Dubai Al Maktoum Airport (DWC) is located 36 km from the bustling city center of Dubai. There are three different modes of transport to take you from Al Maktoum Airport to the city: taxi, bus, or private transfer. The quickest and most convenient option is to take an Al Maktoum Airport taxi or an Al Maktoum Airport transfer. These two transport options will get you to the very door of your accommodation in just 40 minutes.

The most affordable option is to take the Al Maktoum Airport to the city bus. However, this transfer option isn’t direct. You will need to make a change from the F55 buses to the Green Line metro partway through your journey. Due to the changes, this mode of transport is a little stressful and very slow. 

4 ways to get from Al Maktoum Airport to the city

PRICE FOR
OPTION
PRICE
TIME
AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer
€46 40min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Taxi
€37 40min 24/7
Convenience
Book
F55 Bus + Metro
€4 60min 06:31–22:31
Convenience
Read more
F55 Night Bus + Metro
€4 60min 22:31–06:31
Convenience
Read more
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How to get from Al Maktoum Airport to city center by taxi

Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) offers similar taxi services as the main Dubai Airport (DBX). All taxi companies are government-controlled, with cream-colored vehicles and metered fares. Taxis are available 24 hours a day from the designated taxi rank and taking an Al Maktoum Airport taxi to the city of Dubai will take around 40 minutes in light traffic.

Taxi cost from Al Maktoum Airport to downtown


All Dubai taxi operators must follow the government pricing system which includes a €7 (AED 30) initial airport surcharge and a price per km of €0.45 (AED 1.80). Your final fare will be dependent on your exact destination in Dubai and the levels of traffic.

As a result, the Al Maktoum Airport to the city center taxi fare will be between €37 (150 AED) and €50 (200 AED).

*Extra charges for the number of passengers, tolls, and excess luggage may be added to this cost. 

Where do I get a taxi from?

At present, Al Maktoum Airport (DWC) only has one passenger terminal. You will find a designated taxi rank on the Arrivals Level as you exit the main terminal building. 

*As there is only one terminal at Al Maktoum Airport, there can often be very long queues for a local taxi.

Convenience

Taking a taxi from Al Maktoum Airport to the city center is the quickest and most convenient way to travel. Your driver will drop you off directly at the door of your accommodation in Dubai and taxis are available no matter what time you land, day or night. 

However, as DWC Airport only has one terminal, you may find yourself standing in the hot sun, queueing for a taxi during peak travel times.

Useful Tips

To avoid the long queues at the Al Maktoum Airport taxi rank, you can pre-book your transfers with a private company.
Ensure the taximeter is set to the airport base fare of €7 (AED 30) before beginning your journey.
Not all Al Maktoum Airport taxi drivers accept card payments, be sure to bring cash in AED to pay for your ride.
Remember that a taximeter is the only legal pricing system, any driver charging otherwise is doing so illegally.
Try not to accept rides from people inside the airport, these taxis are usually unlicensed and unregulated.
Taxis in Dubai can fit up to 4 passengers and 3 pieces of medium sized luggage as standard.

How to get from Al Maktoum Airport to city center by bus

There’s no direct public transportation from Al Maktoum Airport to the city center. You will need to combine both the RTA bus and metro network to reach Dubai. First, you will take the F55 bus from outside the passenger terminal to the Ibn Battuta Metro Station, then hop on the Green Line metro from there to the Burj Khalifa station.

The F55 bus to Ibn Battuta Metro Station will take 30 minutes and the Green Line metro will take 27 minutes to reach the city center, giving a total journey time of 60 minutes.

*Once you’re at the Burj Khalifa station, you can switch to the Red Line metro to explore more of Dubai, including the World Trade Center, Emirates Tower, and Dubai Mall.

How much is the Al Maktoum Airport to the city center bus?

To ride both the bus and Al Maktoum Airport to city center metro, you will need to purchase a silver NOL pass, as the red pass only allows you to use one mode of transport at a time. The cost of a silver NOL pass is €6 (AED 25) and it comes with €4.70 (AED 19) credit, which is enough to complete your journey from Al Maktoum Airport to the city.

The cost of a single ride on either the F55 bus or the Green Line metro is €1 (AED 6), giving a total journey cost of €2 (AED 12) for taking public transport into Dubai.

*You can purchase and top up your NOL pass inside the airport or metro stations from the RTA automatic ticket machines.

Cost
€2 (AED 12)
Trip Duration
60 Min.
The waiting time for both the F55 Bus is 1 hour. The wait time for the Green Line metro is 4-7 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The F55 bus runs from 06:31 to 22:31, the Green Line metro is available Monday to Thursday between 05:00 to 24:00, Friday from 05:00 01:00 and Sunday 08:00 to 24:00.

Where do I get the bus from?

The official bus stop for the F55 bus is located just outside of the passenger terminal on the Arrivals Level. There are clear signs posted from baggage claim and the airport staff will be there to lend a hand if needed.

Convenience

If you’re on an extremely tight budget, taking public transport from Al Maktoum Airport to the city center is possible. However, as you will have to make multiple changes, take the bus and metro, carry your luggage through bus and train stations, and then find yet another mode of transport to your hotel once you reach the Burj Khalifa station, it’s very inconvenient. 

Timetables

F55 Bus

Map and Schedule

Green Line Metro

Stops and Route

Useful Tips

As the F55 bus leaves only every 60 minutes, there can be very long queues for the bus. This may result in you not getting a seat and having to wait for the next service.
Purchasing the Silver NOL card is the best option when taking multiple modes of transport.
There are kiosks in the airport where you can purchase a NOL pass before getting on the bus.
NOL passes can be used on the metro, buses and water taxis in Dubai.
Luggage storage on the F55 bus is very limited, but the Green Line metro has dedicated luggage racks.
Children under the age of 5 can use the public transport free of charge.

How to get from Al Maktoum Airport to the city by bus

During the day, you can take the F55 bus from Al Maktoum Airport to the city center but this service stops at 22:31 and becomes the F55 night bus. Just like its daytime counterpart, the F55 night bus doesn’t run directly into the city center of Dubai. You will first have to take the bus to the Ibn Battuta Metro Station, then switch to the Green Line metro to Burj Khalifa station.

The total journey time on the bus and metro from Al Maktoum Airport to the city center will be 60 minutes.

*Once you reach the Burj Khalifa station, you can switch to the Red Line metro to explore more of Dubai, including the World Trade Center, Emirates Tower, and Dubai Mall, or take a taxi to your hotel.

How much is the bus from Al Maktoum Airport to the city center?

To ride the RTA bus and metro consecutively, you will need to purchase a silver NOL pass, as the red pass only allows you to use one mode of transport at a time. The cost of a silver NOL pass is €6 (AED 25) and it comes pre-loaded with €4.70 (AED 19) of credit.

The cost of a single ride on the F55 bus and the Green Line metro is €1 (AED 6). So, the total journey from Al Maktoum Airport to the city will cost €2 (AED 12).

*You can purchase your NOL pass inside the airport or metro stations from the RTA automatic ticket machines.

Cost
€2 (AED 12)
Trip Duration
60 Min.
There's an average wait time of 60 minutes for the night bus and 4-7 minutes for the Green Line metro.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The F55 night bus runs from 06:31 to 22:31, the Green Line metro is available Monday to Thursday between 05:00 to 24:00, Friday from 05:00 01:00 and Sunday 08:00 to 24:00.

Where do I find the bus?

You will find the stop for the F55 night bus just outside of the passenger terminal on the Arrivals Level. The bus stop is signposted from the baggage claim area and there are members of staff available to point you in the right direction. 

Convenience

The best thing about the F55 night bus is that it runs during the evening hours, allowing you to take one of the RTA buses 24/7. However, as this service isn’t direct, you will have to carry your heavy luggage through different bus and train stations and wait for up to an hour for your service to arrive. Taking the bus from Al Maktoum Airport to the city center is the least convenient way to travel.

Timetables

F55 Night Bus

Map and Schedule

Green Line Metro

Route and Stops

Useful Tips

If you're short on time or wish to get to your hotel as quickly as possible, we suggest taking a taxi or private transfer from Al Maktoum Airport to the city.
Purchasing a silver NOL card is the only way to ride both the bus and metro collectively.
The maximum journey time you can spend on the RTA transport is 180 minutes per day.
Children under the age of 5 can travel on the metro and bus for free.
Luggage storage is limited, be sure to travel light if taking the bus.

How to get a private transfer from Al Maktoum Airport to city

Taking an Al Maktoum Airport transfer to the city is the best way to travel. Instead of waiting at the taxi rank in the hot Dubai sun, you can walk straight to your air-conditioned, private car and zip off directly to your accommodation in the city. 

Taking a private transfer with a company such as Welcome Pickups has been voted the most convenient and relaxing way to start your vacation. Welcome puts your comfort at the top of their list, by offering exciting travel extras and plenty of perks:

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

Choosing a private transfer allows you to plan and pay everything in advance, so when you land in Dubai, you have absolutely no worries or stress. Welcome Pickups drivers are also local experts, so your driver will offer a mini tour on the way to your hotel, so you can learn more about the area and places of interest to you. 

What's the cost of a private transfer from Al Maktoum Airport to the city?

One of the most comforting things about booking your transfer in advance is that you will receive a fixed, all-inclusive cost. You won’t need to watch the taximeter climb higher or worry about having enough cash to pay your driver. 

A private transfer from Al Maktoum Airport to the city of Dubai in a standard 3 seater vehicle will cost €46 (AED 180) during the day and €53 (AED 210) at night. For larger groups of up to 8 passengers, you can expect to pay €138 (AED 550) during the day and €159 (AED 630) in the evening. 

Booking your private transfer with Welcome Pickups has never been easier. You can book your rides online or through our app in a matter of minutes by entering your flight number, the number of passengers and your pickup time. Once you have your quote, no surcharges, waiting times or extras will ever be added. 

Cost
€46 (AED 180)
Trip Duration
40 Min.
*Pre-booking your private transfer from Al Maktoum Airport to the city will guarantee a seamless ride.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from DWC.

Where do I find my private transfer?

As soon s you exit the baggage claim hall, you will see your friendly driver waiting for you in the Arrivals Hall. To ensure you know exactly who to look for, they will be holding a sign with your name printed on it. After a warm greeting, your English-speaking driver will then lend a hand with your luggage and will lead you and your party to your pre-selected vehicle. 

Convenience

Although taking a taxi is a good transfer option, booking a private transfer offers much more comfort and reliability. With a private transfer, you also get so much more value for your money.

There will be no need to wait in the sun for your ride, you are guaranteed on-time pickups, English-speaking drivers, all-inclusive pricing and a 5-star service every time. Using a private transfer will take all of the stress out of arriving to a new city, allowing you to start your time in Dubai the right way. 

Useful Tips

To give yourself enough time to pass through customs, we recommend booking your pickup around 30 minutes after your landing time, though you won't be charged extra if they have to wait.
Sedan vehicles can handle up to 3 passengers, while minivans can take up to 8 people in comfort.
24 hours before you fly, you will receive an email containing your driver's name, photo and phone number, so you know exactly who you will be meeting on the day of your pickup.
If you need a child seat or a booster seat, you can pre-book these during the booking service or by contacting our customer service team.
Our drivers are available through WhatsApp, if you have any questions or concerns about your pickup.

Dubai Airport private transfers

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€25Starting from 6.3 EUR / passenger

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Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Al Maktoum Airport to Dubai?

There are three transport options from Al Maktoum Airport to the city center: taxi, bus, or private transfer. Taking an Al Maktoum Airport taxi or private transfer is the quickest and most convenient transfer option as they are direct.

How much is taxi from Dubai Airport to Center?

What is the cheapest month to travel to Dubai?

Is there a metro station near Al Maktoum Airport?

What medical facilities are available and where can I find them?

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