Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport is around 5km east of Dubai city centre and is one of the world’s busiest airports. It’s a modern, well-connected facility with lots of shops, restaurants and services that contribute to an enjoyable pre-flight experience.
Aiport Code
DXB
Location
Al Garhoud, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Opening Hours
24 hours
Terminal 1
Home to over 60 international airlines, T1 is well connected with a train that links directly to Concourse D, an extension added to handle the airport’s growing traffic. If you’re flying long-haul, this is likely where you’ll start your journey.
Terminal 2
Smaller and more compact, T2 primarily serves flydubai and a few other regional or low-cost airlines. Despite its size, it’s equipped with modern facilities, making check-in and transit straightforward and hassle-free.
Terminal 3
T3 is the airport’s newest and largest terminal, mainly handling Emirates and Qantas. The terminal is split into Concourse A, Concourse B and Concourse C, which are connected by a train as well as walkable pathways.
How to get to Dubai Airport
The airport is well connected, whether you’re looking for an affordable option, a convenient public transport link or a private luxury ride. Here’s a guide to getting to the airport smoothly.
Dubai Metro
The Dubai Metro offers direct access to T1 and T3 at DXB.
The Red Line features several stops across Dubai and its surrounding area, making it a convenient option. It takes around 25 minutes to reach the airport from Dubai city centre.
The metro is air-conditioned and easy to navigate, with only two lines – Red and Green. Tickets are highly affordable and are available to buy at metro stations and the airport station ticket offices.
You can book Gold Class for a more high-end experience and there’s also a dedicated carriage for women and children.
It's important to note that the Dubai Metro doesn’t run 24 hours a day. Its hours are:
Monday to Thursday: 5am - midnight
Friday: 5am - 1am (next day)
Saturday: 5am - midnight
Sunday: 8am - midnight
Buses
There are frequent bus services connecting many locations around Dubai with dedicated stands at DXB Terminals 1, 2 and 3.
The buses also connect with metro, tram and waterbus services, allowing for smooth access to and from the entirety of Dubai.
Visit the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) for the latest route information and schedules.
Chauffeur services
You can book a chauffeur service to get to DXB in the superior comfort of a private luxury car.
An ideal choice for business travellers, group travellers, families and more, this marhaba service can be booked up to 24 hours prior to arrival or departure.
You can book the service to or from any location in the UAE, and pick between a standard car, a female driver or a 7-seater SUV.
Driving & parking
DXB is only a short drive from the city centre, though it can get busy near the airport at peak times, so you should give yourself plenty of time to make the journey.
There are various premium and economy parking options within walking distance of the three airport terminals.
T1 Car Park A (premium): 2-3 minute walk to terminal
T1 Car Park B (economy): 7-9 minute walk to terminal
T2 Car Park A (premium): 3-5 minute walk to terminal
T2 Car Park B (economy): 10-12 minute walk to terminal
T3 (one multi-level car park): 2-3 minute walk to the terminal
Rates vary across premium and economy car parks and the different terminals. It is roughly AED 100 per day for premium car parks and AED 50-75 for economy car parks.
People of Determination can receive free parking for up to two hours. You may be asked to show your People of Determination card.
Pick-up & drop-offs
There are designated drop-off points outside each of the terminal entrances at DXB. These areas have time limits, which are clearly signposted.
If you’re picking someone up from Dubai International Airport, you’ll need to wait in one of the car parks – there are no designated pick-up areas.
The airport car parks offer short-term rates, so you can easily use them for drop-offs and pick-ups.
Dubai International Airport facilities & services
DXB has lots of facilities and services to make your time at the airport more enjoyable, from restaurants and bars to shops, health clubs and more. There’s so much to explore that it can feel more like a day out than an airport.
Food & drink
International dining
All three terminals are packed with international eats to suit every craving. Grab authentic Southeast Asian dishes at sit-down spots or street-food-style stands, or tuck into Italian, Indian or American favourites. Whether you want a quick snack or a relaxed meal before your flight, you’re covered.
Restaurants at DXB include:
Cho Gao, Taste of India, Bottega, Asian Street Kitchen, O’Regan’s, The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, Hard Rock Café.
Cafés & take-out
If you need a caffeine fix, all three terminals have internationally recognised coffee shops, plus plenty of other cafés serving barista-made drinks, fresh sandwiches and tasty pastries. Perfect for a quick pick-me-up before your flight.
Cafés at DXB include:
Costa Coffee (T1, T2, T3), Starbucks (T1, T2, T3), Paul (T3), Grind (T3).
Fast food restaurants
You’ll find fast food spots in all three terminals, serving everything from juicy burgers and sandwiches to Italian flatbreads and Middle Eastern street food. Perfect if you’re after a quick bite before your flight.
At DXB, you can enjoy:
Burger King (T3), KFC (T1, T2), Five Guys (T3), Subway (T2, T3), McDonald’s (T1, T2, T3).
Shopping
Designer stores
If you love a bit of shopping and aren’t shopped out from Dubai Mall, the airport won’t disappoint. Terminals 1 and 3 are packed with designer stores, from top sportswear brands to Italian-crafted leather goods. Whether you’re after a new outfit or just fancy a browse, there’s lots to explore.
Designer retailers at DXB include:
Adidas (T1, T3), Aesop (T1, T3), Burberry (T1), Chanel (T3), Fortnum & Mason (T1), Gucci (T3), Jo Malone (T3), Ray-Ban (T3), Victoria’s Secret (T3)
Duty free
Duty free shops are scattered across all three terminals, including T3’s concourses and T1’s Concourse D. You’ll find everything from electronics and perfume to sweets and drinks - all tax- and duty-free, so it’s perfect for picking up a last-minute treat or gift. Don’t forget to grab yourself some Dubai Chocolate too!
Jewellery & souvenirs
The duty free shops in all three terminals have loads of watches, gold and jewellery, plus plenty of authentic Arabian gifts for friends and family. On top of that, Terminals 1 and 3 feature luxury boutiques with all your favourite designer brands, so it’s easy to pick up something special before your flight.
Health & entertainment
Spas, health clubs & wellness centres
Looking to relax before your flight? You’ll be pleased to know DXB has plenty of wellness options. T3 has a hotel with a pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and gym that you can use for a fee, even if you’re not staying overnight. There are also wellness centres in Terminals 1 and 3 where you can enjoy a massage or other treatments to unwind before take-off. And relax!
Showers & sleeping
There are multiple sleeping rooms, as well as a hotel in T3. The marhaba lounge in T1 has sleeping rooms available for an additional fee, while both the T1 and T3 lounges have paid shower facilities.
Lounges
There are plenty of high-end lounges, offering quiet, stylish places to relax, work and eat ahead of your flight. There are marhaba lounges in Terminals 1, 2 and 3, where you can stay for up to eight hours, enjoying international cuisine, hot and cold beverages and complimentary high-speed WiFi.
Entertainment for kids
Travelling with kids? DXB has plenty to keep them entertained before your flight. T3 has a Family Zone with a play area and interactive games, plus the region’s first airport gaming lounge with PlayStation and PC games. If you’re using a marhaba lounge in Terminals 1 and 3, there are also separate kids’ rooms with PlayStations, so little ones can have fun while you relax.
Travel services
Car rental
If you’re planning to rent a car for your trip to Dubai, you’ll find rental desks in the Arrivals halls of Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Most major international companies are there, and while some let you book on the day, others require pre-booking. It’s always a good idea to check ahead so you don’t get caught out.
ATMs & currency exchange
If you’re looking to pay with cash in Dubai International Airport, you can use Emirati Dirhams (AED), the official local currency, as well as major foreign currencies like US Dollars (USD), Euros (EUR), and British Pounds (GBP). However, you won’t get the best exchange rate using foreign currencies, and you may be better off using a credit or debit card and choosing to pay in AED. Recently, the UAE also introduced a new symbol for the dirham to make it more recognizable in global markets.
Baggage services
DXB has baggage wrapping services at stands across all three terminals to help keep your luggage safe during transit. You can also make use of marhaba Check-in Anywhere and Land and Leave baggage services at the airport.
Mobile services
All three terminals have telecom stores in the Arrivals halls, where you can pick up free tourist SIM cards, special travel deals and other options to stay connected during your trip to Dubai. Whether you need mobile data, local calls or international calling plans, these stores make it easy to get set up as soon as you land.
How to get around Dubai Airport
Despite its size and separate terminals, the airport is really easy to navigate. A complimentary shuttle bus runs airside (beyond security), linking all three terminals and making transfers quick and hassle-free.
The bus services run every 30 minutes, with journey times varying depending on which terminals you’re travelling between:
- T1 and 2: Approximately 30-40 minutes
- T1 and 3: Approximately 20 minutes
- T2 and 3: Approximately 30-40 minutes
The Dubai Metro Red Line is another option for travelling between Terminals 1 and 3, with the service stopping at both – but not T2.
You can also book a taxi to travel between terminals more privately, with services from popular apps readily available.
T3's three concourses – A, B and C – are connected by an inter-concourse shuttle train, as is T1’s Concourse D. You can walk between Concourses B and C in T3 too.
Buggy car transfers are available on request, and are included as part of marhaba’s premium Meet & Greet services for arrivals, transfers and departures.
Accessibility
Dubai International Airport is designed to be inclusive for People of Determination, with features that support both visible and non-visible disabilities across the entire facility. From parking and elevators to airport trains, buses, seating and baggage collection, accessibility is a priority.
Wheelchairs are available for free and can be requested at T3 kerbside or at check-in at Terminals 1 and 2. They can be used all the way to your boarding gate too.
For travellers with autism, T2 offers an assisted travel lounge with wheelchair-friendly areas, noise-reducing seating and a decompression zone. Those with autism can wear a discreet sunflower lanyard, allowing staff to provide appropriate support.
Dedicated check-in, passport control and security lanes marked with a sunflower symbol help ensure a seamless airport experience.
marhaba services at Dubai Airport
Take advantage of various marhaba services available at the airport, designed to make your journey streamlined, comfortable and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several dedicated smoking areas at Dubai International Airport. These are past security close to the departures gates:
- T1: Near Gate D12 (upper level)
- Near the departure area
- Near Gates A2, A23, B7, B27, C9, C23
Many of the airport lounges, including the marhaba lounges, have designated smoking areas too.
There are 24/7 pharmacies in the duty free stores, as well as Boots pharmacy stores.
The duty free pharmacies are in:
- T2: Near Gate F5
- T3: Near Gates A11, A14, B14, B21, C13
The Boots pharmacy stores are in:
- T1: Arrivals
- T3: Arrivals (opposite the taxi exit) and Concourse B
Yes, Dubai International Airport has secure luggage storage facilities that are available in the Arrivals halls at all three terminals.
The minimum booking period is 12 hours or less, with rates increasing for larger or valuable luggage.
If you’re looking to pay with cash in Dubai International Airport, you can use Emirati Dirhams (AED), the official local currency, as well as major foreign currencies like US Dollars (USD), Euros (EUR), and British Pounds (GBP). However, you won’t get the best exchange rate using foreign currencies, and you may be better off using a credit or debit card and choosing to pay in AED. Recently, the UAE also introduced a new symbol for the dirham to make it more recognizable in global markets.
However, you won’t get the best exchange rate using foreign currencies and you may be better off using a credit or debit card and choosing to pay in AED.
Check-in counters at Dubai International Airport generally open around three hours before the scheduled flight departure, but you should check with your specific airline.
Most airlines offer online check-in up to 48 hours before your flight, while marhaba Check-in Anywhere services allow you to check-in and have your bags collected and delivered to Dubai Airport from a location of your choice.