ComeToGuide
13 km • ~15 mins

How to Get from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Dubai World Trade Centre

Dubai World Trade Centre is 13 km south-west of Dubai International Airport (DXB), on Sheikh Zayed Road. Door-to-door options take about 15 minutes without traffic, while the Dubai Metro Red Line reaches the adjacent World Trade Centre station in about 25 minutes.

✓ Verified Oct 29, 2026 • 13 km road distance

Dubai Taxi from Official Rank

Official Metered Taxi
15 mins •Available 24/7 at all terminals
€13.50–€17.00 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 medium suitcases plus hand luggage
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to the official Dubai Taxi rank outside Arrivals at your terminal (T1, T2 or T3).
  2. Join the official queue; all taxis are metered, card payment widely accepted (confirm before the ride).
  3. Give the driver "Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road".
  4. The ride takes about 15 minutes without heavy traffic; the meter will show roughly 55–70 AED including any Salik tolls.

Dubai Metro Red Line

Cheapest Public Option
25 mins •Every few minutes (check rta.ae for hours)
€1.20–€1.85 / Person (Nol Silver)
Luggage: 2 pieces: one large (81x58x30 cm) + one small
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From Terminal 1 use Airport T1 station; from Terminal 3 use Airport T3 station. Terminal 2 has no metro, take taxi/bus to Airport Free Zone (Green line) then transfer.
  2. Buy a Silver Nol card or Red ticket at the ticket office or vending machine (card 25 AED including 19 AED credit; minimum top-up at offices 50 AED).
  3. Board a Red line train towards Life Pharmacy or Expo 2020 (south-west, towards the city).
  4. Ride about 9 stops (from T3) or 8 stops (from T1) to World Trade Centre station.
  5. Exit and follow signs to Dubai World Trade Centre, about a 2-minute walk to the main entrance.

RTA Bus (plan via S'hail)

Local Bus Service
40 mins •See timetable on S'hail / rta.ae
€1.20–€1.85 / Person (Nol)
Luggage: Limited space
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to the RTA bus stands at Arrivals (Terminals 1, 2 or 3).
  2. Buy or top up a Nol card at the station/metro ticket office or vending machine (buses do not accept cash).
  3. Open the S'hail app or rta.ae and search for a route from DXB to World Trade Centre; board the suggested bus.
  4. Get off at the stop closest to Dubai World Trade Centre and walk about 5 minutes to the exhibition halls.

Dubai International Airport Deals

Compare all terminal car rental desks with free 48h cancellation.

Compare Terminal Car Prices
Landing in United Arab Emirates?
Skip expensive airport SIM kiosks. Activate a 5G eSIM on your phone in 2 minutes before takeoff.
Get United Arab Emirates eSIM

Tours & activities: Dubai World Trade Centre

See all tours & tickets
Was your flight delayed or cancelled?
In some cases passengers are entitled to compensation. AirHelp checks your flight for free and only charges a fee if they win your claim.
Check my rights for free

⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Only use the official taxi rank; ignore touts inside the terminal offering "cheap taxi" or "VIP" rides.
  • Ensure the meter is switched on at the start of the taxi ride; the airport starting fare is 25 AED and Salik tolls are added automatically.
  • Buses and metro require a Nol card; cash is not accepted on public transport, so buy your card before boarding.
  • If you have more than two pieces of luggage or oversized suitcases, do not attempt the metro; use a taxi or private transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way from DXB to Dubai World Trade Centre?

The cheapest option is the Dubai Metro Red Line to World Trade Centre station, costing about €1.20 with a Nol Silver card. The ride takes about 25 minutes from the airport terminals.

How long does it take to get from DXB to Dubai World Trade Centre?

By taxi or private transfer, the drive is about 15 minutes without heavy traffic. The Metro takes about 25 minutes including walking and waiting.

Can I take the Metro from Terminal 2 to Dubai World Trade Centre?

Terminal 2 has no Metro station. You would need to take a taxi or RTA bus to the nearest Green line station (Airport Free Zone) and then transfer to the Red line at Union or BurJuman.

How much luggage can I bring on the Dubai Metro?

You may bring a maximum of two pieces of luggage per passenger: one large piece (max 81 × 58 × 30 cm) and one small piece (max 55 × 38 × 20 cm). Larger luggage is not allowed.

Do Dubai taxis accept card payment?

Yes, card payment is widely accepted in official Dubai Taxi vehicles, but confirm with the driver before starting the ride. All taxis are metered and the airport starting fare is 25 AED.

Is a private transfer better than a taxi for families with luggage?

A private transfer is often better for families or travellers with multiple large suitcases because you can pre-book a vehicle sized for your group and luggage. It costs more than a metered taxi but offers a fixed price and door-to-door service.

Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are indicative and can change.