Dubai Airport: Navigating Your Way Out Smoothly

Dubai Airport is a major international hub, with thousands of passengers passing through its gates every day. If you're planning to leave the airport during a layover, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you'll need to pre-apply for a visa if you want to exit the airport and enter Dubai. Second, make sure your checked bags are tagged to your final destination, especially if your layover is short. Third, be prepared for potential delays in transportation, as the metro may not always be running, and most taxis only accept cash payments in UAE Dirhams. Finally, keep in mind any currency declarations you may need to make upon departure, and ensure you comply with security regulations for carry-on baggage.

Getting a taxi

The Dubai Airport taxi service offers a reliable and seamless transfer to your hotel. You can pay by the meter in local currency or by credit card, and the taxi will take you directly to your desired location. The cheapest option is to take an RTA Taxi from the airport, which is cream-coloured. Avoid any black taxis, as these are more premium.

You can also use a ride-hailing app such as Careem to book a taxi. The Dubai Airport taxi service accepts a wide range of payment methods, including cash, credit cards, NOL Card, Careem Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Alipay, and QR Code payment. If you are travelling with a friend or family member, you can use the vehicle for more than one location with one fare.

Using the Metro

The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai recommends using the Dubai Metro to travel to and from the airport. There are two stations on the Dubai Metro Red Line that take you directly to Dubai International Airport (DXB): Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. To travel to Terminal 2, you can get off at Abu Hail metro station on the Green Line and take a short cab ride.

You can buy tickets at the ticket offices located at the airport or at any metro station. Tickets are affordable, but for a longer stay, you can purchase a Nol card that can be used across the public transport system in Dubai. You can even purchase a 'gold class' ticket or Nol card to enjoy the panoramic views of the city and sit in the first carriage of the Metro. You are allowed to carry two pieces of luggage, including hand baggage.

Declaring currency

If you are leaving Dubai airport during a layover, you will need to pre-apply for a visa. You will also need to declare amounts over AED 100,000 or its equivalent in other currencies and traveller's cheques.

If you are leaving the airport, it is recommended to keep some UAE Dirhams handy for the taxi line at the airport exit, as most taxis do not take card.

If you are leaving the airport during a layover, you will need to consider the time it takes to get back through immigration, which can take around 15 minutes.

If you are leaving the airport after NYE, there is not much to do in the hour after midnight, so you may want to consider engaging a cab and taking a drive through Jumeira beach or along Sheikh Zayed Road.

Security checks

If you are leaving the airport during your layover, you will need to go through immigration, which can take around 15 minutes.

When departing from Dubai, you must declare amounts over AED 100,000 or its equivalent in other currencies and traveller's cheques.

Immigration

If you are leaving Dubai airport during a layover, you will need to pre-apply for a visa if you want to exit the airport. You will also need to declare amounts over AED 100,000 or its equivalent in other currencies and traveller's cheques.

If you are leaving the airport, you can take a taxi. Most taxis do not take card, so make sure you have some UAE Dirhams handy (around 200-300). You can also take a cab and drive through Jumeira beach, along Sheikh Zayed Road.

Getting back through immigration takes around 15 minutes.

Frequently asked questions