Step-by-step directions from Dubai International Airport to Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa), with every option compared by time, price and luggage-friendliness. Route the whole trip offline with CityNav.
Open CityNav Free → See Dubai transit coverage| Option | Duration | Price | Frequency | Luggage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚇 Dubai Metro (Red Line) | ~25-35 min | from AED 5 | Every 4–8 min, 05:00–01:00 (later weekends) | 🧳🧳🧳🧳 4/5 |
| 🚕 Taxi (RTA) | ~15-25 min | from AED 40-60 | On demand, 24h | 🧳🧳🧳🧳🧳 5/5 |
| 📱 Careem / Uber | ~15-25 min | from AED 45-70 | On demand, 24h | 🧳🧳🧳🧳🧳 5/5 |
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From AED 5 by Metro, AED 40-60 by taxi, or AED 45-70 by Careem/Uber.
About 25-35 min by Metro; 15-25 min by taxi.
The Dubai Metro Red Line, from AED 5 with a Nol card.
A taxi or Careem door-to-door; the Metro is step-free too.
Metro runs to ~01:00 (later weekends); otherwise an RTA taxi or Careem/Uber.
Buy a Nol card at the station and tap in and out; cash isn't accepted onboard.
Data last checked: 2026-08-14 · Sources: RTA Dubai. Fares are approximate and can change.