Flights to Dubai: Compare Airlines, Prices & Direct Routes

Dubai International Airport provides a range of facilities for travellers:

• Terminals: Modern terminals with standard amenities.
  
  
• Shopping and Dining: Duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, and local cuisine options.
  
  
• Lounges: Business and premium lounges available.
  
  
• Services: Currency exchange, ATMs, luggage storage, and Wi-Fi.

Dubai International Airport is connected to the city:

• Transport: Metro to centre (AED 5-15), Taxis (AED 60-100). Travel time: 20-30 minutes to Downtown/Marina.
  
  
• Ride-hailing: Uber/local apps available where permitted.
  
  
• Car Hire: Rental companies available at the airport.

To ensure a smooth journey:

• Arrive Early: Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights.
  
  
• Currency: UAE Dirham (AED) is the local currency.
  
  
• Time Zone: Dubai is 4 hours ahead of UK.
  
  
• Best Time to Visit: November to March.

Dubai International Airport has three main terminals, and knowing which one you're using in advance can save you significant time on arrival. Terminal 1 serves most international carriers, including Qatar Airways, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, Royal Jordanian, SriLankan, Lufthansa, KLM, EgyptAir, Gulf Air, Oman Air, and Saudia. It's connected to Terminal 3 via a free airside shuttle and is accessible by metro at the Terminal 1 station on the Red Line. Terminal 2 is a smaller terminal primarily serving Flydubai and some charter airlines. It's not connected to Terminals 1 or 3 airside, so if you're transiting between Terminal 2 and either of the other terminals, it's worth checking the process in advance. Terminal 3 is the largest of the three and is dedicated entirely to Emirates, spanning Concourses A, B, and C. Like Terminal 1, it's connected via the free airside shuttle and has its own metro station on the Red Line.

Dubai International Airport offers several transport options to get you into the city centre. The most affordable option is the Dubai Metro (Red Line), which costs between AED 5 and 12 (approximately £1–£3) and takes around 20 to 35 minutes. It runs from Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, operating from 5am until midnight, and until 1am on Fridays — you'll need to pick up a Nol card at the station before boarding.

If you prefer a door-to-door option, official metered taxis are available just outside arrivals and typically cost between AED 60 and 100 (around £13–£22), with the journey taking 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Do note that an airport surcharge applies. For a similar price, Uber and Careem are also available, with fares ranging from AED 50 to 90 (roughly £11–£20). Careem is the dominant ride-hailing app in Dubai, though Uber operates there too — simply head to the designated pick-up zone to meet your driver.

For larger groups or late-night arrivals, a pre-booked transfer is the most convenient choice, starting from AED 120 (approximately £26) and taking between 20 and 45 minutes. This can be arranged through Crystal Travel at the time of booking.

A second airport — Al Maktoum International (DWC), also called Dubai World Central — operates around 40km south of the city in the Jebel Ali area. Currently used primarily by low-cost and cargo carriers. It is significantly further from central Dubai (45–60 minute drive). Always check which airport your flight departs from, especially on connecting or budget itineraries.

• Over 160 duty-free shops across all terminals — one of the world's largest airport duty-free operations
  
  
• 60+ restaurants and cafes including international chains and local Arabic cuisine
  
  
• Premium lounges: Emirates First Class Lounge (T3), Business Class Lounge (T3), and numerous pay-per-use lounges via LoungeKey/Priority Pass
  
  
• Transit hotel inside T1 (Dubai International Hotel) for layovers of 5+ hours
  
  
• Free Wi-Fi throughout all terminals — connect to 'DXB Free WiFi'
  
  
• Currency exchange and ATMs available before and after passport control
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• Left luggage storage near arrivals in T1 and T3

One-stop flights to Dubai typically take 10-14 hours total:

• Via Istanbul: 2-4 hour layovers typical.
  
  
• Via Doha: Similar timings with good connections.

Istanbul offers convenient connections for Dubai. Minimum connection times are typically 60-90 minutes for international transfers.

Dubai operates on GST (GMT+4), which is 4 hours ahead of UK.