How to get from Dubai International Airport to the city by Metro or bus. Key info on routes, payment and operating hours for a smooth arrival.
From Dubai International Airport, you can reach the city by Metro or bus. The Metro Red Line connects Terminals 1 and 3. Buses depart from Arrivals at Terminals 1, 2 and 3. A Nol card is required for bus travel; cash is not accepted.
| How | Time | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro | Dubai Metro's Red Line offers connections from DXB Terminals 1 and 3. Operational hours: Monday to Thursday: 5AM - midnight; Friday: 5AM - 1AM (next day); Saturday: 5AM - midnight; Sunday: 8AM - midnight. Service hours may extend during public holidays and citywide celebrations. | ||
| Bus | Buses operate from dedicated stands located at Arrivals in Terminals 1, 2, and 3. A Nol card is required to travel by bus, as cash payments are not accepted. |
| Taxi | — |
| Free wifi | — |
| Terminals | — |
| SIM cards at the airport | — |
The Dubai Metro's Red Line offers connections from DXB Terminals 1 and 3. Trains run from Monday to Thursday 5AM to midnight, Friday 5AM to 1AM the next day, Saturday 5AM to midnight, and Sunday 8AM to midnight. Service hours may extend during public holidays and citywide celebrations.
Buses operate from dedicated stands located at Arrivals in Terminals 1, 2, and 3. A Nol card is required to travel by bus, as cash payments are not accepted. Make sure you have a Nol card before boarding.
Check your arrival terminal to choose the right option. The Metro is available from Terminals 1 and 3, while buses serve all three terminals. Have a Nol card ready for bus travel. For data on landing, consider an eSIM before you fly.
No, the Metro Red Line only connects Terminals 1 and 3. Terminal 2 is not directly served by the Metro.
Monday to Thursday: 5AM to midnight; Friday: 5AM to 1AM the next day; Saturday: 5AM to midnight; Sunday: 8AM to midnight. Hours may extend during public holidays and citywide celebrations.
No, cash payments are not accepted on buses. You must use a Nol card.
Buses operate from dedicated stands located at Arrivals in Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
Nol cards can be purchased at Metro stations and various retail outlets. They are required for bus travel.