How to Get from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Bur Dubai (Al Fahidi)

Dubai International Airport (DXB) lies 11.4 km north-east of Bur Dubai (Al Fahidi). Depending on how you travel, the journey takes roughly 15 minutes by car or about 40–50 minutes by Metro and bus.

✓ Verified Oct 29, 2026 • 11.4 km road distance

Private Airport Transfer

Recommended

14 mins •On Request (24/7)

€11 - €15 (Per Vehicle)

Luggage: Confirm When Booking

How to take it step-by-step:

After baggage claim, follow signs to the Arrivals Hall at your terminal (T1, T2 or T3).
Look for a driver holding a name board at the pre-booked transfer desk or outside Arrivals.
Provide your booking name and confirm the destination Bur Dubai (Al Fahidi) before boarding.
The driver uses the most direct route (approx 11.4 km) and drops you at your hotel or address in Al Fahidi.

Kiwitaxi

✓ Fixed Price • Meet & Greet at Exit

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Official RTA Taxi

Metered

14 mins •24/7 at All Terminals

€11 - €15 (Per Vehicle)

Luggage: 2 Large Bags OK

How to take it step-by-step:

Follow the 'Taxi' signs to the official RTA taxi rank outside Arrivals at your terminal.
Queue at the official rank; only use the metered Dubai Taxi, which are beige/cream with a coloured roof.
Confirm the meter is running (starting fare about 25 AED) before you set off.
Ask to go to Bur Dubai (Al Fahidi) and keep an eye on the meter; card payment is widely accepted.

Dubai Metro Red + Green Line

Cheapest

40 mins •Every Few Minutes

€1.20 - €1.80 / Person + Nol Card

Luggage: 2 Pieces (Max 81×58×30 cm)

How to take it step-by-step:

Follow the Metro signs to Airport T1 or Airport T3 station (for Terminal 2, take a short taxi/bus to Airport Free Zone Green line).
Buy a Silver Nol card at the ticket office or vending machine (25 AED, includes 19 AED credit; top up only if needed, office minimum top-up 50 AED).
Take the Red line towards Life Pharmacy or Expo 2020 and get off at BurJuman.
At BurJuman, change to the Green line towards Creek and ride to Sharaf DG (Al Fahidi) station.
Exit and walk about 10–15 minutes into the Al Fahidi Historical District / Bur Dubai area.

RTA Public Bus (Plan via S'hail)

Low Cost

50 mins •See S'hail App

€1.20 - €1.80 / Person + Nol Card

Luggage: Limited Luggage Space

How to take it step-by-step:

Follow the 'Bus' signs to the RTA bus stands at Arrivals at your terminal (T1, T2 and T3 all have stands).
Buy or top up a Silver Nol card before boarding; buses do not accept cash.
Use the S'hail app or rta.ae to plan the current route to Al Ghubaiba or Sharaf DG (Al Fahidi) Green line station.
Board the bus and get off at the station or stop closest to Bur Dubai (Al Fahidi); routes may have changed in 2026.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

Only use the official RTA taxi rank at Arrivals; ignore touts offering 'cheap taxi' or 'limousine' inside the terminal.
Make sure the meter starts at the airport tariff (about 25 AED); some drivers may 'forget' to switch it on.
Salik road tolls (4–6 AED per gate) are added to the meter automatically; don't pay extra cash on top of the final meter.
Buy the Silver Nol card at official machines or ticket offices; do not buy pre-loaded cards from people outside the station.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to get from DXB to Bur Dubai (Al Fahidi)?

The Dubai Metro is cheapest. Take the Red line from Airport T1 or T3 to BurJuman, change to the Green line and get off at Sharaf DG (Al Fahidi). A Silver Nol fare costs about €1.20–€1.80 plus the Nol card purchase.

How long does it take from DXB to Bur Dubai (Al Fahidi)?

By taxi or private car it takes about 14 minutes in light traffic. By Metro the journey takes around 40–50 minutes including the transfer at BurJuman and the walk to Al Fahidi.

Can I take the Metro with large suitcases?

The Metro allows a maximum of two pieces per passenger: one large (max 81×58×30 cm) and one small (max 55×38×20 cm). If you have more or larger luggage, take a taxi or private transfer instead.

Do taxis take card payments at DXB?

Yes, card payment is widely accepted in RTA taxis, but confirm with the driver before you start. The meter starts at about 25 AED from the airport and Salik tolls are added automatically.

Is there a direct bus from Dubai Airport to Bur Dubai (Al Fahidi)?

No direct airport bus route could be verified for 2026. RTA buses run from all terminals and can be planned in the S'hail app, but the Metro is usually the most predictable public option.

What is the best option for families with luggage?

A private transfer or official taxi is best because both go door-to-door and can carry all your bags. Pre-book a private transfer to avoid waiting in the taxi queue after a long flight.

Nearby places

More transfers from Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Al Seef (Dubai Creek) · 11.7 km Gold Souk (Deira) · 10.8 km Deira · 7.9 km Dubai Cruise Terminal (Mina Rashid) · 15.8 km Dubai World Trade Centre · 13 km Dubai Mall · 16.9 km Burj Khalifa · 17.5 km Business Bay · 20.1 km Burj Al Arab · 29.7 km Mall of the Emirates · 29.1 km