About Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Dubai International Airport is not only the busiest aviation hub in the Middle East, it frequently holds the position of world’s busiest international airport, with annual traffic exceeding 90 million passengers. If that is a number just too big to wrap your head around, consider this: Dubai International Airport has a whopping 526 check-in counters. Yes. It’s big.
Of course, an expansive airport doesn’t mean much if the experience isn’t great but this is also where Dubai International Airport delivers the goods. Restaurants are first class, shopping is top-tier (as you would expect) and you’ll find an impressive range of spas, lounges and other services.
What facilities are at Dubai International Airport ?
There’s a lot going on at Dubai International Airport, so world-class facilities are a must. From baby care rooms to VAT refunds, you’ll find Dubai International Airport has all the services you need.
Check-in
Due to the sheer scale of Dubai International Airport (DXB), it pays to know where you need to check in. You should always check which terminal your flight is departing from before you head to the airport, but here's a general guide to the three terminals at Dubai International Airport.
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Dubai International (DXB) Terminal 1: home to the majority of international airlines flying out from Dubai.
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Dubai International (DXB) Terminal 2: this is where you'll find most regional and charter flights as well as some of the more low-cost carriers.
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Dubai International (DXB) Terminal 3: despite servicing less airlines, this is the airport's biggest terminal and is home to major carriers including Emirates, Qantas, Air Canada and United Airlines.
Note that there are two international airports in Dubai: Dubai International Airport (DXB) and the smaller Dubai World Central (DWC). Dubai World Central is currently being expanded, with plans to make it the biggest airport in the world, but for now you'll find the major airlines departing from Dubai International Airport (DXB). Make sure you double check your ticket before heading to the airport to ensure you've going to the right one.
Check-in is a breeze at Dubai International Airport. Counters usually open 180 minutes before international flights and passengers generally have the option of checking in at their airline desk, self-service kiosks or online in advance. For the most streamlined experience, make sure you have your tickets, passport and baggage all organised and ready to go when you arrive at the airport.
Baggage
There’s a well-developed service industry in Dubai and the airport is no exception. If you need a little help with your bags, porters can be hired at every terminal. All you need to do is pay the small fee of around AU$13 (AED30) directly to the porter.
Trolleys are available free of charge and baggage wrapping services are available at the check-in areas.
If you would love to meander through Dubai International Airport unencumbered by any bags at all, you can take advantage of the short-term baggage storage in Terminals 1, 2 and 3, which is available 24/7.
Baggage delivery is also an option if you’ve flown in with Emirates Airlines. Emirates will deliver its passengers' bags within the UAE, for a fee. To book, just visit the baggage counter in the Arrivals Hall of Terminal 3, near exit 1.
Is there a currency exchange?
You'll find lots of currency exchange facilities throughout Terminals 1 and 3 of Dubai International Airport, perfect for those travelling onwards to Europe! Prefer to get your foreign currency sorted out in advance? Travel Money Oz can help you get organised before you head to the airport so you're ready to go as soon as you land!
Things to do for families
DXB has a dedicated Family Zone in Terminal 3, near the B-Gates, where children can burn off some energy in the climbing area, play interactive games or enjoy some of the family-friendly entertainment. There are also restaurants which cater for kids and adults alike.
What are the other services and facilities?
- ATMs
- Unlimited free high-speed Wi-Fi
- Currency exchange
- Baby care rooms
- Luggage storage
- Prayer rooms
- Smoking rooms
- Car rental
- Showers
- Sleeping areas
- Spas
- Special assistance
- Pharmacies
- Medical Centre
- Home check-in services
- VAT Refunds
Transport and terminal transfers
What’s the best way to get to and from Dubai International Airport?
Taxi: You’ll find clear signage at Dubai International Airport directing you to the official taxi rank at each terminal. Alternatively, you can ask the Guest Experience Ambassadors to arrange a taxi for you. In Dubai, the taxis are cream in colour and the ones with a pink trim have female drivers.
Bus: For the least expensive option, you can take the bus. To take the bus, you’ll need to get your hands on a Nol card, which you can purchase in the airport terminals or at metro stations. Some good news for Emirates passengers is that travellers in Economy and Premium Economy Class can take advantage of a free bus service between Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. You'll find the drop-off area in Terminal 3, on the Departures Level near check-in area C, and the pick-up spot on the Arrivals Level opposite Exit 3. Bus etiquette to remember: the first three rows of seats on a bus are reserved for female passengers.
Metro: Both Terminal 1 and 3 are served by Dubai Metro’s Red Line that can be accessed directly from the airport. Quick, affordable and frequent, the Red Line runs from 5am to approximately midnight most days, except on Sunday when morning services don't begin until 8am. We'd recommend double checking Dubai Metro's timetable before you travel. Like with the bus, you'll need a Nol card to ride the train.
There are two lines, Red and Green, which makes it very easy to use, and most major hotels and tourist destinations are close to a station.
Parking: Each terminal at Dubai International Airport has its own car park, with Terminals 1 and 2 offering both Premium and Economy options. Premium parking is typically less than a five minute walk away from the terminal, while Economy parks are around 10 minutes away. Parking can be booked online and rates vary based on the car park and length of your stay.
Car rental: Renting a car is another option in Dubai, with popular hire companies including Hertz, AVIS, Thrifty, Budget and more available at the airport. Talk to your Travel Expert about organising car hire for your trip or book it yourself online before you leave.
How do I transfer between terminals?
It’s easy to transfer between terminals at Dubai International Airport. The Metro runs between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3; there is a free 24-hour shuttle service between Terminals 1, 2 and 3; and if you’re connecting to another flights, you’ll be automatically transferred as part of your connection.
