Baniyas Square Metro Station (G21): Green Line Guide 2026 Metro Station

Updated and fact-checked: 19 October 2026

Baniyas Square Metro Station (G21) is an underground Dubai Metro Green Line station in central Deira. It is the closest Metro stop for much of Naif Souk, Baniyas Square and Al Sabkha, and it sits one stop from the Red/Green interchange at Union.

Baniyas Square Station quick facts

Metro operating hours

These are network hours. Direction-specific first and last trains at G21 vary, and RTA may alter service for Ramadan, public holidays or events. Check the official RTA timetable.

Which exit should you use?

Baniyas Square has exits toward the square, Naif and surrounding commercial streets. Follow the destination signs inside the station; Old Deira’s street pattern is dense and the wrong exit can create an unnecessary detour.

• Naif Souk: follow signs toward Naif/Baniyas Square, then use the pedestrian route.
• Al Sabkha: choose the exit closest to the south-western commercial streets.
• Baniyas Square: use the directly signed exit.
• Taxi pickup: agree on the exit number or a named building because curbside areas can be busy.

Walking to Naif Souk

Naif Souk is roughly a 6–10 minute walk for most visitors, depending on the station exit and the exact souk entrance.

1. Exit toward Naif and Baniyas Square.
2. Continue through the signed commercial streets toward Naif Souk.
3. Use marked crossings; traffic and delivery activity can be heavy.
4. If shopping for bulky items, take a taxi back rather than carrying them onto a crowded train.

See LifeAtDubai’s detailed guide to getting to Naif Souk by Metro or bus.

Bus connections

Route 77 is the best-known service associated with the Baniyas Square Metro area and links toward Al Garhoud/RTA headquarters. Other buses stop on surrounding Deira roads, but routes and stop assignments change.

Use the RTA Journey Planner or S’hail with the exact exit or destination. Do not rely on an old list that labels every nearby bus as a station feeder.

Nearby places

Naif Souk

A traditional covered shopping area known for clothing, textiles, accessories, perfumes and household goods. Evening periods and weekends can be crowded.

Baniyas Square

The public square and surrounding streets form a busy commercial hub with hotels, exchange houses, restaurants and small retailers.

Al Sabkha and Deira creekside

The station is useful for the wholesale and commercial streets around Al Sabkha. Creek marine stations are farther away than the immediate square, so check the walking route before choosing G21 for a boat connection.

Gold Souk

Gold Souq Metro Station (G22) is normally the better stop for the main Gold Souk area. From Baniyas Square, it is one Green Line stop away.

Fares and nol cards

RTA fares are based on zones crossed. Standard Silver nol fares are commonly AED 3 for one zone, AED 5 for two zones and AED 7.50 for three or more zones. Gold Class costs double.

Tap in and out with the same card and maintain enough balance for the maximum applicable fare. View current charges on the RTA nol fares page.

Getting to common destinations

• Dubai International Airport: take the Green Line to Union, change to the Red Line and continue to Airport Terminal 1 or 3.
• Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall: change at Union to the Red Line toward Expo 2020/Life Pharmacy.
• Bur Dubai: remain on the Green Line for Al Ghubaiba, Sharaf DG or BurJuman.
• Dubai Healthcare City: take the Green Line toward Creek and exit at G28.
• Gold Souk: one stop toward Creek to G22.

Station facilities and accessibility

Standard Metro facilities include lifts, escalators, tactile guidance, platform screen doors, accessible gates, ticket machines and staff assistance. Old Deira pavements outside the station can be busy and uneven in places, so allow extra time for a step-free final route.

Safety and shopping tips

• Keep bags closed in crowded commercial streets.
• Count change and request a receipt for significant purchases.
• Avoid carrying large packages during weekday peak periods.
• Use licensed taxis or official ride-hailing pickup points.
• Note your station exit so you can return by the shortest route.
• For RTA assistance, call 800 90 90.

Frequently asked questions

Is Baniyas Square on the Green Line?

Yes. Its station code is G21.

What is the closest Metro station to Naif Souk?

Baniyas Square is the closest station for most Naif Souk entrances.

Can I change to the Red Line nearby?

Yes. Union, one stop from Baniyas Square, is an interchange between the Green and Red Lines.

Is Baniyas Square the best station for the Gold Souk?

Usually not. Gold Souq Station (G22) is closer to the main Gold Souk area.

Is there a feeder bus at the station?

Route 77 and other nearby services connect through the area, but Baniyas Square is primarily valuable for its walkable Old Deira destinations. Check S’hail for current stops.

You may also find the Al Rigga Metro Station guide useful for Deira travel.

Source note: station code, line and network information were checked against RTA resources and current transit references.