Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport is one of the world’s busiest airports for international passengers and the hub of Emirates. It sits close to the centre of Dubai, which makes arrivals quick by metro or taxi, and it handles a very large number of passengers connecting between Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
Terminals and airlines
DXB has three passenger terminals. Terminal 3 is used by Emirates. Terminal 1 serves many other international airlines. Terminal 2 is a separate building used mainly by flydubai and a number of other carriers. Always confirm your terminal on your booking or the airport’s flight information.
Transit and connections
Most passengers connecting between Emirates flights, or between airlines in Terminals 1 and 3, stay airside and follow the transfer signs to security screening and then to their departure gate. If your connection involves Terminal 2 or separate tickets, allow much more time, as you may need to pass immigration, collect bags and travel by road. Use our Layover Planner to judge whether a long layover is worth a trip into the city.
Passenger facilities
The terminals offer extensive duty-free shopping, restaurants, prayer rooms, lounges and rest areas. Facilities differ by terminal and concourse; check the airport’s website for the services in yours.
Official links
- Dubai Airports: dubaiairports.ae
- Getting to and from DXB: transport options
Rules and services checked against official sources in October 2026. Airlines and airports change their policies, fares and services regularly: always confirm the details for your own booking on the official pages linked here before you travel.
Transport Links
From DXB's official transport page:
- Dubai Metro, Red Line: stations at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, connecting the airport with the city including Downtown and the Marina area. Tickets and Nol cards are sold at ticket offices and machines in both terminals. The metro does not run 24 hours: it typically starts at 5 am (8 am on Sundays) and runs until midnight, or 1 am on Friday nights, with changes on public holidays.
- Luggage on the metro: the airport advises travelling with no more than two pieces of luggage, including hand luggage.
- Taxis wait outside arrivals at each terminal and are the easiest option with heavy bags or late at night.
- RTA buses serve the terminals; plan routes with the RTA's s'hail app.
Dubai's second airport, Al Maktoum International (DWC), is a separate airport far to the south; do not confuse the two when booking. Compare transfer costs with our Airport Transfer Cost Calculator.
Traveler Information
- Check your terminal. Terminals 1 and 3 share the airport's main transfer area airside, but Terminal 2 is separate and reached by road.
- Entry rules depend on your nationality; check them before booking a stopover on our UAE guide.
- Heat: for much of the year it is extremely hot outside; plan waits indoors.
- Exploring the city? See our Dubai city guide.
