How much does a trip to Dubai cost?

Cheap flights to Dubai – where to look?

The biggest expense when travelling to Dubai is certainly the flight tickets. Depending on the season and the airline, the average cost of a return flight is between 200 USD - 500 USD. However, it is worth hunting for promotions, especially when using offers from airlines such as Wizz Air or FlyDubai.

What about transport in Dubai? The city is famous for its modern and well-organised transport infrastructure. The most cost-effective means of transport is the metro, which serves most of the key tourist spots. Ticket prices start at 0.82 USD, and a maximum of 2 USD, will be charged for travelling through all zones. Taxis are also a popular choice, and their prices are relatively affordable – about 0.68 USD per kilometre.

If you plan to move around more freely, consider renting a car. The rental cost starts at 31 USD, and fuel in Dubai is very cheap – a litre of petrol costs around 0.63 USD.

Accommodation prices – where is the best place to stay?

Dubai offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets. You can find cheap hotels in less popular neighbourhoods as well as luxury apartments with views of the Burj Khalifa or Jumeirah beach.

• Budget accommodation: If you are looking for an affordable option, prices in hotels outside the city centre start at 29 USD to 52 USD per night for a double room. You can find these options in districts such as Deira and Al Barsha.
• Mid-range hotels: For a slightly higher standard, in central locations such as Dubai Marina, you will pay from 75 USD to 150 USD per night.
• Luxury hotels: If you dream of staying at the legendary Atlantis The Palm or the Armani Hotel, you need to be prepared to spend over 250 USD per night.

So, do you think that hotel prices in Dubai are high? It all depends on your budget and individual preferences. Prices in Dubai for tourists vary, and everyone can find accommodation that best suits their needs. The best way to find it is to search here - accommodation in Dubai. We guarantee favourable prices adjusted to the quality and comfort.

Restaurant prices in Dubai - how much does food cost in Dubai?

Food in Dubai can be both very cheap and extremely luxurious - it all depends on where you decide to eat. Local restaurants offering Arabic cuisine are a great option for those on a budget. Such a meal costs from approx. 4.20 USD - 8.90 USD.

If you prefer mid-range restaurants, you will pay around 22 USD - 33.50 USD for lunch. On the other hand, dinner at an exclusive restaurant, such as Burj Al Arab, can cost over approx. 60 USD per person.

Among the places we recommend are:

• Artisan Bakers: considered one of the best restaurants and patisseries in Dubai, famous for its high-quality cakes, pastries and other baked goods.
• Bossman's Burgr Factory: specialises in large burgers made with high-quality Wagyu and Angus beef. The restaurant is known for its generous portions, perfect for ‘cheat days’.
• Hot & Chill Restaurant: located in Dubai Marina, it offers fast food staples as well as fresh juices, smoothies and Chinese cuisine.
• Asian Street by Thai: a family restaurant located in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) serving traditional Thai cuisine. Despite its small size, the place is very popular thanks to its authentic flavours and friendly atmosphere.
• Seven Hot Spot Restaurant: a hot buffet restaurant offering an all-you-can-eat option for only 16 USD per person.

For those who want to save money, buying groceries in supermarkets is also a good option. Food prices in Dubai are comparable to European ones, and can even be cheaper – for example, a bottle of water costs around 0,27 USD and a loaf of bread around 1,36 USD.

Attractions in Dubai – how much do they cost?

The cost of travelling to Dubai on your own depends largely on the tourist attractions you want to visit. As it happens, there are so many of them in Dubai that you will certainly not get bored. If you are wondering: how much do attractions in Dubai cost? We will answer: the costs vary depending on the type of activity, and the most popular ones are:

• Entrance to Burj Khalifa: the observation deck on the 124th floor costs from 48 USD
• Desert safari: an exciting trip with a Bedouin-style dinner costs from 65 USD.
• Amusement parks: Motiongate Dubai or Legoland are attractions in the price range of 69 USD to 79 USD.
• Yacht cruise: an unforgettable yacht cruise on the azure waters of the Persian Gulf, from 31 USD.
• Museum of the Future: Entrance fees usually start at 40 USD.
• Ain Dubai - the world's largest Ferris wheel - admission from 39 USD.

Not sure what to choose? Visit our attractions in Dubai page for detailed information on the most interesting places.

How much does a week's holiday in Dubai cost? The cost of a 7-day trip to Dubai

Are you wondering how much a week in Dubai costs? A sample budget for one person is as follows:

• Flights: from 250 USD (discounts) to 500 USD.
• Accommodation: from 212 USD for a week in a cheap hotel to as much as 1760 USD in a luxury apartment.
• Food: on average 250 USD - 377 USD for meals in mid-range restaurants.
• Attractions: around 125 USD - 377 USD, depending on the number of places visited.
• Transport: from 25 USD to 50 USD for the metro and taxis or 176 USD for car hire.

The cost of staying in Dubai will range from 880 USD to 2500 USD for those looking for a luxurious experience. After such a summary, it is worth asking yourself whether Dubai is really expensive for tourists.

Organised trips to Dubai - is it worth it?

If you don't have time to plan on your own, consider organised trips to Dubai. We especially encourage you to choose a full-day tour of Dubai with a group. With a German-speaking guide, you will visit both the old and new parts of the city in one day. You will see the full picture of the dynamic transformation from an Arab settlement to one of the most modern metropolises in the world. While in Dubai, it is worth taking an Abu Dhabi full day city tour or Oman.

The cost of travelling to Dubai on your own will be reasonable if you decide to plan your flight and accommodation yourself. With our help, you can explore Dubai and its surroundings and enjoy the best attractions the city has to offer.

Is it possible to fly to Dubai cheaply? - summary

Is Dubai expensive for tourists? It depends on your travel style. The city offers a wide range of options, from cheap accommodation and local restaurants to luxury apartments and fine dining. With the right planning, it is possible to organise both an exclusive holiday and a cheap holiday in Dubai.

Would you like to find out more about the costs and accommodation options? Visit Two Continents, where you will find detailed guides on planning your trip.

Questions and answers - FAQ

• What are the hotel prices in Dubai? 

  Hotel prices in Dubai vary depending on the location and standard. Cheap options start at around 31 USD per night, mid-range costs around 73 USD per night, and luxury hotels can cost 209 USD - 418 USD per night.

• How much does food cost in Dubai? 

  The cost of food in Dubai depends on the location. In cheap restaurants, prices range from 4 USD - 8.20 USD, and in mid-range restaurants, they range from 19 USD to 32 USD. In expensive restaurants, the price of a meal can exceed 82 USD.

• What are the transport prices in Dubai? 

  The Dubai Metro is a cheap way to get around, with tickets starting at 0.82 USD. A taxi costs 0.68 USD per km and renting a car costs around 36 USD per day.

• Is it better to travel to Dubai on your own or with a travel agency? 

  It depends on your preferences. Travelling on your own gives you more flexibility and the possibility to adjust your budget, while organised trips provide comfort and include all attractions in the price. The choice depends on how you want to spend your time and how much you want to plan before your trip.