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
	Taxi	15 Min.	20 $	Details
	Welcome Pickups	15 Min.	30 $	Details
	Uber	15 Min.	25 $	Details

ⓘ Status 2023

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:

    Cheap flights to Dubai

   Best hotels in Dubai

   Tours and attractions in Dubai

   Dubai City Passes

   Lonely Planet Pocket Dubai

    High-quality suitcases & trolleys

Metro

Infos here, tickets on-site ↗

Travel time:

23 minutes

Cost:

5 AED (around 1,20 $) pp

Description:

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)

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Taxi

Official local taxis

Travel time:

15 minutes

Cost:

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

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Welcome Pickups (AD)

Book a Private Transfer ↗

Travel time:

15 minutes

Cost:

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

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Uber (AD)

Order an Uber ride ↗

Travel time:

15 minutes

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 accommodation

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Route 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