Dubai: Arriving at DXB and Moving Around

Dubai International is one of the world's busiest transfer hubs, and it is built for it. Arrival is usually quick, with e-gates handling many nationalities in under a minute.

Into the city

• Metro Red Line — stations at Terminals 1 and 3, connecting Deira, Downtown and Marina. Buy a Nol card at the station.
• Taxi — plentiful, metered and reasonably priced by international standards. Use the official rank.
• Ride-hailing — widely used, with pickup zones marked in arrivals.

The metro does not run all night, and many long-haul flights land in the small hours. Budget for a taxi if you arrive between roughly midnight and 5am.

Layover or stay?

DXB is a common connection point, and a long layover is workable: the Downtown area is around 15 minutes by metro. Check visa-on-arrival eligibility for your passport before planning to leave the airport, and see our guide to connections and layovers.

Day-one notes

1. Summer heat is a genuine constraint. Plan outdoor time for early morning or evening between June and September.
2. Dress modestly in malls, souks and public transport.
3. Alcohol is served in licensed hotels and restaurants rather than shops.
4. Friday afternoons are quieter for business and busier for brunch.