Dubai Metro Airport Guide: Terminals, Fares & Getting Into the City

Which terminals have a Metro station

Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 both have their own Red Line station, connected directly into the terminal building through a covered, air-conditioned walkway, so you never step outside. Terminal 2 doesn't have a station of its own; passengers there take the free shuttle bus or a taxi to Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 first.

Cost and journey time

From Terminal 3 to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station, expect around 30-35 minutes and a fare of AED 8.50 with a Silver Nol card (AED 17 in Gold Class), since that crosses 3 or more fare zones. From Terminal 1 it takes a little longer, since it sits further along the line. There is no separate airport surcharge, unlike some airport express trains elsewhere.

Compare that to a taxi covering the same route, which typically runs AED 60 to 90 depending on traffic, and the Metro is clearly the more budget-friendly option, if not always the fastest during light traffic.

• Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 both have direct Red Line stations
• Terminal 2 connects via free shuttle bus to T1 or T3
• No airport surcharge on top of the standard zone fare
• Journey to Downtown Dubai: roughly 30-35 minutes from Terminal 3

Traveling with luggage

Suitcases are completely normal on this route, and both airport stations have elevators as well as escalators. Buy your Nol card at the station's vending machine before the gate, and consider Gold Class if you're arriving during peak hours (7-9 AM, 5-8 PM) with a lot of bags.

Specific routes and further reading

For a route-by-route breakdown with exact stops, use the route planner, or check the dedicated guides for common airport journeys and general first/last train timing if you're arriving very early or very late.