Getting from Dubai Airport to city
You can get from Dubai Airport to the city centre by underground, bus, or taxi. The duration of the trip from the airport by bus will be approximately 1h 20min depending on the distance to your hotel, the ticket price is from $2. The trip by underground will be faster - its duration is 50min including waiting time, while the ticket price is from $1.7. Prices for taxis start from $36, however a car can take you even to the remotest hotel in Dubai in just 46min. The distance between Dubai Airport and Dubai city centre is just 5km. But the city is situated on the Persian Gulf cost, that's why many hotels are located not less than 30-40km away from the airport.
Buses to Dubai city centre run even at night, and the metro red line runs along all top hotels of the city. So public transport is a good option for all travellers who are not afraid to get lost and are ready for some small inconvenience. Those who travel with large luggage or small children and hurry to settle in a hotel, we recommend to book a taxi or a transfer. Please note that using the undeground you'll have to walk a part of your route. We also do not recommend families with children to use Dubai Airport transportation which has long waiting time. The hot climate and the burning sun of the Emirates have a negative impact on small travellers' health, especially right after the flight.
Dubai - the heart of the Emirates
Dubai is not only the capital of the UAE region of the same name, but also the owner of the most hi-tech and modern airport in the country and the whole Middle East. Up to 50 millions tourists and businessmen come here every year. Although it is a business center of the East, there are lots of things tourists can see in this fabulous city, as well. Tourists from thousands of hotels in the city and its suburbs can visit the highest scyscraper in the world - the Burj Khalifa, enjoy the musical fountain in the Dubai Mall (the height of its water stream can reach up to 150m), a large aquarium on the artificial beach - the Palm Jumeirah, the Burj al-Arab - the famous hotel made in the shape of the sail of a ship, and many other sights.
Dubai Airport bus
from $2
20min
60+ min
ind.tourists
Buses from Dubai Airport to city hotels follow several routs at once, and they are also available at nighttime. Select the bus number according to the district you are travelling to. If it is in the city centre, you will pay not more than $2, but if your hotel is located in some remote district, the price can increase several times. Dubai Airport shuttle buses run every 7 minutes at daytime and every 20 minutes at nighttime. All buses are new, air-conditioned and equipped with soft seats. But note that travelling by Dubai Airport shuttle bus you risk to get into a traffic jam.
City buses from Dubai Airport:
N2, 4, 11, 15, 33, 44, 401, 402
Timetable:
24/7
Route:
№ 401: Airport — DNATA Airline Centre — Al Mak-um Road — Deira Taxi Station and Al Sabkha Bus Station.
№ 402: Airport — Deira City Centre — Al Karama — Golden Sands — Al Mankhool and Al Ghubaiba Bus Station. The ticket price is 3 AED.
Night routes: Airport — Al Rashidiya bus station — Gubaiba bus station — Al Qusais bus station — Jabel Ali Free Zone bus station — Gold Souq bus station — Satwa bus station (pass Al Karama area, Airport Terminal 2, Dubai Marina and Greens)
Travel time:
60+ min
Waiting time:
7min - at daytime
20min - at nighttime
Comfort level:
medium: air conditioning, soft seats
Cost:
$0.5-2-4
Clients:
tourists who travel light and know the route, travellers without small children
How to find the bus stop at Dubai Airport:
Bus stations are situated right in front of Terminals 1, 2 and 3.
Dubai Airport metro
from $1.7
10min
40+ min
couples
There are both green and red lines on Dubai Airport metro. To get to Dubai city centre, use the red line. The ticket fare depends on the number of zones passed through. On the average, you'll have to go through 3-4 zones to get from the airport to the city centre, and this trip will cost you 6.5 dirham ($1.8) per person. Dubai Airport-Dubai city centre metro trains are frequent, the duration of the trip will be approximately 40min. Metro is not available at night.
Timetable:
from 05:50 to 00:00 (on Friday - from 13:00 to 01:00)
Route:
To see the full route of the red and green lines, follow the link.
Travel time:
40+ min
Waiting time:
5-7min
Comfort level:
high: comfortable carriages, fast trip, air conditioning, stops near sights and hotels
Cost:
from $1.7
Clients:
tourists who travel light and without small children, those who know the route
How to find the metro station at Dubai Airport:
Red line stations are located near Terminal 1 and 3. Please follow special signs to get to the platform. Airport Free Zone station of the green line is situated near Terminal 3. The metro map.
Dubai Airport transfers & taxi
from $36
5min
46min
Families
Transfer and taxi from Dubai Airport are not less popular than buses and underground. First, because the night service between the airport and the city is unstable. Second, because taking a taxi can make you trip easier, as it is the most comfortable form of transport. The duration of the trip including all possible traffic jams is not more than 46 minutes, and the journey cost is from $36. We recommend taxis and transfers in Dubai all aged and inexperienced tourists, as well as families with children.
Timetable:
24/7
Route:
to the hotel or given address
Travel time:
46min
Waiting time:
Taxi on the spot: 5min
Pre-booked transfer: right upon arrival (meeting with a nameplate)
Comfort level:
high: air conditioning, trip without stops and other passengers, child seats, fresh water
Cost:
$36
Clients:
families with children, inexperienced tourists, those who are in the country for the first time, tourists with a language barrier, those who arrive at night or have a lot of luggage
How to find the taxistand at Dubai Airport:
If you book a transfer in advance, your driver will meet you at the exit from the arrivals area with a nameplate. If you want to take a taxi on the spot, you should find the Taxi stand (e.g. municipal Dubai Taxi Corporations, cream-coloured cars) at the airport.
How to get from the airport to Dubai. Transport:
Dubai is a wonderful city, so to start your travel across this magnificent place with pleasant emotions, you should choose that means of Dubai Airport transport to city which will get you to the destination fast and in comfort. Have a nice trip!
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