Dubai DXB: Departures and guide

Flying from/to Dubai International Airport

When arriving to Dubai International Airport, it can be unclear how to reach your final destination, or more generally, to the city centre. We, at Omio, have mapped out good things to know, facilities available when flying to Dubai International Airport and what to do when you get to the city.

Arriving at Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Whether travelers are arriving in, leaving, or passing through Dubai, they'll be amazed by Dubai International Airport. Located 3.1 miles (five kilometers) from the city of Dubai, Dubai Airport boasts towering palm trees and cool, soothing fountains and pools. The airport operates 24 hours a day and is world's fifth-busiest. More than 120 airlines operate from the airport, connecting Dubai to various destinations around the globe. Some of the airlines include Emirates, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, Air France, and Air China. For many, the main attraction in Dubai is its shopping. In fact, Dubai is popularly known as the shopping capital of the Middle East. The city has many modern malls, boutiques, and shopping centers. Dubai Shopping Festival, which takes place every January, transforms Dubai into one giant shopping mall selling everything from cars to clothes. Other events, such as folk dance performances, concerts, and art exhibitions, are also organized as part of the shopping festival.

What's the best way to get from Dubai International Airport to the city center?

Traveling from Dubai Airport to the city center is easy and inexpensive. Travelers can choose from municipal buses, airport shuttles, metro, taxis, or car rentals. The buses run day and night, and travelers can catch them from all three of the airport's terminals. Another low-cost option is the metro. They are two metro lines, the red line and the green line. They leave every four to seven minutes from Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 and stop at Dubai Mall Metro station. For a more convenient way to reach the city, travelers can hail a taxi at the arrivals area of each terminal. As the taxis are regulated by the UAE government, they deliver comfortable and safe rides.

How far is the city center from Dubai International Airport?

The distance between Dubai International Airport and the city center is just 3.1 miles (5 kilometers). The quickest way to get to Dubai Airport from Downtown Dubai is by taxi, which takes 13 minutes. For travelers who prefer public transport, the fastest way to get to the airport is by metro, which takes 19 minutes.

What services are there at Dubai International Airport?

The selection of services at the airport is wide and varied. Travelers will find the duty-free shop just after passing passport control. If travelers are traveling with children, they can have fun playing games at the airport's entertainment center. There's also a mother's lounge nearby and four prayer rooms in the concourse and arrival areas of the airport.  The airport also boasts two fully equipped business centers with payphones, fax machines, and internet-connected work stations to cater to travelers' business needs. There are also pay-to-use computers with internet access. For travelers wanting to pamper themselves, there's a beauty salon in the arrivals area. There's also a gym to help travelers stretch their legs and fight off jet lag. Relaxing at the swimming pool or Jacuzzi and getting a quick massage after a long flight is always worth it.

How accessible is the route for those with limited mobility?

Dubai International Airport offers several facilities for passengers with limited mobility. Disabled drivers have access to free parking for two hours at all terminals at the airport. At all airport terminal entrances, there are prioritized drop-off areas for passengers requiring special assistance. There are also specific check-in areas for passengers with a disability. Throughout the airport, washrooms have one cubicle designated for passengers with limited mobility. To find the nearest washrooms, travelers should simply follow the signs or ask airport staff. Additionally, if anyone has special needs, including wheelchair access, requests for assistance can be made in advance so that the airport staff will be ready to help at arrival.

Local tips: what to know before flying to Dubai International Airport

Other points travelers should note before planning a trip to Dubai is that if they have evidence of travel to Israel in their passport, they will be denied entry. Also, passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival. Assuming travelers meet these requirements, a 60-day visa is available from the airport upon entry. Also, whereas delays can be experienced at passport control, these queues can be avoided by obtaining an e-gate card prior to travel. Lastly, as with most foreign travel, a little bit of effort in terms of learning some basic Arabic can go a long way.