Owais Crawford
Dubai International Airport is a hub of activity, with some of the world's best facilities, and the Dubai city centre just 5 kilometres away. With a long layover, you may want to leave the airport and explore the city. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, check the visa requirements for your nationality and ensure you have the necessary documentation. Second, consider the length of your layover and factor in time to get back to the airport, clear security, and board your next flight. If you have a short layover, you may still be able to take advantage of the airport's facilities, such as lounges, sleep pods, and dining options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Leaving the airport during a layover | Possible, but depends on the length of the layover and visa requirements |
| Visa requirements | Vary depending on country of origin; some need an eVisa, others get visas upon arrival, and some don't need a visa |
| Activities outside the airport | Visiting famous landmarks such as Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, strolling through bazaars and souks, exploring historical neighbourhoods, etc. |
| Activities inside the airport | Luxury shopping, gourmet dining, spas, swimming pools, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Visa requirements for leaving the airport
If you are planning to leave Dubai airport during a layover, you will need to obtain a transit visa. The type of transit visa you will require depends on your nationality and the length of your layover.
If you are a citizen of Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Niger, or Yemen, you cannot apply for a UAE Transit Visa. Nationals of certain countries, including Mexico, can enter the UAE without a visa, for up to 180 days. Citizens of other countries may enter the UAE without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. If you are unsure, always check with your airline, the GDRFA, and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the most up-to-date visa information.
If you do require a transit visa, you must apply for it in advance through a UAE-based airline. The airline will then apply for your transit visa online through the relevant channels. The transit visa is valid for either 48 or 96 hours, and you must leave the UAE before it expires. The 48-hour visa is free of charge, while the 96-hour visa costs AED 50. It is important to note that the transit visa cannot be extended or renewed.
In addition to the transit visa, some visitors may also be required to complete an eye scan at passport control. It is recommended to have your passport and boarding pass ready when passing through passport control.
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Transport options for leaving the airport
If you have a layover in Dubai and want to leave the airport, it is important to first check the visa requirements and factor in enough time to get back to the airport and clear immigration and security for your onward flight.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available at all terminals, including hire-on-the-go taxis and services from popular taxi apps.
Bus
Taking the bus is a good budget transfer option, but it is also the slowest and least convenient. There is barely any luggage storage on board and you may have to wait for the bus in the hot sun. The total journey time for the two buses is 70 minutes. The cost of a single bus ride to the center of Dubai is €1.50 (AED 6).
Metro
The Dubai Metro is well adapted to the colossal arrival and departure rates of Dubai Airport. Taking the Red metro line is a very affordable and quick way to get into the heart of Dubai. The most central point the line reaches is the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station. From there, you can walk or take a local taxi to your hotel. The RTA Red Line metro leaves from Terminal 1 and 3 and will reach the city center of Dubai in just 25 minutes.
Shuttle Bus
The airport provides a dedicated shuttle bus between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, which runs every 30 minutes with a transfer time of approximately 15 minutes. There is also a dedicated shuttle bus between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, which runs every 20 minutes and takes around 10 minutes.
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How to store luggage at the airport
Dubai International Airport (DXB) offers several options for storing luggage within the airport. Dnata Baggage Services and Emirates Left Luggage provide secure and reliable short-term storage facilities at competitive rates. Dnata Baggage is located at Terminals 1 and 2, while Emirates Left Luggage can be found at the Arrival level of Terminal 3, near Exit 1, behind Boots Pharmacy.
Emirates Left Luggage charges AED 35 for standard-sized luggage (maximum dimensions 21 x 24 x 11 inches) stored for up to 12 hours. For larger luggage or valuable items exceeding these dimensions, the fee is AED 40 per 12-hour period. Luggage can be stored for up to 30 days, providing flexibility for travellers.
It is recommended to take advantage of luggage storage early to avoid departure or arrival delays. Ensuring that luggage is locked and properly labelled with contact information is essential for easy identification and security.
Dubai International Airport also offers meet-and-greet packages, which include customised baggage storage and personalised assistance to enhance your travel experience. These packages are designed to provide a seamless and comfortable journey through the airport.
In addition to left luggage services, Dubai International Airport provides baggage porters, baggage delivery, and Home Check-in services. Porters can assist with luggage at terminal entrances and baggage carousels, while Home Check-in allows agents to weigh and tag your bags and print your boarding pass at your location. Emirates also offers a delivery service for bags within the UAE, providing added convenience for travellers.
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Things to do outside the airport
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is a major transport hub, connecting 260 destinations worldwide. The airport is also a great place for a layover, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and amenities. However, if you're looking to venture outside the airport, there are many things to do and see, especially with the Dubai city centre just 5 kilometres (3 miles) away.
Firstly, it's important to note that you will need to obtain a transit visa to leave the airport during a layover. The rules regarding visitor visas are ever-changing, so it is best to check the current requirements before your trip. If you are flying with a UAE-based airline, such as Emirates, you can apply for a visa through their online application. Alternatively, you can arrange a visa through a travel agency or your hotel.
Once you have obtained the necessary visa, you can explore the city of Dubai. Many tour operators offer half or full-day excursions, including city highlight tours that stop at the Burj Khalifa and other top attractions. If you prefer to explore independently, you can use the Dubai Metro, which has two lines servicing Terminals 1 and 3 and connecting with the city centre.
Dubai offers a range of dining options, allowing you to embark on a DIY around-the-world foodie tour. You can find a variety of cuisines, including Italian at Carluccios and Wolfgang Puck, beef ribs and steaks at Jack's Bar and Grill, and Sesame Tofu and Shanghai noodles at The Noodle House. There are also familiar fast-food options like Burger King, Starbucks, Shake Shack, and McDonald's.
For shopping, Dubai has endless duty-free areas and international boutiques. You can purchase local goods such as dry fruits or chocolate, or try your luck by buying raffle tickets for cash, gold, or luxury car prizes.
Lastly, if you're looking to relax, there are spas across the city providing massage services, aromatherapy, body scrubs, reflexology, haircuts, and mani/pedis.
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Things to do inside the airport
Dubai International Airport (DXB) offers plenty of entertainment and indulgences to while away the hours before your flight. Here are some things to do inside the airport:
Eat and Drink
With dozens of dining options, you’ll undoubtedly find something yummy to eat. Take your time with a leisurely sit-down meal, or visit several places for a DIY around-the-world foodie tour. There are more than a hundred cafes and restaurants where you can try a wide range of flavours and cuisines. From Italian food at Carluccio's and Wolfgang Puck to beef ribs and steaks at Jack's Bar and Grill, there is something for everyone. If you fancy some Asian food, head to the Noodle House for Sesame Tofu, Shanghai noodles, and dim sums. For fast food options, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, there are outlets like Burger King, Starbucks, Shake Shack, and McDonald's. For dining with a more relaxed atmosphere, the Hard Rock Cafe and Nutella Cafe are great choices and are open at night too.
Shopping
Dubai International Airport boasts the best duty-free shopping in the Middle East. Pick up local goods like dry fruits or chocolate, or browse through international boutiques from Apple to Dior. A unique shopping opportunity is buying raffle tickets, as the airport regularly raffles off cash, gold, and luxury cars.
Relax and Unwind
If you've just stepped off a long-haul flight, you may want to take advantage of the free showers located in Terminals 1 and 3. The airport also has various lounges, including the Marhaba Lounge, International First-Class Lounge, and Business Class Lounge, where you can relax and avail yourself of their facilities. The Health Club between Terminals 1 and 3 provides a shower-only package if you don't want to pay for a full-service package.
Sleep
If you're looking for a quick nap, keep an eye out for an unoccupied reclining chair in one of the many Rest Zones. For a more comfortable and private sleep, you can rent compact rooms by the hour in Terminal 1's Snooze Cube or the Sleep 'n' Fly Lounge in Terminal 3, which offers igloo-style sleep pods. The Dubai International Hotel in Terminal 3 offers rooms in 6-, 12-, and 18-hour packages.
Spa and Pampering
With 71 treatment rooms across DXB, the Timeless Spa offers a range of pampering services, including massages, aromatherapy, body scrubs, reflexology, haircuts and styles, and mani/pedis.
Gaming
DXB is home to the region's first airport gaming lounge, Game Space, equipped with leading PlayStation and PC games.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover and explore the city, but you must first check the visa requirements for your nationality and ensure you have enough time to get back to the airport and clear immigration and security.
There are plenty of attractions to visit in Dubai, including the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and the Dubai Mall, which has over 1,000 shops, skating rinks, interactive arcades, and countless restaurants. You can also visit Old Dubai to see traditional souks and marketplaces.
You can take the Dubai Metro, which has two lines that service Terminals 1 and 3 at the airport and connect with the city centre. Taxis and buses are also readily available.
Dubai Airport offers plenty of entertainment and indulgences, including luxurious foods and designer stores, spas, swimming pools, and duty-free shopping. There are also sleep pods and hotel rooms available for rent within the airport.
