Quick tips for a smooth connection:

A guide to Dubai International Airport connections

To ensure a smooth transfer at Dubai International Airport, you need to plan in enough connection time to make sure you’re not rushing. In this blog, we'll help make sure that you have the smoothest and most enjoyable experience when transiting through Dubai.

Understanding Dubai International Airport connection times

If your travel plans involve a connection in Dubai, you’re probably wondering what’s the minimum layover time between flights. Depending on which terminal you’ll be flying from, times for transfer connections can take between 50 minutes and two hours.   

To make sure you don’t miss your flight connection (and to keep your stress levels down!), you need to keep in mind these factors: 

1. The time it might take to get off the plane (on average 20 minutes after the flight's touchdown) 

2. Collecting new boarding passes and, in some cases, luggage (on average 30 minutes after getting off the plane) 

3. Reaching your next departure gate (on average 15 minutes after collecting luggage) 

DXB has recently been ranked as the world’s second busiest airport, which is why planning ahead is so important for a hassle-free transfer experience. 

Tips for a stress-free airport transfer

There are ways you can cut down the layover time you need in the airport and enhance your airport connection experience. marhaba has a range of special transfer services to add a little extra help and comfort on your journey, reducing transfer times by as much as 20 minutes in some cases. In addition to making it a stress-free experience, it allows more time to enjoy some duty-free shopping or relax and dine at one of our marhaba Lounges.  

Factors affecting connection times

There are a number of factors that can influence connection times at Dubai International Airport, including:
1. Terminal distance
2. Security checks

It’s worth noting that immigration procedures are not part of the transfer/transit process in Dubai, since all flights are transiting between international airports. Check with your airline to find out what’s involved in your transfer, so you can plan in enough time to make your connecting flight.

Connecting between Dubai International Airport terminals

There are three terminals at Dubai International Airport, serving different airlines and destinations:
1. Most major airlines operate in Terminal 1
2. flydubai operates in Terminal 2
3. Emirates operates in Terminal 3

Make sure you know ahead of your connecting flight which terminal you need to get to.

Extra tips:

1. If you’re flying Emirates, you won’t need to change terminals, but keep in mind that you might need to change Concourses. Dubai Airport runs an inter-concourse shuttle train between Concourses A and B, and Concourses B and C are connected via a walkable pathway.  

2. When you fly with Emirates and arrive at Terminal 3, all you need to do is follow the signs to Connections and make your way to the gate for your next Emirates flight. Your bags will be tagged right through to your final destination so you won’t need to collect them and check them in again. 

3. If you’re connecting to a different airline, you'll need to work out the best way to get to your next departure gate at another terminal.  

4. If you’re travelling on two different airlines, you’ll need to check with the airlines what process you might need to follow for your luggage. 

5. Reaching your gate on time: If you need to collect your bags and check in again, you need to go through passport control and security 90 minutes before your flight. Reach your gate no later than 60 minutes before departure if you’re flying in Economy Class. 

6. If you’re flying Business Class or First Class you’ll need to reach the boarding gate 45 minutes before departure.  

7. First Class passengers can enjoy a buggy transfer from the lounge reception.  

8. Dubai Airport also offers free airport buggies that you can pick up at the following points:  

- Concourse A central area  

- Concourse B central area opposite gate B18  

- Concourse C entrance 

Dubai International Airport transport options

The transfer process between Terminals 1, 2, and 3 at Dubai International Airport is designed to be as seamless and stress-free as possible. There are many ways to get around, including shuttles and metro services. 

Check with your airline to find out which terminal you’ll be flying into and out of to pick the most efficient connection airport transfers for your journey. 

1. For transfers between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2: there’s a free shuttle bus service, which operates every 30 minutes around the clock, ensuring a quick and efficient transfer, typically taking about 20 minutes. 

2. For transfers between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3: the airport provides another dedicated shuttle bus, also running every 30 minutes, with a transfer time of approximately 15 minutes. 

3. For transfers between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3: there’s a dedicated shuttle bus that runs every 20 minutes, taking around 10 minutes. 

Additionally, you can also ride Dubai Metro's Red Line for a fast and convenient transfer option. There are stations at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, located next to each other on the line. 

If you’d prefer to use a more direct and private transfer, taxis are readily available at all terminals. This includes hire-on-the-go taxis and services from popular taxi apps.  

Public transport options: 
1. For details on bus routes and timetables, visit the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) website to plan your journey ahead of time.
2. For Dubai Metro timings, you’ll find the latest information on the Dubai Metro website.

With so many efficient transfer options, moving between terminals at Dubai International Airport is easy and stress-free. 

Resting spots at Dubai International Airport

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to recharging during your layover at Dubai International Airport. Put your feet up in one of the airport lounges, check into a sleep pod or simply enjoy some quiet time in one of the relaxation areas and enhance your connection experience.