How to get from Dubai International to Downtown Dubai
High confidenceChecked May 2026
Take the Red Line metro from Terminal 1 or 3 — AED 8. Cream taxis are also cheap and metered.
Best options
Best overall
Red Line metro to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station.
Cheapest safe
Metro — AED 8 with a Nol card.
Best at night
Cream RTA taxi from the rank — meter starts AED 25, ~AED 60 to downtown.
With luggage / kids
Taxi or Careem — metro luggage rules apply (2 bags max).
Taxi fare
AED 55–80 metered
Ride-hailing
Careem and Uber both work. Pickup is the dedicated app-based zone.
available
Public transport
Red Line metro from T1 and T3. Runs 05:00–24:00 (later on weekends).
Compare your options — DXB → Downtown Dubai
Distance ~15 km, typical journey 20–35 min.
| Option | Typical fare | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Public transport | Red Line metro from T1 and T3. Runs 05:00–24:00 (later on weekends). | Cheapest safe option |
| Official taxi | AED 55–80 metered | Late arrivals, heavy luggage |
| Ride-hailing | Careem and Uber both work. Pickup is the dedicated app-based zone. | available |
After landing — step by step
- 1Exit arrivals and follow 'METRO' signs
- 2Buy a Silver Nol card at the machine (AED 6 + credit)
- 3Red line to your stop — Burj Khalifa, Financial Centre, etc.
- 4For taxi: queue at the cream-taxi rank outside arrivals
Scam warnings
Limo counter inside arrivals upselling AED 200+ rides
Drivers offering 'flat fare' instead of meter — always insist on meter
Avoid this
- • The limousine counter inside arrivals
- • Any quote that doesn't start the meter
Frequently asked
Q.How much is a taxi from Dubai International to Downtown Dubai?
AED 55–80 metered. Always confirm the fare or that the meter is on before pulling away. Watch for: Limo counter inside arrivals upselling AED 200+ rides.
Q.What is the cheapest safe way from DXB to Downtown Dubai?
Metro — AED 8 with a Nol card.
Q.Does Uber or ride-hailing work at Dubai International?
Careem and Uber both work. Pickup is the dedicated app-based zone.
Q.What's the best way from DXB to Downtown Dubai at night?
Cream RTA taxi from the rank — meter starts AED 25, ~AED 60 to downtown.
Q.What scams should I watch for going from DXB to Downtown Dubai?
Top reported: Limo counter inside arrivals upselling AED 200+ rides; Drivers offering 'flat fare' instead of meter — always insist on meter. Use the official taxi rank, never accept a fare from someone approaching you in arrivals.
SOURCES