Dubai Airport to the City: Transfer Guide
From Dubai International (DXB), the Metro Red Line reaches Downtown and Marina for about AED 8–12 and is the cheapest option, running roughly 5am–midnight. Taxis are available 24/7 at AED 50–120 depending on destination. DXB Terminals 1 and 3 connect to the metro; Terminal 2 (DWC) uses buses and taxis.
| Metro to Downtown | ~AED 8–12 |
| Taxi to Downtown | AED 50–80 |
| Taxi to Marina | AED 80–120 |
| Metro hours | ~05:00–24:00 |
| Nol card | needed for metro |
Metro
The Red Line connects DXB T1 and T3 to Downtown, Business Bay and Marina. Buy a Nol card at the station. Cheapest option, but limited late at night and not ideal with heavy luggage at peak times.
Taxi
Official cream taxis wait at all terminals 24/7. Metered fares run AED 50–120 to most areas; there's a small airport surcharge. Careem/Uber also operate.
Which terminal
DXB Terminals 1 and 3 link to the metro; Terminal 2 and Al Maktoum (DWC) rely on buses and taxis — allow extra transfer time.
When to use what
Metro by day on a budget; taxi or Careem at night, with luggage, or in groups where the cost splits well.
Practical tips
- →Buy a Nol card for the metro at the airport station.
- →Use official cream taxis or Careem — avoid touts.
- →Check your terminal: T2/DWC have no metro link.
- →At night or with luggage, a taxi is worth the extra cost.
Frequently asked questions
Cheapest way from DXB to the city?
Are taxis available 24/7?
Does the metro run at night?
Do I need a Nol card?
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