Welcome / Dubai / Dubai Airport to City Centre

Getting from Dubai Airport to City Centre

Fern Coll

Travel Writer/World Explorer

September 10, 2024

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is located just 4.6 km from the exciting city centre of Dubai. There are four different transfer options to get from Dubai Airport to the city: taxi, private transfer and the metro. The quickest and most relaxing ways to travel to the city are taking a Dubai Airport taxi or a private transfer. Both of these transport options can drop you off directly at the door of your hotel.

For a fast and cheap transfer option, you can also take the Red Line metro from Terminal 1 or 3. The Dubai Airport to city centre metro takes just 25 minutes and makes multiple stops around the city.

Your final option is to take a public bus, which unfortunately is the slowest mode of transport. There are many different buses that run from Dubai Airport, with different lines accessing each terminal.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Dubai at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€15	15min	24/7
Welcome Pickups Transfer	€25	15min	24/7
Metro	€2	24min	05:30–00:00
RTA Bus 33	€2	50min	04:00–01:00
RTA Bus 20	€2	70min	04:00–01:00
CBD C01	€2	70min	24/7

How to get a taxi from Dubai Airport to the city

Taking a taxi from Dubai Airport is the quickest and most stress-free way to travel. The local taxis are cream coloured vehicles with a distinctive ‘TAXI’ sign on the roof. Each company will then have a different coloured roof, to match their respective branding. Taxis are available from directly outside of all 3 terminals at Dubai Airport and take just 15 minutes to reach the city centre of Dubai.

Taxi cost from Dubai Airport to city centre

Dubai taxi drivers use taximeters to calculate the cost of their fares, with an additional €7 (AED 28) airport surcharge added on top. The exact cost of your taxi ride will depend on your final destination in the city and the traffic levels.

Having said this, the estimated journey cost for covering the Dubai Airport distance to the city will be €15 (AED 65).

*Extra costs for things such as excess luggage, additional passengers and tolls are not included in the price and will be added to your fare.

Taxi prices

Day time
(05:00–24:00)

Night time
(00:00–05:00)

Duration

FROM DXB TO HOTELS IN CITY CENTRE

€15

15 min

FROM DXB TO CITY CENTRE

€15

15 min

FROM DXB ABU DHABI

€75

1 h 30 min

FROM DWC TO CITY CENTRE

€30

40 min

Cost

€15 (AED 65)

Trip Duration

15 Min.

*During peak travel times, there may be a long wait for a taxi.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24 hours a day from Dubai Airport.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Getting a taxi from Dubai Airport is easy, as all three terminals (T1, T2 and T3) have a designated taxi rank. To find the taxi rank at your terminal, simply head out of the Arrivals Hall exit doors and you will see the long line of taxis waiting.

*During peak travel times, there may be a long queue of people looking to take a taxi.

Convenience

Taking a taxi from Dubai Airport is a very comfortable way to travel. Taxis are available 24/7 and provide a completely private and direct way to get to your accommodation in the city centre. The only downside to this option is having to wait at the curb for an available taxi.

Editor’s Note

To avoid the fluctuating taximeter prices, you can pre-book your taxi from Dubai Airport to the city centre.

Useful Tips

Not all Dubai Airport taxi drivers have a POS system to accept card payments. Try to bring cash in the local currency to pay for your ride.

Taxis in Dubai can fit up to 4 passengers and 3 pieces of luggage as standard.

Don't accept rides from individuals inside the airport, head out to the official taxi rank to take a taxi.

Not all Dubai Airport taxi drivers speak fluent English, try to write down your hotel's address or show your destination on Google Maps.

How to get a private transfer from Dubai Airport to city

There’s nothing more relaxing or convenient than a private and fully personalised transfer from Dubai Airport. Booking your private transfer from Dubai Airport to the city with a trusted company such as Welcome Pickups, will open a world of travel extras and luxury perks:

Meet and greets
Trained English-speaking drivers
Flight monitoring
Guaranteed fixed fares
24/7 customer support

Another great reason to book a private transfer is that you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with pre-booking and pre-paying your rides before you even land in Dubai. Once you’re comfortably in your private Dubai Airport taxi, your driver will give you some local recommendations and will offer you a mini our of the area, so you can note down some key points of interest to further explore during in your stay.

The cost of a private transfer from Dubai Airport to the city centre

One of the best parts about booking a private transafer from Dubai Airpot to the city centre is that you will receive a fixed, all-inclusive price before you fly. This will let you plan ahead and relax during your transfer, instead of watching the taximeter climb higher and higher.

The cost of a private transfer to your hotel in the city centre will be €25 (AED 100) during the day and €35 (AED 140) at night for up to 3 passengers. A larger group of up to 8 passengers will pay €75 (AED 300) during the day and €87 (AED 340) at night.

You can chose to book your transfer through Welcome Pickup’s website or app in just minutes. Simply enter your personal details, your flight number and your preferred pickup time to secure your fixed quote. All quotes are final, so even if your ride unexpectedly takes longer due to traffic, you won’t pay a penny more than agreed.

Cost

€25 (AED 100)

Trip Duration

15 Min.

*Booking your private transfer in advance is the best way to ensure a seamless experience.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24 hours a day from Dubai Airport.

Where will I find my private transfer?

Instead of waiting for a taxi in a long queue outside the airport, your friendly driver will meet you inside the Arrivals Hall. After a warm greeting, they will then lend a hand and help you carry your luggage directly to your pre-selected vehicle.

Convenience

Although Dubai taxis are available 24 hours a day, the level of service and price you will receive may vary. Pre-booking your transfer from Dubai Airport to the city will eliminate the need to worry about having enough money, waiting around for a transfer or being able to speak the language of your driver.

Instead, you can relax in the back of a private and modern car, with your fluent English-speaking driver offering personalised tips and a guaranteed 5-star service every time.

Editor’s Note

Try to book your pickup time around 30 minutes after your scheduled landing time, to give yourself enough time to pass through customs.

Useful Tips

Sedan vehicles can take up to 3 passengers, while the larger minivans can transport up to 8 people.

You will receive an email before you fly, outlining your drivers name, WhatsApp number and a photo.

Your driver will be holding a sign with your name in it, so you won't be able to miss them in the Arrivals Hall.

For your peace of mind, you can contact your driver via WhatsApp anytime before your transfer.

How to get from Dubai Airport to city centre by metro

The metro industry in Dubai is well adapted to the colossal arrival and departure rates of Dubai Airport. Taking the metro is a very affordable and quick way to get into the heart of Dubai. However, the most central point the Red Line reaches is the Burj Khalifa/ Dubai Mall Metro Station, from here, you will need to walk or take a local taxi to reach your hotel.

The RTA Red Line metro leaves from Terminal 1 and 3, and will reach the city centre of Dubai in just 25 minutes.

To explore more of Dubai, you can switch to the Green Line to Union, Dubai Stadium or Centerpoint, or stay on the Red Line metro to visit the Trade Centre, Emirates Tower or the Mall of Emirates.

How much is the metro from Dubai Airport to city centre?

For your first ride on the metro, you’ll need to purchase a NOL pass. The cost of this pass is €0.35 (AED 2) and you can use it to travel on any public transport in Dubai, including water taxis, buses and the metro. You can top up your NOL pass at any point during your stay, from the automatic machines in the stations or online with a valid bank card.

The price for a single one-way ticket from Dubai Airport to the city is €1 (AED 6). However, the cost of your journey may vary slightly depending on which NOL pass you purchase. The most popular pass is the red pass, which is made of paper and can be loaded with 10 single tickets or 5 daily passes.

You can purchase your NOL card inside the airport in the metro station in Terminal 1 or Terminal 3.

Cost

€1 (AED 6)

Trip Duration

24 Min.

Waiting time for the Red Line metro is 4 to 7 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The metro runs from Monday to Thursday 05:00 to 24:00, on Friday from 05:00 to 01:00 and 08:00 to 24:00 on Sundays.

Where do I get the metro from?

There are two metro stations in Dubai Airport, one in Terminal 1 and one in Terminal 3. You can easily find the stations signposted from the Arrivals Hall. The automatic ticket machines can also be found in the metro station, to purchase and recharge your NOL pass.

Convenience

For those on a budget, taking the metro is a very practical and safe means of transportation into the heart of Dubai. However, you should always take into account the daily changing metro schedules, limited luggage allowance, the station’s distance from their hotel, and holidays that can affect the operating times.

Timetables

Red Line Metro

Map and Schedule

Editor’s Note

NOL passes can be used not only for the Dubai Metro but also for buses and water taxis.

Useful Tips

Children below 5 years of age and below 90cm tall can travel the metro for free.

You must top up your NOL card before you can ride the metro.

Luggage must be no bigger than 81cm x 58cm x 30cm.

Passengers can carry one large luggage item and one small personal item.

How to get from Dubai Airport to the city centre by bus

Each terminal at Dubai Airport has their own bus network. If you’re in Terminal 1 and looking to get to the city centre, you can take Bus 33. However, this route isn’t direct. You will need to get off Bus 33 at the City Center Metro Bus Stop 1 and transfer to Bus 27 to reach the city centre of Dubai.

The total journey time from Dubai Airport to the city for both buses (not including wait times) will be 50 minutes.

What's the cost of a bus from Dubai Airport to the city?

To take the bus, you will need to purchase a NOL pass. These cost €0.35 (AED 2) and can be purchased inside the airport from the automatic machines. Once you have your NOL pass, you can top it up during your stay in Dubai to use on the buses, metro and water taxis.

The cost of taking the bus from Dubai Airport to the city will be €2 (AED 6) for a single journey.

Cost

€1 (AED 6)

Trip Duration

50 Min.

There's an average wait time of 20 minutes for the 33 and 27 buses.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Bus 33 runs from 04:00 to 01:00 daily.

Where do I find the bus at Dubai Airport?

Bus 33 leaves from Terminal 1 only. If you land in Terminal 2 or 3, you will either need to travel to Terminal 1, or take one of the buses available from those respective terminals (Bus 20 from Terminal 2 or Bus C01 from Terminal 3). You will find the buses waiting at the designated station on the Arrivals Level.

Convenience

Although taking the bus is a good budget transfer option, it’s also the slowest and least convenient. There’s barely any luggage storage on board and you will have up to 20 minutes to wait for the bus as you stand in the hot Dubai sun.

If you’re looking to take public transport from Dubai Airport to the city, we recommend the metro, as it’s the same price but much quicker.

Timetables

Bus 33

Map and Schedule

Bus 27

Map and Schedule

Editor’s Note

For a cheap but more convenient transfer option, taking the metro instead of the bus will save you at least 30 minutes.

Useful Tips

You will need to scan your NOL pass as you get on the bus to be able to ride.

There's no cost for taking a child under 5 years of age on the bus.

Luggage storage is limited on the bus, try to travel light.

Try to arrive at least 10 minutes before the bus departs to ensure you get a seat.

How to get from Dubai Airport to the city centre by bus

You can take Bus 20 from Dubai Airport Terminal 2. This bus runs to the NMC Hospital 2 bus stop, where you will switch to the X22 bus into Dubai centre. The total journey time for the two buses will be 70 minutes, making this bus the slowest transfer option from Dubai Airport to the city.

What's the cost of a bus from Dubai Airport to the city?

If it’s your first time using public transport in Dubai, you will need to purchase a NOL pass from inside the airport. Once you have this pass, you will be able to top up your card and ride the bus by scanning your pass. The cost of a NOL pass is €0.35 (AED 2) and the cost of a single bus ride to the centre of Dubai will be €1 (AED 6).

Cost

€1 (AED 6)

Trip Duration

70 Min.

There's a waiting time of 30 minutes for Bus 20 and 9 minutes for Bus X22.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The RTA buses run from 04:00 to 01:00.

Where do I find the bus at Dubai Airport?

Bus 20 only leaves from Terminal 2 at Dubai Airport. You will find the bus stop on the Arrivals Level, just outside of the terminal exit doors. If you land in Terminal 1, you can take Bus 33, and Bus C01 if you land in Terminal 3.

Convenience

Taking the bus is a good transfer option for those on a budget and who don’t want to travel on the metro. However, the bus route is not direct so you’ll need to make a change partway through the ride. It is also the slowest transfer option and you will need to find alternate transport once you reach the city centre to get to your hotel. There’s also very limited luggage storage, so if you’re travelling with a large suitcase, you may wish to take the metro or a taxi.

Timetables

Bus 20

Map and Schedule

Bus X22

Map and Schedule

Editor’s Note

This is the slowest bus available, with a journey time of 70 minutes. For a quicker transfer, you can walk to Terminal 1 or 3 and take a different bus.

Useful Tips

Be sure to top up your NOL card to a minimum of €1 (AED 6) to take the bus.

You will have to scan your NOL pass as you get on the bus to pay for your ride.

There are many bus stops throughout Dubai, be sure to check a map before travelling.

Bus 20 isn't direct, you will need to take the X22 bus to complete your journey.

How to get from Dubai Airport to the city by bus

The only 24-hour bus option from Dubai Airport to the city is the CBD line C01 bus. This line runs from Terminal 3 but isn’t direct. You will need to get off the C01 bus at the Dnata 2 stop, then walk to the Dnata 1 bus stop to catch Bus 27 into the heart of Dubai. The walk between bus stops will be around 7 minutes.

The total journey time, not including wait times, for the bus from Dubai Airport to the city centre will be 70 minutes.

How much is the bus from Dubai Airport to the city centre?

To take the C01 bus, you will need to purchase a NOL red pass. This pass costs €0.35 (AED 2) and can be purchased from the automatic machines located inside the airport. The NOL pass can be used to ride the metro, bus and water taxis in Dubai. You will then need to top up the card at least €1 (AED 6), which is the minimum cost for taking the bus.

Cost

€1 (AED 6)

Trip Duration

70 Min.

There's a waiting time of 15 minutes for the C01 bus and 20 minutes for Bus 27.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The CBD C01 bus runs 24 hours a day.

Where do I find the bus?

You can find the C01 bus just outside of the Arrivals Hall of Terminal 3. If you land in Terminal 1, you can take the Bus 33 and from Terminal 2 you can take Bus 20 into the city centre of Dubai.

Convenience

As the CO1 bus is the only line that runs 24 hours, it can be a good option for when he metro stops working at night. However, the bus is the slowest transfer option and has very limited luggage space, so it’s not very convenient otherwise.

If you’re looking to travel on public transport, we suggest taking the metro over the bus, as it’s the same price bus will take 1/3 of the time to reach Dubai.

Timetables

Bus C01

Map and Schedule

Bus 27

Map and Schedule

Editor’s Note

There's a 500 meter walk between the C01 bus stop and the Bus 27 stop which can be tedious if you're carrying luggage.

Useful Tips

Be sure to top up your NOL pass before getting on the bus.

Children under the age of 5 can use the RTA buses for free.

Be sure to check the bus map before choosing your line, as they make many stops around the city, and one may be closer to your hotel.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Dubai. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

DAYTIME

€25

NIGHTTIME

€25

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How to get from Dubai Airport to city?

There are four transfer options from Dubai Airport to the city: taxi, bus, metro or private transfer. The most convenient option is to take a Dubai taxi or private transfer, which will reach the city in just 15 minutes.

How far is downtown Dubai from the airport?

The distance from Dubai Airport to the city is 4.5 km. It will take around 15 minutes to reach the centre by taxi or private transfer, 25 minutes using the metro and 50 to 70 minutes on the RTA bus.

Is WiFi free in Dubai Airport?

Free unlimited WiFi is available at Dubai Airport. Connect to the “DXB Free WiFi” or “DWC Free WiFi” networks. If you do not have a mobile device, internet kiosks are located beside Global Link (Gate C16) and Connect.

Where can I stay during a layover?

Dubai International Hotel is located inside Dubai Airport terminals 1 and 3. This hotel is perfect for a short rest in between international flights.

How early should I get to the airport for an international flight in Dubai?

Emirates is recommending that passengers arrive at least three hours before their departure time to make sure they don’t miss their flight.

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