The cheapest way from Dubai International Airport (DXB) into central Dubai is the Metro Red Line, which links directly from the Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 stations: buy a Silver nol card (AED 25, including AED 19 of credit) and the 2-zone fare to Union or BurJuman is about AED 5, taking roughly 45 minutes door-to-centre. Don't default to the airport taxi, which runs about AED 45–65 to the centre because of a built-in AED 25 airport surcharge — about ten times the metro. Note the metro runs only from roughly 05:00 to midnight (later on weekends), so a red-eye arrival will have to take a taxi.
How to find it
- AIRPORTDubai International Airport
- 01After immigration and baggage reclaim, follow the 'Metro' signs through Airport Terminal 1 or Terminal 3; the station is linked to the terminal by a walkway, so allow about 10–15 minutes to reach the platform with luggage.
- 02Buy a Silver nol card for AED 25 (AED 19 of it is usable credit) at the machine or nol counter, and tap in at the gate.
- 03Board the Red Line towards Centrepoint / Union. Trains run every few minutes from roughly 05:00 to midnight (later on weekends) — there is no service in the early-morning hours.
- 04Ride about 20–25 minutes to central Dubai — Union (interchange with the Green Line) or BurJuman is a 2-zone AED 5 trip; tap out at the gate so the correct fare is deducted.
- CITY CENTREDubai
Ticket
Silver nol card (pay-as-you-go), 2-zone Red Line fare to central Dubai
Where to buy: At the ticket vending machines or the nol counter inside the Airport Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 metro stations (the Silver card costs AED 25, which includes AED 19 of travel credit).
How to pay: Machines take cash and cards; the counter takes both too. Top up, then tap the card on the reader to enter the platform and tap again when you exit — the tap-out sets the correct zone fare.
All ways to downtown, compared
| Option | Price | Time | Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| MetroCheapest route | AED 5.00 | 45 min | Silver nol card (pay-as-you-go), 2-zone Red Line fare to central Dubai |
| Metro | AED 10.00 | 45 min | Gold nol card, 2-zone Gold Class Red Line fare to central Dubai |
Frequently asked
- What is the cheapest way from Dubai Airport to the city centre?
- The Metro Red Line, which runs straight from the Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 stations. With a Silver nol card the 2-zone fare to central stops like Union or BurJuman is about AED 5, roughly 45 minutes door-to-centre.
- Do I need a special ticket, and where do I buy it?
- Buy a Silver nol card (AED 25, including AED 19 of travel credit) at the ticket machines or nol counter inside the airport metro station. Tap in at the gate and tap out at your stop so the right zone fare is charged.
- How long does the metro take from DXB to central Dubai?
- About 45 minutes door-to-centre: 10–15 minutes to walk from arrivals to the platform and 20–25 minutes on the train to Union or BurJuman.
- Does the Dubai Metro run at night?
- No, not all night. The Red Line runs roughly 05:00 to midnight, later on weekends, with no early-morning service — so a late-night or red-eye arrival will need a taxi.
- How much is a taxi from Dubai International Airport to the city?
- A taxi to the centre costs about AED 45–65 (more at night) because of a built-in AED 25 airport surcharge — roughly ten times the AED 5 metro fare. Worth it only if the metro is closed or you have heavy luggage.
- What is the best way from DXB to downtown Dubai?
- For budget travellers the best way is the cheapest one: the Metro Red Line with a Silver nol card — about AED 5 to central stops like Union or BurJuman in roughly 45 minutes door-to-centre; Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall) is a 3-zone AED 7.50 ride.
Last verified: . Prices and timetables change — confirm at the official transport source.