Back to all posts
2025-10-31 • By Emily HartwellOther

How to Reach Dubai Airport Terminal 2 by Metro and Bus

How to Reach Dubai Airport Terminal 2 by Metro and Bus

Dubai Airport Terminal 2 serves millions of travelers every year, mainly budget airlines and regional flights. While it’s not directly connected to the Dubai Metro, getting there is still simple and affordable if you know the right route.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to reach Dubai Airport Terminal 2 using the Metro and RTA buses, which metro stations are closest, what the approximate fares are, and a few time-saving travel tips to make your journey smooth.

Best Way to Reach Dubai Airport Terminal 2

Unlike Terminals 1 and 3, Terminal 2 is not connected to the Dubai Metro network. However, you can still get there easily by combining the Metro with a short bus or taxi ride.

Here’s the most convenient option:

Option 1: Metro to Abu Hail Station + Bus to Terminal 2

  • Take the Green Line Metro and get down at Abu Hail Metro Station.
  • Exit the station and walk to the nearby Abu Hail Bus Station (less than 5 minutes).
  • Take Bus 31 or Bus C26, which go directly to Dubai Airport Terminal 2.
  • The bus ride takes around 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Approximate fare:

  • Metro: AED 3 (one zone)
  • Bus: AED 3
  • Total cost: around AED 6 using your Nol card

Travel time: Around 35–45 minutes from major central stations like Union or BurJuman.

Option 2: Metro to Salah Al Din Station + Taxi to Terminal 2

If you’re carrying heavy luggage or want to reach faster:

  • Take the Green Line Metro and get off at Salah Al Din Metro Station.
  • From there, take a taxi to Terminal 2 (about 5 km away).
  • The taxi fare is roughly AED 15–20, depending on time and traffic.

Travel time: 25–30 minutes from central Dubai.

Option 3: Metro to Stadium Station + Bus or Taxi

If you’re coming from Deira or Dubai Creek areas, another convenient option is:

  • Get off at Stadium Metro Station (Green Line).
  • Take Bus C10 or Bus 31, both heading toward Terminal 2.
  • The trip takes 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic.

Nearby Metro Stations to Terminal 2

While there’s no direct metro station inside Terminal 2, the following are the closest stations you can use to connect via bus or taxi:

  • Abu Hail Metro Station (Green Line) – 2.5 km away
  • Stadium Metro Station (Green Line) – 3 km away
  • Salah Al Din Metro Station (Green Line) – 4 km away

All of these stations are in Zone 5, and Nol card holders can interchange easily between bus and metro without paying a full second fare if within 30 minutes.

Alternative Route from the Red Line

If you’re traveling from areas like Dubai Marina, Mall of the Emirates, or Business Bay (Red Line):

  • Take the Red Line Metro towards Union Station.
  • From Union Station, transfer to the Green Line heading toward Etisalat Station.
  • Get off at Abu Hail Metro Station.
  • Take the Bus 31 or C26 to Terminal 2.

This is the most efficient route from anywhere along the Red Line to reach Terminal 2 without hassle.

Dubai Tram Connection (for JBR and Marina Residents)

If you are near Dubai Marina, JBR, or Palm Jumeirah:

  • Take the Dubai Tram to Dubai Marina or Jumeirah Lakes Towers Metro Station.
  • Switch to the Red Line Metro toward Union Station.
  • Change at Union Station to the Green Line and exit at Abu Hail.
  • Take Bus 31 or C26 to Terminal 2.

Travel time from Dubai Marina is roughly 70–80 minutes in total.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Use Nol Card: Make sure your Nol card has at least AED 10 balance before you start.
  • Avoid Peak Hours: Try to travel before 7 AM or after 9 AM to avoid morning rush.
  • Track Bus Timings: Use the RTA S’hail app to check live bus schedules from Abu Hail or Stadium stations.
  • Airport Access: Buses drop you at the arrival area of Terminal 2, which is also accessible for departures.
  • Late-Night Option: If traveling after 11 PM, use a taxi from Abu Hail instead of waiting for buses.

FAQs

1. Can I go directly to Terminal 2 by Metro?

No. There is no metro station inside Terminal 2. The nearest one is Abu Hail Metro Station on the Green Line.

2. Which bus goes to Dubai Airport Terminal 2?

Bus routes 31 and C26 go directly to Terminal 2 from Abu Hail and Stadium Metro stations.

3. How much does it cost to reach Terminal 2 by Metro and Bus?

Around AED 6 in total if you use a Nol card (AED 3 for metro + AED 3 for bus).

4. How far is Terminal 2 from Abu Hail Metro Station?

It’s about 2.5 kilometers, taking roughly 10–15 minutes by bus or taxi.

5. Is it possible to walk from Abu Hail Metro to Terminal 2?

Walking is not recommended because of traffic and lack of pedestrian paths. Take a short bus or taxi instead.

6. What if my flight is late at night?

If you’re traveling late, buses may stop by midnight. Use a taxi from Abu Hail or Stadium Metro Station - they are available 24 hours.

Conclusion

Reaching Dubai Airport Terminal 2 is simple once you know the right combination of Metro and bus routes. The Green Line Abu Hail route remains the fastest and most affordable way for most travelers.

If you’re planning your journey across the city, explore more Dubai Metro and tram guides on dubaimetrorails.com - your local resource for everything about Dubai’s transport system.

Related posts