Al Maktoum International Airport, known by its code DWC, is Dubai's second airport. It's newer and much quieter than Dubai International (DXB), and it's a long way from the places most visitors stay. It sits in Dubai South, close to Jebel Ali, about 50 km by road from Downtown Dubai, and it has no metro station. If you've booked a flight into DWC, getting to your hotel takes a little more planning than at DXB. This guide compares every option, from taxis and buses to the metro and private transfers, with real costs and travel times, so you know exactly what to do when you land.
Quick answer: The easiest way from Al Maktoum Airport (DWC) to Dubai is a pre-booked private transfer: from AED 210 per car with DUBEX TOURS, with a driver waiting in arrivals. A metered taxi costs about AED 100 to 210 depending on where you're going, and takes 35 to 70 minutes. The cheapest option is the F55 bus to Expo City metro station (about AED 5 to 7.50 with a Nol card), then the Red Line metro, but allow 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the city.
- Distance to DowntownAbout 50 km by road
- TaxiAbout AED 100–210
- Private transferFrom AED 210 per car
- Bus + metroUnder AED 20, 1.5–2 hrs
- Drive time35–70 minutes
- Metro at DWCNone: bus link only
Last updated: 11 October 2026. Taxi prices are estimates based on the metered airport fare, and bus details come from RTA route information. Check your flight status with your airline before you travel, as schedules can change at short notice.
DWC or DXB? Check your ticket first
Dubai has two international airports, and mixing them up is one of the most expensive mistakes a traveller can make here. They're about an hour's drive apart.
| Al Maktoum International (DWC) | Dubai International (DXB) | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Dubai South, near Jebel Ali, in the south-west of Dubai | Garhoud, in the north of the city |
| Distance to Downtown | About 50 km by road | About 15 km |
| Metro | No; bus link to the Red Line | Yes, Red Line at Terminals 1 and 3 |
| Airlines | Mostly low-cost, charter and seasonal flights | Emirates, flydubai and most international airlines |
| Feel | Small, quiet, quick to get through | Huge and busy |
Airlines flying into DWC include low-cost and holiday carriers from Europe, Russia, Central Asia and the region, many of them seasonal, so it's often the airport on package holidays and charter flights. Emirates and flydubai passenger flights still use DXB. Dubai Airports expects flydubai to begin a phased move to DWC from around the start of 2027, and Emirates is targeting 2032, as DWC is expanded into what's planned to be the world's largest airport.
Look for the three-letter code on your booking: DWC or DXB. When you book a transfer, make sure it's for the right airport. If you're landing at DXB, our Dubai Airport (DXB) transfer guide covers your options.
What happens when you land at DWC
DWC is much smaller than DXB, so getting from the plane to the kerb is usually quick. This is what to expect:
- Immigration. Follow the signs to passport control. Many nationalities get a visa on arrival or a visa exemption; check the rules for your passport before you fly.
- Baggage claim. With only a few flights at a time, bags usually arrive quickly.
- Customs, SIM cards and cash. Before you leave the arrivals hall, buy a local SIM or eSIM if you need one, and withdraw or exchange some dirhams for small costs.
- Arrivals hall. If you've booked a transfer, your driver will be waiting here with a name board. For a taxi, follow the signs to the taxi rank outside. For the bus, follow the signs to the bus stop at arrivals.
- On the road. Most routes into the city use Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) or the Emirates Road (E311).
Travelling in a big group?
For groups of 7 or more, such as a wedding party, a sports team or a corporate group, book vans or minibuses in advance. There are rarely enough large taxis at DWC to move a big group at once, and splitting into several taxis costs more and means everyone arrives at different times. Tell us your group size and luggage, and we'll quote the right vehicle.
All options compared
| Option | Cost | Time to Downtown | Luggage | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | From AED 210 per car | 45–55 min | Easy: driver helps | Families, groups, late arrivals, first-time visitors |
| Taxi | About AED 140–170 to Downtown | 45–55 min | Easy | One or two travellers going to Dubai Marina or the south |
| Careem or Uber | Similar to a taxi, varies with demand | 45–55 min, plus waiting | Easy | App users who don't mind waiting |
| Bus + metro | Under AED 20 | 1.5–2 hours | Hard with big bags | Solo travellers with light luggage on a tight budget |
Taxi from DWC
Licensed Dubai taxis wait at the rank outside the arrivals hall. They're metered, so you don't need to agree a price. Airport taxis in Dubai start at a higher fare than street taxis, AED 25 to start, then charge by the kilometre. Salik toll charges are added to the fare if your route passes through a toll gate.
Because DWC is so far from the city, the meter adds up. These are typical fares:
| From DWC to | Approx. taxi fare | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Marina and JBR | AED 100–130 | 35–45 min |
| Palm Jumeirah | AED 120–150 | 40–50 min |
| Downtown and Business Bay | AED 140–170 | 45–55 min |
| Deira and Bur Dubai | AED 170–210 | 55–70 min |
Fares are estimates. The final price depends on the route, traffic, tolls and the time of day. Most Dubai taxis accept cards, but it's worth carrying some cash.
For one or two people going to Dubai Marina, a taxi is usually the cheapest door-to-door option. The catch at DWC is supply. DWC is a much smaller airport than DXB, and when several flights land together, or late at night, the taxi queue can be slow. A taxi also can't guarantee a large enough car for a family with lots of luggage.
Bus and metro: the cheapest way
DWC doesn't have its own metro station, but a bus links it to the Red Line.
- Bus F55 runs between DWC and Expo City metro station on the Red Line. It runs roughly every 30 minutes at busy times and every hour at quieter times, and the ride takes about 35 to 45 minutes.
- Bus N55 is a night service linking DWC with the Ibn Battuta Mall area, where you can connect to the metro and other buses.
- Fare: about AED 5 to 7.50 for the bus, plus your metro fare. The whole trip to the city usually costs under AED 20.
- Payment: buses and the metro take Nol cards only, not cash. Make sure you have a Nol card before you go to the bus stop; ask at the airport information desk if you need help.
From Expo City, the Red Line takes you towards Dubai Marina, Mall of the Emirates, Downtown (Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station) and beyond. Depending on the train, you may need to change at Jabal Ali station; follow the signs. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours door to door to Downtown, and more to Deira.
Is it worth it? If you're travelling alone with a backpack in the daytime, yes, it saves you more than AED 100. With big suitcases, children or a late-night arrival, the savings aren't worth the hassle. Check the latest RTA timetable before you fly, as bus times can change, particularly during Ramadan and public holidays.
Careem and Uber
Ride-hailing apps such as Careem and Uber work in Dubai, and you can request a ride from DWC. Prices are usually similar to a taxi and go up at busy times. The main drawback is waiting time: fewer drivers are near DWC than near DXB, so it can take a while for a car to reach you. Book through the app once you've collected your bags, and check the pickup point it shows you.
Private transfer: the easiest option
With a pre-booked transfer, your driver is waiting for you before you've even collected your bags. With DUBEX TOURS:
- Meet and greet: your driver waits inside the arrivals hall with a name board, helps with your luggage and walks you to the car.
- Flight tracking: we follow your flight from departure, so if you land late your driver will still be there.
- 60 minutes of free waiting from landing, to cover immigration and baggage.
- Fixed price, agreed in advance: no meter and no surge pricing. Fuel, tolls and parking are included.
- The right car: a standard car takes up to 3 passengers with luggage, and there are vans for up to 6 and minibuses for larger groups.
- Child seats are free on request, for up to two children.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup.
Al Maktoum Airport (DWC) private transfer, from AED 210 per car
Book your transfer
Which option should you choose?
Bus + metro
The cheapest option by far, if you're arriving in the daytime and have time.
Taxi
Good value to Dubai Marina, JBR and the south of the city. Expect a wait when several flights land together.
Private transfer
A car big enough for everyone and your luggage, child seats, and a driver waiting when you arrive.
Private transfer
Taxis and buses are thinner late at night. A booked driver means no waiting at 2am.
Travel times by area
These are typical driving times from DWC in normal traffic. Weekday rush hour (5pm to 8pm) and Friday evenings can add 20 minutes or more.
| Destination | Drive time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Marina and JBR | 35–45 min | The closest major hotel area to DWC |
| Palm Jumeirah | 40–50 min | Allow extra time for Atlantis and the hotels at the far end of the Palm |
| Downtown and Business Bay | 45–55 min | Busy at rush hour on Sheikh Zayed Road |
| Deira and Bur Dubai | 55–70 min | The furthest part of the city from DWC |
| Dubai International Airport (DXB) | About 1 hour or more | No airside connection between the airports |
| Sharjah | About 1–1.5 hours | Heavy traffic at rush hour on the Dubai–Sharjah roads |
| Abu Dhabi | About 1–1.5 hours | Depends on whether you're going to Yas Island or the city centre |
Staying in the Marina? Our guide to the top attractions in Dubai Marina will help you plan your first evening.
Abu Dhabi and other emirates
DWC is the Dubai airport closest to Abu Dhabi, which makes it a good choice if you're heading straight to Yas Island, Saadiyat or the Abu Dhabi Corniche. A Dubai taxi will go to Abu Dhabi, but the metered fare is high over that distance, so a fixed-price private transfer usually makes more sense. Ask us for a quote.
For Sharjah, Ajman or Ras Al Khaimah, DWC is the furthest airport, so expect a long drive of 1.5 to 2 hours or more to the northern emirates. A pre-booked transfer is much more comfortable than changing between buses. If you're planning day trips once you've arrived, a hire a car and driver covers fuel, tolls and parking, and our Dubai to Abu Dhabi day trip guide compares the car, the new train and the bus.
Flying out of DWC
- Leave early. For an international flight, aim to be at the airport 3 hours before departure. From Downtown, that means leaving about 4 hours before your flight, to allow for traffic.
- Double-check the airport. Every year, travellers go to DXB for a DWC flight. You won't make it across the city in time if you go to the wrong one.
- Book your ride the day before. A street taxi or ride app to DWC is easy to get from most of the city, but early-morning flights are less stressful with a booked car.
- Don't rely on a tight connection between DWC and DXB. There's no airside link, so you'd need to clear immigration, collect your bags and drive about an hour. Leave plenty of time if your trip includes both airports.
- Facilities are smaller. The terminal has check-in, dining, duty-free, currency exchange, prayer rooms and free Wi-Fi, but far fewer shops and restaurants than DXB.
If you're travelling alone to Dubai Marina in the daytime, take a taxi. For everyone else, families, groups, late-night arrivals and first-time visitors, a pre-booked transfer is worth the small difference in price, because at DWC the problem isn't the cost but the waiting.
Book your DWC airport transfer
Your driver waits in arrivals with a name board, your flight is tracked, and 60 minutes of waiting are free. You pay a fixed price with tolls and fuel included, from AED 210 per car, and you can cancel free up to 24 hours before pickup.
Al Maktoum Airport (DWC) FAQs
How far is Al Maktoum Airport from Dubai city?
About 35 km by road to Dubai Marina and about 50 km to Downtown Dubai. The drive takes 35 to 55 minutes in normal traffic, and up to 70 minutes to Deira.
How much is a taxi from DWC to Dubai?
Roughly AED 100 to 130 to Dubai Marina, AED 140 to 170 to Downtown, and AED 170 to 210 to Deira or Bur Dubai. Airport taxis start at AED 25, and tolls are added if your route passes a Salik gate.
Is there a metro at Al Maktoum Airport?
No. Take the F55 bus to Expo City metro station on the Red Line, then continue by metro. Pay with a Nol card; cash isn't accepted.
What is the cheapest way from DWC to Dubai?
The F55 bus and the metro. The whole trip usually costs under AED 20, but it takes 1.5 to 2 hours to Downtown and isn't easy with big suitcases.
Is DWC the same as Dubai International Airport?
No. DWC is Al Maktoum International in Dubai South. DXB is Dubai International in Garhoud. They're about an hour's drive apart, so check the code on your ticket and book your transfer for the right airport.
Which airlines fly to Al Maktoum Airport?
Mostly low-cost, charter and seasonal airlines, including several from Europe and Russia. Emirates and flydubai passenger flights currently use DXB, though flydubai is expected to start moving to DWC from around 2027.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
With a DUBEX TOURS transfer, we track your flight, so your driver adjusts to your actual landing time, and you get 60 minutes of free waiting from landing.
Is a private transfer price per person or per car?
Per car. Our DWC transfer costs from AED 210 per car for up to 3 passengers with luggage, with vans and minibuses for larger groups.
How early should I get to DWC for my flight?
Arrive 3 hours before an international flight. Allow 45 to 70 minutes to drive there from the city, plus extra time at rush hour.
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