How to Get from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Burj Khalifa

The 17.5 km route from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Burj Khalifa heads south-west through central Dubai, usually 19 minutes by road without heavy traffic. Depending on mode, total journey time ranges from about 19 minutes by taxi or private transfer to 40 minutes by Metro including the station walkway.

✓ Verified Oct 29, 2026 • 17.5 km road distance

Private Arrival Transfer

Door-to-Door

20 mins •Pre-booked; driver meets you on arrival

€37 - €55 (Per Vehicle)

Luggage: 2 Bags Free (Extra on Request)

How to take it step-by-step:

After baggage claim, follow signs to the Arrivals Hall and exit through customs.
Look for your driver holding a sign with your name at the pre-arranged meeting point shown on your voucher.
Confirm the destination is Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall, then board the private vehicle.
Ride direct to the Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall entrance; luggage is loaded for you.

Kiwitaxi

✓ Fixed Price • Meet & Greet at Exit

Book Fixed-Price Transfer

Official Dubai Taxi (RTA)

24/7 Official Rank

19 mins •On demand at all terminal ranks 24/7

€15 - €19 (Per Vehicle)

Luggage: 2-3 Bags Fit; Larger Van Available

How to take it step-by-step:

Follow the yellow Taxi signs to the official RTA taxi rank outside the Arrivals Hall.
Join the queue and take a metered Dubai Taxi; ignore anyone approaching you inside.
Ask the driver to start the meter at 25 AED and tell them Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai.
Pay by card or cash at the drop-off; Salik tolls and traffic wait time are added to the meter.

Dubai Metro Red Line

Cheapest

40 mins •Every few minutes (check rta.ae)

€1.80 / Person (Nol Fare, plus €6.00 Card)

Luggage: 2 Pieces Free (Max 81x58x30cm)

How to take it step-by-step:

From Terminal 1 or 3 follow Metro signs to Airport T1 or Airport T3 station; Terminal 2 has no Metro, take a taxi or bus to a station.
Buy a Silver Nol card (25 AED) or Red ticket and load at least the 7.50 AED Silver fare.
Board Red line trains towards Life Pharmacy or Expo 2020.
Get off at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station.
Follow the air-conditioned walkway about 10 minutes to Dubai Mall / Burj Khalifa.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

Only use official RTA taxi ranks or app bookings; refuse touts inside the arrivals hall offering fixed-price rides.
Insist the taxi meter starts at the 25 AED airport fare; if the driver does not use the meter, choose another taxi.
Salik road tolls are added to taxi fares, so the final meter may be slightly higher than the base distance estimate.
Buses do not accept cash and Nol cards are not valid on Etihad Rail; buy or top up a Nol card at station machines before boarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way from DXB to Burj Khalifa?

The Dubai Metro Red Line is cheapest: a Silver Nol fare of 7.50 AED (about €1.80) from Airport T1 or T3 to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, then a 10-minute air-conditioned walkway.

How long is a taxi from DXB to Burj Khalifa?

About 19 minutes without heavy traffic for the 17.5 km route. The metered fare is roughly €15-19 per vehicle, depending on the monthly per-km rate, Salik tolls and waiting time.

Can I take the Metro with large luggage?

No, the Metro allows only two pieces per passenger: one large bag max 81 x 58 x 30 cm and one small bag max 55 x 38 x 20 cm. Travellers with bigger or more bags should take a taxi or private transfer.

Are taxis available at night from DXB?

Yes, official RTA taxi ranks at all terminals operate 24/7. Metro hours vary: Mon-Thu and Sat 05:00-00:00, Fri until 01:00, and Sun from 08:00.

Which option is best for families with children?

A private transfer or official taxi is usually best for families, giving door-to-door service with luggage space. The Metro is cheaper but involves a 10-minute walkway and strict luggage limits.

Do I need cash for taxi or Metro?

RTA taxis usually accept card payment, but confirm with the driver before starting. Metro and buses require a Nol card; buses do not accept cash.

Nearby places

More transfers from Dubai International Airport (DXB)

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