How to Get from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)

The 58.4 km drive from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) heads southwest towards Jebel Ali and takes about 59 minutes in light traffic. Public transport via Metro to Ibn Battuta or Expo 2020 plus a final bus or taxi takes around 110 minutes, while a private door-to-door transfer is the fastest fixed-price option.

✓ Verified Oct 29, 2026 • 58.4 km road distance

Private Airport Transfer to DWC

Fastest Door-to-Door

59 mins •On Request / 24/7

€60 - €75 (Per Vehicle)

Luggage: 2 Suitcases + Hand Luggage Included

How to take it step-by-step:

After baggage claim, follow signs to the arrivals hall and look for your pre-booked driver holding a name sign or app instructions.
Confirm the fixed price and vehicle details before leaving the terminal.
Board the vehicle outside the terminal; the driver will take Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road / Emirates Road southwest towards Jebel Ali.
Stay in the car until the driver stops at the Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) passenger terminal.

Kiwitaxi

✓ Fixed Price • Meet & Greet at Exit

Book Fixed-Price Transfer

Official Dubai Taxi

Metered Taxi

59 mins •24/7 from Official Ranks

€40 - €55 (Per Vehicle)

Luggage: Fits Standard Luggage; Larger Van Taxis Available

How to take it step-by-step:

After baggage claim, follow the 'Taxi' signs to the official Dubai Taxi rank outside your terminal.
Join the queue and take the first available metered RTA taxi (pink-roof ladies' taxis also available).
Ask the driver to switch on the meter and confirm card payment if needed; the fare starts at about 25 AED.
Ride southwest towards Jebel Ali; Salik tolls and waiting time are added to the meter automatically.
Pay by cash or card at the Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) passenger terminal.

Metro to Ibn Battuta or Expo 2020 + Bus/Taxi

Cheapest Public Route

110 mins •Every Few Minutes (Check rta.ae)

€3.70 / Person (Metro + Bus)

Luggage: Strict: 2 Pieces (1 Large + 1 Small) Max

How to take it step-by-step:

Exit the arrivals hall and follow signs to Metro station Airport T1 or Airport T3. If you arrive at Terminal 2, take a taxi or bus to a Metro station first.
Buy a Silver Nol card (25 AED incl. 19 AED credit) and top up at least 15 AED before entering.
Board a Red line train towards Life Pharmacy or Expo 2020 (south-west).
Get off at Ibn Battuta (Life Pharmacy branch) or Expo 2020 (Expo 2020 branch), then transfer to an RTA bus or take a taxi for the final leg to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
Walk to the DWC passenger terminal from the bus stop or taxi drop-off.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

Touts inside arrivals may offer unofficial taxis - ignore them and use the official Dubai Taxi rank only.
Make sure the meter is running from the rank; airport taxi start is about 25 AED, and Salik tolls are added to the final fare.
Metro luggage rules are strict: maximum two pieces per person, one large (81x58x30cm) and one small. Extra or oversized bags are refused.
RTA buses do not accept cash; buy a Nol card before boarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a direct train or bus from DXB to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)?

No. There is no direct public rail or dedicated airport-to-airport bus. The practical public route is the Metro Red line to Ibn Battuta or Expo 2020, then an RTA bus or taxi for the final leg.

What is the cheapest way from Dubai International Airport to DWC?

The cheapest way is the Metro plus RTA bus, about €3.70 per person using a Silver Nol card. A taxi for the last leg will cost more.

How long does it take from DXB to DWC?

By private transfer or taxi it takes about 59 minutes in light traffic. Public transport via Metro, bus or taxi takes around 110 minutes including transfers.

Can I pay by card for taxis and public transport from DXB?

Most Dubai Taxis accept card payment, but confirm before the ride. Metro and RTA buses require a Nol card; buses do not accept cash.

What is the best option for a family with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer or a larger taxi is best because the Metro has a strict two-piece luggage limit and no space for extra suitcases.

What if I arrive late at night?

The Metro runs until around midnight (Fri until 1am, Sun from 8am). After that use an official taxi or pre-booked private transfer.

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