Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the main gateway to Dubai and serves as a vital link between the East and the West. Located just five kilometers east of Dubai, the airport facilitates both domestic and expansive international flights.
Originally opened in 1960, DXB has expanded significantly to manage the increasing volume of air traffic associated with Dubai’s rise as a global business and tourism hub. The airport now boasts three major terminals and caters to over 88 million passengers annually.
Terminal layout at DXB
Dubai International Airport features three terminals, each designed to cater to specific passenger needs.
Terminal 1: Dedicated to international flights, Terminal 1 is linked to the extensive Concourse D, which houses a variety of luxury amenities and services.
Terminal 2: Primarily serves regional and budget airlines. It is optimized for efficient passenger processing with quicker turnaround times.
Terminal 3: Exclusively used by Emirates, Terminal 3 is one of the largest terminals globally and is divided into three concourses (A, B, and C).
Baggage handling when connecting in Dubai
If you are changing flights at DXB, the luggage handling routine depends on your ticketing and which airlines are involved. Below you can learn about the most common options.
Single ticket transfers
If you're booked under a single ticket, especially on international to domestic routes, your luggage will generally be checked through to your final destination, including necessary customs inspections.
Multiple tickets or different airlines
Travelers using multiple tickets or different airlines might need to collect and manually recheck their baggage. This could involve additional security screenings, so extra time should be allotted.
Dining options at the airport
Dubai International Airport offers a wide range of dining options to suit all tastes. Listed below you can find some of the most popular options.
Giraffe World Kitchen: Located in Terminal 3, Concourse B, this restaurant offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a diverse international menu.
The Draft House: Situated in Terminal 1, Concourse D, it’s a sports bar that combines a vibrant ambiance with a selection of beers and pub food.
Cho Gao: In Terminal 3, Concourse A, this restaurant serves a variety of Asian dishes in an elegant setting.
Lounges at Dubai International Airport
If you are looking to relax a little before your flight, DXB houses several exclusive lounges that provide both comfort and luxury. One of them is Emirates Lounge, which is accessible to Emirates' first and business class passengers. Another one of the lounges found at the airport is the Marhaba Lounge. This option is available to passengers of all airlines for a fee, providing a relaxing escape with food, drinks and shower facilities.
Find a hotel at the airport
When it comes to hotels at the airport, or nearby, there are several options to choose from. In the following compilation you find some of the hotels available in the area.
Dubai International Hotel: Directly accessible from Terminal 3, this hotel is ideal for transit passengers seeking luxury and convenience.
Premier Inn Dubai International Airport: Offers comfortable, economical lodging with complimentary shuttle service to the terminals.
Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport: Located opposite Terminal 3, the hotel provides modern amenities and great value.
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre: Situated near the airport, this hotel offers refined luxury with multiple dining options and expansive conference facilities.
Choose the right transportation
DXB is well-connected to the city and surrounding areas through various transportation methods.
Metro: The Dubai Metro's Red Line directly connects to Terminals 1 and 3, offering a quick and cost-effective route to downtown Dubai for approximately AED 8.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available 24/7 at each terminal, with a standard fare to central Dubai ranging from AED 50 to AED 70.
Ride-sharing: Services like Uber and Careem provide an alternative, with fares generally starting from AED 35, depending on the destination and time of day.
To see other transfer options, have a look at the following link where you find information about trips from the airport to popular parts of Dubai.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
