Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is a major global aviation hub located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. In 2024, it handled a record 92.3 million passengers and has maintained its status as one of the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic for over a decade. Dubai Airport serves as the primary hub for Emirates, the UAE’s flagship carrier, and flydubai, a low-cost airline. Additionally, DXB accommodates over 100 international airlines, including British Airways and Qantas, offering extensive connectivity worldwide

Busy interior of Dubai Airport DXB during daytime, featuring a large golden palm tree centerpiece, luxury shops like Tom Ford and Yves Saint Laurent, and travelers exploring the bustling duty-free area under a high arched ceiling.

Dubai Airport Services

Fast Track / Meet & Greet

Fast Track / Meet & Greet

Dubai Airport doesn’t offer it’s own fast track service, however, a number of third-party providers and airlines do.

 

The main providers are:

Marhaba Services – a well-known third-party company affiliated with Dnata (part of the Emirates Group). They offer a range of Meet & Greet, Fast Track, and lounge access services at DXB.

Al Majlis VIP Service – while also under the Emirates Group umbrella, this premium service is technically a dedicated facility operated separately from Dubai Airports. It offers full VIP protocol, private lounges, immigration clearance, and chauffeur services.

 

While these services are deeply integrated into airport operations and offered within the terminals, they are not owned or run by Dubai Airports (the authority) itself.

Special Assistance at Dubai Airport

Special Assistance at Dubai Airport

Baggage Services

Baggage Services

Dubai Airport Lounges

Dubai Airport Lounges

Sleep 'n fly

Sleep ‘n fly

Be Relax Spa

Be Relax Spa

Free Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi

Dubai International Airport Parking

Each terminal at Dubai Airport has its own parking options. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 offer both Economy and Premium parking spots, while Terminal 3 offers one parking option. All three terminals have different pricing options for short and long stays.

Terminal 1

3-minute walk to terminal from Premium Car Park A.

9-minute walk from Economy Car Park B.

Premium prices start at €1.20 (AED 5) for 5 minutes, €7.20 (AED 30) for 30 minutes and €9.60 (AED 40) for up to 2 hours.

 

Economy parking starts at €6 (AED 25) for 1 hour and €7.20 (AED 30) for 2 hours.

Dubai Airport Terminal 2

Premium spots are a 5-minute walk to the terminal.

Economy parking is a 12-minute walk. 

The cost for one hour of parking at Dubai Airport Terminal 2 is €7.20 (AED 30) in Premium and €3.60 (AED 15) in Economy. 

Terminal 3

Dubai Airport Terminal 3 parking is a 3-minute walk to the terminal building. 

Prices for the “All-Levels” parking at Terminal 3 start at €1.20 (AED 5) for 5 minutes, €7.20 (AED 30) for 30 minutes, and €9.60 (AED 40) for up to 2 hours.

Live Arrivals

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Live Departures

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Terminal Information

Dubai International Airport (DXB), is set out over three large terminals. Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are connected airside, allowing passengers to transfer without exiting the secure area. Terminal 2 is located separately and is not directly connected to Terminals 1 and 3. Passengers transferring to or from Terminal 2 must exit the secure area and use ground transportation, such as a taxi or bus, to reach the other terminals. If you’re transferring between flights, Dubai Airport offers a free shuttle between all three terminals.

 

 

All three Dubai Airport terminals have incredible amenities to make your time relaxing and comfortable. You can enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout Dubai Airport, there are plenty of different luxury lounges, spacious bathrooms, shower facilities, baby changing areas, business centers, prayer rooms and money exchange kiosks. DXB also offers the Dubai International Hotel in Terminal 3 and Sleep ‘n Fly sleep pods in Terminals 1 and 3 for transit passengers, as well as hundreds of different Dubai Airport food stalls, shops and restaurants to choose from, with the Dubai Airport Duty-Free staying open 24 hours a day.

Emirates Airbus A380 lifting off from the runway at Dubai Airport, with landing gear still visible and desert-toned grass fields in the background, representing a typical scene of Dubai Airport departures on a clear day.
Interior view of Dubai Airport Terminal 1 featuring a Costa Coffee shop, passengers with luggage trolleys, and clear signage for check-in and toilets, all under a high white ceiling with modern lighting.
Terminal 1

Terminal 1

Terminal Information
Silhouetted travelers stand near large windows inside Cancun Airport Terminal 4 at sunset, with reflections on the polished floor and luggage nearby, capturing a calm travel moment.
Terminal 2

Terminal 2

Terminal Information
Interior view of Dubai Airport Terminal 3 showcasing a bustling duty-free shopping area with travelers, bright lighting, and modern architectural design at night.
Terminal 3

Terminal 3

Terminal Information

Transportation options from and to Dubai International Airport

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By Metro

The modern Dubai metro Red Line will reach the city center in 25 minutes. 

There’s a wait time of around 4 to 7 minutes for the metro. 

By Bus

The local bus will whisk you off to the city center of Dubai in around 40-50 minutes, although the route includes at least one change. 

The RTA buses run every 20 to 30 minutes. 

By Taxi

Taking a Dubai Airport taxi to the city will take just 20 minutes. Taxis are available 24 hours a day from Dubai Airport.

For a more personalized and seamless journey, you can pre-book your Dubai Airport transfer with a trusted company such as Welcome Pickups. 

By Car

There are plenty of car rental options at Dubai International Airport (DXB). Driving to the city will take around 20 minutes. 

*Trip durations vary depending on your final destination​ and traffic.

More connections from Dubai International Airport

Public Transport

The RTA (Road Transit Authority) has created an extensive network of metro lines, trams and buses to get you all over the city.

 

Dubai Airport has different connections on this network, making it easy to get into Dubai and explore all the city has to offer from there.

 

You can take the Red Line metro from Dubai Airport to the city center, then transfer to an RTA tram or take the Green Metro Line to reach the financial district and Dubai mall.

 

There are also public bus connections from the city center of Dubai that will take you to popular surrounding cities such as Abu Dhabi. 

Taxis and private transfers

Dubai International Airport Hotel

Having somewhere to relax during a long layover, or somewhere close by to sleep before an early morning flight gives great peace of mind. Luckily, there are quite a few different options when it comes to picking your Dubai International Airport hotel.
Interior of Dubai International Airport featuring the Dubai Airport Hotel signage above the duty-free area, with luxury shops, a red sports car display, and a golden palm centerpiece under modern lighting.

Dubai International Hotel

Inside Dubai Airport Terminal 1 and 3
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Exterior view of the Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport hotel at dusk, located near Dubai International Airport, with palm trees and illuminated signage under a twilight sky.

Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport

Located opposite Terminal 3 walkable in 10 minutes
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Nighttime view of Premier Inn, a well-lit hotel near Dubai Airport, featuring palm trees, clear signage, and a welcoming entrance for travelers.

Premier Inn Dubai International Airport

5 minute ride on free shuttle bus
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Waterfront view of Radisson Blu, a high-rise hotel near Dubai Airport, seen at dusk with traditional boats docked along Dubai Creek and city lights reflecting on the water.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek

15 minutes by train
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Outdoor pool area at a modern hotel near Dubai Airport, featuring lounge chairs with turquoise cushions, white umbrellas, and sleek black building facades surrounding the space.

ibis Styles Dubai Airport

10 minute taxi ride
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Practical Information

Opening Hours

Dubai Airport is open 24/7.

Dubai Airport Duty-Free is open 24 hours a day.

Most restaurants operate 24/7.

Recommended Arrival Times

For exact arrival times and check-in desk opening times, it’s best to contact your airline directly.

Average arrival times to Dubai Airport are:

International Flights: 3 hours before.

Domestic Flights: 2 hours before.

*To save time at the airport, ensure you know which terminal you’re traveling from.

Airport Codes

Dubai Airport Code: DXB

ICAO: OMDB

Contact Information

Call Center: +971 4 224 5555

Medical Emergencies & Special Assistance: +971 4 504 5000

Baggage Services: +971 4 214 4433

Frequently Asked Questions

How many airports are there in Dubai?

There are two major international airports in Dubai. The largest and busiest is Dubai International Airport (DXB), the secondary international airport is Dubai World Central, or Al Maktoum International (DWC).

How big is Dubai Airport?

What to do in Dubai Airport?

How to get free lounge access in Dubai Airport?

How many terminals in Dubai Airport?

What do if I lose something at Dubai Airport?

Is WiFi free in Dubai Airport?

Where can I stay during a layover?

Fern Coll

Fern is originally from England, but her love of travel led her to lay roots in Mexico. She’s a business owner and published author with a passion for storytelling. Fern specialises in travel content, helping brands connect with audiences through engaging writing.