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Airport Transportation

Dubai International Airport

Also known as: Dubai Airport, DXB Airport, Dubai International, DXB.

DXB · OMDB · Dubai

Airport facts

Name
Dubai International Airport
IATA code
DXB
ICAO code
OMDB
City
Dubai
Country
United Arab Emirates
Coordinates
25.2498, 55.3710
Time zone
Asia/Dubai
Terminals
Three terminals: Terminal 1 for most foreign airlines, Terminal 2 for flydubai and regional flights, and Terminal 3 for Emirates

About Dubai International Airport

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the main airport of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and handled about 95 million passengers in 2025. It is the hub of Emirates and the base of flydubai, and by the end of 2025 it served 291 destinations in 110 countries.

Emirates flies from here to Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas and Australia, while flydubai focuses on the Gulf, South Asia, Central Asia, Africa and Europe. Airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, Saudia and Turkish Airlines also serve the airport, and India, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom are its largest markets.

There are three terminals: Terminal 1 for most foreign airlines, Terminal 2 for flydubai and other regional flights, and Terminal 3 for Emirates. The airport sits next to Deira, close to the city, with Dubai Metro Red Line stations at Terminals 1 and 3. It is a different airport from Al Maktoum International (DWC), which lies about 37 km southwest of the city at Dubai South.

From the airport, travelers head to Deira, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah and Abu Dhabi.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

Dubai Airports

Passengers per year

About 95 million in 2025

Runways

Two parallel runways

Main airlines

Emirates and flydubai

Opened

1960

Arrival tips for Dubai International Airport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months on entry; many nationalities, including US, UK, Canadian and Australian citizens, receive their entry stamp on arrival, and others need a visa arranged in advance. If you arrive at Concourse A or D, an automated train takes you to the main terminal for immigration. After passport control, collect your bags in the baggage hall and pass through customs into the arrivals hall.

Official Dubai Taxi cars wait at the rank outside arrivals at each terminal and run on the meter. At Terminal 3, Uber and Careem rides are collected from a dedicated pick-up area with a waiting lounge. If you booked a driver, they normally meet you in the arrivals hall after customs. The Dubai Metro Red Line stations at Terminals 1 and 3 are reached from arrivals; trains allow up to two suitcases per passenger.

Dubai has a hot desert climate, with very hot summers and mild winters. The UAE uses Gulf Standard Time (UTC+4) with no daylight saving time, and the currency is the UAE dirham (AED).

Ground transportation

A taxi or ride-hailing car suits most travelers, while the Dubai Metro works well for light luggage from Terminals 1 and 3.

  • Taxi from Dubai airport

    Metered Dubai Taxi cars wait outside arrivals at all three terminals around the clock. The ride to the city center takes about 10 to 15 minutes, longer to Dubai Marina or at rush hour, and an airport flag charge applies.

  • Dubai Metro Red Line

    Stations at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 connect to Deira, Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina. You need a Nol card, luggage is limited to two suitcases, and service starts later on Sunday mornings.

  • Uber and Careem

    Ride-hailing apps work at DXB, and Terminal 3 has a dedicated pick-up area with a waiting lounge. Waits and fares vary with demand.

  • RTA public bus

    Public buses leave from stands at all three terminals for city destinations. They are paid with a Nol card, not cash, and are slower than the metro or a taxi.

  • Private transfer

    A pre-booked car with a driver meets you in arrivals and goes straight to your hotel, which helps with families, luggage or trips to Abu Dhabi.

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Book a transfer from DXB

Moving between terminals

  1. Airside between T1 and T3

    Terminals 1 and 3 share a transit area, so connecting passengers can move between them airside without passing immigration.

  2. Shuttle bus to Terminal 2

    Terminal 2 is separate; a shuttle bus links it with Terminal 1 in about 20 minutes and Terminal 3 in about 30 minutes.

  3. Dubai Metro Red Line

    After clearing immigration, you can ride the Red Line one stop between the Airport Terminal 1 and Airport Terminal 3 stations.

  4. Automated trains to concourses

    Automated people movers link Terminal 3 with Concourse A and Terminal 1 with Concourse D.

Terminals

Terminal 1

Serves most international airlines other than Emirates, with gates in Concourse D reached by an automated train. It has its own Dubai Metro Red Line station.

Terminal 2

A smaller, separate terminal used by flydubai and by airlines flying mainly to the Gulf, South Asia and nearby regions. It is not linked airside to the other terminals.

Terminal 3

The Emirates terminal, with Concourses A, B and C, also used by some flydubai flights. It has its own Dubai Metro Red Line station.

Airlines and destinations

The main airlines at Dubai International Airport.

Air France T1

Paris

Airline guide

Air India T1

Delhi, Mumbai

Airline guide

Air India Express T2

Amritsar, Goa, Guwahati, Jaipur, Kannur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Surat

Airline guide

Emirates T3

Delhi, Jeddah, London Heathrow, Mumbai, New York JFK, Paris, Riyadh, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo Haneda

Airline guide

flydubai T2

Delhi, Istanbul, Jeddah, Karachi, Kuwait City, Lahore, Medina, Mumbai, Muscat, Riyadh

Airline guide

Gulf Air T1

Bahrain

Airline guide

IndiGo T1

Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mumbai

Airline guide

Kuwait Airways T1

Kuwait City

Airline guide

Oman Air T1

Muscat

Airline guide

Pakistan International Airlines T1

Faisalabad, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, Sialkot, Skardu

Saudia T1

Jeddah, Neom, Riyadh

Airline guide

Turkish Airlines T1

Istanbul

Airline guide

United Airlines T3

Newark

Airline guide

Frequently asked questions

How far is Dubai airport from the city center?

Dubai International Airport is very close to the city. It sits next to Deira, about 8 minutes' drive from the Deira center, and about 14 km from Downtown Dubai. A taxi to the central areas usually takes 10 to 15 minutes outside rush hour, while Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah, farther southwest along the coast, take longer.

Is Dubai International Airport in the city?

Yes. Dubai International (DXB) lies inside the city, next to Deira, and is linked to the rest of Dubai by the Metro Red Line and main roads. It should not be confused with Al Maktoum International (DWC) at Dubai South, which is a separate airport about 37 km southwest of the city.

How many terminals does Dubai airport have?

DXB has three passenger terminals. Terminal 1 serves most foreign airlines and connects to Concourse D. Terminal 2 is a smaller, separate building used by flydubai and regional airlines. Terminal 3 is the Emirates terminal, with Concourses A, B and C. Terminals 1 and 3 share a transit area, while Terminal 2 is reached by shuttle bus.

Which terminal does Emirates use at Dubai airport?

Emirates uses Terminal 3, including Concourses A, B and C. flydubai operates mainly from Terminal 2, with some flights from Terminal 3, and United Airlines also uses Terminal 3. Most other international airlines, such as Air India, IndiGo, Saudia and Turkish Airlines, use Terminal 1, while Air India Express uses Terminal 2. Your ticket shows the terminal.

How do I get between terminals at Dubai airport?

Connecting passengers can move airside between Terminals 1 and 3 without passing immigration. Terminal 2 is separate, and a shuttle bus links it with Terminal 1 in about 20 minutes and Terminal 3 in about 30 minutes. After clearing immigration, you can also ride the Metro Red Line one stop between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.

How do taxis work at Dubai airport?

Official Dubai Taxi cars wait at ranks outside arrivals at all three terminals, 24 hours a day, and charge by the meter with an extra airport flag charge. The trip to the city center usually takes 10 to 15 minutes outside peak traffic. Use the marked rank rather than accepting rides from people who approach you in the terminal.

Can I take the metro from Dubai airport?

Yes. The Dubai Metro Red Line has stations at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, reached from the arrivals areas, with direct trains to Deira, Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina. You need a Nol card, and each passenger may carry up to two suitcases within size limits. Trains run from early morning to around midnight, starting later on Sundays.

Can I use Uber or Careem at Dubai airport?

Yes. Uber and Careem both operate at Dubai International. At Terminal 3, riders are collected from a dedicated pick-up area that opened in 2026 with an air-conditioned waiting lounge and a queue system for faster pickups. Fares are shown in the app before you confirm, and waiting times depend on demand.

Do I need a visa to enter Dubai?

It depends on your nationality. Citizens of many countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, receive an entry stamp on arrival at no cost, while others must arrange a visa before travel. All visitors need a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Check current UAE rules before you fly.

How do I get from Dubai airport to Dubai Marina or Abu Dhabi?

Dubai Marina is on the Metro Red Line, so you can ride directly from Terminal 1 or Terminal 3, or take a taxi or ride-hailing car along Sheikh Zayed Road. For Abu Dhabi, travelers usually go by road with a taxi, ride-hailing car or pre-arranged transfer. Allow more time for both trips during weekday rush hours.

What time zone and currency does Dubai use?

Dubai uses Gulf Standard Time, UTC+4, with no daylight saving time, so clocks stay the same all year. The currency is the UAE dirham (AED). The climate is hot desert: summers from June to September are very hot and humid, while winters are mild and sunny, with milder temperatures from November to March.

Who operates Dubai International Airport and how busy is it?

Dubai International is operated by Dubai Airports. It handled about 95 million passengers in 2025, a record for the airport, and served 291 destinations in 110 countries with 108 international airlines at the end of that year. It opened in 1960, has two parallel runways, and is the hub for Emirates and flydubai.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

Book a transfer from DXB