UAE, how to reach Dubai from the International Airport

What’s the best means of transport to reach the city from Dubai International airport?

Dubai International Airport is one of the largest and crowded airports in the world and is located only 5 km from the city and close to the neighbourhoods of Deira and Bur Dubai.

The airport has 3 Terminals: international flights of the significant companies arrive at Terminal 1, low-cost flights are at Terminal 2 (mostly Fly Dubay airline)whereas Terminal 3 serves only flights operated by Emirates Airline. Terminal 3 is also separated into three concourses A, B, C linked to each other by internal monorail.

The Terminals 1 and 3 are connected, and it’s possible to move through, whereas if you need to reach the terminal 2 from 3 (or vice-versa), you have to use the shuttle bus service or a taxi.

If you land at Terminal 1 or 3, you can catch the Metro, the bus, a taxi or a private transfer.

1) The Metro red line serves the International airport, but remember to check where your Hotel is located because there are only 2 lines and most of the city is not reachable catching the tube. The costs of the ride depending on the Zone you have to reach. If you stay in Deira, most of the hotels are close of Al Rigga and Union Square metro stations.

2) The local buses are not so valuable since they are the slowest means of transport considering the distance, the traffic and the interchange. In front of the Terminals you’ll find several bus route, but always remember to check the location of your accommodation because probably you’ll have to catch another bus. The ride costs 3 AED. Click here to see the official site of Road transport of Dubai. 

3) Taxi is the first choice to reach your accommodation. Once you are in the arrival area, follow the signs indicating the cab. The costs of a ride (there is a starting fee of 25 AED) depends on the location of your accommodation. Anyway, the average price to reach Deira and Bur Dubai is around 50 AED (13 USD) whereas the average cost to get to the Downtown is approximately 70 (20 USD). If you need to end up your trip to Dubai Marina (more than 30 km away), the average price is about 120 AED (30 USD)

4) If you want to avoid the crowd of public transportation and book a private transfer, you can check the web platforms Viator and GetYourGuide. A driver will wait for you at the arrival terminal with a sign indicating your name.

Terminal 2 is located in a more decentralised position than the other two terminals and is not served by Metro. The best way to reach your destination is by catching the taxi; alternatively, you can use the local bus or a private transfer. The fare of a taxi ride is pretty much the same from Terminals 1 and 3. If you want to reach the closest  Metro station by bus, catch the number C26, get off at Dnata 2  and walk for 10 minutes to Deira city centre metro station.

Need to Know