How to get to the city from Dubai airport
Ways to transfer from Dubai DXB airport
There are several ways to get from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to the city.
Taxi
Official taxis are available at the exits of all DXB airport terminals. They operate 24/7, are equipped with meters, and are driven by licensed drivers. Dubai Airport has special pick-up points where taxis are available around the clock, so you won't need internet or an app to call a car. The trip to the center of Dubai takes 10-15 minutes, with an average cost of about 50 dirhams ($14).
You can also use the Careem and Uber apps to call a taxi in Dubai. In some cases, a trip through these services may be slightly cheaper, especially if you use promo codes and discounts for new users. Payment for trips is possible both by bank card and cash. There are currency exchange points at the airport.
Metro
Dubai's Red Line metro connects DXB airport with the city, with stations located in Terminals 1 and 3. Trains run at intervals of 4-7 minutes. You cannot pay for the fare with cash; a Nol card is required for payment. This card can be purchased at DXB airport in the following places:
▪︎ Ticket vending machines (at airport metro stations)
▪︎ Ticket offices at metro stations (in Terminals 1 and 3)
▪︎ Zoom stores (located at the airport and metro stations)
▪︎ Ticket vending machines (at airport metro stations)
▪︎ Ticket offices at metro stations (in Terminals 1 and 3)
▪︎ Zoom stores (located at the airport and metro stations)
It's best to purchase the card right at the airport so you can use public transportation in Dubai without any issues, as payment for all types of transport (buses, metro, trams, and boats) is only possible using a Nol card.
You can learn more about Dubai metro routes, Nol cards, and their rates in our article: "Transport in Dubai in 2025".
You can learn more about Dubai metro routes, Nol cards, and their rates in our article: "Transport in Dubai in 2025".
Buses
Bus routes from DXB airport in Dubai are distributed by terminal:
▪︎ Terminal 1: № 11A, 24, 32C, 33, 64A, 77, C01
▪︎ Terminal 2: № 13B, 20, 31, 43, C26, N30 (night)
▪︎ Terminal 3: № 77, C01, N30 (night)
▪︎ Terminal 1: № 11A, 24, 32C, 33, 64A, 77, C01
▪︎ Terminal 2: № 13B, 20, 31, 43, C26, N30 (night)
▪︎ Terminal 3: № 77, C01, N30 (night)
Daytime service interval is 5-10 minutes, while at night buses run once per hour. Fare starts from 4 dirhams ($1). Payment is only possible with a Nol card.
Ways to transfer from Dubai DWC airport
Getting to the city from Al Maktoum Airport (DWC), which is located approximately 45 km from the center of Dubai, is possible by bus or taxi. There is no metro at this airport.
Bus
The only public transport that connects DWC airport with the center of Dubai is the night bus N55. It runs every hour from 22:00 to 05:00. Travel time is approximately 60 minutes. The fare starts from 8 dirhams ($2.2), and payment is accepted only by Nol card.
Taxi
Official taxis are available at the terminal exit and operate 24/7 at pick-up points. A trip to the center of Dubai usually takes 40-50 minutes and will cost approximately 100-150 dirhams ($27-41) depending on the traffic situation and the final destination.
You can also use the Careem and Uber apps to call a taxi in Dubai. In some cases, a trip through these services may be slightly cheaper, especially if you use promo codes and discounts for new users. Payment for trips is possible both by card and cash.
You can also use the Careem and Uber apps to call a taxi in Dubai. In some cases, a trip through these services may be slightly cheaper, especially if you use promo codes and discounts for new users. Payment for trips is possible both by card and cash.
Return journey: from the city to Dubai airports
To get to one of Dubai's airports, you can use the most convenient method — call a taxi through the Careem or Uber apps from anywhere in the city.
Journey to Dubai DXB airport
You can reach DXB airport using the metro, which goes to Terminals 1 and 3. The journey from Dubai center usually takes 15-20 minutes, depending on the starting point and time of day. Also take into account the train waiting time: trains run from 5:00 to 00:00, with intervals of 4-7 minutes during the day and up to 10 minutes in the evening. Or by buses that run from various parts of the city. Travel time is approximately 30-60 minutes, and the fare starts from 4 dirhams ($1). Payment is accepted only by Nol card.
Journey to Dubai DWC airport
To get to DWC airport in Dubai, you can use the night bus N55, which departs every hour from 22:00 to 05:00 from Al Ghubaiba metro station. Travel time is about 60 minutes, and the trip price is from 8 dirhams ($2.2). Payment is accepted only by Nol card. This is the only public transport connecting the center of Dubai with DWC airport. The cost of a taxi ride will be 100-150 dirhams ($27-41), and the travel time is about 40-50 minutes, depending on location and traffic conditions.
Useful tips
Choosing optimal transport in Dubai
If your arrival time at the airport in Dubai is early, and night buses or metro are not yet operating, it's better to use a taxi. In case of a late arrival, taxi will also be the optimal option, as public transport is not always available.
If you have a lot of luggage, getting around by taxi will be more convenient and comfortable. Keep in mind that moving around with a large amount of luggage on the metro and buses will be inconvenient, especially during rush hour when public transport is crowded. Order a taxi in advance in case of traffic jams on Dubai roads and long waiting times.
If you have a lot of luggage, getting around by taxi will be more convenient and comfortable. Keep in mind that moving around with a large amount of luggage on the metro and buses will be inconvenient, especially during rush hour when public transport is crowded. Order a taxi in advance in case of traffic jams on Dubai roads and long waiting times.
Acquiring Nol cards
Keep in mind that payment for all types of public transport in Dubai is made only using a Nol card, so we recommend purchasing and topping it up at the airport immediately if you plan to use public transport in the city.
Time management
Plan your travel time to Dubai airport in advance to avoid delays. If you're traveling by metro, consider the frequency of trains; if by bus — time for stops and traffic jams. During rush hour, movement even by taxi may be difficult, and public transport may be overcrowded.