy service.

For more information about the central Red Line, see our Business Bay Metro Station Guide and Emirates Towers Metro Station Guide.

4. Danube vs Life Pharmacy vs Expo 2020 Metro Stations

These station names can be confusing, especially for first-time commuters.

StationCodeBranchMain purpose
Ibn BattutaR39Life Pharmacy branchShopping and bus connections
EnergyR40Life Pharmacy branchIndustrial and commercial areas
DanubeR41Life Pharmacy branchJebel Ali Industrial Area
Life PharmacyR42Life Pharmacy branchSouthern industrial destinations
Dubai Investment ParkR74Expo 2020 branchDIP and nearby developments
Expo 2020R76Expo 2020 branchExpo City Dubai

Is Danube the last station on the Red Line?

No. Life Pharmacy (R42) is the terminus of this particular branch.

Expo 2020 is the terminus of the other southern branch.

What was Life Pharmacy Metro Station previously called?

The station was formerly named UAE Exchange and was renamed Life Pharmacy in 2025.

Older websites and maps may still use the previous name.

Is Danube Metro Station the same as Dubai Investment Park?

No. They are separate stations serving different areas and are located on different Red Line branches.

If your destination is within DIP, check whether Dubai Investment Park Metro Station (R74) is more convenient.

5. How to Travel from Danube to the Green Line

Danube Metro Station does not serve the Green Line directly.

Passengers can change between the Red and Green Lines at BurJuman or Union.

Option 1: Danube to BurJuman interchange

  1. Board the Red Line toward Centrepoint.
  2. Continue through Ibn Battuta, Dubai Marina, Business Bay and other stations.
  3. Exit at BurJuman (R19/G26).
  4. Follow signs for the Green Line platforms.
  5. Board toward e& or Creek, depending on the destination.

The line transfer takes place within the paid Metro station area.

Read our BurJuman Metro Station Dubai guide for interchange and nearby shopping details.

Option 2: Danube to Union interchange

Remain on the Red Line toward Centrepoint and exit at Union (R18/G20).

Union can be a useful interchange for northern Deira and northern Green Line destinations.

Which interchange is better?

Green Line destinationSuggested interchange
Al GhubaibaBurJuman
Al Ras / Spice SoukBurJuman
Sharaf DGBurJuman
Oud MethaBurJuman
Dubai Healthcare CityBurJuman
Al NahdaUnion
StadiumUnion
Al QusaisUnion

For Old Dubai sightseeing, our Al Ras Metro Station guide covers the Spice Souk, Heritage House and abra crossings.

For the bus terminal and Al Shindagha waterfront, read our Al Ghubaiba Metro Station guide.

6. Danube Metro Station Timings in 2026

Dubai RTA’s standard Metro network operating hours are:

DayStandard Metro hours
Monday–Thursday5:00 AM–midnight
Friday5:00 AM–1:00 AM the following day
Saturday5:00 AM–midnight
Sunday8:00 AM–midnight

These are the network’s general operating hours, not the exact first and last train departures at Danube.

First train at Danube Metro Station

First-train times depend on the direction and day of travel.

Last train from Danube Metro Station

The last train toward Centrepoint can leave at a different time from the last train toward Life Pharmacy.

For Danube Metro Station first and last train timings, check the current RTA station timetable before leaving work or planning a late journey.

Check official RTA Metro timetables.

7. Danube Metro Station nol Card Fares

Dubai Metro uses a zone-based fare system.

Standard Metro ticket prices

Journey categorySilver nolGold nolRed Ticket Regular
Within one fare zoneAED 3AED 6AED 4
Across two adjacent zonesAED 5AED 10AED 6
Across more than two zonesAED 7.50AED 15AED 8.50

Danube is assigned to Zone 1 by newer station-specific fare references, although some older online sources conflict. Verify the precise zone against the current RTA map or fare calculator before quoting a station-specific fare.

What does this mean for commuters?

A short trip within one fare zone costs AED 3 with a standard Silver nol card.

Longer journeys toward Downtown Dubai, Deira or Dubai International Airport may cross more zones and cost more.

Can you recharge a nol card at Danube?

The station has standard ticketing and card recharge facilities.

Make sure the card has sufficient balance before entering the Metro.

Check official RTA nol fares.

8. Bus Connections at Danube Metro Station

Buses are particularly important because Danube serves an industrial district with workplaces spread across a wide area.

Bus services at or near Danube

Bus routePublished service contextWhat to verify
F49Danube Metro to Jebel Ali Industrial AreaCurrent stops and direction
56Danube Metro to DWC Staff VillageCurrent service and stop list
F54Jebel Ali industrial / free-zone areaNearest stop may not be directly at Metro entrance
Other local servicesJebel Ali workplaces and transport corridorsCorrect boarding stop

A current bus-stop database lists F49 and Route 56 at Danube Metro Station itself. It identifies F54 and other routes at separate nearby stops, so do not assume they all board from the same location.

How to find the correct feeder bus

  1. Exit Danube Metro Station and locate the RTA bus stop signage.
  2. Enter your company or building address into the RTA journey planner.
  3. Check the bus route and direction.
  4. Confirm the actual boarding stop.
  5. Check departure times before waiting.

A bus may pass through the wider industrial area without stopping near a specific company’s entrance.

Why is the F49 bus important?

The Danube Metro Station F49 bus is associated with industrial-area connections, making it useful for workers whose offices or factories are too far to walk from the Metro.

Confirm the exact loop or direction using current RTA information.

9. Getting to Jebel Ali Free Zone from Danube Metro

Danube Metro Station to Jebel Ali Free Zone is a common commuter search.

JAFZA covers a large area containing logistics companies, warehouses, manufacturing facilities and offices.

Is JAFZA within walking distance?

Some workplaces in the wider Jebel Ali area may be accessible on foot, but many require a shuttle, public bus or taxi.

Check the exact company building and JAFZA gate.

What should business visitors know?

Before traveling, confirm the correct entrance, any visitor access requirements and the company’s nearest permitted drop-off point.

Some facilities are located within restricted commercial or port-related areas.

Is Danube the best station for every JAFZA destination?

No. Depending on the company’s location, Energy, Danube or Life Pharmacy may be more practical.

Use the precise address rather than selecting the station simply because the business is listed under Jebel Ali.

10. Danube Metro Station to Popular Dubai Destinations

Danube to Ibn Battuta Mall

Take the Red Line toward Centrepoint.

Travel through Energy (R40) and exit at Ibn Battuta (R39).

Ibn Battuta Mall provides shopping, restaurants and entertainment and is linked with the nearby Metro station.

For more information, read our Ibn Battuta Mall Dubai guide.

Danube to Dubai Marina

Take the Red Line toward Centrepoint.

Exit at DMCC (R37) or Sobha Realty (R36), depending on your final destination.

Danube to Dubai Internet City

Continue toward Centrepoint and exit at Dubai Internet City (R34).

Our Dubai Internet City Metro Station guide covers nearby offices and business areas.

Danube to Dubai Mall

For Danube Metro Station to Dubai Mall, board the Red Line toward Centrepoint.

Exit at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (R25) and follow the designated mall pedestrian access.

No Green Line transfer is required.

Danube to Business Bay

Take the Red Line toward Centrepoint and exit at Business Bay (R26).

For nearby hotels, offices and Dubai Water Canal information, see our Business Bay Metro Station guide.

Danube to Dubai Airport

Use a Centrepoint-bound Red Line train.

Exit at Airport Terminal 1 (R14) or Airport Terminal 3 (R13) according to your flight.

Dubai International Airport Terminal 2 requires a separate road connection.

Danube to Expo 2020

For Danube Metro Station to Expo 2020, first travel toward Centrepoint to National Paints (R38).

Change to an Expo 2020-bound Red Line service, then continue to Expo 2020 (R76).

The two southern branches are separate after National Paints.

Danube to LEGOLAND Dubai

LEGOLAND Dubai is not directly connected to the Metro.

Depending on the transport arrangement, you may travel toward Ibn Battuta and continue by taxi or a suitable onward service to Dubai Parks and Resorts.

Read our LEGOLAND Dubai guide for current ticket prices, park hours and transport options.

11. Which Red Line Train Should You Board?

The most common mistake at Danube is confusing the Life Pharmacy branch with the Expo 2020 branch.

Simple direction table

You want to go toTrain / instruction
EnergyCentrepoint
Ibn BattutaCentrepoint
Dubai MarinaCentrepoint
Business BayCentrepoint
BurJumanCentrepoint
Dubai AirportCentrepoint
Life PharmacyLife Pharmacy
Expo 2020Centrepoint to National Paints, then Expo 2020 service
Dubai Investment ParkCentrepoint to National Paints, then Expo 2020 branch

Danube itself is on the Life Pharmacy branch; passengers heading toward central Dubai board a Centrepoint service.

12. Danube Metro Station Exits and Facilities

Danube is an elevated station with access to surrounding roads and local bus or taxi connections.

Which exit should you use?

DestinationRecommended approach
Jebel Ali Industrial AreaConfirm company address and bus connection
JAFZAConfirm company gate and onward transport
Danube Metro bus stopFollow RTA bus-stop signs
Nearby commercial propertiesUse the signed pedestrian route
Taxi pickupUse designated pickup locations

Exact numbered exits should be checked against the current station map.

Passenger facilities

Danube Metro Station provides standard Dubai Metro facilities, including:

  • Ticket machines and nol card services
  • Air-conditioned passenger areas
  • Escalators and lifts
  • Passenger information displays
  • Fare gates
  • Security arrangements
  • Accessible pedestrian routes
  • Nearby buses and taxis

Individual services may change due to maintenance.

13. Restaurants, Supermarkets and Services Near Danube Metro

Danube is not surrounded by a large tourist dining district.

Instead, the wider Jebel Ali industrial area contains local cafeterias, staff restaurants, supermarkets and commercial services.

Dining and shopping expectations

TypeWhat you may find
Worker cafeteriasBudget meals, tea and snacks
South Asian restaurantsCasual Indian and Pakistani dishes
SupermarketsGroceries, drinks and daily essentials
Industrial retailEquipment, building supplies and specialized services
Business servicesLogistics and commercial support

For restaurant recommendations, check the exact branch in Google Maps.

The previous version of this article named Jebel Ali Village Restaurant, Food Village and Hot Burger without explaining their actual distance or verified operating status. It is better to recommend the surrounding dining categories than to imply all three are immediately outside the station.

Where should tourists eat or shop instead?

Ibn Battuta Mall is more useful if you want a major mall with restaurants and shopping.

Visit our Ibn Battuta Mall guide for details.

14. Is Danube Metro Station Good for Tourists?

Danube is not usually a sightseeing destination.

Its main purpose is connecting workers and other travelers with industrial and free-zone businesses.

Who benefits most?

TravelerDanube Metro usefulness
Jebel Ali factory workerImportant commuter option
JAFZA business visitorUseful with suitable onward transport
Tourist visiting DowntownConvenient Red Line connection
Visitor going to Ibn Battuta MallTwo stops toward Centrepoint
Traveler visiting Expo CityRequires Red Line branch change
Family visiting Dubai Parks and ResortsOnward road transport required

If your goal is family entertainment, our Dubai Attractions guides cover destinations that may be more appropriate.

15. Parking and Taxi Connections

Do not assume Danube has a free dedicated Metro Park-and-Ride facility.

Parking around industrial and commercial premises may be reserved for employees or subject to local rules.

Driving advice

If you’re dropping someone at the station, use the permitted drop-off location and follow traffic signs.

For company visits, confirm whether your destination provides visitor parking or shuttle service.

Taxis

Taxis are useful for workplaces located beyond the feeder-bus routes.

Provide the exact company address rather than only saying “Jebel Ali Free Zone.”

16. Danube Metro vs Nearby Red Line Stations

StationCodeMain relevance
Ibn BattutaR39Shopping mall and bus station
EnergyR40Jebel Ali industrial and commercial areas
DanubeR41Industrial businesses and local feeder transport
Life PharmacyR42Further Jebel Ali industrial destinations
Dubai Investment ParkR74DIP, on the different Expo 2020 branch

Choose the station closest to your actual company or destination, taking bus and pedestrian access into account.

17. Practical Tips for Daily Commuters

Check your branch: Danube is on the Life Pharmacy branch, not the Expo 2020 branch.

Use the correct bus: F49 and other transport services may use different boarding points.

Confirm company access: JAFZA and port-related areas can have designated entry gates.

Check train departures: Industrial shift schedules may require early or late travel.

Keep your nol card topped up: Ensure sufficient balance before boarding.

Use precise maps: A company described as “Jebel Ali” may be far from the station.

Allow time for onward travel: The final journey from the station may take longer than the Metro ride.

18. Frequently Asked Questions About Danube Metro Station

1. Which Metro line is Danube Station on?

The Dubai Metro Red Line.

2. What is its station code?

R41.

3. Is Danube on the Expo 2020 branch?

No. It is on the Life Pharmacy branch.

4. Which station comes before Danube?

Energy (R40) toward Centrepoint.

5. Which station comes after Danube?

Life Pharmacy (R42).

6. Where is Danube Metro Station located?

In Jebel Ali’s industrial area along Sheikh Zayed Road.

7. Is Danube near Jebel Ali Free Zone?

It serves the wider industrial and free-zone area, but individual JAFZA destinations can require onward transport.

8. Which buses serve Danube?

Current bus-stop information identifies F49 and Route 56 at the station stop. Check RTA for live service information.

9. How do I reach Ibn Battuta from Danube?

Take the Red Line two stops toward Centrepoint.

10. How do I reach Dubai Marina?

Take a Centrepoint-bound train to DMCC or Sobha Realty.

11. How do I reach Dubai Mall?

Take the Red Line toward Centrepoint and exit at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall.

12. How do I travel from Danube to Expo 2020?

Travel toward Centrepoint to National Paints and change to the Expo 2020 branch.

13. How do I reach the Green Line?

Change at BurJuman or Union.

14. What are Danube Metro operating hours?

Dubai Metro’s standard hours begin at 5 AM Monday–Saturday and 8 AM Sunday. Exact Danube departures vary.

15. What are the nol ticket fares?

Standard Silver nol fares are AED 3, AED 5 or AED 7.50 depending on the number of zones crossed.

16. Does Danube Metro have restaurants nearby?

The surrounding industrial area has cafeterias and local food businesses, but no major tourist dining district immediately outside the station.

17. Is parking free?

Do not assume dedicated free Park-and-Ride parking is available. Check the current local arrangements.

18. Is the station wheelchair accessible?

It has standard Dubai Metro accessibility features, including lifts and marked routes.

19. Is Danube the same as Life Pharmacy?

No. Danube is R41 and Life Pharmacy is R42.

20. Is Danube the best Metro station for Dubai Investment Park?

Not necessarily. Dubai Investment Park has its own station, R74, on the Expo 2020 branch.

19. Final Verdict: Why Use Danube Metro Station?

Danube Metro Station R41 is an important commuter station serving the Jebel Ali industrial district.

Its biggest advantage is access to the Red Line and the nearby industrial and logistics areas, supported by local buses and taxis.

Passengers can travel directly toward central Dubai on a Centrepoint-bound train, while those heading to Expo City must switch branches at National Paints.

For daily commuters, the most important planning step is to confirm the company address, bus connection and correct Metro direction.

For more information about Dubai public transport, visit our Dubai Metro Station Guides, or browse ExploreInDubai.com for attractions, malls and local guides.


Official Sources and Further Reading

  1. Dubai RTA Metro Network Map
  2. Dubai RTA Timetable
  3. Dubai RTA nol Fare Information
  4. Danube Station — Google Maps

Editorial review: October 19, 2026. Metro schedules, bus routes, station names, business locations and fare-zone information can change. Confirm current operational details with Dubai RTA.