Dubai International Airport
مطار دبي الدولي · مطار دبي
Dubai, United Arab Emirates · Since 1960
Last updated:
About DXB
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the primary international airport serving Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is the world's busiest airport by international passenger traffic. The airport is a major hub for Emirates and flydubai, connecting passengers across six continents. Terminal 3, exclusively for Emirates, is one of the largest airport buildings in the world by floor space. DXB offers world-class amenities including a zen garden, swimming pool, gym, luxury hotel, and extensive duty-free shopping. The airport handled over 87 million passengers in 2023.
Why "DXB"?
DXB comes from the old spelling of Dubai as "Dubx" used in early aviation codes.
Airlines Operating
Emirates, flydubai, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Air India, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, Oman Air, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways, Kenya Airways, American Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Aeroflot, China Eastern, Air China
Terminals
Terminal 1
Serves foreign airlines and is the main terminal for international carriers other than Emirates. Recently renovated with modern facilities, improved lounges, and expanded retail.
Terminal 2
Serves flydubai (low-cost carrier) and some regional airlines. Smaller terminal located on the east side of the airport. Recently expanded to handle flydubai growth.
Terminal 3
Exclusive Emirates terminal and the largest building in the world by floor space. Entirely dedicated to Emirates flights. Features dedicated First Class, Business Class, and Economy Class facilities.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at DXB
Emirates
Terminal 3 Hub
flydubai
Terminal 2 Hub
Aegean Airlines
Aeroflot
Air Algerie
Air Astana
Air Canada
Air China
Showing 8 of 100 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Dubai Metro Red Line connects the airport to the city center and major attractions. Stations at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Taxis are readily available with a starting fare of AED 25. RTA public buses serve all terminals. Ride-hailing apps like Careem and Uber operate from designated pickup areas.
Taxi
AED 80-100 ($22-27)
20-30 minutes to city center
Public Transport
AED 15 ($4)
30 minutes to city center
Popular Destinations
20 minutes
Downtown Dubai / Dubai Mall
40-50 minutes
Dubai Marina / JBR
80-100 minutes
Abu Dhabi
25-35 minutes
Palm Jumeirah
Parking at DXB
Multi-story parking at all terminals. Short-term from AED 20/hr, long-term from AED 100/day....
Short Term Parking
Long Term Parking A
Long Term Parking B
Premium Valet Parking
Airport Lounges
Emirates First Class Lounge
Terminal 3
One of the worlds most luxurious airport lounges. Features Moët & Chandon champagne bar, a la carte fine dining, Timeless Spa with complimentary treatments, cigar lounge, and shower suites with premium Bulgari amenities.
Emirates Business Class Lounge
Terminal 3
Massive lounge spanning multiple levels with extensive buffet, live cooking stations, full bar, business center, and shower suites. One of the largest airline lounges in the world.
Ahlan First Class Lounge
Terminal 1
Premium pay-in lounge in Terminal 1 with first-class service. A la carte dining, premium spirits, spa treatments, sleeping rooms, and dedicated quiet zones.
Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge
Terminal 1
Elegant lounge with Singapore Airlines signature service. Hot local and Asian dishes, premium bar, and comfortable rest areas.
Emirates Skywards Lounge
Terminal 3
Lounge accessible to Emirates frequent flyers even when flying economy. Buffet, beverages, and wifi. A good option for loyal Emirates customers in economy.
Marhaba Lounge
Terminal 1
Popular independent lounge in Terminal 1 with hot and cold buffet, bar service, shower rooms, and quiet zones. Open 24 hours, ideal for late-night layovers.
British Airways Galleries Lounge
Terminal 1
British Airways branded lounge in T1 with hot food, drinks, work stations, and shower rooms. Good option for oneworld alliance travelers.
Marhaba Lounge Terminal 2
Terminal 2
The main lounge in Terminal 2 serving flydubai business class and pay-in guests. Buffet dining, beverages, and basic shower facilities.
Where to Stay
Transit Hotels (Airside)
Dubai International Hotel - Terminal 1
Airside in Terminal 1, Concourse D area
Transit hotel in the secure area of Terminal 1. Rooms bookable by the hour for layovers. Includes swimming pool, health club, and dining options.
Dubai International Hotel - Terminal 3
Airside in Terminal 3, Concourse B and C (no immigration needed)
Airside transit hotel within Terminal 3 - no need to clear immigration. Rooms available by the hour. Features include pool, gym, jacuzzi, and restaurants. Perfect for Emirates connection passengers.
Connected Hotels
Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
Connected to Terminal 1 via covered walkway, next to Airport Free Zone
Luxury hotel practically on the airport grounds. Multiple restaurants, village-style pool area, spa, and direct walkway to Terminal 1. Popular with crew and transit passengers.
Nearby Hotels
Rove City Centre
Next to Deira City Centre Mall, 10 minutes by taxi or Metro
Trendy budget hotel near Deira City Centre mall and Metro station. Rooftop pool, 24/7 dining, and easy Metro access back to the airport.
Premier Inn Dubai International Airport
Near Terminal 3, free shuttle available
Budget-friendly hotel with clean modern rooms, restaurant, and complimentary airport shuttle. Excellent value for overnight layovers.
Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Al Mina
Al Mina area, 15 minutes from airport by taxi
Modern hotel with rooftop pool near the Dubai Creek. Good base for exploring old Dubai during a longer layover. Taxi to airport is AED 30-40.
Food & Dining
Starbucks
Cafe
Terminal 1 (Airside)
The familiar global coffee chain with full espresso menu and food items. Multiple locations in Terminal 1 for convenience.
24 hours
Shakespeare & Co.
European/Cafe
Terminal 1 (Airside)
Charming European-style cafe with Middle Eastern influences. Breakfast platters, sandwiches, salads, and excellent pastries in a elegant setting.
24 hours
Five Guys
American Burgers
Terminal 1 (Airside)
American burger chain with customizable burgers, hot dogs, and hand-cut fries. All beef is halal-certified.
24 hours
Al Makan
Arabic/Lebanese
Terminal 1 (Airside)
Traditional Arabic and Lebanese cuisine with mezze, grilled meats, shawarma, and fresh juices. Authentic local flavors for travelers wanting to taste the region.
24 hours
McDonalds
Fast Food
Terminal 2 (Airside)
Global fast food chain with halal-certified menu. Familiar comfort food with some regional specialties. Quick and reliable.
24 hours
Costa Coffee
Cafe
Terminal 3 (Airside)
Popular coffee chain with full espresso menu, pastries, and light sandwiches. Multiple locations throughout Terminal 3.
24 hours
Car Rental
Hertz
Car rental counters in Arrivals Hall, Terminals 1 and 3
Avis
Car rental counters in Arrivals Hall, Terminals 1 and 3
Budget
Car rental counters in Arrivals Hall, Terminals 1 and 3
Europcar
Car rental counters in Arrivals Hall, Terminals 1 and 3
Thrifty
Car rental counters in Arrivals Hall, Terminals 1 and 3
Sixt
Car rental counters in Arrivals Hall, Terminals 1 and 3
What to Do During a Layover
Free City Tour Available!
Emirates offers Dubai Connect — a free hotel stay and city tour for passengers with layovers of 10-24 hours. Must be booked through Emirates.
Inside the Airport
Zen Garden Relaxation
Zen Gardens in Terminal 1 and 3 offer sleep pods, shower facilities, massage chairs, and quiet zones. Perfect for recharging during a layover without leaving the airport.
SkyBubble Art Installation & Terminal Art
DXB features permanent art installations throughout its terminals, including interactive digital art walls and the iconic departures board fountain in Terminal 3.
Dubai Duty Free Shopping
DXB has one of the worlds largest duty-free operations. Gold, electronics, perfume, chocolates, and luxury goods at competitive prices. Enter the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire raffle for a chance to win big.
Dubai International Hotel Pool & Gym
The airside transit hotel in Terminal 3 offers day-use access to their swimming pool, jacuzzi, and gym for a fee. No need to clear immigration.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Visit Burj Khalifa & Dubai Mall
Take the Metro to Burj Khalifa station (20 min). Visit the observation deck on the 124th floor (AED 149) and explore the massive Dubai Mall with its aquarium, ice rink, and 1,200+ stores.
Jumeirah Beach Visit
Take the Metro to DMCC station and walk to JBR Beach. Enjoy the public beach, The Walk promenade, and views of the Ain Dubai observation wheel and Bluewaters Island.
Old Dubai Creek & Gold Souk Tour
Take a taxi to Deira (15 min) and explore the traditional Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and cross Dubai Creek on an abra (traditional wooden boat, AED 1). Experience authentic old Dubai.
Desert Safari (Extended Layover)
For layovers of 8+ hours, book a desert safari with dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, and a BBQ dinner under the stars. Many operators offer airport pickup and dropoff.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Speed Rating: ●●●●○
- Power Outlets: Type G (UK), USB
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: AED 35-80 per 24 hours
- Showers: AED 50-80 (free in some lounges)
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
Money & Currency
- Currency: AED (UAE Dirham)
- Exchange: Travelex and UAE Exchange counters in all terminals, arrivals and departures.
- Hours: 24/7 in Terminal 3, 6AM-midnight in T1 and T2
- Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. 10-15% at restaurants is customary. Porters expect AED 5-10.
ATMs offer better rates than exchange counters. Many places accept USD but give change in AED.
Smoking Areas
Designated smoking rooms in all terminals, both landside and airside.
Lost & Found
- Phone: +971-4-224-5555
Lost and found offices in each terminal arrivals area. Items kept for 90 days.
Entry Requirements
Visa Information
Many nationalities get visa on arrival or visa-free entry for 30-90 days. Check UAE ICA for your nationality.
Passport valid for at least 6 months. Some nationalities require a pre-arranged visa. COVID requirements have been lifted.
When to Fly
Best time: November to March for pleasant weather. Avoid July-August peak heat.
Peak seasons: December-January (holidays), October (Expo season), March (spring break)
Insider Tips
Terminal 3 is exclusively for Emirates flights — don't go to the wrong terminal. The Dubai Metro is the cheapest way to reach the city. Buy a Nol card at the metro station for easy travel. Duty-free prices are genuinely competitive, especially for electronics and gold. If you have a long layover, Emirates Dubai Connect provides a free hotel stay.
Facilities & Contact
Airport Facilities
Free unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the airport. Prayer rooms and ablution facilities in all terminals. Children's play areas in Terminals 1 and 3. Zen garden and swimming pool in Terminal 1. 24-hour food courts. Extensive duty-free shopping. Health centers with pharmacy. Left luggage and shower facilities.
Official Website
Phone
+971 4-224-5555
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