Dubai Airport Info | Shopping, Dining, Hotel & Transportation Guide

Dubai Airport is the main international airport serving Dubai, United Arab Emirates. By international passenger traffic, it is the busiest airport in the world, and the fifth-busiest when considering total passenger traffic. Located just east of the city center, Dubai International Airport is a short distance away from iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, and Dubai Frame. Though a large and bustling airport, it is well-organized and offers everything travelers might need upon landing or departure. Find out what you need to know about Dubai Airport for smooth and easy travels.

Dubai Airport | An Overview

Around 90 million passengers, 2.65 million tonnes of cargo, and 400,000 aircraft pass through Dubai Airport every year. The airport serves as the hub for both Emirates Airline and the low-cost carrier flydubai. About half of all passenger traffic is handled by Emirates Airline and 13% by flydubai. Other major international airlines serving the airport include Air China, Air France, Air India, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, EgyptAir, KLM, Korean Air, Lufthansa, and Thai Airways.

There are three terminals at Dubai International Airport: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. Terminals 1 and 3 are used for international passengers and handle 85% of the airport’s passenger traffic.

• Terminal 1 has one concourse, Concourse D, and Terminal 3 has Concourses A, B, and C. Over 100 different airlines use Terminal 1, while Terminal 3 is served only by Emirates, Qantas, and flydubai. The two terminals are connected by a common transit area.

• Terminal 2, on the other hand, is located on the other side of the airport and used for flights in the Persian Gulf region. A shuttle service provides transport between Terminal 2 and the international terminals.

• Terminal 3 holds the distinction of being the largest airport terminal and the second-largest building in the world by floor space.

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Shopping & Dining at Dubai Airport

Dubai is a shopper’s paradise, and Dubai International Airport certainly doesn’t disappoint in that regard either. Dubai Duty Free, the company which handles the airport’s duty-free operations, is the biggest single-airport retailer in the world. It covers over 40,000 square feet of retail space throughout the airport. You’ll find duty-free stores in the arrivals and departures sections of all three terminals. Just some of the many items you can purchase at Dubai Airport include alcohol, cigars, cigarettes, watches, perfume, gold and jewelry, cosmetics, sunglasses, men’s and women’s fashion, and electronics. Perfume, in particular, makes up 15% of total sales at Dubai Duty Free.

While Dubai Airport is generally better known for its shopping than for its dining opportunities, travelers are still spoiled for choice at mealtime. Each of the three terminals has food courts with all of the most popular coffee shops and fast food options, like McDonald’s, KFC, Subway, Costa Coffee, and Starbucks. No matter your departure gate, you’re never far from a quick bite. Terminals 1 and 3 also have an excellent selection of international restaurants and bars where you can sit down to enjoy a full meal. Take your pick of cuisines from all over the world before your flight.

Best places to eat at Dubai Airport

• Jack’s Bar & Grill – Southern-style American food (Terminal 3)
• Ahlan Lounge @ B – International pub and wine bar (Terminal 3)
• Hard Rock Cafe DXB – Classic American pub food (Terminal 3)
• Giraffe – Cuisine from all over the world (Terminal 3)
• Cho Gao – Takeaway Asian food (Terminal 3)
• The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck – Italian pizzas, pastas, and burgers (Terminal 1)
• Pret A Manger – Coffee and fresh pastries (Terminal 1)
• The Noodle House – Culturally diverse noodle dishes (Terminal 1)
• The Draft House DXB – American-style sports bar (Terminal 1)
• Bombay Chowpatty – South Indian cuisine (Terminal 2)

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Dubai Airport Passenger Services

Dubai International Airport offers a number of services for more comfortable and convenient travels. Flying can be stressful, but taking advantage of some of these services can help you feel more at ease when you arrive or before you take off.

• WiFi – Post to social media, check your email, or download travel apps through the airport’s unlimited, high-speed, and completely free WiFi. You’ll see it in your network list as “DXB Free WiFi.”
• Currency exchange – Changing currency in Dubai Airport is quick and easy. There are several exchanges in all three terminals where you can get any currency you need.
• Baggage storage – Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 both offer 24/7 baggage storage service for travelers who might not be able to check into their hotel yet. The cost is 25 AED or 30 AED per bag for up to 12 hours, depending on the size of the luggage.
• Baby care rooms – Traveling with infants can be a challenge, but Dubai Airport makes it a little easier with dedicated baby care rooms. Airport staff will be happy to direct you to one.
• Smoking lounges – Travelers are not allowed to smoke in public areas in Dubai Airport, but that isn’t a problem, as the airport has many well-ventilated and comfortable smoking lounges. To find them, just follow the signs in each terminal.
• VAT refunds – Tourists over 18 years of age can claim back 85% of the value-added tax they paid on goods in Dubai at the Planet Payment kiosks in the departure areas of any terminal. You will simply need to present any receipts with a Tax Free Tag you were given while shopping.
• Showers – Flying out of Terminal 3 and want to freshen up a bit before a long trip? You can find shower facilities between gates B13 and B19.
• Prayer rooms – There are Muslim prayer and ablution rooms located throughout Dubai International Airport. Simply follow the signs to the nearest one.

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Dubai Airport Transportation Options

Dubai International Airport is situated just 3 miles (about 15 minutes by car) from downtown Dubai, and there is no shortage of transportation options for getting into the city. Though it is one of the biggest and busiest airports in the world, the well-organized transportation system will have you on your way to your hotel or to an exciting destination on your itinerary in no time. Here’s a look at your options.

Taxi

Taxis in Dubai are a safe, comfortable, and affordable way to get around. At the airport, there are clear signs for taxi pick-up areas where you can find available taxis 24/7. There is a flat charge of 25 AED to take a taxi from the airport and an additional 1.96 AED for each kilometer. A trip to downtown Dubai typically costs around 53 AED.

Uber/Careem

Uber and Careem are the two major rideshare services operating in Dubai, and you can hail either one to pick you up from the airport. This allows you to call a car at your convenience and pay directly through the app. Uber and Careem tend to be slightly more expensive than taking a taxi as the vehicles are usually very high end.

Metro

Dubai‘s metro system is an efficient and highly affordable way to travel, with comfortable and air-conditioned train cars. The metro takes slightly longer than taking a taxi during off-peak times but is a faster option during traffic rush hour. Metro stations are located at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. You can take the airport shuttle over if you arrived in Terminal 2. Travelers are allowed two pieces of luggage on board, one piece of hand luggage and a large suitcase. The cost of a fare will depend on your travel zone and begins at just AED 3 per person.

Bus

Buses are a low-cost travel option, and they depart from all three terminals 24 hours a day. However, they are better suited to residents or travelers who know their way around the city’s extensive bus network. Note that you must purchase a Nol Card (a public transport electronic ticketing card) before riding the bus.

Car rental

Renting a car can give you a lot of freedom when exploring Dubai, as you will always have ready transportation. There are several car rental companies operating at Dubai International Airport, including Hertz, Europcar, National, Avis, and Sixt.

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Things to Do near Dubai Airport

The short distance between Dubai International Airport and Dubai‘s downtown core means that you can hop off your flight and be at a number of world-famous attractions within minutes, or that you can squeeze in some last-minute sightseeing before you depart. It also makes this one of the best airports in the world for an exciting layover. With so many transportation options, going between Dubai Airport and nearby attractions is a breeze.

Top attractions near Dubai Airport

• Burj Khalifa – The tallest building in the entire world, towering over Dubai at a height of 2,722 feet.
• Dubai Mall – The second largest mall in the world (by land area), with over 1,300 stores and all of the most popular fashion brands.
• Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo – Located at Dubai Mall, the aquarium is home to over 300 species of marine animals.
• Dubai Fountain – A choreographed fountain with lights and color projectors that shoots jets of water into the air in sync with Arabic and world music.
• Dubai Gold Souk – A traditional market with over 380 retailers, some over four decades old, selling gold, platinum, and diamond jewelry.
• Grand Mosque – The center of religious and cultural life in Dubai, with the capacity to hold 1,200 worshipers
• Dubai Museum – The primary museum in Dubai, located in the city’s oldest existing building.
• Heritage Village – A site for cultural events and a display of the traditional way of life in the United Arab Emirates.
• Dubai Creek – A saltwater creek located in Dubai where you can take a boat tour for fantastic views of the skyline.
• Dubai Frame – A unique architectural landmark described as “the biggest picture frame in the world.”

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Recommended Hotels Near Dubai Airport

If you need to stay close to Dubai International Airport for a night, then there are many great accommodations to choose from. Enjoy easy access to the airport when it’s time to depart or a quick trip to a comfy bed after a long flight. Here is a selection of recommended hotels to suit a range of budgets and travel styles.

Premier Inn Dubai International Airport

A clean, comfortable, and affordable hotel, Premier Inn Dubai International Airport offers numerous facilities to use during your stay. Check out the rooftop pool and jacuzzi with city views, the excellent fitness center, and the two restaurants serving international cuisine. This family-friendly property also allows children up to 15 to stay for free if they use existing bedding.

TIME Grand Plaza Hotel

Stay in a modern and well-appointed room at the TIME Grand Plaza Hotel – Dubai Airport and relax for the evening at the hotel’s fantastic spa. There is a large outdoor swimming pool and a fully-equipped fitness center as well. All of your meals, snacks, and drinks are covered at the on-site restaurant, cafe, and poolside lounge.

Al Bustan Centre & Residence

Al Bustan Centre & Residence offers spacious rooms and an array of different amenities. Guests are welcome to use the fitness center, pool, tennis courts, sauna, and family room. The hotel’s restaurant and cafe serves a delicious menu of Arabic and international cuisine. Children up to 11 can stay for free if they don’t require additional bedding.

Al Manar Hotel Apartments

One of the closest properties to the airport, Al Manar Hotel Apartments offers beautiful, classically decorated rooms designed to encourage a peaceful and restful stay. During the day, you can cool down in the rooftop outdoor swimming pool, get in a workout at the fitness center, and have a meal at the international restaurant.

Dubai Youth Hostel

Travelers looking to save some money without sacrificing location and comfort should consider a stay at Dubai Youth Hostel. Take your pick from a bed in a male or female dormitory, a double room, or a single room. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a garden area.

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