United Arab Emirates. Getting to Dubai International Airport

Jeremias Padilla Picture
by Jeremias Padilla
updated almost 3 years ago

Dubai's International Airport, the most important in the country, serves the city of Dubai and the surrounding emirates as it acts as a major hub to the region. Advanced world-class public transportation available in Dubai is available from $2, Dubai Bus from $2.50, the Skybus (a permium class bus to the hotels in Dubai) from $4, professional chauffeurs from $49. Dubai International Airport Transfers start from $25.

Dubai International Airport IATA Code: DXB

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What are my transportation options?

Available Transportation Options

  1. bus

  2. taxi

  3. train

  4. shuttle

  5. rideshare

  6. car rental

Not Available Options

  1. tramway

  2. subway

  3. bike rental

Getting to Dubai International Airport

By Taxi

Taxis are available the 24 hours of the day every day of the week at DXB are cream color. There are also pink cars specifically marked with this color for its female drivers. Located all through the terminals marked with the official taxi sign that indicates "Taxi" with an arrow directing you to where to go. A specific team knownn as the "May I Help You" team can help you in case you cannot locate the taxis.

By Public Transportation

Dubai International (DXB) is connected to two stations for the Dubai Metro, considered one of the world’s most modern transit systems. Clean, efficient, air-conditioned, and extremely cost-effective.

Metro trains run frequently from DXB Terminals 1 and 3, with both stations on the Red Line running from 5am until midnight on Saturday to Wednesday and until 1am on Thursdays and Fridays. The second metro line is the green line, intersecting with the red line at Burjuman and Union Square stations. The green line doesn't have any stations passing through the airport.

Buses depart from all three terminals with bus stops located opposite each terminal in DXB. Mainly popular amongst locals and residents since the extensive network takes some time to get used to. Schedules and Routes are available from Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

The SkyBus

Skybus is a service that runs between Dubai International Airport and the major hotels providing a convenient mode of transportation for visitors. With 12 routes covering 110 hotels and buses departing the airport every 30 minutes and a cost per person of $4 this convernient service includes snacks and drinks on board, free WiFi, and plenty of space for big luggage. To board the bus, you must pay for the trip using a NOL card, as no cash payment will be accepted. Children under 6 years old can board the bus free of charge.

The NOL Card

The NOL Card is a crucial element in using public transportation in Dubai. A smart card that enables you to pay for access to RTA transport modes in Dubai with a single tap, you can use the NOL card for Dubai Metro, Buses, RTA's Paid Parking, and 2000+ shops around the city.

You can buy your card at ticket offices, ticket vending machines, RTA customer happiness centers, or online from RTA.

Dubai is divided into 7 zones each on with transport stations. You will be asked to validate your card at the start and end of your journey to charge according to the distance travelled (amount of zones passed).

You can connect buses and metro within a 30 minute period not to be charged an extra ticket.

There are 4 types of NOL Cards available, Red, Blue, Silver & Gold.

  • The Red Card is a paper-based ticket (disposable) which can be loaded with 10 trips and has no e-purse feature, also no transfer across modes allowed for this card. It is a good choice for tourists and visitors to Dubai who want to use the public transport in a limited capacity. They cost $2 and include a $1 credit. The fare using a Red Card ranges from $1 to $3 according to the number of crossed zones.
  • Blue, Silver, and Gold cards have the e-purse feature allowing you to load cash (limited to $1362) to it and use it as a prepaid card on top of transportation. They cost up to $19 depending on the cash limit.

If you have balance remaining on your NOL card and wish to have it refunded, you can request this from RTA. Your card will be blocked one day after your request and the refund is applied 8 business days after your request. An SMS is sent to notify you once your request is approved.

The Comfort Option, a Prebooked Professional Chauffeur

Prebooking a private professional chauffeur may prove the fastest way to leave Dubai International Airport given that you get to skip the lines with your driver waiting with a sign with your name on it at the arrivals hall. Dubai International Airport Transfers start from $25.

Through Mozio's local partner, Welcome Pickups offering All Inclusive service, a private sedan for up to four passengers with a maximum of three pieces of luggage starting at $31.

Local partner My Transfers offering All Inclusive service on a private van for larger groups of up to seven passengers with one piece of luggage each from $49. For groups of up to ten passengers from $101.

Larger groups may opt for a private bus, furnished by local partner My Transfers with space for up to 18 passengers and offering All Inclusive service from $163 or with local partner ICS, Book A Limo for much larger groups of up to 21 passengers from $563, 44 passengers from $730, or 55 passengers from $964.

The Speedy Option, Dubai Metro

The fastest way to leave the airport and move around the city is Dubai Metro. Considered one of the world’s most modern transit systems, it’s clean, efficient, air-conditioned, and extremely cost-effective.

Metro trains frequently run from DXB Terminals 1 and 3, with both stations on the Red Line running from 5am until midnight from Saturday to Wednesday, and to 1am on Thursdays and Fridays.

The Frugal Option, the Skybus and Dubai Bus

Dubai Bus is a very affordable way to move from the airport to your hotel but if your destination is far away from Metro stations, You need to buy a Nol card in advance as you can’t pay cash to the driver. Buses cost a flat fee of $2.50 using a Nol card. For more information visit the RTA website.

Skybus is another option that runs between the airport and the major hotels providing a convenient means of transportation. Covering 110 hotels along 12 routes with buses departing every 30 minutes and an accessible price of $4 per passenger. The 12 routes that depart from the three terminals and back are the following:

  • Route 1: Muteena (Crown Plaza Deira, Ramada Deira, Claridge Hotel Deira, Marcopolo Deira)
  • Route 2: Muraqqabat (Coral Deira Dubai, Dream Palace Hotel Deira, Grand Flora Hotel, Rimal Rotana Hotel)
  • Route 3: Al Riga (Orchid Hotel, Nihal Hotel, Mayfair Hotel, Comfort Hotel)
  • Route 4: Rolla (Panorama Hotel, Rain Tree Rolla Hotel, Royal Ascot Hotel, Ramee Hotel)
  • Route 5: Mankhool (Park Regis Kris Hotel, Regent Palace Hotel, London Crown Appt, Citymax Hotel)
  • Route 6: Al Qusay’s (Fortune Plaza Hotel, Time Grand Plaza Hotel, Emirates Star Hotel, Dubai Grand Hotel)
  • Route 7: Trade Center (Fairmont Hotel, Radisson Royal, Crown Plaza Hotel, Millenium Plaza Hotel)
  • Route 8: Dubai Internet City (Grand Midwest Tower Hotel, Gloria Hotel, Tulip Inn Hotel, Radisson Blue Hotel)
  • Route 9: Jumeirah Beach Residence (One and Only Royal Mirage, Le Meridien Mina Siyahi Hotel, Ritz Carlton Hotel, Hilton Jumeirah Beach)
  • Route 10: Tecom (Gulf Oasis Hotel, Ramee Rose Hotel, Time Oak Hotel Suites, Metro Central Hotel Appt)
  • Route 11: Barsha A (Ramada Chelsea Hotel, Grandeur Residences, Auris Plaza Hotel, City Max Hotel Appt)
  • Route 12: Barsha B (Suite Novotel, Mall of the Emirates, Coral al Khoory Hotel Appt, Cassells Al Barsha Hotel, Golden Tulip Hotel)

Common Destinations From Dubai International Airport (and how to get there...)

Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall

Standing 828 meters high, the world's tallest tower naturally dominates the Dubai skyline. On a clear day, the view from the observation deck on level 124 is absolutely stunning, and you can enjoy a meal at the Atmosphere restaurant on level 122 or go to The Lounge, Burj Khalifa that covers levels 152, 153, and 154, making it the tallest lounge on the planet.
From the airport, you can get to the Burj Khalifa using the metro red line from $2, Bus Line 27 from $3, or a taxi from $13.
Also, you can pre-book a ride through Mozio, a professional driver with local partner Kiwi Taxi will wait for you on a private car for up to four passengers for $35, for up to 7 passengers on a private van for $40.

Kite Beach

Kite Beach is the perfect spot to test out your watersports skills, with a ton of activities outside the water as well. Grab a smoothie from one of the many open-air cafes and restaurants just steps from the beach, watch bikers and skaters fly by at the skatepark, or get into a game of volleyball with your friends.

From the airport, there is no direct transportation but a combination of Metro (red line) for $2 and bus line 88 for $2 is possible leaving you 5 minutes away walking distance from the beach, then walk for about 5 minutes to the beach.

A taxi ride to this location starts at $16.

Dubai Marina

Look into the future at the world's largest man-made marina, it is a marvel at iconic buildings as you stroll along Marina Walk or see the sights from the water on a traditional dhow cruise. There is an array of waterside restaurants to choose from, as well as irresistible retail therapy.

From the airport, you can reach this area using the metro red line with tickets starting at $2, Skybus from $6, or hailing a taxi with rates around $26.

A professional driver pre-booked through Mozio and provided by local partner Elife Limo will wait for you on a private sedan for up to three passengers for $36 or for up to 8 passengers on a private van for $108.

Jumeirah

A relaxed residential strip with sandy beaches like Jumeirah Public Beach, and guided tours at the white-stone Jumeirah Mosque. Hotels and shopping options range from small, quirky malls with homegrown fashion stores and indie coffee houses serving specialty brews, to upmarket complexes featuring international couture brands.

From the airport, you can reach there using the metro red line for about $2, Line 9 Skybus for about $5, or using a taxi for about $25.

Also, you can pre-book a ride through Mozio, a professional driver with local partner Kiwi Taxi will wait for you on a private car for up to four passengers for $34, for up to 10 passengers on a private bus for $115.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and sits off the mainland on an island in the Persian (Arabian) Gulf. Its focus on oil exports and commerce is reflected by the skyline’s modern towers and shopping megacenters such as Abu Dhabi and Marina malls.

To go to Abu Dhabi from DBX airport, you can take the bus from Terminal 1, Arrival 2 to Al Ghubaiba Bus Station for $2 departing the terminal every 20 minutes. Once you reach Al Ghubaiba Bus Station, board a bus to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station for $12.

A combination of metro and bus is also possible. Take the Metro from Terminal 3 to Ibn Battuta Mall Metro station for $2 and there board a bus to to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station for $10. Taxis or Pre-booked rides start at $90.

Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost Emirate of the United Arab Emirates known for its gulf beaches.

You can get there from DBX airport by taking the Metro from Terminal 3 to Deira City Centre for $2 where you will take a bus to Ras al Khaimah Airport for $7. A Taxi from Ras al Khaimah Airport to Ras al-Khaimah city costs $19.

Are Rideshare & TaxiApps Readily Available at IATACODE?

Available On-Demand Providers

  1. uber

  2. careem

Not Available Options

  1. cabify

  2. lyft

  3. grab

  4. freenow

  5. gojek

  6. didi

  7. bolt

Rideshare and Taxi Pickup Instructions

Dubai Taxi Corporation offers a Web-based Fare Calculator to help you estimate the fare before your ride.

There is a dedicated pickup area for rideshare cars designated when you use the app to request you ride:

  • From Terminal 1: Exit the terminal following the Taxi signs, and walk over to the crosswalk across the taxi line to meet your driver.

  • From Terminal 2: Exit the terminal by Costa Coffee. Follow the Wayfinder in your app and your driver will meet you at the pickup point parallel to the taxi line.

  • From Terminal 3: Depending on airport traffic, your driver will either be waiting in the departures or arrivals. Kindly contact your driver via our in-app chat to confirm the pickup spot.

Chauffeured Cars can be requested on-demand or pre-booked through Uber and Careem, saving you the hassle of local currency exchange. Uber offers Uber Select, Black, Hourly, and Uber XL. Careem offers Economy, Business, Careem Kids (provides a child seat), Max (spacious SUV, and van rides). The trip from the airport to Burj Khalifa will cost from $20 to $32, to Jumeirah will cost from $25 to $36, to Dubai Marina from $34 to $50, to Abu Dhabi from $125 to $202, to Ras Al Khaimah from $82 to $133 according to the car type you select on either Uber and Careem apps.

Dubai International Airport Key Information

Dubai International Airport is in the Al Garhoud district, 4.6 km east of Dubai, opened on September 30, 1960. It is the world’s busiest airport for international passengers as hundreds of flights taking off and landing every day. It hosts 86.4 million passengers, connecting more than 240 destinations across six continents on more than 100 airlines. It is a dynamic airport that truly connects the world.

Dubai International Airport Key Information

Dubai International Airport Website

Complete Physical Address

Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Contact Details

Phone: +971 4 224 5555

Working Hours

Open 24 hours.

Terminals & Airlines @ Each Terminal

DXB has three main terminals and the Dubai World Central terminal.

  • Terminal 1 operates all international flights, except for Emirates and Qantas.
  • Terminal 2 Operates regional, low-cost carriers and Fly Dubai flight.
  • Terminal 3 operates Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, Qantas, and Emirates flights. Dubai World Central (DWC) operates Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, and Wizz Air.

To Transfer between terminals 1 and 3 you can walk the distance, as it only takes from 5 to 30 minutes.
You can also use the airport shuttle, a free service available every 20 minutes 24/7. The shuttle transfers between terminals 1 and 2 and terminals 2 and 3.
There is also a Metro service connecting Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.

Dubai International Airport Terminal Maps

Dubai International Airport Services

Baggage Storage

A Baggage Storage facility is available only at Terminal 1 (at the Arrivals Hall near the RTA Taxis area) or Terminal 3 (at the Arrivals Hall near the baby changing area and washrooms), open 24 hours all days of the week. The cost of depositing each piece of luggage is $11 for every 12-hour increment. Large pieces of luggage will be charged at $14 for every 12-hour increment. More information can be found calling Dubai Airports left luggage facility at +9714 2161734.

Stores and Restaurants

Found at Dubai International Airport’s three terminals, considered as the dominant retailer in each concourse, with a variety of stores catering to a range of segments, Dubai Duty-Free has dedicated shops and counters for everything from perfume and books to chocolate and electronics, in addition to tobacco and liquor.

Also, multiple options of shops in different categories can be found at Terminal 3 which is considered the shopping centre of DXB. Options range from Fashion and Accessories (Salvatore Ferragamo, Chanel, Gucci, and H&M), Pharmacies (Boots Pharmacy), Cosmetics and Skincare (Kiehl’s, MAC, Bath & Body Works, Jo Malone), Wine Shops (Le Clos), Sweets Shop (Candylicious). At Terminal 1 and 2 there are fewer shops on top of the duty free store since.

Relax and recharge with the international food and drink options in Emirates Terminal 3. You can pick from the world’s cuisines at both high-end restaurants and well-known dining outlets across the concourses, right next to the departure gates. Coffee shops (Hard Rock Café, Fix, Costa, Coffee Nero, Nutella Cafe’ and Starbucks), Bakery Shops (Paul Bakery & Restaurant and Flour + Stone), Gourmet Bites, Salad, and Sandwich Shops (Camden Food, O’Browns Irish Sandwich Bar, and Giraffe World Kitchen), Smoothie Bars (Treehouse Juicery), and fast food (McDonald’s, Shake Shack, and Jack’s Bar & Grill).

Terminal 1 also has a number of restaurants and coffee shops. Asian Food (YO! Sushi, The Noodle House), American Food (The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, The Draft House), Mexican (Taqado Mexican Kitchen), Sandwiches and Salads (Pret A Manger, Giraffe World Kitchen, and Camden Food), Baked Goods (Krispy Kreme, Brioche Doree), Fast Food (KFC), and Coffee Shops (Starbucks, Costa and Butler’s Chocolate Cafe).

Car Parking

Dubai International Airport counts with a total parking capacity of 2600 vehicles with two modalities depending on the length of your stay, either short (up to 5 hours) or long term parking.

A key difference is that long-term parking spaces are covered in a closed building a bit further from the terminal, while short stay parking lots are open spaces. Both parking facilities are located in front of each terminal. Shuttle buses transport passengers from the parking lot to the terminals.

Each Parking Lot counts with Premium Spaces and Economy Spaces the main difference being the proximity to the terminal.

Terminal 3 has parking lots available at each of the ten levels of the terminal building itself and is in just a 2 to 3 minute walk from the parking to the terminal.

  • Terminal 1 Premium Parking (2 to 3 minute walk from the Terminal): $8 for 1 hour, $11 for 2 hours, $15 for 3 hours, $18 for 4 hours, $34 for 24 hours, and $27 for each additional 24 hours.
  • Terminal 1 Economy Parking (7 to 9 minute walk from the Terminal): $6.80 for 1 hour, $8 for 2 hours, $9.50 for 3 hours, $12.50 for 4 hours, $23 for 24 hours, and $20.50 for each additional 24 hours.
  • Terminal 2 Premium Parking (3 to 5 minute walk from the Terminal): $8 for 1 hour, $11 for 2 hours, $15 for 3 hours, $18 for 4 hours, $34 for 24 hours, and $27 for each additional 24 hours.
  • Terminal 2 Economy Parking (10 to 12 minute walk from the Terminal): $6.80 for 1 hour, $8 for 2 hours, $9.50 for 3 hours, $12.50 for 4 hours, $23 for 24 hours, and $20.50 for each additional 24 hours.
  • Terminal 3 Premium Parking (2 to 3 minute walk from the Terminal): $8 for 1 hour, $11 for 2 hours, $15 for 3 hours, $18 for 4 hours, $34 for 24 hours, and $27 for each additional 24 hours.
  • Terminal 3 Economy Parking (7 to 9 minute walk from the Terminal): $6.80 for 1 hour, $8 for 2 hours, $9.50 for 3 hours, $12.50 for 4 hours, $23 for 24 hours, and $20.50 for each additional 24 hours.

Lounges

DXB offers an array of lounge options.

  • E​​mirates Lounge: Access is exclusive to customers flying in First Class or Business Class with Emirates. If you’re an Emirates Skywards Gold member travelling in Economy Class, you can also enjoy access to DXB’s Business Class Lounges around the globe. Silver status members can enter DXB’s Business Class Lounges in Dubai. Boarding pass will be required for entry. There is no limit to your stay.

  • Marhaba Lounges: Located in every terminal at DXB, you can access these lounges regardless of the airline or mileage status. They provide business facilities, an open buffet offering international cuisine, and full bar service. You can book for a maximum 8-hour stay knowing that they are open 24 hours. Children under the age of 2 years are admitted free. The price of access depends on the terminal where it is located. A four-hour pass at Terminal 1 costs $52 per person, at Terminal 2 $106 per person, and at Terminal 3 $60 per person. Access can be booked from Marhaba.

  • Ahlan Lounges: On Terminal 1 (D Gates): Ahlan First Class Lounge and Ahlan Business Class Lounge are accessible to passengers travelling on all Airlines except Emirates. The cost of a 4 hours stay is $68 per adult, $34 per child. On Terminal 3 (B Gates): Ahlan Lounge is accessible for passengers travelling on Emirates Airlines Only. The cost of a 4 hours stay is $54.5 per adult, $27 per child.

Either option offers a personalised Meet & Greet service, great food and beverage options, Wi-Fi connectivity, express spa treatments, a child-friendly play area with kids’ special menus, a business centre, smoking area. Access can be booked from Ahlan online.

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