Essential Travel Tips For Arriving in Dubai
Dubai International Airport is one of the most modern and busiest air transport hubs in the region. It’s approximately 4km west of the city centre, making it easily accessible for travellers arriving in the Emirates, or flying out. Three terminals have the capacity to welcome over 80million travellers every year, and Terminal 3 is the largest air terminal in the world. Over 7,000 weekly flights operated by 140 airlines fly to over 250 destinations around the world. The only continent that flights from Dubai don’t go to is Antarctica!
With so many people arriving at the airport, moving them to where they want to go quickly and efficiently is a top priority. That means the ground transport facilities are incredibly efficient, modern, and easy to navigate, with a choice of car hire, taxis, buses, and a metro service that whisks you into the heart of the city in minutes.
Taxis
Taxis are plentiful, with set fares and drivers who are experts at getting you where you need to be quickly and efficiently. If you’re flying into Dubai and have a critical meeting to get to, Dubai taxis will whisk you there in no time. Look for Dubai Taxi Corporation cabs, which are the official taxis for the airport and are run and monitored by the government.
Car Hire
Dubai is very much a driver’s city, with wide boulevards, superb quality roads, and easy-to-follow routes that will take you all over the Emirates. There are 15 major car hire operators at the airport, providing visitors with everything from luxury limousines through to 4x4s for a spot of off-roading fun. Car hire operators also have outlets in the city, so it’s easy to pick up and drop off hire cars whenever you want.
Buses
Dubai’s bus service is excellent, and don’t be fooled into thinking everyone piles onto an old ‘bone rattler’ – these are the very latest air-conditioned coaches with luxury seating and even dedicated women and children only buses, and special needs facilities. The buses run from the front of the terminals to all of the major hotels in Dubai, the city centre, and the business district. You can stop off at any one of over 2,000 bus stops across the city, as well as 17 individual bus stations that let you journey on to other destinations.
There’s also a night bus service that runs right through until 6am, giving you a 24/7 service. Over 300,000 passengers use the bus service every day, making it one of the most popular ways of getting around.
The Metro
The Dubai Airport Metro service is incredibly efficient, with services straight into the city running from the airport Metro terminals 1 and 3 every 10 minutes. Be aware that there is no metro service on Friday mornings, and the timetable during Ramadan will change. Air-conditioned walkways take you from the terminal building to the metro station in comfort, making this one of the easiest ways to get around Dubai, or to and from the airport itself.
Local hotels
Dubai hotels have a reputation for luxury, glamour and offering guests a premium quality experience. There are also more affordable hotels on offer that still provide you with a warm welcome and plenty of extras to make your stay more comfortable. One of the most convenient is the Dubai International Airport Hotel, which is located right in the airport’s Sheikh Rashid terminal itself! This award-winning hotel is a charming, 3-star hotel offering 281 rooms stocked with everything you need for a relaxing stay. From unlimited free Wi-Fi access to a roof-top swimming pool, it’s ideal for both families and business travellers.
Premier Inn Dubai Ibn Battuta Mall Hotel sits right in the heart of this remarkable themed shopping mall, and offers guests a choice of 372 rooms right in the heart of the city. With all the facilities you need for a great stay, including a gym, swimming pool and elegant restaurant, it’s a great choice for both business and leisure guests.
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