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, 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 from DXB airport to downtown
Overview of all airport transfers from Dubai Airport to the City Center (Downtown, Burj Khalifa)
Transport | Travel time | Cost | More | |
---|---|---|---|---|
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Metro | 25 Min. | 1,40 $ | Details |
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Taxi | 15 Min. | 20 $ | Details |
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Private Transfer |
15 Min. | 25 $ | Details |
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Uber | 15 Min. | 25 $ | Details |
Notices:
• The optimal transfer depends on the number of travelers, budget and available time.
• 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.

Infos here, tickets on-site ↗
Travel time:
23 minutesCost:
5 AED pp (around 1,40 $)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)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 centerBook a Welcome Pickup ↗
Travel time:
15 minutesCost:
100 AED (around 25 $)Description:
Comfortable private transfer (via Welcome Pickups) from Dubai Airport (name badge in Arrival Hall) to the center, Burj Khalifa or directly to your accommodationOrder an Uber ride ↗
Travel time:
15 minutesCost:
75-100 AED (around 20-25 $)Description:
Uber from Dubai Airport (pick-up location according to Uber App) to the center of Dubai, Burj Khalifa or directly to your accommodationDubai Travel Tips (AD)
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