DXB to your hotel: every option, priced

There are four ways from Dubai International (DXB) into the city: the Metro Red Line from Terminals 1 and 3, a metered taxi from the rank at every terminal (from AED 20), an RTA bus from all three terminals, or Uber, Careem or Bolt. Terminal 2 has no Metro.

Airport tariff checked 11 October 2026: the figures above follow DTC’s airport taxi service page. Check the fare shown when boarding; peak times and events may have different charges. Uber or private-car app quotes belong to the selected service category and do not automatically use this taxi tariff.

Your options at a glance

The Metro

The Red Line has stations inside Terminals 1 and 3. Nol cards are sold at the ticket offices and vending machines there. A Silver card costs AED 25, including AED 19 of credit, and fares are AED 3 within one zone, AED 5 across two and AED 7.50 beyond that. Metro gates need at least AED 7.50 on a Silver card, which the starting credit covers.

Hours can be extended for public holidays and city-wide celebrations. Plan the trip in RTA’s S’hail app.

Luggage rules

• Up to two pieces per passenger, including hand luggage.
• Large suitcase: no bigger than 81 x 58 x 30 cm. Small suitcase: no bigger than 55 x 38 x 20 cm.
• Bags go in the luggage area of each carriage.

If you have more bags than that, the Metro is not an option. Card types and passes are in how much a nol card costs.

The taxi

Dubai Taxi cars wait at ranks in every terminal, 24 hours a day. RTA’s fare table gives an airport starting fare of AED 20, or AED 25 for a van, at any hour; Dubai Airports’ own page lists AED 25. On top of that:

• AED 2.62 per kilometre;
• 50 fils per minute of waiting time;
• Salik toll gates, which are billed to the passenger;
• AED 20 extra if the trip crosses into Sharjah.

RTA states that the ride is free if the meter is not running or the taxi breaks down during the trip. More detail is in how much a taxi from Dubai airport costs.

The bus

Buses leave from dedicated stands in the Arrivals area of Terminals 1, 2 and 3 and connect with the Metro, Tram and waterbus. A nol card is required; cash is not accepted. Dubai Airports does not list route numbers on its page, so check the route to your hotel in S’hail or RTA’s journey planner. Frequency varies by route and time of day. This is the public-transport option from Terminal 2.

Ride-hailing apps

Uber, Careem and Bolt operate at DXB. Book in the app, then follow the signs to the pickup point. Check the selected vehicle category, pickup point and total in the app; ordinary city taxi booking fares are not an airport departure quote.

A worked example: two people, 15 km to the hotel

• Taxi: Illustrative 15 km calculation: 20 + (15 × 2.62) = AED 59.30 normal taxi, or 25 + (15 × 2.62) = AED 64.30 van, before waiting, Salik and any other extras. This is not a quote for a particular journey.
• Metro: two new Silver cards cost AED 50 and carry AED 38 of credit. Even at the top fare of AED 7.50 each, the ride uses AED 15 and leaves AED 23 for later trips.

The taxi wins on convenience with bags or late at night; the Metro wins on price if you travel light and arrive during its hours. Distances to each area are in how far Dubai airport is from the city.

Which to choose

• Landing after midnight (1 am after Friday), or before 8 am on Sunday: taxi or app, because the Metro is closed. See what time the Metro closes.
• More than two bags: taxi or app.
• Terminal 2: bus, taxi or app.
• Light luggage, Metro running: the Metro.

A SIM on arrival

e&’s Visitor Line Transit Pack costs AED 50 for 1 GB of data and 10 local or international minutes, valid for 48 hours, and can be bought more than once.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a Metro from Terminal 2?

No. The Red Line serves Terminals 1 and 3. From Terminal 2, use the bus, a taxi or an app.

Can I pay for the airport bus in cash?

No. Buses take nol cards only, which you can buy and top up at the airport terminals and at Metro stations.

Are taxis available at night?

Yes. The ranks operate 24/7 at every terminal.

What if the taxi meter is not switched on?

Under RTA’s rules the journey is then free. Ask the driver to start the meter when you set off.

How do I get to Dubai World Central (DWC)?

Dubai Airports says to take an RTA bus or a taxi from Ibn Battuta or Expo 2020 Metro station.

Next steps: where to stay in Dubai, the Dubai visa guide, the Dubai Metro and nol card guide and first time in Dubai.

Rewritten on 26 September 2026 from the RTA and Dubai Airports pages listed below. Fares change; the official pages win over this one. See our editorial policy.