Tips for Dubai International Airport Connections
Everything you need to know if you're transiting through DXB
What to expect at Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport (DBX) is a key hub for connecting flights to destinations across the world. It’s therefore a large airport, but it’s renowned for its modern facilities and well-organised layout. This means that navigating between concourses and terminals for a connecting flight isn’t as much of a daunting task as it can be at other airports.
There are also several high-end restaurants, shopping options, facilities and bespoke services that make transfers even more convenient and comfortable.
Our top tip is to plan well in advance if you are catching a connecting flight at Dubai International Airport. There are several things you should consider before travelling such as:
- Which terminal you need to get to
- How long it might take to reach your departure gate
- What mode of transport is available to get there
If you need help when you’re on the ground, there are plenty of information desks and friendly airport staff who will be happy to point you in the right direction.
Dubai International Airport terminals for connecting flights
There are three terminals at Dubai International Airport. Each of the terminals serve different airlines and destinations:
- Emirates operates in Terminal 3
- flydubai operates in Terminal 2
- Most major airlines operate in Terminal 1
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.
If your connecting flight is with the same airline, your bags will be tagged right through to your final destination, so you won’t need to collect them and check them in again. You also won’t need to go through immigration again.
Reaching your gate on time: self-transfers
If you’re travelling on bookings with two different airlines (2 separate tickets) you’ll need to check the process you need to follow for your luggage.
In most cases, this will involve a ‘self-transfer’. This means you’ll have to collect your bags, check in again and go through immigration and security, so you’ll need to account for this. This can add another 90 minutes to your transfer.
Understanding Dubai International Airport connection times
To ensure a smooth transfer at Dubai International Airport, you need to plan in enough connection time to make sure you’re not rushing.
As a rule of thumb, a layover of at least 1.5 to 2 hours is recommended to account for potential delays and ensure a smooth transit experience. Depending on which terminal you’ll be flying from, times for transfer connections can vary. Check the details with your airline and make sure you also factor in enough time for security procedures and potential delays.
To make sure you don’t miss your flight connection, and to keep your stress levels down, you need to keep these factors in mind:
- The time it takes to get off the plane (on average 20 minutes after the flight's touchdown)
- Terminal distance
- Security checks (these are required when transferring)
Times between terminals at Dubai International Airport
The terminals at Dubai International Airport are well connected, and regardless of whether you’re transferring between Terminal 1, Terminal 2 or Terminal 3, it will generally take 20 to 45 minutes. This is providing you take advantage of one of the various transport options, as walking will take significantly longer – and isn’t recommended.
It can also take around 30 minutes to travel between each concourse – A, B and C – in Terminal 3. If you're flying Emirates, your connecting flight will be from Terminal 3, but it may be departing from a different concourse to which you arrived.
How to speed up and improve transfers at Dubai International Airport
There are ways you can cut down the layover time you need in the airport and enhance your airport connection experience.
Transfer services add a little extra help and comfort on your journey, reducing transfer times by as much as 20 minutes in some cases.
As part of these services, you’ll typically get a meet and greet on arrival and be assisted through transfer formalities until the transfer desk – or even to your boarding gate via a buggy car transfer.
In addition to making it a stress-free experience, it allows more time to enjoy some duty-free shopping, or relax and dine at a stylish, peaceful airport lounge.
Transport between terminals at Dubai International Airport
The transfer process between Terminals 1, 2 and 3 at Dubai International Airport is designed to be as seamless and stress-free as possible.
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.
There are many ways to get around, including shuttles and metro services. 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.
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 30 - 40 minutes.
Terminal 1 and Terminal 3
There’s a free inter terminal transder shuttle bus that runs every 30 minutes between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, taking around 10 minutes. You can also ride Dubai Metro's Red Line for a fast and convenient transfer option between Terminal 1 and 3.
Terminal 2 and Terminal 3
The airport provides another dedicated shuttle bus between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, which runs every 30 minutes. The journey time is approximately 30 - 40 minutes.
Terminal 3: Concourses A, B and C
It can take up to 30 minutes to travel between the concourses in Terminal 3.
There is a shuttle bus between Concourse A and C. You can catch the bus from the Bus Connection area A6 in Concourse A, or connections desk E in Concourse B.
There’s an inter-concourse shuttle train between the concourses too, while concourses B and C are also connected via a walkable pathway.
Final Thoughts: How to go through Dubai International Airport for a connecting flight
As one of the world’s busiest airports, you’d be forgiven for thinking that a flight connection at Dubai International Airport could be a stressful experience.
However, with a modern, easy-to-follow design and well-connected terminals, transfers are a straightforward process – whether you’re staying with the same airline or taking on a self-transfer.
Planning ahead is key to give yourself plenty of time to get to your departure gate. Check which terminal you’ll need to get to, find out how to get there and roughly how long it will take.
To speed up and enhance your transfer experience at Dubai Airport, consider using transfer services. If you have a longer layover time, you can also book an airport lounge to unwind and dine before your next flight.
By using this guide, connecting flights at Dubai Airport will be a walk in the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you want to make use of one of the airport lounges during your layover in Dubai, you can pay to access them on arrival. Alternatively, you can use lounge access programmes, while many credit cards also offer complimentary entry. Check out our lounge access guide for more details.
If you miss your connecting flight at Dubai International Airport, speak to your airline's ground staff or visit the transfer desk straight away. They will rebook you onto the next available flight and can help with accommodation if needed.
Yes, if your layover in Dubai is long enough you can leave the airport and explore the city. However, before you venture out, make sure you check visa requirements and factor in enough time to get back to the airport, and clear immigration and security ready for your onward flight.
If your journey is with the same airline, your luggage will typically be transferred automatically, so you won’t need to collect your luggage when connecting at Dubai International Airport. However, it’s best to check this with your airline or booking agent before you fly.
Services to enhance your connection experience at Dubai International Airport
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