How to get from the airport to downtown Dubai?

Transportation from DXB Airport to the city center

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the largest airport in the United Arab Emirates and one of the busiest in the world. It consists of three main terminals – Terminal 1, 2, and 3 at DXB – each serving different airlines and offering convenient access to the city center.

What are the public transport options from Dubai Airport? There are several convenient and affordable options available to travelers: metro, buses, and taxis, which can be caught at any time of the day or night.

Metro from Dubai Airport to the city center

Organized trips to Dubai are becoming increasingly popular among foreign tourists who fly to this city via DXB airport. The most convenient and economical way to get from DXB airport to the center of Dubai is the red line Dubai Metro. Metro stations are located in terminals 1 and 3, connecting the airport with the city center. If you are wondering which terminal at DXB is best for accessing the metro, terminals 1 and 3 offer direct access to the red line.

To use the metro, tourists must pay for their journey – the most convenient option is the Nol Card for tourists, which also works on buses and trams. How does the Nol Card for tourists work when traveling from the airport? The card allows contactless payment for journeys and automatically calculates the standard fare according to the zone. You can buy a Nol card from ticket machines at metro stations. Please also remember the luggage rules in the Dubai Metro – you are allowed to carry one large suitcase and one smaller handbag per person.

As for whether the metro from Dubai Airport runs at night, it does not – the last trains run before midnight, and times may vary depending on the day of the week. It is worth noting that you can also change to the green metro line from the airport if you are planning to travel to destinations located in Old Dubai.

Bus from Dubai Airport

If you are looking for a cheap and convenient way to get from the airport to the city center, taking a bus may be the perfect solution. As part of Dubai's public transport system, regular buses run from DXB airport to the main districts of the city.

The popular bus line 77 will take you from the airport through the Deira district, while bus line C01 runs through Deira towards Dubai Creek, which is a good option if your destination is the old town. The bus journey takes a little longer than the metro, but allows you to see more of Dubai's city life.

Remember that you will pay for the bus with a Nol card, which is used throughout the public transport system. An alternative is the Dubai Airport Shuttle, offered by some hotels and accommodation in Dubai (including accommodation in Dubai near the airport), but the bus remains the most budget-friendly option.

Taxi from Dubai Airport

For those looking for convenience and quick access to the city center, taxis available at DXB Airport are the ideal solution. Taxis in Dubai are available 24 hours a day, including as night transportation from the airport, which is especially important for travelers arriving late at night. It is worth knowing that the light cream-colored taxis are cheaper than their black premium counterparts. An alternative is a limousine from Dubai Airport – a more luxurious but more expensive option. For even greater comfort, you can also use a car rental service with a driver or rent a car yourself on site.

Does Uber operate at Dubai Airport? Yes, Uber is available and often chosen by tourists as a convenient and safe form of transport. Regardless of your choice, you can easily reach the center of Dubai from the airport in comfort.

How long does it take to get from Dubai International Airport?

A transfer from the airport to your hotel in Dubai can take anywhere from 10 to 60 minutes, depending on the location of your hotel and the time of day. If you need a hotel transfer from DXB to the northern part of the city, the journey will usually take 10-20 minutes. However, for locations further south, such as Dubai Marina, the journey can take up to 30-40 minutes.

During rush hour – in the morning and afternoon – the journey in both cases may be extended by several minutes or even tens of minutes due to heavy traffic. What is the fastest way to get from the airport to downtown Dubai? It is best to take a taxi, which runs directly from the terminals and provides quick, direct access to your hotel.

Travel time from the airport to Burj Khalifa

For many travelers to Dubai, a visit to the iconic Burj Khalifa skyscraper and the adjacent Dubai Mall shopping center is a must-see. These are also important transfer points in Dubai - you can read more about this in our article - Transfer in Dubai - what you need to know

How long does it take to get from the airport to Burj Khalifa by metro? From DXB terminals, take the Dubai Metro red line and get off at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station – the entire metro journey takes about 40 minutes. If you are pressed for time or planning evening attractions in Dubai such as Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future or Ain Dubai, a taxi from the airport to Burj Khalifa will be a faster option – it takes 20 minutes on average, although this time may be slightly longer during rush hour.

Cost of travel from the airport to Downtown Dubai - ticket prices

The cheapest way to get from DXB airport to the city center is definitely the metro - using the red metro line, you will pay from a few to a maximum of several AED for a ticket, depending on the number of zones crossed. This is a convenient and economical option, especially for travelers without a lot of luggage.

How much does a taxi from the airport to downtown Dubai cost? The cost depends on the distance and time of day. Dubai Airport taxi fare to Downtown Dubai is around AED 50 (EUR 12), and to more distant districts, such as Dubai Marina, AED 90-100 (EUR 20-25). It is also worth checking if hotels in Dubai offer free airport transfers – some properties provide free hotel transfers from DXB, which can be a convenient and cost-effective option.

Questions and answers (FAQ)

1. Does Uber operate at Dubai Airport?

Yes, Uber is available and often chosen by tourists as a convenient and safe form of transport.

2. How long does the metro take from the airport to Burj Khalifa?

From DXB terminals, take the Dubai Metro red line and get off at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station – the entire journey by metro takes about 40 minutes.

3. How much does a taxi cost from the airport to downtown Dubai?

The cost depends on the distance and time of day. Dubai Airport taxi fare to Downtown Dubai is around AED 50 (EUR 12), and to more distant districts, such as Dubai Marina, AED 90-100 (EUR 20-25).