Landed InFrom the airport to the city center
CheapestDubai Metro Red Line
AED 4 to 8 ($1 to $2.50)
25 to 45 min
Dubai Metro Red Line
AED 4 to 8 ($1 to $2.50)
25 to 45 min
- 1Collect your bags and exit customs into the arrivals hall.
- 2Follow the Metro signs. At Terminal 3 the station is connected to the terminal. At Terminal 1 it is a short walk.
- 3Buy a Nol card or a red ticket from the machines or the counter. Top up enough for your trip.
- 4Take the Red Line toward Centrepoint or Expo 2020. Tap in at the gate.
- 5Get off at a central station such as Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall or BurJuman, depending on your stay in the city center.
- 6Walk or take a short taxi from the station to your hotel.
Runs most of the day, with shorter hours early on Fridays. Check the RTA site for current times.
Open in Google MapsEasiestDubai Taxi (official airport taxi)
AED 50 to 100 ($14 to $27)
15 to 35 min
Dubai Taxi (official airport taxi)
AED 50 to 100 ($14 to $27)
15 to 35 min
- 1Collect your bags and exit into the arrivals hall.
- 2Follow the Taxi signs outside to the marked queue. Staff will assign you a car.
- 3Tell the driver your hotel name or area in the city center, and show the address on your phone.
- 4Check that the meter is running. Airport pickups include a start fee.
- 5Pay by card or cash at the end. Ask for a receipt.
FastestCareem or Uber
AED 45 to 90 ($12 to $25)
15 to 35 min
Careem or Uber
AED 45 to 90 ($12 to $25)
15 to 35 min
- 1Collect your bags and connect to the airport Wi-Fi or your eSIM.
- 2Open Careem or Uber and enter your city center hotel as the destination.
- 3Follow the in-app pickup instructions to the ride-hail area outside arrivals.
- 4Check the plate and driver name before you get in.
- 5Pay in the app by card, or by cash if the driver allows it.
Want a driver waiting for you?
Book a fixed-price transfer before you fly and skip the taxi queue.
- Welcome PickupsA driver waiting in arrivals with your name
- KiwitaxiFixed-price airport transfers worldwide
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Money
UAE dirham
AED
$1 is about AED 3.7
Cards
Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere, including taxis, malls, and most restaurants.
Tipping
Tipping is not required. About 10 percent in restaurants is common if no service charge is added. Rounding up a taxi fare is fine.
Cash
- Carry a little cash for small shops, tips, and some older taxis.
- Small notes are handy. Drivers do not always have change for large ones.
ATMs
- Use ATMs inside banks or malls rather than standalone machines.
- If asked, choose to be charged in dirhams, not your home currency.
Apps to download
Messaging. Voice and video calls over WhatsApp are limited in the UAE, so use it mainly for text.
Stay connected
Mobile coverage is excellent in the city. An eSIM is the easiest option, and airport counters are quick if you want a physical SIM.
- Install an eSIM such as Airalo before you fly and switch it on when you land.
- Buy a tourist SIM from an e& or du counter in the arrivals hall. Bring your passport.
- Use free airport Wi-Fi briefly to book your ride, then switch to mobile data.
Get your eSIM before you fly
Install it at home and you'll have data the moment you land, with no airport SIM queue.
- AiraloCheap data packs for 200+ countries
- HolaflyUnlimited data plans
- SailySimple plans from the makers of NordVPN
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Good to know
- Unlicensed drivers in arrivals may offer fixed high prices. Use the official taxi queue or a ride app.
- Public displays of affection should be kept minimal. Be respectful in public.
- Alcohol is served in licensed hotels and venues only. Never drink in public or drink and drive.
- Dress modestly in malls and public places, and cover up fully for mosques.
- Photographing people, especially women, without permission can cause trouble. Ask first.
- Summer heat is intense. Drink water often and plan outdoor time for early or late in the day.
- Vaping and some online content are regulated. Check the rules before you bring devices.
Prices and tips are AI-written estimates, so double-check anything important.