Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Terminal 1 — Sheikh Rashid Terminal

Terminal 1, officially the Sheikh Rashid Terminal, is the original international terminal at DXB, substantially renovated and expanded with its current structure opening in 2000. It serves international airlines other than Emirates, flydubai, and Qantas. Terminal 1 is home to Concourse C (gates C1–C50), the largest concourse at DXB, handling over 100 international airlines. The terminal is directly connected to the Airport Terminal 1 Metro Station on the Red Line.

• Airlines served: British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Air India, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and 100+ more.
• Alliances: Star Alliance, oneworld, SkyTeam, and independent carriers all operate from Terminal 1.
• Check-in: Counters open approximately 3 hours before departure. Online check-in available for most airlines.
• Lounges: British Airways First and Business lounges, Lufthansa Senator Lounge, SkyTeam Lounge (open to all SkyTeam Elite Plus members), and multiple Priority Pass eligible lounges.
• Facilities: Dubai Duty-Free, restaurants, cafes, pharmacy, medical center, currency exchange, ATMs, prayer rooms, baby care rooms, smoking lounges (airside).
• Parking: Car Park A (Premium, 2–3 min walk, 350 spaces); Car Park B (Economy, 7–9 min walk, 1,100 spaces).

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 is primarily used by flydubai (Dubai's low-cost carrier) and handles charter and regional flights to/from Iran, CIS countries, and other regional destinations. It is the smallest of the three terminals, located north of Terminal 1, and connected to other terminals via a free inter-terminal shuttle bus. Terminal 2 does not have a Metro station of its own.

• Airlines served: flydubai (primary), regional carriers and charters.
• Gates: F1–F12.
• Facilities: Duty-free shops, lounges for first and business class passengers, restaurants, currency exchange.
• Parking: Car Park A (Premium, 3–5 min walk, ~50 spaces); Car Park B (Economy, 10–12 min walk, ~2,600 spaces) — connected by free shuttle bus.
• Inter-terminal connection: Free shuttle bus from Terminal 2 to Terminals 1 and 3; approximately 10–15 minutes.

Terminal 3 — Emirates Terminal

Terminal 3 is the crown jewel of DXB, and at the time of its opening in 2008 became the largest airport terminal building in the world by floor space — it remains the fourth-largest building globally. Built at a cost of $4.5 billion, the terminal was designed exclusively for Emirates Airline and now operates on four levels across three sub-concourses: Concourse A (A1–A24, dedicated to A380 operations), Concourse B (B1–B32), and Concourse C (relocated to Terminal 1 for other airlines). Terminal 3 also handles Qantas flights and certain flydubai operations.

• Airlines served: Emirates (primary), Qantas (codeshare partner).
• Size: Over 1.7 million sq meters of floor space across the terminal complex.
• Capacity: Designed to handle up to 43 million passengers per year.
• Concourse A: Purpose-built for Airbus A380 operations; opened after a $3.5 billion investment.
• Lounges: Emirates First Class Lounge & Spa (one of the finest airport lounges in the world), Emirates Business Class Lounge, Qantas International First and Business Lounges. Priority Pass cardholders can access the Emirates Business Lounge in certain configurations — check terms.
• Facilities: Dubai International Hotel (airside, 5-star, 130+ rooms), Dubai Duty-Free (world's top-grossing airport retailer), free showers at Gates A and B, Changi Rewards lounge, extensive F&B options, spa, gym, swimming pool (at the airport hotel).
• Smart Gate: Facial recognition-powered smart gates at immigration (GDRFA), speeding passport control up to 10x for eligible travelers.
• Parking: Three levels, 1,889 spaces; 163 rental car spaces. A 950 sq meter mosque is located 2–3 minutes from the terminal.
• Metro: Airport Terminal 3 Metro Station (Red Line) is directly connected.
• Inter-terminal: Metro connects T3 to T1 in ~5 minutes. Free shuttle buses also operate. Allow 30+ minutes for terminal changes if connecting across terminals.

Getting from Dubai International Airport to the City

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is exceptionally well-served by public and private transport, with the Dubai Metro, public buses, metered taxis, ride-hailing apps, and car rentals all readily available from all three terminals. The airport sits approximately 14–15 km by road from Downtown Dubai, and travel times to the city center range from as little as 15 minutes by taxi (off-peak) to 25–35 minutes by Metro.

Dubai Metro — Red Line

The Dubai Metro Red Line (MRed) is the fastest, cheapest, and most reliable way to reach central Dubai from the airport. Metro stations are directly connected to Terminal 1 (Airport Terminal 1 Metro Station) and Terminal 3 (Airport Terminal 3 Metro Station). Terminal 2 passengers must take a free inter-terminal shuttle bus to Terminal 1 first.

• Route: Red Line connects both airport stations to central hubs including Union, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Emirates Towers, Mall of the Emirates, and Dubai Marina.
• Journey time: Approximately 25–35 minutes to Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station).
• Frequency: Every 4–7 minutes during peak hours; every 10 minutes off-peak.
• Operating hours: Saturday–Wednesday 05:00–01:00; Thursday 05:00–02:00; Friday 10:00–01:00.
• Fares (Nol Red Paper Ticket, Standard Class): AED 4–8.50 (approximately €1.00–€2.20) depending on zones traveled.
• Nol Silver Card fares: AED 3–7.50 (€0.80–€2.00). Cards purchased for AED 25 (includes AED 19 travel credit) from machines at the station or at "At Your Service" shops in Arrivals.
• Day pass: AED 22 (€5.90) for unlimited travel on Metro and tram for one day.
• Note: Luggage is restricted — one piece of luggage and one piece of hand baggage per passenger.

Public Bus

RTA operates air-conditioned public buses from all three terminals. All buses require a Nol card for payment (no cash accepted on board). Nol cards are available from ticket machines at Arrivals in all terminals.

• Bus 33 (from Terminal 1 only): Departs every 25 minutes to City Centre Metro Bus Stop 1.
• Bus 20 (from Terminal 2): Connects to Deira and central areas.
• Bus C01 (from Terminal 3): Runs through Deira towards Dubai Creek; every 30 minutes.
• Bus 77: Connects airport to Deira district.
• Express Bus 13B: Runs to Al Qusais Bus Station; journey approximately 40 minutes.
• Fares: AED 4–5 (€1.00–€1.40) per trip using Nol card.
• Journey time to city center: 40–80 minutes depending on route and destination.

Taxi

Official Dubai taxis (cream-colored vehicles with colored roof lights) are metered and available 24/7 outside Arrivals at all three terminals. Follow the "Taxi" signs to designated pickup areas only — never accept rides from touts inside the terminal.

• Airport boarding surcharge: AED 20–25 added automatically for journeys starting at DXB.
• Meter rate: AED 2.14 per km after the boarding charge.
• Night surcharge (22:00–06:00): Additional AED 25.
• To Downtown Dubai: Approximately AED 45–65 (€11–€17); 15–25 minutes.
• To Dubai Marina: Approximately AED 90–110 (€24–€30); 35–45 minutes.
• To Palm Jumeirah: Approximately AED 100–130 (€27–€35); 40–50 minutes.
• Payment: Cash (AED), credit/debit cards, and Nol cards all accepted.

Ride-Hailing (Uber / Careem)

Both Uber and Careem operate at DXB. Prices are dynamic and may slightly exceed or undercut metered taxis depending on demand. Pickup points are marked with black banners and are located in designated parking areas approximately 100–150 meters from the terminal buildings. Follow in-app instructions for the exact pickup zone.

• To Downtown Dubai: Approximately AED 50–80 (€13–€22) in standard class; higher during surge pricing.
• Both apps accept: Credit/debit cards and digital wallets.

Car Rental

All major international and local car rental companies are represented at DXB, with desks located in the Arrivals halls of all three terminals. A standard economy car rents for approximately AED 900 (€245) per week. Available brands include Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt, Thrifty, Dollar, and several UAE-based operators. Renters must be 21+ and hold a valid international driving permit alongside their home country license if not from an English-speaking country.

Hotel Shuttles

Many hotels near DXB and throughout Dubai offer complimentary shuttle services. Check directly with your accommodation at booking time. Several hotels within the Al Garhoud and Deira areas offer scheduled pick-ups every 30–60 minutes from the Arrivals areas.

Hotel Inside the Airport (Airside / Terminal 3)

Dubai International Hotel — Located airside within Terminal 3, this luxurious 5-star property is ideal for transit passengers or travelers with long layovers. Accessible without passing through immigration, it offers over 130 rooms including executive rooms, junior suites, royal suites, and family rooms. Rates start from approximately AED 800–1,200 per night (€215–€325). Amenities include a spa, gym, swimming pool, multiple restaurants, and in-room dining. Book via dubaiairports.ae or directly with Emirates, which manages the property.

Hotels Within 1–3 km of DXB

• Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre (5-star) — Approximately 1 km from Terminal 1; shuttle service available. Rates from AED 700–1,400/night (€190–€380). A Marriott Bonvoy property with extensive meeting facilities and multiple pools.
• Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai (4-star) — Directly adjacent to Terminal 1, connected via internal walkway. Rates from AED 450–800/night (€120–€215). Very popular with transit passengers and early-morning flyers due to its proximity.
• Hyatt Place Dubai Airport (4-star) — Approximately 2 km from terminals. Free shuttle to airport. Rates from AED 400–700/night (€110–€190). Modern rooms, complimentary breakfast included in some rates.
• ibis Dubai Airport (3-star / budget) — Approximately 2 km from Terminal 1. Free shuttle service. Rates from AED 220–400/night (€60–€110). Ideal for budget travelers requiring airport proximity.
• Novotel Dubai Al Barsha / Deira (4-star) — Multiple Novotel properties within 5–8 km of DXB. Rates from AED 350–650/night (€95–€175).
• Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport (3-star) — Approximately 3 km. Complimentary shuttle. Rates from AED 300–500/night (€80–€135). Good value, includes breakfast.

Budget / Sleep Pods

DXB does not currently offer capsule hotels or sleep pods in the landside areas; however, the airside Dubai International Hotel in Terminal 3 offers a "day use" rate for a few hours of rest during long layovers (subject to availability; rates approximately AED 400–600 for a 6-hour day-use period). Additionally, rest zones with comfortable seating are available throughout Terminal 3 airside.

Sleeping Landside

For passengers on very tight budgets, 24/7 seating areas with power outlets are available throughout all terminals. Terminal 3 is particularly comfortable for overnight stays, with air conditioning, clean facilities, and round-the-clock dining. DXB officially allows overnight stays in the terminal areas, and it is common practice for transit passengers.

Parking Overview

Dubai International Airport offers car parking at all three terminals, divided into Premium (Car Park A) and Economy (Car Park B) zones. Parking is first-come, first-served; advance online reservation is not currently available. Payment can be made at automated pay stations, by scanning the QR code on your ticket, or via Salik (UAE's electronic toll system) which automatically deducts fees from your Salik balance upon exit. All major credit and debit cards are accepted.

Terminal 1 Parking Fees

Car Park A (350 spaces) is 2–3 minutes' walk from Terminal 1. Car Park B (1,100 spaces) is 7–9 minutes away, served by a complimentary shuttle bus.

Terminal 2 Parking Fees

Car Park A (Premium, ~50 spaces, 3–5 min walk) and Car Park B (Economy, ~2,600 spaces, 10–12 min walk, shuttle provided). Rates are similar to Terminal 1, with Economy daily rate approximately AED 60 and Premium daily rate AED 120.

Terminal 3 Parking Fees

Three levels totaling 1,889 spaces. Rates at Terminal 3 are: up to 2 hours AED 40; up to 4 hours AED 65; 1 day AED 125; each additional day AED 100. Economy parking options are also available.

Special Parking

• People of Determination: Complimentary parking for up to 2 hours in all terminals with a valid RTA disability permit.
• EV Charging: Available in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 Premium parking areas.
• Rental Car Return: Terminal 3 has 163 dedicated rental car spaces; Terminal 1 has a separate rental return area.
• Drop-off zones: Short-term drop-off areas near terminal entrances have a time limit; overnight or long stays must use official car parks.
• Lost ticket fee: AED 200–250 depending on the zone.

Off-Airport Alternatives

Several private parking companies operate near DXB offering lower rates and free shuttle service to the terminals. Additionally, Dubai World Central (Al Maktoum International Airport, DWC) offers free parking for arriving passengers in both Arrivals and Departures areas, with up to 3 days free in the Arrivals area — useful if connecting via DWC or leaving a vehicle during travel.

WiFi

Dubai International Airport provides complimentary high-speed WiFi throughout all terminals, airside and landside. Connect to the "DXB Free WiFi" network; a brief registration with an email address or mobile number is required. Speeds are generally sufficient for streaming and video calls. No time limit is imposed for standard use.

Lounges

• Emirates First Class Lounge & Spa (Terminal 3, Concourses A & B): Exclusively for Emirates First Class passengers. Offers à la carte dining, spa treatments, showers, and a bar. Widely regarded as one of the finest airport lounges globally.
• Emirates Business Class Lounge (Terminal 3, Concourses A, B & C): For Emirates Business Class and Skywards Platinum/Gold members. Multiple dining options, showers, quiet areas.
• SkyTeam Lounge (Terminal 1): Open to SkyTeam Elite Plus members and Business/First passengers on SkyTeam carriers.
• British Airways Galleries Lounge (Terminal 1): For BA First/Business passengers and Gold/Silver cardholders.
• Lufthansa Senator Lounge (Terminal 1): For Lufthansa Business passengers and Star Alliance Gold members.
• G-Force Lounge / Marhaba Lounges (Terminal 1 & 2): Pay-per-access lounges accessible via Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or direct payment (~USD 50–75 per person). Offer showers, food, drinks, and WiFi.

Shopping & Duty-Free

Dubai Duty-Free is one of the world's top-grossing airport retail operations, generating over USD 2.1 billion in annual sales. It spans all terminals and both arrivals and departures zones, offering electronics, perfumes, alcohol, tobacco, luxury watches, jewelry, gold, and confectionery. Notable luxury brands at DXB include Cartier, Rolex, Bulgari, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Gucci, and Prada. Dubai-specific gifts include Arabic perfumes (oud), dates, and local spice blends available at dedicated gift shops.

Dining

DXB offers over 160 food and beverage outlets across all terminals, ranging from quick-service to full-service restaurants. Notable options include The Noodle House (pan-Asian), Caviar House & Prunier (seafood, Terminal 3), Shakespeare and Co. (café, Terminal 3), and various international chains (Starbucks, Costa, Shake Shack, McDonald's, KFC, Pizza Express). Prices are moderate to high by international standards — a main meal at a sit-down restaurant costs approximately AED 70–180 (€19–€49). Several outlets are open 24 hours.

Medical Services

A medical center and pharmacy are located in Terminal 1 (Arrivals level) and Terminal 3. The pharmacy is open 24/7 and stocks prescription and over-the-counter medications. First aid stations are distributed throughout all terminals. For emergencies, dial 999 (UAE emergency number).

Family Facilities

Dedicated family check-in lanes and priority boarding are available across all terminals. Baby care rooms (equipped with feeding chairs, changing tables, and bottle warmers) are found on every level of Terminals 1 and 3. Children's play areas are located in Terminal 3 airside (near Gates B). Stroller rental is not officially available; travelers are advised to bring their own.

Accessibility (People of Determination)

DXB offers comprehensive services for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM). Wheelchair assistance must be requested at booking time or at the airline check-in counter at least 48 hours in advance. Accessible lounges, priority security lanes, dedicated drop-off areas, and complimentary parking (up to 2 hours) are provided. For pre-arranged assistance: contact your airline or DXB's special assistance team via +971 4 224 5555.

Currency Exchange & ATMs

Multiple currency exchange bureaus and ATMs are located in Arrivals and Departures halls of all terminals. Major operators include UAE Exchange and Al Ansari Exchange. Exchange rates at airports are typically less favorable than in the city; using an ATM with a multi-currency card (e.g., Wise, Revolut) is advisable. ATMs dispense AED in denominations of 200, 100, and 50.

Luggage Storage

Left luggage/storage facilities are available at all three terminals through authorised service providers located in the Arrivals area. Rates are approximately AED 35–50 (€9–€14) per item per 24 hours. Hours are generally aligned with terminal operations (24/7). Look for signage in Arrivals for "Left Luggage" or "Baggage Storage."

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited throughout all terminal buildings (landside and airside) except in designated smoking rooms/areas. Smoking areas are available airside in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Vaping and e-cigarettes are also restricted to designated areas; note that import of e-cigarette liquid may be subject to UAE customs regulations.

Prayer Rooms & Chapel

Mosques and prayer rooms are available in all terminals, landside and airside. Terminal 3 has a dedicated 950 sq meter mosque located 2–3 minutes from the main terminal building. Prayer times are posted at entrances. Non-denominational meditation/reflection rooms are also available for travelers of all faiths.

Showers

Free shower facilities are available airside at Terminal 3 at Gates A and B — an exceptional amenity for long-haul travelers. For paid showers outside these areas, contact the Marhaba Lounge (T1/T2) or access shower facilities through lounge purchase. The Dubai International Hotel (Terminal 3) also offers day-use bookings which include full bathroom access.

Hub Airlines

• Emirates — DXB is the primary global hub for Emirates, the world's largest long-haul airline. Not a member of any global alliance (operates independently). Operates exclusively from Terminal 3. Fleet of 250+ wide-body aircraft including the world's largest Airbus A380 fleet. Emirates handles approximately 51% of all DXB passenger traffic.
• flydubai — Dubai's government-owned low-cost carrier, operating primarily from Terminal 2. Partners with Emirates on codeshare routes. Over 100 aircraft serving destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and South Asia.

Airlines by Alliance — Terminal 1 (Concourse C)

Star Alliance: Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Air India, Thai Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, Egypt Air, South African Airways.

oneworld: British Airways, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines, Finnair, Iberia, Royal Jordanian, Japan Airlines.

SkyTeam: Air France, KLM, Alitalia/ITA Airways, China Eastern, Korean Air, Delta Air Lines (codeshare), Aeroflot.

Unaffiliated / LCC: WizzAir, Condor, Hainan Airlines, Druk Air, Air Arabia (based at Sharjah but operates DXB routes), Transavia, Eurowings.

Top Busiest Routes from DXB (2024)

Key Long-Haul Destinations

DXB is one of the few airports in the world offering non-stop services to all six inhabited continents. Emirates alone flies non-stop to over 140 destinations. Key long-haul routes include Dubai–New York JFK (13.5 hours), Dubai–Los Angeles (~16 hours, one of the world's longest non-stop commercial flights), Dubai–Sydney (~14 hours), Dubai–São Paulo (~15 hours), and Dubai–Johannesburg (~8.5 hours).

Distances from Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Dubai International Airport — Annual Passenger Traffic

Key Performance Indicators (2024)

• Aircraft movements: 440,300 (up 5.7% year-on-year)
• Cargo volume: 2.2 million tonnes (up 20.5% YoY)
• Load factor: 78.1% (up 0.3 percentage points)
• Bags handled: 81.2 million with a 99.45% success rate; 5.5 mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers (better than international benchmark of 6.9 — SITA)
• Departure passport control: 98.2% of passengers waited less than 10 minutes
• Security screening: 99.2% of passengers cleared in under 5 minutes
• Baggage delivery: 92% of arriving bags delivered within 45 minutes of aircraft parking
• Busiest month 2024: December — 8.2 million passengers
• Global ranking: #1 busiest international airport in the world (ACI) — 10th consecutive year
• Cumulative milestone: Exceeded 700 million total passengers over the 2014–2024 decade

DXB's target is to reach 100 million passengers annually by 2027. Long-term, Dubai Airports is investing $35 billion in expanding Dubai World Central (Al Maktoum International Airport) to eventually handle 150–260 million passengers per year, which will complement or eventually succeed DXB as Dubai's primary aviation hub.