How far is Dubai airport from the city?

Closer than most people expect — about 5 km from Deira and 15 km from Downtown. Dubai International sits inside the city rather than out beyond it, which is why getting from the plane to a hotel bed is unusually quick here.

Distances and times

• Deira / Union — about 5 km, roughly 10 minutes by Metro
• Bur Dubai / BurJuman — about 20 minutes by Metro
• Downtown, Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall — about 15 km, roughly 30 minutes by Metro
• Dubai Marina / JBR — the far end of the city, roughly 50 minutes by Metro

By road these vary with traffic. Sheikh Zayed Road at 08:00 or 18:00 will beat any of those times badly.

The Metro runs from inside the terminals

The Red Line has stations inside Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, connected to arrivals by walkway. A trip into the city costs AED 3–8 against AED 40–130 for a taxi.

Two things to know: it does not run between roughly midnight and 05:00, and Terminal 2 has no Metro station.

Al Maktoum is a different airport entirely

Some budget airlines use Al Maktoum International (DWC) in Dubai South, about 40 km from the centre with no Metro link. Budget AED 100–150 for a taxi to the Marina and more to Deira, and allow an hour. Check which airport your ticket says before you plan the arrival.

Every option out of DXB, priced and compared, is in DXB to your hotel. Taxi fares specifically are in what a taxi from Dubai airport costs.

Verified August 2026. See our editorial policy.