Transfer at Dubai Airport: everything a tourist needs to know

Dubai Airport (DXB) has three passenger terminals and one VIP terminal. Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are connected by a transit area, and you can reach them from the city via the red metro line. Metro stations are located right in front of the terminal entrances and are accessible from the arrival area. Operating hours: 6:00 AM to 10:15 PM daily.

To reach Terminal 2, you need to take a bus, whether coming from the city or transferring between terminals. Shuttles run between all terminals approximately every 10-20 minutes, but don’t rely solely on them.

Dubai Airport is indeed enormous. Even if you don’t need to transfer between terminals, it’s easy to get lost. And if your next flight is from a different terminal, be prepared for:

• The journey between Terminals 1 and 3 can take up to an hour (even though they share a transit area);
• The journey between Terminals 1 and 2 or 3 and 2 can take up to 2 hours (shuttle time is just 20 minutes, with additional time spent waiting, customs control, and checking in for your next flight).

Transferring between terminals might also take longer due to baggage. It’s advisable to check with your airline or at the check-in desk if you can check your baggage through to your final destination (so it will be transferred to the next plane without your involvement). This option is available only if both flights are with the same airline or partner carriers.

It’s also important to remember that when transferring in Dubai, your flight to Dubai should arrive no later than 3 hours before your next flight's departure, as passengers must be at the boarding gate no later than 45 minutes before departure.

Free food at Dubai Airport

If you are flying with Emirates and have a long layover in Dubai (more than four hours) or if your flight is delayed, you are entitled to food vouchers for fast food restaurants in the airport. Although the options are not extravagant—mostly burgers or pizza with a drink—it’s still a nice bonus.

You can obtain a food voucher at the Emirates information desk in Terminal 3 by presenting your boarding passes.

Free strollers at Dubai Airport

Interestingly, there are not many areas for children’s entertainment at Dubai Airport. However, there are special children’s restrooms and free strollers available at dedicated Emirates racks in all terminals.

If you want to let your child take a nap, head to Gates B27-B28. Here, you’ll find comfortable loungers that you can use completely free of charge.

Free showers at Dubai Airport

After a long flight, it’s nice to refresh yourself. Dubai Airport has you covered with free shower facilities. They are located in the restroom near Gate 120 in Terminal 1.

There are also paid shower rooms near Gate 117 in Terminal 1. There are no signs directing to them, so check details and prices at the information desk.

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Now let’s take a closer look at the terminals.

Terminal 1

Also known as Sheikh Rashid Terminal, it is the most popular and spacious. It serves over 120 airlines from around the world (40 passport control counters and 60 gates). Dubai Duty Free shops are located here, as well as numerous restaurants, a business center, a business-class lounge (which is open to everyone), prayer rooms, and even a five-star hotel.

There are also five check-in counters for transit passengers. They are located in the arrival hall and are marked with letters A and B (for Emirates passengers), C and D (for passengers of other airlines), and E (for those arriving in Terminal 2).

Terminal 2

It handles low-cost carriers and charter flights. Here is where the Arabic carrier Flydubai is based, and the airline has opened a two-story business lounge with free Wi-Fi and food. There are also duty-free shops, restaurants, and cafes, but significantly fewer than in other terminals. Comfortable waiting areas are available for first and business class passengers.

Terminal 3

The newest terminal, built in 2008 and fully opened only in 2011. This is where the Emirates airline is based. For passenger convenience, it features waiting areas, two business lounges for Emirates business class passengers, prayer rooms, restaurants, a fitness center, duty-free shops, and five- and four-star hotels.

In Terminal 3, there are three check-in counters for transit passengers, marked with the letters G, H, and J.