Dubai Metro Airport Terminal 3: Complete Travel Guide
Dubai Metro Airport Terminal 3: The Complete Guide
Most international flights into Dubai land at Terminal 3, the home of Emirates airline and one of the world's busiest airport terminals. The good news is that Terminal 3 has its own dedicated Dubai Metro station right inside the airport. Plan your onward journey with the route planner before you land.
The Metro Station at Terminal 3
Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 (DXB T3) station is on the Red Line. It is located on the arrivals level of the terminal and is directly accessible from the baggage claim area without stepping outside. View it on the full Dubai Metro map.
How to Reach the Metro from Arrivals
After clearing customs and collecting baggage at T3:
- Follow the signs for Public Transport or Metro
- Head towards the arrivals hall exit
- The metro gates are visible from the main concourse
- Buy or top up a Nol card at the machines just before the gates - read the
If it's your first time, read the complete Nol card guide before you travel. The journey from passport control to the metro platform takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
Fares from Airport T3
Note: there is an additional AED 5.00 airport surcharge on all metro journeys starting from T1 or T3. This is a one-time addition on top of the standard zone fare. See all fares in the Dubai Metro fares guide.
- Union - AED 5.00 - approx. 18 minutes
- BurJuman - AED 5.00 - approx. 20 minutes
- Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall - AED 5.00 -approx. 18 minutes
- Dubai Marina - AED 6.00 - approx. 35 minutes
- Business Bay - AED 5.00 - approx. 20 minutes
Metro Timings at Airport T3
The metro runs from 5:00 AM to midnight on Saturday to Thursday. On Fridays it runs from 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM. If you land on a Friday before 10:00 AM, the metro is not yet running. Check the full metro timings guide for all operating hours.
Hotels Near T3 with Metro Access
Several hotels are within walking distance of the T3 station or connected via sky bridges:
- The Pullman Dubai Airport Hotel (above T3)
- Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Airport
- Ibis Dubai Airport
- JW Marriott Marquis (Business Bay, 2 stops away)
Tips for Arriving at T3
- Buy your Nol card at the machine before the gates; the interface is in multiple languages
- Load at least AED 30 to cover your initial journey plus extra credit
- The metro at T3 is busiest between 7 AM and 10 AM and from 5 PM to 8 PM
- Luggage is permitted on the metro; wide doors and accessible lifts are at every station
If you also need to reach Terminal 2, read the Dubai Airport Terminal 2 by metro and bus guide.
FAQs About Dubai Metro at Airport Terminal 3
Is there a direct metro from Dubai Airport Terminal 3 to Dubai Mall?
Yes. Take the Red Line from T3 towards UAE Exchange and get off at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station. Around 18 minutes.
Is there a Nol card machine at T3 metro station?
Yes. Multiple ticket machines are located just before the metro gates in the terminal. The Nol card guide explains card types and how to top up.
What is the airport surcharge on Dubai Metro?
AED 5.00 extra on top of the standard fare when departing from T1 or T3 metro stations.
Does the metro run 24 hours at the airport?
No. The metro stops around midnight on weekdays and resumes at 5:00 AM. Check timings for the current schedule.
How do I get from T3 to T2 by metro?
T2 is not on the metro. Take a free airport shuttle bus from T1 or T3 to reach T2. Read the Terminal 2 guide for full details.
Conclusion
Dubai Metro at Terminal 3 is one of the smoothest airport transit experiences you'll find anywhere. Tap your Nol card and you're heading into the city within minutes. For full Red Line maps, fares, and journey planning, head to dubaimetrorails.com.