Otherwise known as DXB, the Dubai International Airport is regarded as the world’s busiest airport when it comes to international traffic. Established in 1960, the airport started as a small terminal building with a small sand runway. Back in those days, spaces were only provided for aircraft which have passenger capacities up to 32. However, during the 1970s, the airport was refurbished to attract international passengers, which marked the beginning of a new chapter for the airport authorities.
Located in the Al Garhoud district, DXB handles more than 88 million passengers and 400,000 aircraft movements annually. The airport is spread across 7200 acres of land and houses three terminals, namely Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Terminal 1 contains Concourse D, while Terminal 3 contains Concourses A, B and C. Additionally, the cargo terminal has been structured to handle more than 3 million tonnes of cargo every year and you will find a GAT or General Aviation Terminal nearby as well.
Also situated in the southwestern region of the Dubai International Airport is the Dubai City Centre, otherwise known as Downtown Dubai. The place was created by Emaar Real Estate Development Company and is home to some of Dubai’s largest landmarks. Some examples include the Dubai Fountain, Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall. The estimated cost of creating the City Centre is said to be around $20 billion.
If you are planning for an airport transfer from the Dubai International Airport to City Centre, then be sure to explore any of the below-mentioned options.
How to Travel from Dubai Airport to Downtown via Subway
If you are looking to take the subway to reach the City Centre from the Dubai International Airport, be sure to follow the below-mentioned steps:
- Firstly, head over to the Terminal 3 of the DXB Airport. Once you reach there, enter Metro Station 2 and thereby catch a train to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station 2.
- Metro trains are available at every 5-minute interval and the time taken will be around 24 minutes.
- Expect to pay around 1-2 USD and the service will be handled by Dubai RTA (Roads and Transport Authority).
How to Travel from Dubai Airport to Downtown via Bus
If you are reluctant to take the subway and want to take a more traditional transportation approach via bus, then follow the steps mentioned below.
- Start your journey by first going over to the DXB Airport Terminal 3 and then catching a line bus from there to the Dubai Mall.
- Buses are available at every 15-20-minute interval and the distance travelled will be 14.9 km.
- The time taken for the journey will vary based on the road traffic but expect anywhere between 40 minutes to over an hour. Also, the ticket prices are between 2-3 USD. Transportation will be handled by Dubai RTA authorities as well.
How to Travel from Dubai Airport to Downtown via Taxi
To travel from the Dubai International Airport to City Centre within the fastest possible time, then proceed to follow the subsequent steps,
- Hire a taxi from the exit terminal of the DXB Airport and head over to Downtown Dubai.
- The time taken will be around 13 minutes and the distance covered will be around 13.6 km. Also, expect to pay around 40-50 USD.
- Taxi services will either be provided by Dubai Taxi Corporation or by cab aggregators such as Careem or Uber.
If you are visiting Dubai City Centre (or Downtown Dubai) for the first time, then start your trip with the Dubai Fountain. Created across the 24-acre Burj Lake, the Dubai Fountain is a landmark that anyone will appreciate. The water from the artificial fountains can reach up to a height of 450 feet. The structure is further surrounded by 25 projectors and 6,600 WET Superlights, which help in illuminating the fountain at night. Also, the fountains’ shining lights can be seen almost 20 miles away. Your next destination should be Burj Khalifa. Touted as the world’s tallest building, the tower stands 828 metres tall and has 160 stories.
Next up is the Dubai Aquarium as well as the Underwater Zoo. Situated inside the Dubai Mall, the aquarium holds more than 10 million litres of water, so that a substantial part of the ocean life could thrive inside of it. Above the aquarium is the Underwater Zoo, which houses a plethora of sea animals – from piranhas to penguins. There is also a King Croc at the Underwater Zoo, measuring around 5 metres and weighing around 750 kg. Lastly, round up your trip with a visit to the Calabar Lounge, which is a premium lounge bar created for the elite and stylish Dubai residents.
