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16.9 km • ~18 mins

How to Get from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Dubai Mall

Dubai International Airport (DXB) lies about 17 km north-east of Dubai Mall. Depending on traffic and mode, the journey takes roughly 18 minutes by car or 40–45 minutes by Metro plus the final walkway.

✓ Verified Oct 29, 2026 • 16.9 km road distance

Private Airport Transfer

Door-to-Door
20 mins •On Request (24/7)
€38 - €45 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Large Bags Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit arrivals and follow 'Pre-booked Transfers' signs or the meeting point in your booking app.
  2. Confirm the vehicle, driver and fixed price before loading bags.
  3. Driver takes Sheikh Zayed Road / Financial Centre Road directly to Dubai Mall.
  4. Ask to be dropped at Fashion Parking or the main entrance closest to your destination.
  5. Pay by card or sign in the app; no cash needed.
Kiwitaxi
✓ Fixed Price • Meet & Greet at Exit
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Official Airport Taxi (RTA)

Metered
20 mins •24/7 at Arrivals Ranks
€14.50 - €19.50 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signed 'Taxis' to the official RTA rank at Arrivals (T1, T2 or T3).
  2. Ignore touts and only use the official queue.
  3. Confirm with the driver that the meter is running and card machine works if needed.
  4. Give the destination as 'Dubai Mall, Fashion Parking entrance'.
  5. Pay by cash, card or Nol; ask for a receipt, and note Salik tolls are added to the meter.

Dubai Metro Red Line

Cheapest
40 mins •Every Few Minutes (Check rta.ae)
€1.80 / Person (Silver Nol)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free (Size Limits)
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From Terminal 1 or 3, follow 'Metro' signs to Airport T1 or Airport T3 station. From Terminal 2, take an official taxi or bus to Airport Free Zone Green Line station and change at Union to the Red line.
  2. Buy a Silver Nol card or Red ticket at ticket office or vending machine; top up at least 15 AED for one trip.
  3. Take a Red line train towards Life Pharmacy or Expo 2020.
  4. Exit at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station (current name, not the old Dubai Mall name).
  5. Follow the long air-conditioned walkway about 10 minutes to The Dubai Mall.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Only use the official RTA taxi rank at Arrivals; ignore touts offering 'cheap' rides in the terminal. Official taxis are metered, while touts often overcharge.
  • Before the taxi moves, confirm the meter is running and ask about Salik tolls, which are added to the fare. If a driver insists on a fixed price instead of the meter, change taxis.
  • At Metro stations, don't accept help from people offering to buy Nol cards or tickets for a fee. Use official ticket offices or vending machines only.
  • If someone says the Metro is closed at night and offers a private car, check the official Metro hours on rta.ae. The Metro has limited hours, but taxis and private transfers run 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to get from DXB to Dubai Mall?

The Dubai Metro Red line is the cheapest: about €1.80 per person with a Silver Nol card, plus a small card fee or top-up. From Airport T1 or T3, take the train towards Life Pharmacy or Expo 2020 and get off at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall.

How long does the Metro take from DXB to Dubai Mall?

The Red line ride is about 25–30 minutes from Airport T1 to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station. Add time for walking to the station and the roughly 10-minute air-conditioned walkway to the mall, so allow 40–45 minutes.

Can I take the Metro from Terminal 2?

No, Terminal 2 has no Metro station. Take an official taxi or local bus to the nearest Metro station (Airport Free Zone on the Green line) and change at Union to the Red line, or just take a taxi all the way to Dubai Mall.

How much is a taxi from DXB to Dubai Mall?

An official RTA taxi should cost roughly €14.50–€19.50, including the airport start fare and distance. Salik tolls and waiting time can raise this, so always use the rank and confirm the meter.

Is the Metro safe with luggage?

Metro allows only two pieces per passenger: one large (max 81 × 58 × 30 cm) and one small (max 55 × 38 × 20 cm). With more or larger bags, take a taxi or private transfer.

What is the best option for a family with kids and luggage?

A private transfer or official taxi is far easier: door-to-door, no luggage size limits and no station walks. With small bags, the Metro is cheap but involves a long walkway at the end.

Nearby places

More transfers from Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Burj Khalifa · 17.5 km Business Bay · 20.1 km Dubai World Trade Centre · 13 km Bur Dubai (Al Fahidi) · 11.4 km Al Seef (Dubai Creek) · 11.7 km Gold Souk (Deira) · 10.8 km Deira · 7.9 km Dubai Marina · 35.3 km

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