Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving as a major gateway for travelers heading to the vibrant city of Dubai. If you’re landing at DXB and wondering how to get to the city center or visit some of the city’s famous landmarks, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make your journey smooth and hassle-free.

1. By Metro

The Dubai Metro is one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to travel from the airport to various parts of the city. Here’s how you can do it:

Route:

• From Terminal 1: Follow the signs to the metro station, located directly in the terminal.
• From Terminal 3: The metro station is also accessible directly from the terminal.

Red Line:
The Red Line of the Dubai Metro connects the airport to key areas including Deira, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Business Bay, and Dubai Marina.

Operating Hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 5 AM to 1 AM (next day)
• Friday: 5 AM to 1 AM (next day)
• Saturday: 5 AM to midnight
• Sunday: 8 AM to midnight

Fares:
A one-way ticket to the city center costs around AED 3-7.5, depending on your destination.

To Business Bay:

• Metro: Take the Red Line from the airport to Business Bay Station.
• Journey Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes.
• Cost: Around AED 5.

To Dubai Marina:

• Metro: Take the Red Line from the airport to DMCC Station.
• Journey Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes.
• Cost: Around AED 7.5.

2. By Bus

Dubai’s bus network is extensive and provides an economical way to reach different parts of the city from the airport.

Route:

• From Terminal 1, 2, and 3: Look for the bus stations located outside the arrivals area.

Popular Bus Routes:

• Bus 11A: To Deira City Centre and Al Ghubaiba Bus Station.
• Bus 401: To Al Sabkha Bus Station in Deira.
• Bus 43: To Al Rashidiya Metro Station and Al Nahda Metro Station.

Operating Hours:
Buses operate 24/7 with frequent services, especially during peak hours.

Fares:
A single trip fare starts from AED 5, payable using the Nol card (Dubai’s smart card for public transport).

To Dubai Marina at Night:

If you arrive at night and the metro is not operational, you can take a bus to Dubai Marina.

Route:

• Bus F55: From Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 to Ibn Battuta Metro Station. This bus operates at night and early morning hours.
• Transfer to Bus F56: From Ibn Battuta Metro Station to Dubai Marina.

Journey Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Cost: Around AED 7.5 for the entire journey.

3. By Taxi

Taxis are readily available at all terminals and you can book online through Careem App or you can take direct, offer a convenient but more expensive way to reach your destination.

Availability:

• Taxis are available 24/7 from designated taxi ranks outside each terminal.

Fares:

• The starting fare from the airport is AED 25, and the total fare depends on the distance traveled. For example, a trip to Business Bay usually costs around AED 70-90, while a trip to Dubai Marina costs around AED 120-150.

Tips:

• Ensure the taxi meter is running to avoid any disputes over the fare.
• Taxis accept both cash and card payments.

Tips for a Smooth Journey

• Nol Card: Purchase a Nol card at the airport if you plan to use public transport. It can be used on the metro, buses, Taxi and trams.
• Navigation Apps: Use apps like Google Map to plan your route and get real-time updates on public transport schedules.
• Language: English is widely spoken in Dubai, so don’t hesitate to ask for help if needed.

With these options, traveling from Dubai Airport to the city center or famous places is straightforward and convenient. Whether you prefer the efficiency of the metro, the comfort of a taxi, or the affordability of a bus, Dubai offers a variety of transportation options to suit every traveler’s needs.

If you have any questions about my trip, don’t hesitate to ask them!

By purchasing through my links, you support Travel with chandan at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️

Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
Book Tours & Attractions via Klook
Book Day Trips & Experiences via Viator
Book Cheap Hotels & Flight Tickets via Agoda