Dubai Airport (DXB) guide: terminals, Metro, taxis and parking fees

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has three passenger terminals, and the Metro Red Line, which Dubai Airports calls a cost-effective option, stops at Terminals 1 and 3. Airport taxis start at AED 25, buses leave from Arrivals at all three terminals and need a nol card, and parking costs between AED 5 for five minutes and AED 125 a day in the premium car parks, less in the economy ones. Dubai Airports says there is no pick-up area at Arrivals: if you are collecting someone, park in the car park. Every figure here is from Dubai Airports' own pages.

The three terminals

Terminal 3 has three concourses, A Gates, B Gates and C Gates, used mainly by Emirates, flydubai, United and Air Canada. Terminal 1's D Gates serve many international airlines, and Terminal 2 (F Gates) handles regional and international flights. Your terminal is on your ticket, on the Dubai Airports website or with your airline. In Terminal 3 you can walk between B and C Gates and take a short airport train to A Gates; in Terminal 1 a short train runs to D Gates.

Dubai World Central, Al Maktoum International (DWC) is a separate airport about 60 km away. To reach it, take the Metro to Ibn Battuta or Expo 2020 station, then an RTA bus or a taxi.

Metro

The Red Line serves Terminals 1 and 3, Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 5am to midnight, Friday from 5am to 1am the next day, and Sunday from 8am to midnight. Hours may be longer on public holidays and during citywide celebrations. Tickets and nol cards (Silver and Gold) are sold at ticket offices and machines in Terminals 1 and 3. You can take up to two pieces of luggage, hand luggage included; size limits are on the RTA website.

Taxi and ride-hailing

Dubai Taxi (DTC) cars wait around the clock at the taxi ranks of each terminal. The starting fare from the airport is AED 25, plus a charge by distance. Uber, Careem and Bolt also operate: book in the app and follow the signs to the marked pick-up point.

Bus

Buses leave from stands at Arrivals in Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Cash is not accepted, so you need a nol card, sold and topped up at the terminals, Metro stations and some bus stations. Routes and timetables are on the RTA website and app.

Parking fees

Terminal 1, Car Park A (premium, 2 to 3 minutes' walk): AED 5 for 5 minutes, AED 15 for 15 minutes, AED 30 for 30 minutes, AED 40 up to 2 hours, AED 55 for 3 hours, AED 65 for 4 hours, AED 125 for a day and AED 100 for each extra day.

Terminal 1, Car Park B (economy, 7 to 9 minutes' walk): AED 25 for 1 hour, AED 30 for 2 hours, AED 35 for 3 hours, AED 45 for 4 hours, AED 85 for a day and AED 75 for each extra day.

Terminal 2, Car Park A (premium, 3 to 5 minutes' walk): AED 30 for 1 hour, AED 40 for 2 hours, AED 55 for 3 hours, AED 65 for 4 hours, AED 125 for a day and AED 100 for each extra day.

Terminal 2, Car Park B (economy, 10 to 12 minutes' walk): AED 15 for 1 hour, AED 20 for 2 hours, AED 25 for 3 hours, AED 30 for 4 hours, AED 70 for a day and AED 50 for each extra day.

Terminal 3, all levels (2 to 3 minutes' walk): the same rates as Terminal 1's Car Park A, from AED 5 for 5 minutes to AED 125 a day and AED 100 for each extra day.

Pay by scanning the QR code on your parking ticket or at an automatic pay station before you return to the car. Salik also works: if the fee is still unpaid when you leave and your Salik account has enough balance, it is taken from that account. Parking can be booked in advance online. Holders of a Persons with Disabilities card get 2 hours free at DXB.

Dropping off and picking up

Drop-off areas sit by the terminal entrances on the Departures level and have a time limit. There is no pick-up area at Arrivals: to meet someone, use the car park at their terminal.

Common questions

How early should I arrive? Dubai Airports recommends at least three hours before departure; check-in counters open about three hours before the flight, but your airline sets the exact time.

How much cash can I carry when I leave? Amounts over AED 100,000, or the same in other currencies and traveller's cheques, must be declared on departure.

Are there showers? Yes. Terminal 3 has free showers at A Gates and B Gates; paid ones are in the lounges and the airport hotel.

Can I leave bags at the airport? Yes, at the left luggage counters; the price depends on the size of the bag and how long you leave it, and is not published.