Dubai Airport Transfer Guide: DXB and DWC

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the world’s busiest airports - and getting from the terminal to your hotel is straightforward whether you take the Metro, a taxi, or a pre-booked private transfer. Al Maktoum International (DWC), Dubai’s second airport in Dubai South, is further from the city and currently has no Metro link.

Here is what to expect across every option.

Dubai International Airport (DXB)

DXB has three passenger terminals. Terminal 3 is the home of Emirates, the world’s largest widebody operator. Terminal 1 handles most other international carriers. Terminal 2 mainly serves low-cost and regional airlines.

Important: The Metro only serves Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. If you arrive at Terminal 2, you will need a taxi or rideshare.

Dubai Metro from DXB

The Red Line is the simplest way into the city for travellers heading to Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, or anywhere along Sheikh Zayed Road.

Stations serving DXB:

• Dubai Airport Terminal 3 - serves Emirates and Terminal 3 arrivals
• Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) - serves Terminal 1

The Red Line connects directly to major tourist zones. From Terminal 3, journey times are roughly:

• Union (Deira interchange) - 10 minutes
• BurJuman - 15 minutes
• Financial Centre (DIFC) - 28 minutes
• Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall - 33 minutes
• Dubai Marina - 55 minutes

Fares use the Nol card system (from AED 3 to AED 8.50 per trip as of 2026). Buy a Nol card at the Metro station vending machines - cash and card accepted. Single-trip paper tickets cost slightly more.

The Metro runs with air-conditioned carriages including a Gold Class cabin (front car) and a dedicated Women and Children cabin. Luggage is permitted; there is no extra charge.

RTA Taxis from DXB

RTA taxis are metered and regulated. Airport departures have a higher flag fall - approximately AED 25 rather than the standard AED 5 - so factor this into your estimate.

Destination	Approx. Fare (AED)	Journey Time
Deira / Old Dubai	30–45	10–20 min
Downtown Dubai / Burj Khalifa	70–90	25–40 min
Business Bay / DIFC	65–85	20–35 min
Jumeirah / Satwa	85–110	35–50 min
Dubai Marina / JBR	100–130	40–60 min
Palm Jumeirah	110–145	45–65 min
Jebel Ali / Dubai South	130–170	50–70 min

All fares approximate as of 2026. Toll gates (Salik) add AED 4–8 per crossing. Traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road at peak times (07:30–09:30, 17:00–20:00) can add 20–30 minutes.

Taxi queues at Terminals 1 and 3 are well-managed and fast-moving outside of late-night peak periods. There is no need to pre-book an RTA taxi.

Private Transfers from DXB

A pre-booked private transfer guarantees a fixed price, driver waiting in arrivals, and no meter anxiety. This is the best option when you have a lot of luggage, are travelling with a group, or arriving late at night.

• Kiwitaxi - Book a private transfer from DXB: Fixed-fare transfers with meet-and-greet in arrivals.
• Welcome Pickups - Pre-booked airport transfers: English-speaking drivers, real-time flight tracking, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup.

Private transfers from DXB to central Dubai typically range from AED 80–150 for a sedan, depending on destination and provider.

Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)

DWC sits approximately 55–65 km from Downtown Dubai in the Dubai South district, near Expo City Dubai. Currently, the only options are taxi, rideshare, and private transfer.

Destination	Approx. Fare (AED)	Journey Time
Downtown Dubai / Burj Khalifa	150–220	50–70 min
Dubai Marina / JBR	130–180	40–60 min
Jebel Ali (Dubai South hotels)	40–70	15–25 min
Abu Dhabi city centre	220–290	75–105 min

All fares approximate as of 2026. Freeway E611 is the main route - generally fast except morning commute times.

A private transfer is especially worthwhile from DWC given the distance - book a fixed-fare transfer from DWC to lock in your price.

Transfer Option Comparison

Option	Cost	Speed	Convenience
Dubai Metro	AED 3–9	Moderate	High (T1 & T3 only)
RTA Metered Taxi	AED 30–170+	Fast (traffic dependent)	High
Uber / Careem	AED 35–180+	Fast (traffic dependent)	High
Pre-booked Private Transfer	AED 80–220 fixed	Fast	Very high
Airport Bus	AED 5–15	Slow	Low (limited stops)

Bus from DXB

RTA Route X22 connects DXB Terminal 1 to Union Square in Deira (approximately 45 minutes, AED 9 as of 2026). A handful of other express routes serve specific areas. Bus travel suits budget travellers with light luggage; it is not practical with large suitcases.

Practical Tips

Salik tolls: Dubai runs an electronic toll system (Salik) on major roads. Taxis and private transfers include this in the fare. If you rent a car, you need a Salik tag - the rental company registers this and charges per-passage.

Night surcharges: RTA taxis add approximately 20% surcharge between midnight and 06:00.

Travel card: The Nol card works on the Metro, buses, and tram across Dubai - pick one up at any Metro station for AED 25 (AED 19 deposit + AED 6 starting credit).

For onward travel once you reach the city, see our full getting around Dubai guide.