Explore flight deals

Not happy with the results? Try some of our useful filters

Search by departure date

Not happy with the results? Try some of our useful filters

Search by departure date

Getting from Dubai airport to the city center

Fastest options: Dubai Metro Red Line and taxis. Best value: public buses and the metro.

Dubai is served by Dubai International Airport (DXB), located approximately 5 km east of the city center, making airport transfers to city center destinations quick and convenient. The airport is one of the busiest in the world and offers excellent connectivity via the Dubai Metro Red Line, public buses, taxis, ride-hailing services, and private transfers. Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is situated 37 km southwest of central Dubai and primarily handles cargo, though some passenger flights operate from there. Transport options from DWC are more limited, with taxis and buses being the main choices. Journey times and costs vary depending on traffic conditions and your final destination within the city.

How to get from Dubai International Airport (DXB) ?

Transport Option

Typical Time

Typical Cost

Frequency

Best For

20-35 min

AED 4–8.50 (~USD 1–2.30) depending on zones and card type

every 4–7 min (traffic dependent)

budget travelers

30-60 min

AED 4–6 (~USD 1–1.60) with Nol card

every 15–30 min (traffic dependent)

lowest cost option

15-40 min

AED 50–100 (~USD 14–27) metered; AED 25 airport surcharge

on-demand 24/7 (traffic dependent)

door-to-door convenience

15-40 min

AED 45–120 (~USD 12–33) varies with demand

on-demand 24/7 (traffic dependent)

app-based booking

15-40 min

AED 150–350 (~USD 41–95) pre-booked

pre-booked (traffic dependent)

groups and families

How to get from Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) ?

Transport Option

Typical Time

Typical Cost

Frequency

Best For

60-90 min

AED 5–10 (~USD 1.40–2.70) with Nol card

every 30–60 min (traffic dependent)

budget option from DWC

35-60 min

AED 120–200 (~USD 33–54) metered

on-demand 24/7 (traffic dependent)

direct from DWC

Notes:

  • Prices in AED; table created in 2025 and subject to change.
  • A Nol card is required for metro and bus travel; cards can be purchased at stations and airports.
  • Taxis have a minimum fare and an AED 25 airport pickup surcharge from DXB.
  • Metro operates from approximately 05:00 to midnight (Saturdays to Wednesdays) and until 01:00 on Thursdays and Fridays.
  • We recommend checking official transport websites for your travel planning.

Updated: December 2025

Planning a trip? Thanks to our Virtual Interlining algorithm, we offer billions of route combinations between any origin and destination in the world by plane. Find the cheapest routes and best deals, as well as the best dates to travel.

Download our app

Start your next adventure now. Download our app and explore cheap flights effortlessly!