Arriving in a new city after a long flight, the last thing you want is confusion about how to reach your hotel. The good news is that Dubai is one of the easiest cities in the world to get around. Dubai International Airport is close to the city centre, the metro is clean, fast and air-conditioned, taxis are plentiful and metered, ride-hailing apps work smoothly and roads are modern and well signposted. Even so, the choice of options can be overwhelming, and the best choice depends on your budget, your luggage, the time of day and where you are staying.
This guide explains everything you need to know about Dubai airport transfers and getting around the city once you arrive. We cover Dubai’s two airports, every transport option from the airport, costs and travel times, the Nol card, the metro and tram, taxis and ride-hailing, buses, water transport, private drivers, getting to other emirates and practical tips that will save you time and money.
Tip: For a stress-free arrival, book a Dubai airport pickup. Your driver will meet you in the arrivals hall with a name sign, help with your luggage and take you straight to your hotel.
Dubai’s airports
Dubai has two international airports, and it is important to know which one you are flying into.
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
DXB is one of the busiest international airports in the world and the home of Emirates. It is located in Al Garhoud, close to Deira, Bur Dubai and Downtown Dubai. It has three terminals:
- Terminal 1: most international airlines
- Terminal 2: flydubai and many regional airlines
- Terminal 3: Emirates (and Qantas)
Terminals 1 and 3 are connected to the Dubai Metro Red Line. Terminal 2 is on the other side of the airport and is not served directly by the metro.
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
DWC, also called Dubai World Central, is located in Jebel Ali, in the far south of Dubai, around 45 minutes to an hour from Downtown. It serves some low-cost airlines, charter flights and cargo. It is much further from the city centre and has fewer public transport options, so planning your transfer in advance is especially important.
Book: Al Maktoum Airport transfer (DWC).
Getting from Dubai International Airport to your hotel
| Option | Approximate cost | Time to Downtown | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-booked private transfer | From AED 120 per car | 15 to 30 minutes | Families, groups, late arrivals, lots of luggage |
| Airport taxi | Around AED 50 to AED 100+ | 15 to 30 minutes | Solo travellers and couples |
| Ride-hailing app | Varies with demand | 15 to 30 minutes | Travellers with a local SIM or roaming |
| Dubai Metro | Under AED 10 | 25 to 40 minutes | Light luggage, budget travellers |
| Hotel shuttle | Varies, sometimes free | Varies | Guests of hotels that offer it |
Private airport transfer
A private transfer is the most comfortable way to arrive. Your driver tracks your flight, so they will be waiting even if you land early or late. They meet you in the arrivals hall, help with your luggage and take you directly to your hotel in a clean, air-conditioned vehicle. The price is fixed in advance, so there are no surprises.
This option is especially recommended if you are travelling with children, have a lot of luggage, arrive late at night, are staying in an area far from the metro, or simply want a relaxing start to your holiday.
Book: Dubai airport pickup (DXB), from AED 120, or a Dubai airport drop-off for your departure, from AED 110.
Airport taxi
Official Dubai taxis wait at taxi ranks outside every terminal. They are metered, safe and reliable. Taxis from the airport have a higher starting fare than taxis picked up in the city, and a minimum fare applies. Most taxis accept cards, but it is useful to have some cash.
Good to know: pink-roofed taxis driven by women are available for women and families. Ask at the taxi rank.
Ride-hailing apps
Ride-hailing apps operate in Dubai, linked to licensed vehicles and drivers. You will need mobile data to use them; buy a UAE tourist SIM card or use roaming. Pickup points at the airport are clearly signposted.
Dubai Metro from the airport
The Red Line connects Terminals 1 and 3 with the city, including Deira, Bur Dubai, Downtown (Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station), Business Bay, Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Marina. It is the cheapest option and avoids traffic. However, there are limits on luggage size: each passenger is generally allowed one large and one small bag. If you have several large suitcases, a taxi or transfer is better.
Getting around Dubai
The Nol card
The Nol card is Dubai’s rechargeable travel card, used on the metro, tram, buses and some water buses. You can buy one at metro stations and top it up with cash or card. There are different types:
| Card | Best for |
|---|---|
| Red ticket | Occasional journeys; a paper ticket you can reload a limited number of times |
| Silver card | Most visitors; a plastic card for standard class |
| Gold card | Gold Class carriages on the metro, with more space |
Important: eating, drinking and chewing gum are not allowed on the metro, tram or buses, and fines apply. Always tap in and tap out with your Nol card.
Dubai Metro
The Dubai Metro is fully automated, driverless, clean and air-conditioned. There are two main lines:
- Red Line: runs along Sheikh Zayed Road from the airport to Dubai Marina and Expo City, serving Downtown, Business Bay, Mall of the Emirates and the Marina.
- Green Line: serves the older parts of the city, including Deira, Bur Dubai, Al Fahidi and Dubai Creek.
Each train has a Gold Class carriage and a carriage for women and children only. Trains run frequently from early morning until late at night, with later hours on weekends. Many stations are connected to major malls by air-conditioned walkways.
Dubai Tram
The Dubai Tram runs through Dubai Marina, JBR and Al Sufouh, connecting with the metro at two stations and with the Palm Monorail. It is useful for getting around the Marina area and to the beach.
Palm Monorail
The Palm Monorail runs along the trunk of Palm Jumeirah to Atlantis The Palm, with stops including Nakheel Mall and The View at The Palm. It offers great views of the Palm and is a fun way to reach Atlantis and Aquaventure Waterpark.
Taxis
Taxis are everywhere in Dubai and are the most convenient way to travel short and medium distances. They are metered, with a starting fare that is higher at night and from the airport. You can hail a taxi on the street, find one at a taxi rank outside malls and hotels, or book one through an app. Tipping is not required, but rounding up is appreciated.
Buses
Dubai’s public bus network covers most of the city, with air-conditioned bus shelters at many stops. Buses are very cheap, but they are slower than the metro and routes can be confusing for visitors. Use a journey planner app to find your route.
Water transport
Dubai’s waterways offer some of the most enjoyable ways to travel:
- Abra: traditional wooden boats that cross Dubai Creek between Bur Dubai and Deira for just one dirham. A must-do experience.
- Water bus: air-conditioned boats along the Creek and in Dubai Marina.
- Water taxi: private boats that can be booked for trips along the coast.
- Dubai Ferry: scenic routes between the Marina, Dubai Water Canal and the Creek.
Hop-on hop-off bus
For sightseeing, the hop-on hop-off bus is an easy way to see Dubai’s main attractions with audio commentary, getting on and off as often as you like.
Book: hop-on hop-off bus tour in Dubai.
Private car with driver
For a full day of sightseeing at your own pace, a private car with a driver is the most comfortable and flexible option. Your driver picks you up from your hotel, waits while you visit attractions and takes you anywhere you want to go within the agreed hours.
Book: private car with driver for a full day, from AED 650. For special occasions, book a limousine rental in Dubai.
Renting a car
Car rental is easy in Dubai, and roads are excellent. Visitors from many countries can drive with their home licence or an international driving permit; check the rules for your nationality before you travel. Note that traffic can be heavy at rush hour, speed cameras are everywhere, and fines for traffic offences are high. Parking is paid in most areas and is managed through meters or apps.
Getting to other emirates
| Destination | Approximate time | Best option |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | About 1.5 hours | Private transfer, guided tour or intercity bus |
| Sharjah | 30 to 60 minutes | Taxi or guided tour |
| Ras Al Khaimah | About 1 to 1.5 hours | Private transfer or guided tour |
| Fujairah | About 2 hours | Guided tour or private car |
| Al Ain | About 1.5 to 2 hours | Guided tour or private car |
| Hatta | About 1.5 hours | Guided tour or private car |
For trips to other emirates, a guided tour is often the easiest choice, as transport, a guide and entry tickets are included. Popular options include our Abu Dhabi city tour from Dubai, Sharjah city tour and the Hatta mountain and dam tour. If you are moving hotels between emirates, book a Dubai to Abu Dhabi private transfer or a Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah private transfer.
For day trip ideas, read our Abu Dhabi day trip guide, Hatta day trip guide and Ras Al Khaimah and Jebel Jais guide.
Getting around from Dubai’s main areas
Where you stay affects how you travel. Here is how to get around from the most popular neighbourhoods for visitors.
| Area | Nearest transport | Time to the airport | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Dubai | Metro Red Line (Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall) | 15 to 30 minutes | Walk to Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the Fountain |
| Dubai Marina and JBR | Metro Red Line, tram | 30 to 45 minutes | Tram connects the Marina, JBR and the Palm Monorail |
| Palm Jumeirah | Palm Monorail, taxi | 30 to 45 minutes | Most resorts are best reached by taxi or transfer |
| Deira and Bur Dubai | Metro Red and Green Lines, abra | 10 to 20 minutes | Close to the souks, Creek and airport |
| Jumeirah | Taxi, bus | 20 to 35 minutes | Beaches and villas; fewer metro stations |
| Business Bay | Metro Red Line, water bus | 20 to 30 minutes | Next to Downtown and the canal |
Downtown Dubai
Staying in Downtown puts you within walking distance of Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, the Dubai Fountain and the Dubai Opera. The metro station is linked to Dubai Mall by a long air-conditioned walkway, making it easy to reach the rest of the city without stepping into the heat. Taxis to the airport are quick outside rush hour.
Dubai Marina and JBR
The Marina is a lively waterfront district with restaurants, beaches and the Marina Walk. The tram runs through the neighbourhood and connects with the metro at two stations. From here, it is easy to reach Palm Jumeirah, Ain Dubai and beach clubs. The airport is further away, so allow extra time for departures, especially in the evening rush hour.
Deira and Bur Dubai
The old heart of the city, close to the Creek, the souks and the airport. Both metro lines serve the area, and the one-dirham abra boats cross the Creek every few minutes. Hotels here are often good value, and it is the most convenient area for early flights.
Palm Jumeirah
The Palm’s resorts are spread along the fronds and crescent. The monorail runs along the trunk, but most guests use taxis or transfers to reach the rest of the city. Pre-booked transfers are especially useful from the Palm, as some resorts are a long walk from the monorail.
Getting around with children
Dubai is a very family-friendly city to travel in. The metro has lifts at every station and space for strollers, and children under five travel free on public transport. Taxis do not always have child seats, so if you need one, book a private transfer and request a child seat in advance. Our airport pickup and private car with driver can be booked with child seats on request.
When planning family days out, group attractions by area to reduce travel time. For example, combine Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the aquarium in Downtown, or Atlantis, The View at The Palm and the beach on Palm Jumeirah. For more family ideas, read our list of things to do in Dubai with family.
Accessible travel
Dubai has made great efforts to become accessible for people of determination, the UAE’s term for people with disabilities. Metro stations have lifts, tactile paths and accessible gates, and trains have dedicated spaces for wheelchair users. Accessible taxis can be booked in advance, and the airport provides assistance on request through your airline. Most major attractions, malls and hotels have step-free access and accessible toilets. If you need an accessible vehicle for a tour or transfer, tell us when you book and we will arrange it.
What does transport cost in a typical day?
| Traveller style | Typical daily transport | Approximate daily cost |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Metro, tram and buses with a Nol card | AED 20 to AED 40 |
| Mid-range | Mix of metro and taxis | AED 80 to AED 150 |
| Comfort | Taxis and ride-hailing | AED 150 to AED 300 |
| Premium | Private car with driver | From AED 650 per day |
Costs vary with distances and traffic, but these figures give a useful guide when planning your budget. Many tours include pickup and drop-off, which reduces your transport spending on tour days.
Transit passengers and short stopovers
If you have a long layover at Dubai International Airport, you may be able to leave the airport and see some of the city. Depending on your nationality, you may receive a visa on arrival or need a transit visa arranged in advance. We can help with the UAE 48 and 96 hour transit visa. With six hours or more, a quick visit to Downtown, the Dubai Fountain or the old souks is possible, but always leave plenty of time to return, pass security and reach your gate.
Departure tips
Leaving Dubai is usually smooth, but a little planning helps:
- Check your terminal in advance; Terminal 2 is on the opposite side of the airport from Terminals 1 and 3.
- Arrive three hours early for international flights, especially in peak season.
- Use online check-in and, where available, city check-in services offered by some airlines.
- Book your drop-off in advance for early morning flights, when taxis can be harder to find.
- Keep some dirhams for snacks, or spend the rest at the duty free shops.
Tours with hotel pickup
Most of our tours include pickup from your hotel or residence in Dubai, which removes the need to arrange transport at all. Desert safaris, city tours, Abu Dhabi trips and many attraction packages come with pickup and drop-off in a comfortable vehicle. Check the details on each tour page, and tell us your hotel name when you book.
Arriving at the airport: step by step
- Immigration: visitors from many countries receive a visa on arrival; others need a visa arranged in advance. Read our UAE tourist visa guide.
- Baggage claim: collect your luggage and pass through customs.
- SIM card: buy a tourist SIM in the arrivals hall or pre-book one.
- Currency: exchange a small amount of money or withdraw dirhams from an ATM.
- Meet your driver or find transport: follow the signs to the taxi rank, metro or meeting point for your transfer.
Tips for getting around Dubai
- Avoid rush hour on Sheikh Zayed Road, roughly 7 to 9:30 AM and 5 to 8 PM on weekdays.
- Use the metro for long journeys along Sheikh Zayed Road; it is often faster than a car.
- Download a journey planner app for metro, bus and tram routes.
- Keep your Nol card topped up to avoid queues at machines.
- Do not walk long distances outdoors in summer; use covered walkways and taxis.
- Keep your hotel’s address in English and Arabic on your phone for taxi drivers.
- Allow plenty of time for departures: arrive at the airport at least three hours before international flights.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Dubai Airport from Downtown Dubai?
Dubai International Airport is about 15 kilometres from Downtown Dubai, around 15 to 30 minutes by car depending on traffic.
What is the cheapest way to get from Dubai Airport to the city?
The Dubai Metro Red Line from Terminals 1 and 3 is the cheapest option, costing under AED 10 per person.
Can I take the metro with luggage?
Yes, but with limits. Each passenger can usually carry one large and one small bag. Travellers with more luggage should take a taxi or private transfer.
Do Dubai taxis accept credit cards?
Most Dubai taxis accept credit and debit cards, but it is useful to carry some cash as a backup.
Is Uber available in Dubai?
Yes. Ride-hailing apps, including Uber and Careem, operate in Dubai with licensed vehicles.
How do I get to Al Maktoum Airport (DWC)?
DWC is in Jebel Ali, about 45 minutes to an hour from Downtown. A pre-booked private transfer or a taxi is the most convenient option.
What happens if my flight is delayed and I booked a transfer?
Your driver tracks your flight number and adjusts the pickup time automatically, so you do not need to contact us for normal delays. If your flight changes significantly or is cancelled, message us on WhatsApp and we will rearrange your transfer.
Does the Dubai Metro run all night?
No. The metro runs from early morning until around midnight, with later closing times on weekends. Check the latest timetable before travelling late at night, and use a taxi or ride-hailing app when the metro is closed.
Is it safe to take taxis in Dubai?
Yes. Dubai’s taxis are licensed, metered and very safe. Women and families can also request pink-roofed taxis driven by women.
