You won’t get lost: what and how at Dubai Airport
Dubai International Airport is one of the most beautiful and busiest in the world, with 58 to 78 million people passing through it annually. In this article, we tell you how everything is arranged here, what’s inside, and how not to get lost in all this splendor.
Terminals
There are five terminals operating at the airport, but only three are accessible to regular passengers: the first serves international flights, the second serves charter and commercial flights by Fly Dubai and Air India, and the third serves Emirates Airlines passengers.
Visa
Entry rules to the UAE allow many travelers to enter without a visa or obtain one on arrival. No additional documents are required for transit either; it is permitted for up to 24 hours.
How to get to the city
The airport is located five kilometers from the city — you could walk, but we don’t recommend it. Dubai is usually fiercely hot. Prioritize speed and comfort. Here’s how you can get to the airport.
By bus
For this trip, you’ll need a Nol ticket, which is sold at any bus stop or metro station. Bus No. 55 will take you to the city center, going to Ibn Battuta metro station.
Other popular routes include No. 4, 11, 15, 33, and 44. A free shuttle runs every 20 minutes between Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
By metro
The airport and city center are connected by the Red Line of the metro. The station entrance is opposite the exits from Terminals 1 and 3. Check the metro map to easily reach your destination.
The metro operates from 5:50 AM to 12:00 AM from Saturday to Wednesday, from 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM on Thursday, and from 1:00 PM to 1:00 AM on Friday.
By taxi
Taxis are available right at the airport entrance, but prices can be significantly inflated. Uber now operates in Dubai — you can easily order a car through the app.
Life hack: when traveling to different countries, online maps — Google and others — are very helpful. You can view all routes and plan the optimal one on them.
Airport services
Dubai Airport cares about your comfort. There are services here to help make your waiting time for departure more pleasant.
Marhaba Meet & Greet
Marhaba Service is a VIP service that provides airport assistance. You will be brought to the airport, your luggage checked in, and you’ll be registered for your flight while you sip coffee in a cozy lounge. The service must be booked no later than 24 hours before departure/arrival. Use these services if you want to feel like an important sheikh.
Duty Free
There’s a huge duty-free here where you can stock up on souvenirs, cosmetics, sweets, and much more — all without taxes. It turns out that sometimes goods here are much cheaper than in regular stores.
SnoozeCube
If you have a long layover and don’t want to go into the city — use the sleeping pods at the SnoozeCube capsule hotel. Inside, you’ll find a bed, TV, and internet. An hour in such a room costs about 20 dollars. If you want a luxury stay, premium hotels are located near the airport.
Check-in
At Dubai Airport, you can check in for your flight at special counters or using self-check-in kiosks. Most airlines also offer an “Online check-in” service — this way, you won’t have to wait in line and can proceed directly to boarding.
Throughout the airport, there are large flight schedule boards where you can always see information about check-in opening times, gate numbers, and other important flight details.
Useful information
Phone: +971 (4) 224–55–55
Airport website: http://www.dubaiairports.ae
