Dubai International Airport (DXB) & Al Maktoum Airport: Complete Guide

Dubai is served by two airports: Dubai International Airport (IATA: DXB), one of the world’s busiest international hubs, and Al Maktoum International Airport (IATA: DWC), a secondary facility 65 km south of the city. Understanding the difference before you book saves time, money, and confusion on arrival.

DXB vs DWC: Which Airport Are You Using?

This is the most important thing to check when booking flights to Dubai. The two airports are not interchangeable — they are separated by over an hour of driving in traffic.

Dubai International Airport (DXB): The main hub. Home to Emirates Airlines, flydubai, and dozens of international carriers including British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, Singapore Airlines, Qantas (codeshare with Emirates), and most others you are likely to fly. If you are searching for “flights to Dubai” and booking with a mainstream carrier, your ticket will almost certainly show DXB. The airport is 5–15 km from most central Dubai hotels, accessible by Metro in 30 minutes.

Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC / Dubai World Central): A secondary facility near Expo City Dubai, approximately 65 km from the city centre. As of 2026, DWC handles a small number of passenger operations — some IndiGo routes, seasonal charters, and a handful of regional carriers. Emirates is in the process of migrating operations to DWC as part of a long-term infrastructure project, but that transition is gradual. Always read your booking confirmation carefully. If it says DWC, Al Maktoum, or Dubai World Central — you need a taxi or transfer, not the Metro, and you should budget 60–90 minutes each way to the city.

Bottom line when booking: If the fare looks unusually cheap and the airport is listed as DWC, factor in the transfer cost (approximately AED 80–120 one-way by taxi). In some cases this eliminates the saving compared to flying DXB.

Terminals at Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Terminal 3 (Emirates and Qantas codeshares): The largest terminal in the world by floor area, covering concourses A, B, and C. The vast majority of Emirates passengers — business, economy, and first — use Terminal 3. It has its own dedicated Metro station (Dubai Airport Terminal 3) directly on the Red Line. If you are flying Emirates, plan to arrive here.

Terminal 1 (Most international airlines): Handles the bulk of non-Emirates international airlines — British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Cathay Pacific, and many others. Also has a direct Red Line Metro station (Dubai Airport Terminal 1), one stop from Terminal 3.

Terminal 2 (flydubai and smaller carriers): Slightly older and smaller than T1 or T3. A free shuttle bus connects Terminal 2 to Terminal 1. There is no direct Metro access from Terminal 2 — use the shuttle to Terminal 1 first, then the Metro from there.

Note that there is no direct pedestrian connection between Terminal 3 and Terminal 1 — you cannot walk between them without exiting and re-entering the terminal complex.

Getting from DXB to Dubai City Centre

Metro — Red Line (recommended): Dubai Metro’s Red Line connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 stations directly to central Dubai. Trains run every 3–7 minutes during the day. Journey times: approximately 30 minutes to Union Station (Deira / Bur Dubai area), 35 minutes to Dubai Mall / Burj Khalifa station, 50 minutes to Dubai Marina. Fares are zone-based and require a Nol card.

Getting a Nol card: Purchase from ticket machines in the Metro stations at T1 and T3. A red Nol card costs AED 2 deposit. Load AED 20–30 to start. Tap in at the gate, tap out at your destination. A single journey from the airport to Downtown (Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station) costs approximately AED 6–8.50 depending on the zone. The Nol card also works on public buses and abra water taxis in Deira.

Metro operating hours: Sunday–Wednesday and Saturday 05:30–midnight; Thursday–Friday 05:30–01:00. The airport Metro stations follow these same hours.

Taxi: Dubai Taxi Corporation runs regulated metered taxis from dedicated ranks outside arrivals at all terminals. Starting fare approximately AED 25 (airport minimum). Typical fares: Downtown Dubai AED 50–75, Dubai Marina AED 80–110, Jumeirah Beach Residence AED 70–90, Palm Jumeirah AED 90–130. A AED 3.50 airport departure surcharge applies when leaving the airport by taxi (not on return journeys).

Careem (ride-hailing): Book through the Careem app from the designated pickup area in arrivals. Fares roughly match metered taxis. Useful to avoid the taxi queue at peak times.

Private transfer (pre-booked): Fixed-price transfers booked via Kiwitaxi typically run AED 150–200 for a standard car to central Dubai. A named driver meets you at arrivals with a sign. Useful for late-night arrivals or when travelling with multiple bags. Welcome Pickups is another consistent option.

Hotel shuttle: Many Dubai hotels offer shuttle services — confirm timing and location when you book. Major airport-area hotels (particularly in Deira) sometimes offer free shuttles.

Getting from DWC (Al Maktoum) to Dubai

There is no Metro connection to DWC. Options are:

• Taxi: AED 80–120 to Downtown Dubai, 40–60 minutes in light traffic, significantly longer in peak hours (particularly the Sheikh Zayed Road corridor 16:00–20:00).
• Private transfer: Pre-book via Kiwitaxi or Careem for a fixed price. Recommended given the distance and the lack of alternatives.
• RTA Bus: Public bus routes connect DWC to Ibn Battuta Metro station and to other points. The service is infrequent — check the RTA Journey Planner before relying on it.

Facilities at DXB

Shopping and duty-free: Dubai Duty Free is one of the world’s highest-revenue airport retail operations. The selection across T1 and T3 includes gold, electronics, perfume, alcohol, chocolate, and a wide range of brands not always found in airports of similar scale. Alcohol is well-priced — each passenger may import up to 4 litres duty-free. Purchasing a bottle before you leave the airport costs less than buying from a licensed liquor store in the city.

Dining — Terminal 3 airside: Jones The Grocer (Concourse A) is a reliable choice for breakfast, coffee, and light meals — better quality than most airport café options. Shakespeare & Co. (Concourse B) offers a wide menu for sit-down dining. Tim Hortons and Costa Coffee are available throughout concourses for quick stops.

Dining — Terminal 1 airside: Wafi Gourmet (Lebanese fast casual) is a local chain and consistently well-reviewed. PF Chang’s and Mango Tree are also present airside.

Lounges: Emirates Lounges in Terminal 3 serve business and first class passengers, plus Platinum and Gold Skywards members. Independent options accepting Priority Pass and Lounge Key include the Marhaba Lounge (Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 — one of the better independents in the region), the Ahlan First Class Lounge (T3), and the Global Airport Concierge Lounge (T1). The pay-per-entry rate at Marhaba is approximately AED 220–280 as of 2026.

Dubai International Hotel (T3): An airside transit hotel within Terminal 3 accessible without a visa. Day-use rooms (8 hours) from approximately AED 400. The hotel includes a pool, gym, and spa — useful for freshening up on a long layover without entering the city.

Layover Guide: Making the Most of DXB

Under 4 hours: Stay airside. The automated people mover connecting Concourses A, B, and C in Terminal 3 is a circuit worth walking for the architecture alone. The quiet zone and family zone offer somewhere to decompress beyond the standard gate seating.

4–8 hours: A city excursion is practical for most nationalities. Many passport holders receive a free transit visa on arrival — confirm eligibility for your nationality on the GDRFA Dubai website before travel.

If leaving the airport:

• Burj Khalifa observation deck (At the Top): Book in advance at approximately AED 149 (124th floor) or AED 369 (148th floor, SKY level) as of 2026. Metro from T3 to Dubai Mall station is 35 minutes.
• Dubai Creek (Deira): A 15-minute Metro ride. Catch an abra (AED 1) across the Creek to the Spice Souk and Gold Souk — compact, atmospheric, and free.
• Dubai Frame: 20 minutes by Metro. Entry AED 50 as of 2026. Quick to visit.

8+ hours: Add a meal. For a proper Dubai restaurant experience accessible without a long drive, try a meal in Downtown Dubai (Zuma, Thiptara at the Palace, or Nusr-Et if you want a spectacle), or head to the DIFC financial district for more contemporary dining.

For detailed city guidance, see our Dubai city guide and things to do in Dubai.

Dubai Visa at the Airport

Most Western, GCC, and many Asian nationalities receive a 30-day visa on arrival at DXB — no paperwork on the aircraft, no pre-approval required. The immigration queues at Terminal 3 can stretch 30–60 minutes during peak windows (typically 14:00–21:00 local time on busy days). Allow for this when planning your layover or first evening in the city.

For full entry requirements, see our UAE visa guide.

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