Last updated on February 2023
How to get from Dubai Airport (DXB) ✈️ to the City Center
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the third largest airport in the world and is located about 20 km northeast of the main city center. Upon arrival, you can reach downtown Dubai by Metro, Taxi, Welcome Pickup or Uber.
💸 The cheapest transfer is by Metro
⏱️ The fastest transfer is by Taxi
This guide compares all available airport transfers at Dubai Airport (DXB) according to classic travel factors. This includes travel time, cost per person (pp), a short route description and links to book or buy tickets.
AD
Transfer comparison
Overview of all airport transfers from Dubai Airport to the City Center (Downtown, Burj Khalifa)
Transport | Travel time | Cost | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Metro 💸 | 25 Min. | 1,20 $ | Details | |
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Taxi ⏱️ | 15 Min. | 20 $ | Details |
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Welcome Pickup |
15 Min. | 30 $ | Details |
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Uber | 15 Min. | 25 $ | Details |
ⓘ Status 2023
Additional note: There may be waiting times at the taxi rank if there are high volume of passengers. In this case, a pre-booked transfer (e.g. via Welcome Pickups) is the more faster and comfortable option.

Metro
Infos here, tickets on-site ↗
Travel time:
23 minutesCost:
💸 5 AED (around 1,20 $) ppDescription:
Metro ‘Red Line’ from Dubai Airport (Station in Terminals 1 & 3) to Burj Khalifa, directly in the city center. As a tourist, it is best to purchase a Nol Card (rechargeable)
Taxi
Official local taxis
Travel time:
⏱️ 15 minutesCost:
75 AED (around 20 $)Description:
Taxi from Dubai Airport (Taxi ranks in front of all terminals) to the centre of Dubai, Burj Khalifa or directly to your accommodation in the city center
Welcome Pickups (AD)
Book a Welcome Pickup ↗
Travel time:
15 minutes (+pickup)Cost:
120 AED (around 30 $)Description:
Comfortable private transfer (via Welcome Pickups) from Dubai Airport (Nameplate in Arrival Hall) to central Dubai, Burj Khalifa or to your city accommodation
Uber (AD)
Order an Uber ride ↗
Travel time:
15 minutes (+pickup)Cost:
80-100 AED (around 25 $)Description:
Uber from Dubai Airport (pick-up location according to Uber App) to the center of Dubai, Burj Khalifa or directly to your accommodationRoute from Dubai Int’l Airport (DXB) to central Dubai (Burj Khalifa, City Center)
Things to know about Dubai:
1. 50 years ago Dubai was just a little town in the middle of the desert
2. Dubai’s Burj Khalifa (828 meters) is the tallest building in the world
3. Dubai Airport is the world’s busiest airport by international passenger traffic