Layover at Dubai International
Everything you need to decide whether to leave the airport on a layover in Dubai.
City centre
15 min away
Dubai Metro Red Line straight from the terminal
Min connection
~60 min to change flights
Left luggage
Available — drop your bags and explore.
Round trip
≈ 30 min there and back
Dubai International to central Dubai — about 15 min min each way. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Is it worth leaving?
As a rule of thumb, allow your round trip (about 30 minutes here) plus two hours for security and immigration on the way back. With a 6-hour layover or more you can comfortably reach Dubai and back. With less, you're better off staying airside.
One of the world's best airports to be stuck in — sleep pods, a pool, a garden and endless food.
Before you leave — check you can
Whether you can pass immigration on a layover depends on your nationality and the country's transit rules, not just your time. Always confirm with the official source for your passport before you plan to leave: UK FCDO travel advice and the United Arab Emirates guide.