Are there 24/7 buses?

Most airports keep at least one night bus or coach on standby—check the overhead screens near arrivals for the current stand.

Is it safe to take taxis overnight?

Stick to signed ranks and insist on the meter. Note any official surcharge for night operations before you hop in.

DXBUnited Arab EmiratesTPL: night-owl-plan

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.

Late arrivals

Dubai: Night-Owl Operations

After-midnight contingencies for delayed flights and red-eyes. Targets queries likedubai airport busanddxb to city centerfor eSIM funnels.

Lines that keep running

Brief

This is the overnight lifeline when the metro or flagship express shuts down.

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.

Backup when rail sleeps

Brief

If even this pauses, default to the licensed taxi rank or approved ride-hailing pickup outside arrivals.

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.

Ticketing tips

Brief

Load balance onto the local transit card before midnight because some kiosks shut or stop accepting bills after hours.

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FAQs

01Are there 24/7 buses?: Most airports keep at least one night bus or coach on standby—check the overhead screens near arrivals for the current stand.
02Is it safe to take taxis overnight?: Stick to signed ranks and insist on the meter. Note any official surcharge for night operations before you hop in.