Dubai Airport is an international airport located in the city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is the second busiest airport in the world. Approximately 90 million passengers use this airport every year. There are direct flights to Dubai Airport from more than 200 destinations worldwide. This airport is also the largest hub in the region.
Dubai is a dream city built in the middle of the desert. One morning, you can sip your coffee overlooking the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and in the afternoon, lose yourself among the scents of spices in the traditional souks. Taking a photo in front of the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, one of the city’s landmarks, is a Dubai ritual. Jumeirah Beach is among the most popular beaches. Walking along Dubai Marina at sunset, you can imagine yourself in a completely different world.
The Dubai Mall is the first place that comes to mind when it comes to shopping and entertainment. This massive structure houses luxury stores, a giant aquarium, and an ice rink. For adventure seekers, a desert safari is a must. You can experience the adrenaline rush of driving over sand dunes in 4×4 vehicles and enjoy an unforgettable day dining under the stars at a Bedouin camp in the evening.
Dubai Airport is located approximately 5 km from downtown Dubai. This airport is the main hub for Emirates. Emirates operates half of all flights at Dubai Airport. Emirates operates regular flights to the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and New Zealand. Flydubai is a low-cost airline that operates flights from Dubai to the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and South Asia.
Dubai Airport is connected via the D 89 road. The journey from the airport to the city center takes 10-15 minutes.
Taxis are available 24 hours a day in front of each terminal. Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are directly connected to the metro line. The train stations are located right in front of both terminals.
Bus stops are located directly opposite Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. Dubai buses, operated by RTA, run services to the city center. You can easily reach the city center and Deira by bus. Emirates offers a free shuttle service to Al Ain and Abu Dhabi.
Interactive Dubai Airport Map
Dubai Airport Terminal
There are three terminals at Dubai Airport: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. Each terminal serves different airlines. Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are connected to each other. Terminal 2 is located on the opposite side of the airport. You can reach the other terminals from Terminal 2 via a free shuttle.
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 hosts flights from most international airlines other than Emirates. Turkish Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, and other major airlines use this terminal. Concourse D, the center of Terminal 1, is connected to the main terminal building by an underground train. This terminal has a huge duty-free area.
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 is the hub for low-cost airlines and regional flights. Terminal 2 has a simpler structure compared to the other terminals. There are regular flights from this terminal to India, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 is used only by Emirates and Flydubai. This terminal is one of the largest buildings in the world. Terminal 3 has three concourses: Concourse A, Concourse B, and Concourse C. The terminal has VIP lounges, restaurants, and 180 check-in counters. It also has its own parking area with space for 2,600 vehicles. The arrivals area has 72 immigration counters and 14 baggage carousels. Terminal 3 has hotels connected to the concourses.
Dubai Airport Car Rental
Dubai is a city famous for its wide roads. Driving in this city is very enjoyable. With a rental car, you can take day trips around Dubai to Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach, and even Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi is only 1.5 hours away from Dubai. After picking up your rental car, you will be directly connected to the iconic Sheikh Zayed Road from the airport. Here, you can freely drive your car among the skyscrapers. With your own car, you can go to the far ends of Palm Jumeirah and organize a sunset tour in the desert.
All car rental companies serving at Dubai Airport are located inside the terminals. There is a car rental company in each terminal. Hertz, Avis, Dollar, Europcar, and Sixt operate in the Arrivals halls of Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Yelo, Dollar, Avis, Thrifty, and Autostrad operate in Terminal 2.
Don’t forget to make your car reservation at least one month before your trip. The demand for rental cars in Dubai is quite high. It is particularly difficult to find a rental car at the airport during peak seasons. You can rent your car at the best price by booking online. When making your reservation, check the fuel policy and additional driver conditions. If you are going on a sandy and mountainous tour, I recommend choosing an SUV or 4×4.
Dubai Airport VIP Lounge
Dubai Airport is quite rich in terms of VIP Lounge options.
There are five VIP Lounges in Terminal 1. The Ahlan Business Class Lounge is located near gates D in the Arrivals area. This lounge is open to all passengers. Inside, there are comfortable seating areas and food and beverage service. The Marhaba Lounge is located near gates D in Terminal 1. It is open 24 hours a day. Sleepover is located in the departures area of Terminal 1. Sleepover is located in the departures area of Terminal 1. It offers single, double, and bunk cabins. You can stay for an hour or even an entire night if you wish. The Ahlan First Class Lounge is located near Gate D in Terminal 1. Passengers with first-class tickets can use this lounge area.
There are two VIP lounges in Terminal 2. The marhaba Lounge is located inside the main terminal building. This lounge is open to all passengers. You can access the lounge area by paying at the door. The Assisted Travel Lounge is a lounge area designed for individuals with disabilities. The lounge area has wheelchair-friendly spaces, noise-reducing seating areas, and a relaxation area for people with autism.
There are multiple VIP Lounge areas in Terminal 3. Emirates Lounges are located near Gates C. This lounge area is open 24 hours a day. Inside, there is Wi-Fi, work areas, and food and beverage service. marhaba Lounge serves all concourses in Terminal 3. There is one marhaba Lounge in each concourse. Plaza Premium Lounge is located near Gates A in Terminal 3.
All passengers can use this lounge area, regardless of their airline. Ahlan Lounges are located near Gates B in Terminal 3.
Hotels in Dubai Airport
If you have a transit flight and your layover is very long, you can stay at a hotel located within Dubai Airport. The Dubai International Hotel is located in the transit area of Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. This means you can reach the hotel without having to go through passport control. This hotel is located just above the Duty-Free floor of Terminal 3. The hotel has soundproofed rooms that completely block out airport noise, a gym, and a pool. This hotel is only open to transit passengers. The hotel offers deluxe rooms, executive rooms, family rooms, and suites.
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre is less than 1 km from Dubai Airport. The hotel offers a free airport shuttle service. Le Méridien Dubai Hotel is 2 km from Deira City Centre Shopping Mall and 8 km from the Gold Market.
Aloft Dubai Airport is only 1 km from Dubai Airport. This hotel is just 3 minutes from Dubai Airport. You can quickly reach the hotel with the free airport shuttle. The hotel has a rooftop swimming pool, restaurant, fitness center, and meeting rooms.
Grand Mercure Dubai City is only 1 km from Dubai Airport. This hotel is located right next to the GGICO metro station. The hotel offers a free shuttle service. The hotel has a swimming pool, meeting rooms, free parking, and a fitness center.
Dubai Airport Location
Dubai Airport Address: Airport Rd – Al Garhoud, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Dubai Airport IATA: DXB.
Dubai Airport ICAO: OMDB.
Satellite view of Dubai Airport. Click to enlarge
Dubai Airport destination map (March 2026). Click to enlarge