At a glance
What are the ways into the city from DXB?
Four: the Metro from Terminals 1 and 3, RTA buses from all three terminals, Dubai Taxi from ranks at every terminal, and ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Careem and Bolt. A pre-booked transfer is a fifth. Which suits you depends on the hour, your terminal and your luggage.
Getting away from Dubai International, by terminal
| Option | Terminals | Hours | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai Metro (Red Line) | 1 and 3[4] | 05:00–00:00 Mon–Thu and Sat; 05:00–01:00 Fri; 08:00–00:00 Sun[1] | Two cases per passenger, within size limits[3] |
| Bus | 1, 2 and 3[5] | Dubai Bus runs 04:00–01:00; some routes through the night[1] | Nol card only; no cash on board[5] |
| Dubai Taxi | 1, 2 and 3[6] | 24 hours[6] | Metered, with a starting fare set for the airport[6] |
| Uber, Careem, Bolt | 1, 2 and 3[6] | Book in the app[6] | Follow the signs to the pick-up point[6] |
From the RTA's and Dubai Airports' pages. Fares change and are on those pages; we do not quote them. Timetables can be extended for holidays and city events[4].
How does the Metro work from the airport?
The Red Line stops at Airport Terminal 3 (R13) and Airport Terminal 1 (R14). Buy a ticket or a Nol card at the station. Each passenger may carry one large case of up to 81 by 58 by 30 cm and one small case of up to 55 by 38 by 20 cm.
The two airport stations are on the Red Line: Airport Terminal 3 is R13 and Airport Terminal 1 is R14[2]. Tickets are sold at the ticket offices and vending machines in Terminals 1 and 3, and Nol cards come in different types, including Gold and Silver[4]. Journeys can be planned in the RTA's S'hail app[4].
Luggage is limited. The RTA allows one large suitcase no bigger than 81 cm by 58 cm by 30 cm and one small suitcase no bigger than 55 cm by 38 cm by 20 cm, stowed in the luggage area of the carriage[3]. Dubai Airports puts it as two pieces, hand luggage included[4]. A family with a case each may find a taxi easier.
What if you land late at night or on a Sunday morning?
Plan on a taxi, a ride-hailing car or a booked transfer. The Metro stops at midnight on most nights and at 01:00 on Friday night, and on Sunday it does not start until 08:00. Taxis run from every terminal around the clock.
The RTA's timetable runs the Metro from 05:00 to midnight from Monday to Thursday and on Saturday, from 05:00 to 01:00 on Friday, and from 08:00 to midnight on Sunday[1]. A flight that lands at 23:30, with passport control and bags still to come, is likely to miss the last train; so is an early Sunday arrival. The RTA says Dubai Bus runs from 04:00 to 01:00, with some routes, such as the C01, running 24 hours[1]; check the routes from the airport in S'hail before relying on one at night[5].
How do taxis and ride-hailing work at DXB?
Dubai Taxi runs the airport taxis, from ranks at every terminal, 24 hours a day, with a metered fare. Uber, Careem and Bolt also operate; book in the app and follow the signs to the pick-up point. Pink-roofed taxis, driven by women, are reserved for women and families.
Dubai Airports says Dubai Taxi Company taxis wait at designated ranks in each terminal around the clock, with a starting fare and then a charge by distance, and that ride-hailing services such as Uber, Careem and Bolt are available from marked pick-up points[6]. Dubai Taxi is the only taxi company at DXB and DWC; its pink-roofed taxis are driven by women and designated for women and families[7].
What if you arrive at Terminal 2?
There is no Metro station listed for Terminal 2, so take a taxi, a ride-hailing car, a bus or a booked transfer. Buses leave from stands at Arrivals in all three terminals, including Terminal 2.
Dubai Airports lists Metro connections for Terminals 1 and 3 only[4], and the RTA's map has no Terminal 2 station[2]. Buses leave from dedicated stands at Arrivals in Terminals 1, 2 and 3[5], and taxis serve all three terminals[6]. Terminal 2 is used by flydubai and by many regional airlines; our guide to the terminals shows which.
How long does it take to get out of the airport?
No official page gives a figure for passport control, but bags are usually quick: Dubai Airports says 89% of arriving bags reached guests ending their journey at DXB within 45 minutes in 2025. Smart Gates can speed passport control for those eligible.
In 2025, 89% of arriving baggage was delivered to guests ending their journey at DXB within 45 minutes, Dubai Airports reported[10]. At passport control, UAE and GCC nationals, UAE residents and visitors given a visa on arrival who hold biometric passports can use the Smart Gates, with some exceptions, including families with children and anyone under 1.2 metres[8]. Whether you can enter the UAE, and on what terms, depends on your passport; our visa desk can check.
- Before you land: note your terminal, and whether the Metro will still be running when you are through[1].
- At passport control: use the Smart Gates if you are eligible[8].
- At the carousel: collect your bags; a trolley is free[9].
- In Arrivals: buy a Nol card or Metro ticket at Terminal 1 or 3, or head for the taxi rank or the ride-hailing pick-up point[4][6].
Questions travellers ask
Is the Dubai Metro open 24 hours?
No. It runs from 05:00 to midnight Monday to Thursday and on Saturday, until 01:00 on Friday night, and from 08:00 to midnight on Sunday[1].
Can I take a large suitcase on the Dubai Metro?
One large case no bigger than 81 by 58 by 30 cm and one small case no bigger than 55 by 38 by 20 cm per passenger, stowed in the luggage area[3].
Can I pay cash on Dubai buses?
No. Dubai Airports says a Nol card is required because cash is not accepted; Nol cards are sold at the airport terminals and Metro stations[5].
Which terminals have a Metro station?
Terminal 1 (Airport Terminal 1, R14) and Terminal 3 (Airport Terminal 3, R13), both on the Red Line[2][4].
Are there taxis only for women?
Dubai Taxi's pink-roofed taxis are driven by women and designated for women and families[7].
Sources
The desk opened each source on the date shown. Rules, fees and timetables change: check the official source before you travel.
- [1]Timetable — Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai. Accessed 25 September 2026
- [2]Metro & tram stations map — Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai. Accessed 25 September 2026
- [3]About Dubai metro — Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai. Accessed 25 September 2026
- [4]Dubai Metro at DXB — Dubai Airports. Accessed 25 September 2026
- [5]Bus from DXB — Dubai Airports. Accessed 25 September 2026
- [6]Taxi at Dubai Airport — Dubai Airports. Accessed 25 September 2026
- [7]Taxi - DWC — Dubai Airports. Accessed 25 September 2026
- [8]Passport control & visas — Dubai Airports. Accessed 25 September 2026
- [9]Baggage — Dubai Airports. Accessed 25 September 2026
- [10]DXB sets global benchmark as record traffic become the norm (11 February 2026) — Dubai Airports Media Centre. Accessed 25 September 2026
Published 25 September 2026 · Updated 29 September 2026
Seen something wrong or out of date? Write to trade@nwp.ae and the desk will check it against the source.
