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 Pickups (Private Transfer) or Uber.
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.
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 Pickups |
15 Min. | 30 $ | Details |
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Uber | 15 Min. | 25 $ | Details |
Notices:
• 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.
• The optimal transfer depends on the number of travelers, budget and available time.
Dubai Travel Tips (AD)
Travel tips and recommendations for a great stay in Dubai:

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)
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
Book a Private Transfer ↗
Travel time:
15 minutesCost:
120 AED (around 30 $)Description:
Comfortable private transfer (via Welcome Pickups) from Dubai Airport (name badge in Arrival Hall) to the center, Burj Khalifa or directly to your accommodation