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.
Dubai International Airport arrivals and departures today
Dubai Airport departuresDubai Airport arrivals
Transit and airport hotels at Dubai International Airport
Landing late, stuck with a delay or a long connection? Listed by the airport or the hotel itself:
- Dubai International Hotel: airside in the Terminal 3 departures area, for transit passengers
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| 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 | — |
Metro from Dubai 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.
Bus from Dubai Airport
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.
Planning Your Transfer
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.
Flight fares from and to Dubai
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Skip the airport Wi-Fi
Airport Wi-Fi usually means a sign-up page, an email address and a connection that stops at the terminal doors. A data eSIM keeps you online at the gate, in the taxi and at the hotel, and your own number stays on for calls and bank codes.
Land in Dubai with data already working
Questions
Does the Dubai Metro run from all terminals?
No, the Metro Red Line only connects Terminals 1 and 3. Terminal 2 is not directly served by the Metro.
What are the Dubai Metro operating hours?
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.
Can I pay cash on the bus from Dubai Airport?
No, cash payments are not accepted on buses. You must use a Nol card.
Where are the bus stands at Dubai Airport?
Buses operate from dedicated stands located at Arrivals in Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
How do I get a Nol card?
Nol cards can be purchased at Metro stations and various retail outlets. They are required for bus travel.