Dubai International Airport

Dubai International Airport is very close to the city. It sits next to Deira, about 8 minutes' drive from the Deira center, and about 14 km from Downtown Dubai. A taxi to the central areas usually takes 10 to 15 minutes outside rush hour, while Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah, farther southwest along the coast, take longer.

Yes. Dubai International (DXB) lies inside the city, next to Deira, and is linked to the rest of Dubai by the Metro Red Line and main roads. It should not be confused with Al Maktoum International (DWC) at Dubai South, which is a separate airport about 37 km southwest of the city.

DXB has three passenger terminals. Terminal 1 serves most foreign airlines and connects to Concourse D. Terminal 2 is a smaller, separate building used by flydubai and regional airlines. Terminal 3 is the Emirates terminal, with Concourses A, B and C. Terminals 1 and 3 share a transit area, while Terminal 2 is reached by shuttle bus.

Emirates uses Terminal 3, including Concourses A, B and C. flydubai operates mainly from Terminal 2, with some flights from Terminal 3, and United Airlines also uses Terminal 3. Most other international airlines, such as Air India, IndiGo, Saudia and Turkish Airlines, use Terminal 1, while Air India Express uses Terminal 2. Your ticket shows the terminal.

Connecting passengers can move airside between Terminals 1 and 3 without passing immigration. Terminal 2 is separate, and a shuttle bus links it with Terminal 1 in about 20 minutes and Terminal 3 in about 30 minutes. After clearing immigration, you can also ride the Metro Red Line one stop between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.

Official Dubai Taxi cars wait at ranks outside arrivals at all three terminals, 24 hours a day, and charge by the meter with an extra airport flag charge. The trip to the city center usually takes 10 to 15 minutes outside peak traffic. Use the marked rank rather than accepting rides from people who approach you in the terminal.

Yes. The Dubai Metro Red Line has stations at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, reached from the arrivals areas, with direct trains to Deira, Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina. You need a Nol card, and each passenger may carry up to two suitcases within size limits. Trains run from early morning to around midnight, starting later on Sundays.

Yes. Uber and Careem both operate at Dubai International. At Terminal 3, riders are collected from a dedicated pick-up area that opened in 2026 with an air-conditioned waiting lounge and a queue system for faster pickups. Fares are shown in the app before you confirm, and waiting times depend on demand.

It depends on your nationality. Citizens of many countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, receive an entry stamp on arrival at no cost, while others must arrange a visa before travel. All visitors need a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Check current UAE rules before you fly.

Dubai Marina is on the Metro Red Line, so you can ride directly from Terminal 1 or Terminal 3, or take a taxi or ride-hailing car along Sheikh Zayed Road. For Abu Dhabi, travelers usually go by road with a taxi, ride-hailing car or pre-arranged transfer. Allow more time for both trips during weekday rush hours.

Dubai uses Gulf Standard Time, UTC+4, with no daylight saving time, so clocks stay the same all year. The currency is the UAE dirham (AED). The climate is hot desert: summers from June to September are very hot and humid, while winters are mild and sunny, with milder temperatures from November to March.

Dubai International is operated by Dubai Airports. It handled about 95 million passengers in 2025, a record for the airport, and served 291 destinations in 110 countries with 108 international airlines at the end of that year. It opened in 1960, has two parallel runways, and is the hub for Emirates and flydubai.