Dubai International Airport (DXB) to City Center
Complete guide for getting from Dubai International Airport to Dubai city center. Find out about taxi fares, distance, duration, and travel tips.
Airport Details
- Name: Dubai International Airport
- IATA Code: DXB
- Location: Dubai, AE
- Elevation: 34 ft
Taxi from Dubai International Airport to City Center
Taxis from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to city center start at a fixed base fare of 25 AED. The rate per kilometer is about 2.14 AED. Expect fares like 40-45 AED to Deira, 60 AED to Dubai Mall or Burj Khalifa.
Night surcharge applies from 10 PM to 6 AM with a base fare of 5.50 AED outside airport flagfall, but airport trips keep the 25 AED start. Add 4 AED per Salik toll gate. Dubai has no formal zones for taxis, but traffic and distance affect total cost.
Larger taxis for over 5 people charge 30 AED base from airport. Peak hours or events may raise rates slightly. A trip to Dubai Marina costs 60-100 AED total.
Official taxis wait at ranked queues outside all DXB terminals after baggage claim. Look for cream-colored RTA taxis with lit roof signs. Avoid anyone offering rides inside the terminal to dodge scams.
Use cash, credit/debit cards, or NOL card for payment. Book via Hala Taxi app for tracked rides. Insist on meter use and check the flagfall shows 25 AED.
Stay safe by traveling in groups at night, noting the taxi number, and sharing your location. Official taxis are air-conditioned and driven by licensed drivers.
Dubai Metro Red Line runs from Terminals 1 and 3 to city center in 30-40 minutes. Tickets cost 4-8.50 AED or use Silver Nol Card at 3-7.50 AED. Daily pass is 22 AED.
Buses like Route 401 go from airport to Deira or Al Ghubaiba for about 5 AED with Nol Card. RTA buses run 24/7 from bus stations near terminals.
Shuttles or Careem/Bolt rides cost 50-100 AED to city spots, similar to taxis but bookable ahead. Metro is cheapest for light luggage.
Taxi Tips & Safety
Official taxis wait at ranked queues outside all DXB terminals after baggage claim. Look for cream-colored RTA taxis with lit roof signs. Avoid anyone offering rides inside the terminal to dodge scams.
Use cash, credit/debit cards, or NOL card for payment. Book via Hala Taxi app for tracked rides. Insist on meter use and check the flagfall shows 25 AED.
Stay safe by traveling in groups at night, noting the taxi number, and sharing your location. Official taxis are air-conditioned and driven by licensed drivers.
Alternative Transport
Dubai Metro Red Line runs from Terminals 1 and 3 to city center in 30-40 minutes. Tickets cost 4-8.50 AED or use Silver Nol Card at 3-7.50 AED. Daily pass is 22 AED.
Buses like Route 401 go from airport to Deira or Al Ghubaiba for about 5 AED with Nol Card. RTA buses run 24/7 from bus stations near terminals.
Shuttles or Careem/Bolt rides cost 50-100 AED to city spots, similar to taxis but bookable ahead. Metro is cheapest for light luggage.
Tips for Airport Transfers
- Look for official taxi ranks to avoid scams.
- Check if there is a flat rate to the city center.
- Consider booking a private transfer in advance for peace of mind.
- Have the address of your destination written down in the local language.