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Dubai Airport Guide

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sleeping in dubai airport
(photo courtesy of a guest reviewer)

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Dubai Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

DXB Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Dubai International Airport.

What to Expect

Dubai Airport (Code: DXB) has three terminals with four concourses. Terminals 1 and 3 (primarily international passengers) are directly connected with the transit area, while Terminal 2 (primarily Persian Gulf regional passengers) is on the runways’ opposite side. Terminal 1 has one concourse—Concourse D—while Terminal 3 is divided into Concourses A, B and C. Terminals 1 and 2 are less modern than Terminal 3. We often receive complaints about these two terminals, so adjust your expectations accordingly.

Shopping, dining and services are plentiful, and most eateries are open 24 hours. There is free WiFi and plenty of mobile charging stations throughout the airport. Economy class passengers can opt for fee-paid entrance into several airport lounges, some of which offer showers.

Sleeping in Dubai Airport

Sleeping at Dubai Airport is possible, but comfort varies widely depending on where you settle in. Airside rest areas offer reclining sleep chairs, while much of the regular seating has armrests, so travellers sometimes resort to the floor; crowding, noise and difficulty finding working power outlets are recurring complaints. Quieter pockets do exist, and some travellers have found surprisingly comfortable places to nap, but private corners are limited in the airport’s open concourses. For detailed sleeping locations, conditions, photos and traveller tips, see our Guide to Sleeping in Dubai Airport.

If none of this sounds like an experience you wish to have (and you don’t mind paying), there is a transit hotel in Terminal 3 and sleep pods in Terminals 1 and 3. See our Airport Hotel section below for more info.

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Airport Hours

Dubai Airport is open 24 hours a day. Security screening operates around the clock to support frequent overnight international departures and arrivals.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

Designated rest zones with reclining chairs are available for short breaks between flights. These areas are free to use and are spread across Terminal 3, primarily in Concourses A and B, near multiple gate clusters. Locations: Terminal 3, Concourses A and B, near Gates A1 • A16 • A21 • A24 • B1-2 • B7-8 • B10-11 • B14-23 • B25-27 • B29 • B31-32.

Travellers regularly report that these areas can be cold, brightly lit, and noisy, especially overnight. Warm layers and noise-blocking headphones are strongly recommended.

As with any public sleeping space, take basic precautions with valuables. Keep bags secured and within reach while resting.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program.

Terminal 1

Ahlan Business Class Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Concourse D, Departures. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge passes • Credit card rewards programs • Lounge membership programs.

Marhaba Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Concourse D, level above the boarding gates. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes (additional fee). Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: Yes (private sleep pods available for an additional fee). Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge passes • Credit card rewards programs • Lounge membership programs.

Sleep ’n Fly Sleep Lounge & Showers – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Concourse D, opposite Gates D6-D7. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: Yes (YAWN Lite single and double cabins). Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge passes • Credit card rewards programs • Lounge membership programs.

Terminal 2

flydubai Business Class Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Departures. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (quiet area). Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door (available to eligible flydubai passengers, subject to availability) • flydubai Business Class passengers • Emirates Skywards Gold and Platinum members travelling on flydubai flights.

Marhaba Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Departures Area, opposite Gates F3-F4. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge passes • Credit card rewards programs • Lounge membership programs.

Terminal 3

Ahlan Lounge – Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge passes • Credit card rewards programs • Lounge membership programs.

  • (Concourse A) – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, Concourse A, Level 6, near Gate A1. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes (off-site at the Dubai International Hotel, approximately 10 minutes away). Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No.
  • (Concourse B) – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, Concourse B, inside Cadiz Tapas Bar, next to Gate B26. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes (off-site at the Dubai International Hotel, approximately 10 minutes away). Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No.
  • (Concourse C) – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, Concourse C, above Gate C13. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes (off-site at the Dubai International Hotel, approximately 10 minutes away). Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No.

Al Majlis – Location: Terminal 3, Landside, Departures Level, adjacent to Entrance 4. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Available to passengers regardless of class of travel with advance booking. Premium VIP service includes assistance with check-in, immigration, baggage and airport formalities.

Emirates Business Class Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, Concourses A, B and C. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (quiet areas). Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door (USD 175 plus tax for non-Skywards members or USD 150 plus tax for Emirates Skywards members, up to 4 hours, subject to eligibility and availability) • Emirates Business Class Saver, Flex and Flex Plus passengers • Emirates First Class passengers • Emirates Skywards Silver, Gold and Platinum members • eligible flydubai Business Class passengers and Emirates Skywards members.

Marhaba Lounge – Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge passes • Credit card rewards programs • Lounge membership programs.

  • (Concourse A) – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, Concourse A, Departure Level, between Gates A2-A3. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes (additional fee, 30-minute limit). Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No.
  • (Concourse B) – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, Concourse B, North Side, near Gate B21. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes (additional fee, 30-minute limit). Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No.
  • (Concourse C) – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, Concourse C, East End, between Gates C21-C23. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes (additional fee, 30-minute limit). Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No.

Plaza Premium Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, Concourse A, Departures. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge passes • Credit card rewards programs • Lounge membership programs.

Sleep ’n Fly – Hours: Open 24 hours. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: Yes. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge passes • Credit card rewards programs • Lounge membership programs.

  • (Concourse A) – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, Concourse A, opposite Gate A1. Showers: No. Sleep Facilities: Yes (Igloo Pods and YAWN Double Cabins).
  • (Concourse B) – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, Concourse B, between Gates B14-B18. Showers: Yes. Sleep Facilities: Yes (FlexiSuite Pods, YAWN Double/Bunk/Family Cabins, Lounge Lite and Business Pods).
  • (Concourse C) – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, Concourse C, next to Gate C14. Showers: No. Sleep Facilities: Yes (FlexiSuite Pods and YAWN Double/Bunk Cabins).

Airline Lounges

Terminal 1
British Airways Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Concourse D. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: British Airways First and Club World passengers • British Airways Executive Club Gold and Silver members • eligible oneworld frequent flyers and premium-class passengers.
Terminal 3
Emirates First Class Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, Concourses A and B. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door (USD 300 plus tax for non-Skywards members or USD 250 plus tax for Emirates Skywards members, up to 4 hours, subject to eligibility and availability) • Emirates First Class passengers • Emirates Skywards Platinum members.

Other Lounges

Assisted Travel Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Dedicated to People of Determination and travellers with hidden disabilities.

Unaccompanied Minors Lounge by Emirates – Location: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Exclusive to eligible Emirates unaccompanied minors.

Game Space Gaming Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, Concourse B, Departures. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door.

Airport Hotels, Sleep Pods, & Day Rooms

Quick Facts
  • Nearest Hotel:  Inside the Airport
  • Sleep Cabins & Pods: Yes
  • Day Rooms: Yes
  • Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes

When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair gives you nightmares, there is good news for those looking to sleep at Dubai Airport in comfort.   If you are on a layover, you don’t have to go through security, as sleep pods and a transit hotel offer short-term and overnight rates. On the landside, two hotels are within walking distance from Terminal 3.

Hotels inside Dubai Airport

These options are accessible to passengers in the transit/airside zone of the airport:

Sleepover
Igloo-style sleep pods and cabins that can accommodate 1 – 2 passengers. Rates are applicable based on check-in/check-out times. Sample rates: from US$ 32 (cabins) for a 2-hour period. Pods are bookable by the hour with a 2-hour minimum. Locations:

DXB Hotel (Dubai International Hotel)
Located within the secure zone of Terminal 3, with access points in Concourses A, B, and C.
Upscale hotel. This hotel is available to transit passengers only. Guests do not have access to checked baggage during their stay. Rooms are sold in 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-hour blocks.

Hotels at the airport

To access these hotels, transit passengers will need to go through immigration/security:

Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport
Located opposite Terminal 3.
Budget hotel. Free 24-hour airport shuttle departs from the Arrivals Area.

Premier Inn Dubai International Airport 
Located opposite Terminal 3.
Budget hotel. Free 24-hour airport shuttle bus (only serving Terminal 1 and 3).

More Hotels Near the Airport

Le Meridien
(0.3 mi / 0.5 km) Upscale resort.

Aloft by Marriott Dubai Airport
(0.3 mi / 0.5 km) Mid-range hotel.

Element by Marriott Dubai Airport
(0.4 mi / 0.6 km) Mid-range hotel.

ibis Styles Dubai Airport Hotel
(0.5 mi / 0.8 km) Budget hotel.

Holiday Inn Express
(0.6 mi / 1.0 km) Budget hotel.

Looking for more options? Browse the complete list of hotels near Dubai Airport on Expedia.

Food & Drinks

All food and beverage outlets are open 24 hours.

Terminal 1: Brioche Dorée • Costa • Giraffe • KFC • Krispy Kreme • Marrybrown • Masale The Taste of India • McDonalds • Noodle House • O’Briens • Pret A Manger • Starbucks • The Draft House • The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck •

Terminal 2: Costa • Jones The Grocer • KFC • Krispy Kreme • McDonalds • Starbucks • Subway •

Terminal 3: Asian Street Kitchen • Bottega •  Burger King • Cadiz (Ahlan Lounge) •  Caffe Nero •  Cho Gao • Comptoir Libanais •  Costa •  Delizie • Desi Lunch Box • Flour & Stone •  Food Plus • Food Village •  Get Your Fix • Giraffe • Grabb’it Jack’s Bar & Grill •  Hard Rock Cafe •  Heineken •  Jones The Grocer • McDonalds • M&M • O’Briens •  Paul •  Pret A Manger • S34 •  Shake Shack • Sky Bar •  Starbucks •  Subway • The Daily DXB •  The Gallery •  The Hangar •  The Sports Shack • Tranzeet •  Treehouse Juicery.

Drinking Water
Free water refill stations are available airside. On the landside, water is primarily sold as bottled water, typically costing around AED 5.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Short-term baggage storage is available through staffed services:

  • Terminal 1 – Dnata Baggage Services, Arrivals, near the Boots Pharmacy. Hours: 24 hours. Rates: AED 40 – 50 for 12 hours (depending on the baggage size).
  • Terminal 3 – Emirates Left Luggage, Arrivals, near Exit 1, behind Boots Pharmacy. Hours: 24 hours. Rates: from AED 35 – 50 (depending on the baggage size).

Mobile Charging

Free charging stations are available airside. Landside power outlets exist but are limited and may be difficult to find during busy periods.

Showers

Public and paid shower facilities are available in Terminals 1 and 3, including:

Terminal 1
  • Sleep n Fly, Airside, Concourse D. ($)
  • Lounges: Marhaba Lounge • Ahlan Business Class Lounge • SkyTeam Lounge ($)
Terminal 3
  • Airside, between gates B13 and B19. (FREE)
  • Be Relax, Airside, Gate A1. ($)
  • Sleep n Fly, Airside, Concourse B. ($)
  • G-Force Health Club, inside the Dubai International Airport Hotel. ($)
  • Lounges: Marhaba Lounges • The Gallery • Plaza Premium ($)

WiFi/Internet

Free unlimited WiFi is available at Dubai International Airport. Connect to the “DXB Free WiFi” network. No registration is needed.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Family Services
Baby Care Facilities – Baby care rooms are available throughout the terminals. Ask at an Information Zone or speak with a “May I Help You?” staff member for directions.
Children’s Play Area – A children’s play area was previously reported in Terminal 3 (airside). Current availability could not be confirmed.

Health Club – Passengers can access a health club with a swimming pool, gym, jacuzzi, steam room, and showers. Facilities are available on an hourly basis within Terminal 3 (airside), near the Dubai International Hotel.
Information Desk – Information desks are available airside in Terminal 1 near duty-free areas. Landside assistance is provided by roaming “May I Help You?” staff wearing blue polo shirts.

Luggage
Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
Luggage Trolleys – Luggage trolleys are available free of charge throughout all terminals.
Luggage Wrapping – Plastic luggage wrapping services are available in all terminals for a fee.
Porters – Paid porter services are available to assist with luggage. Payment is made directly to the porter.

Medical Services
Medical Centre – First aid and emergency medical services are available in Terminals 1 and 3, 24 hours a day. Assistance can also be requested from any “May I Help You?” staff member.
Pharmacy – A 24-hour pharmacy operates in both Terminals 1 and 3, with locations in Arrivals and Departures areas.

Money
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available in Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Fees may apply depending on your bank.
Currency Exchange – Currency exchange counters operate 24 hours in all terminals (airside).

Prayer Rooms – Muslim prayer rooms are available throughout the terminals and parking areas. Ablution facilities are provided.
SIM Cards – Some travellers report receiving a complimentary short-term SIM card after clearing immigration. Availability and terms may vary.
Smoking Rooms – Designated smoking rooms are available airside in all terminals, with locations near selected gates.
Spa Services – Massage, body treatments, and reflexology services are available airside in Terminal 3 through several spa providers.
Health Club – Additional wellness facilities, including gym and shower access, are available in Terminal 3 near the Dubai International Hotel.
Tours – Tour operators in the Arrivals area may offer short city tours for transit passengers. Availability depends on time of day and immigration eligibility.

Sightseeing

Do you want to make the most of your stopover or long layover by leaving the airport to do some sightseeing?  Check out our Dubai Airport Layover Sightseeing guide.

Airlines
Dubai International Airport is served by the following airlines: Aeroflot Russian • Air Algérie • Air Astana • Air Blue • Air Baltic • Air Canada • Air China • Air France • Air India • Air Moldova • Air Peace • Air Sial • Arakia • Ariana Afghan Airlines • Azerbaijan Airlines • Azimuth Airlines • Badr Airlines • Biman Bangladesh Airlines • Belavia • British Airways • Cathay Pacific • Caspian Airlines • Cebu Pacific • Chanchangi Airlines • China Eastern Airlines • China Southern • Dalloo Airlines • Delta • Egyptair • El Al • Emirates • Equatorial Congo Airlines • Eritrean Airlines • Ethiopian Airlines • EXPO Aviation • Finnair • Fits Air • Fly A • Fly Arystan • Fly Baghdad • Fly Dubai • Fly Nas • Go First • Gulf Air • Himalaya Airlines • Indi Go • Iran Asseman • Iran Air • Iraqi Airlines • Israir • Jazeera Airways • Jet Airways • Jubba Airways • KAM • KLM • Kenya Airways • Kish Air • Kuwait Airways • Korean Airlines • Libyan Airlines • LOT • Lufthansa • Luxair • Mahan Air • Malaysian Airlines • Myanmar Airways • Middle East Airlines • Naft Airlines • Nepal Airlines • Norwegian • Oman Air • Pegasus • Philippine Airlines • Pakistan International • Qantas • Qeshm • Rossiya Airlines • Royal Brunei Airlines • Royal Jordanian • Royal Air Maroc • Rwand Air Express • S7 Airlines • Safi Airlines • Salam Air • Saudi Arabian Airlines • Serene Air • Shaheen International • Sichuan Airlines • Singapore Airlines • Smartwings • Somon Air • Spicejet • Srilankan Airlines • Sun Express • Swiss • Syrian Arab Airlines • TAAG • Taban • Tarco Airlines • Tarom • Taimyr Arilines • Thai Airways • Transavia • TAAG • Travel Servis • Tunisair • Turkish Airlines • Turkmenistan Airlines • Uganda Airlines • Ukraine International Airlines • United Airlines • United Airways Bangladesh • United Bangla Airlines • Ukraine International Airlines • Ural Airlines • Utair • Uzbekistan Airways • Vistara • Virgin Atlantic Airways • Wizz Air • Yemen Airways.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

RTA public city buses can be found in the bus stands opposite all three terminals. Passengers will need a NOL card to ride any RTA buses, including SkyBus. NOL cards can be purchased at the airport, the Hotels Information Desk, RTA bus drivers and all RTA metro and bus stations. For more information, visit the RTA website.

Car Rentals

Autostrad, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Europcar, Hertz, National, Sixt, Thrift, and Yelo operate on-site in Terminal 1 Arrivals. Avis, Dollar, Hertz, National, Sixt, Thrifty, and Yelo operate in Terminal 2, and Autostrad, Avis, Dollar, Europcar, Hertz, National, Sixt, and Thrifty operate in Terminal 3.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Inter-Terminal Shuttle

Passengers travelling between Terminals 1 and 3 may use the airport’s complimentary 24-hour shuttle bus.

Hotel Shuttles

See Airport Hotels above.

Metro

Two Metro stations connect Dubai International Airport with the city. The metro runs every 10 minutes from Terminals 1 and 3, starting at 5:00 AM daily and 8:00 AM on Sunday. Services end at 12:00 AM nightly (1:00 AM on Friday). Metro tickets and rechargeable NOL cards can be purchased at the airport. Designated carriages are available for women travelling alone or with children. Try a front “Gold Class” carriage for a scenic driverless front window view. All Metro stations have taxi ranks and buses available for onward travel. Many hotels are conveniently located near a Metro station.

Ride Sharing

Uber operates throughout Dubai. A ride from the airport to Old Cairo and New Cairo costs 80AED to 95AED, depending on the terminal.

Taxis

Metered taxis are available for hire 24 hours a day from the taxi rank at the ground transportation area. Taxis are cream-coloured, except for pink-trimmed taxis, which female drivers operate. A flag drop charge of AED25 applies to rides departing from the airport, and the cost for each km is AED1.97.

Last updated: 2026-04-08

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.

Airport at a Glance

Overall Experience:

105 Reviews
Tolerable
Nearest Hotel Inside the terminal
Sleep Cabins and/or Pods Yes
Day Rooms Yes
Food 24-hour food & drink options are available
Showers Yes
Luggage Storage Yes