Where will the downtown drop-off be?

Most services target Deira / Union Metro Station, so drop a pin in your maps app before boarding.

How frequent are departures?

Dubai Metro Red Line – Airport Terminal 1 & 3 to Union usually runs every 4-7 minutes. If it pauses, follow the overhead signs to the bus bay for the fallback service.

DXBUnited Arab EmiratesTPL: city-transfer-guide

Dubai International Airport

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Drop-off

Deira / Union Metro Station

Pin before customs

Fastest

Dubai Metro Red Line – Airport Terminal 1 & 3 to Union

metro · 4-7m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: Dubai Metro Red Line – Airport Terminal 1 & 3 to Union
Headway: 4-7
Backup: Dubai Metro Red Line – Airport to BurJuman (for Bur Dubai centre) · 4-7m

Note

Frequent Red Line metro trains run from DXB Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 stations directly to Union Metro Station in Deira, a major city-centre interchange. Services typically operate from around 05:00 to midnight Monday–Thursday and Saturday, 05:00–01:00 Friday, and 08:00–midnight Sunday; check for holiday or Ramadan variations.

Arrivals decoded

Dubai: City Transfer Guide

Fast, easy ways to reach the primary city center after landing. Targets queries likedubai airport busanddxb to city centerfor eSIM funnels.

Budget path

Brief

Cheapest door-to-door option; expect extra stops and tighter luggage space.

Service: Dubai RTA Bus – Airport T3 to Naif Intersection (Deira)
Mode: bus
Freq: 15m
Note: RTA city buses run from Dubai Airport Terminal 3 to Naif Intersection 2 in Deira, a short distance from the traditional city centre and souks. Typical frequency is about every 15 minutes, with travel time around 25–30 minutes depending on traffic.

Priority path

Brief

Fastest connection with wider aisles and better luggage handling.

Service: Dubai Metro Red Line – Airport Terminal 1 & 3 to Union
Mode: metro
Freq: 4-7m
Note: Frequent Red Line metro trains run from DXB Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 stations directly to Union Metro Station in Deira, a major city-centre interchange. Services typically operate from around 05:00 to midnight Monday–Thursday and Saturday, 05:00–01:00 Friday, and 08:00–midnight Sunday; check for holiday or Ramadan variations.

Fare math

Brief

Express trains tend to be twice as expensive but half the time. Budget routes take longer yet often have more frequent departures after work.

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FAQs

01Where will the downtown drop-off be?: Most services target Deira / Union Metro Station, so drop a pin in your maps app before boarding.
02How frequent are departures?: Dubai Metro Red Line – Airport Terminal 1 & 3 to Union usually runs every 4-7 minutes. If it pauses, follow the overhead signs to the bus bay for the fallback service.