The 38-kilometer journey from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Palm Jumeirah traverses the city to reach Dubai's iconic palm-shaped artificial island on the Arabian Gulf coast. The drive takes 30–50 minutes by taxi depending on traffic conditions, while a combination of Metro and Palm Jumeirah Monorail offers a scenic and traffic-free alternative in about 60–75 minutes.

About Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah is one of the most ambitious engineering feats in modern history — a man-made island in the shape of a palm tree, visible from space, that added 78 kilometers of coastline to Dubai. Completed in 2007, it extends 5 kilometers into the Persian Gulf and is home to luxury residences, world-class hotels, and pristine private beaches. The crescent-shaped breakwater protects the fronds and trunk from ocean waves.

The island's crown jewel is Atlantis, The Palm, the iconic resort at the crescent's apex featuring the Aquaventure Waterpark (one of the world's largest) and the Lost Chambers Aquarium. Next door, the ultra-luxury Atlantis The Royal opened in 2023, designed by architects Kohn Pedersen Fox, with dramatic cantilevered structures and celebrity-chef restaurants. The trunk of the Palm hosts The Pointe, a waterfront dining and entertainment destination with fountain views, while Nakheel Mall sits at the island's center.

Palm Jumeirah attracts visitors seeking luxury beach holidays, with properties from brands like FIVE, Fairmont, Waldorf Astoria, One&Only, Kempinski, and Anantara lining the fronds and crescent. The Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk, an 11-kilometer track circling the island, is popular for jogging and cycling with stunning views. Despite its resort character, the island has a residential community feel, with supermarkets, schools, and cafes serving the thousands of residents who call it home.

Nearby Landmarks

Atlantis The Palm Atlantis The Royal Aquaventure Waterpark The Pointe Nakheel Mall

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost AED 90-130 (~$25-35)
Time 25-35 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Train (Palm Monorail from Gateway station)

Cost AED 15 (~$4)
Time 5 minutes
Frequency Every 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

1. From DXB Terminal 1 or 3, take the Metro Red Line heading toward UAE Exchange / Expo 2020
2. Ride to Sobha Realty Station (formerly DMCC, approximately 35 minutes)
3. Transfer to the Dubai Tram — follow signs from the Metro station to the Tram platform
4. Take the Tram to Palm Jumeirah Station (2–3 stops depending on boarding point)
5. Exit the Tram and walk to the Palm Jumeirah Monorail Gateway Station (connected)
6. Board the Monorail heading to Atlantis Aquaventure (the monorail runs along the trunk of the Palm)
7. Alight at your stop — Nakheel Mall, Al Ittihad Park, or Atlantis Aquaventure (the terminus)
8. From the Monorail stations, taxis and hotel shuttles can take you to specific frond locations

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi AED 90-130 (~$25-35) 25-35 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Train AED 15 (~$4) 5 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The Palm Monorail stops operating at 10:00 PM (midnight on weekends), and the Dubai Tram and Metro stop at midnight (1:00 AM Fridays). After these hours, taxis are the primary option and are readily available from DXB around the clock. A late-night taxi to Palm Jumeirah costs approximately AED 110–150. Uber and Careem operate 24/7 in Dubai and can navigate to specific hotels or residences on the Palm's fronds. Security checkpoints at the Palm entrance are quick and do not cause delays at night. Most Palm hotels also offer private airport transfer services that operate around the clock.

Luggage Tips

The public transport route involves three connections (Metro, Tram, Monorail), making it impractical with heavy luggage. Each transfer requires walking between platforms. A taxi or private transfer is recommended for anything beyond a backpack. The Monorail carriages are small with no luggage space. Many Palm Jumeirah hotels offer complimentary or paid airport shuttle services.

Accessibility

The Dubai Metro and Tram are fully wheelchair accessible. However, the Palm Monorail has limited accessibility — check current status before planning to use it with a wheelchair. For the most accessible journey, an RTA accessible taxi (bookable via the RTA app) provides direct door-to-door service. Most luxury hotels on Palm Jumeirah have full accessibility features including adapted rooms and beach wheelchairs. The Boardwalk is mostly flat and paved, suitable for wheelchair users.