In this article, I present Dubai airport and easy access to the city center.
Here you'll find
- A presentation of Dubai airport
- Options for getting to the city center
- How to get to the airport from the city
- Airport services
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Dubai airport, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Dubai Airport: article summary
Dubai airport: information, figures and statistics
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the country's largest airport and one of the busiest in the world. This is where you'll land to start your stay in the city, if you're coming from France!
A true showcase for Dubai, it opened its doors in 1960 and its annual traffic has been growing ever since. In 2015, it even became the 1er world airport in terms of international passengers, ahead of Heathrow in London.
Those who come visit Dubai as well as ordinary transit passengers are often impressed by the cleanliness and silence of the airport, and the ease of moving from one area to another.
Everything is grandiose, well-organized and despite its size - it covers 2,900 hectares - it's easy to get around. Here's how it's organized and what you need to know to find your way around!
Dubai airport's 3 terminals
Dubai International Airport (not to be confused with the emirate's other airport, Al Maktoum International Airportopened in 2010 and currently undergoing expansion), has 3 terminals:
- Visit terminal 1 (or Sheikh Rashid terminal) hosts most of the major airlines' international flights. From France or any other European country, this is the place to land.
- Visit terminal 2 is designed for low-cost, charter and regional flights
- Visit terminal 3 is reserved for the company Emirates. If you fly with this very good airline, you'll pass through this terminal even if it's just to make a connection.
Switching from one terminal to another is relatively easy, with the presence of shuttles which run between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 (in 20 minutes) and between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 (in 30 minutes), with regular service.
Between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, you can take the shuttle bus or the metro that runs throughout the airport!
Dubai airport figures and statistics
To give you an idea of the sheer size of this airport, here are a few figures:
- 81 airlines use it
- It serves 243 destinations worldwide
- 89.1 million passengers passed through in 2018
- It has two tracks dedicated to theA380the world's largest airplane
- Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
How do I get to/from Dubai airport?
To reach downtown Dubai and your accommodation, or to return to the airport at departure time, you have the following options.
The cab
Easy to identify with their cream color (and a pink border for those driven by women), Dubai cabs will take you to Dubai Centre for around 15 euros (equivalent to AED 50), or up to Palm Jumeirah for around 30 euros (140 AED), in 20 to 30 minutes.
The metro
Dubai airport has 2 stations for metrowhich you'll find at terminals 1 and 3. You can buy your tickets (and a Nol Card) on the spot, at a price that depends on your final destination, but which will not exceed AED 8.50 (around 2 euros).
It takes about 25 minutes to reach the Downtown Dubai where the Burj Khalifawith departures every 5 minutes.
The bus
The company RTA who manages buses in Dubai and lines serve the 3 terminals (Lines C1, C2, 401 and 402). Drivers do not accept cash payment on board the vehicle; you will need an NOL Card.
While this is the cheapest way to leave Dubai airport, it's also the least practical with luggage.
By car
You can rent a car at the airport if you want to get around the city on your own. There are plenty of car rental agencies (Rent a car, Europcar, Sixt, Hertz, etc.) and prices are reasonable. What's more, petrol is very cheap here!
It is possible to rent luxury cars in Dubaiif you want to drive a Ferrari or Porsche around town.
A private shuttle
If you want to make life easier, you can also book a private shuttle, with a driver who will meet you at the airport and take you to your destination. Fares depend on the number of passengers, but you should expect to pay at least 35 euros for this service.
What services are available at Dubai airport?
Dubai International Airport offers a wide range of services to travelers, who can easily kill time and wait for their flight by taking advantage of :
- 42 catering establishmentsfrom simple cafés to fast-food outlets, including restaurants more chic
- 21 boutiques for your shoppingwith luxury clothing, souvenirs, perfumes and sports brands, in what looks like a veritable shopping mall
- Spaces relaxation and leisurewith hotels, a lounge area, a children's play area and picnic area in terminal 3, a baby corner, a swimming pool (!), a SPA and a massage area.
In addition to these elements, you will find practical services such as a bureau de change, access to the Internet, and more. Free wifiThese include luggage storage, a tourist office, prayer rooms and pay showers.
Dubai airport: opening hours and practical information
Here's what you need to know about Dubai airport before you arrive.
Location
The airport is about 5 kilometers from downtown. It is located in the Al Garhoud district in the eastern part of Dubai.
Opening hours
The airport is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and most stores and eateries are also open around the clock. You'll have plenty to keep you busy while you wait for your flight!
Useful info
Because of its proximity to the city, this airport allows you to take a quick tour of Dubai between flights. You won't have time to visit all the monuments. But you'll be able to get a taste of the place's excessive architecture and atmosphere, before your next extended stay!
What to do in Dubai in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Dubai guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
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