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.
Table of Contents
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
As a major transit hub, long layovers are common, and plenty of people are usually looking for in-airport sleeping options. On the airside, reclining-style chairs are available in various Rest Zones around the airport but generally tend to stay occupied. Gate areas usually have chairs with armrests, so it’s common to see people sleeping on the floor. Private nooks are rare because the terminals and concourses have an open layout.
Noise and cold temperatures are frequent complaints, so consider earplugs/noise-cancellation headphones and a warm sweater or travel blanket.
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.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Dubai Airport Guide.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
Dubai Airport is open 24 hours. Security checkpoints remain open 24/7 to accommodate continuous international flights.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
Some quiet zones provide reclining chairs to nap in between flights. 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. Rate: Free. Pack some warm clothes and headphones. This airport gets cold and noisy.
Take precautions even when sleeping in the rest zones. In December 2019, a traveller at another airport reported that money and credit cards had been stolen from their bag even though the bag was right beside them. Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.
Cots
Dubai 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:
- Dubai International Hotel – Located inside the secure zone of the airport. This hotel is for transit passengers only. From Terminal 3, access the hotel in Concourses A, B, and C. Hotel guests have no access to and cannot retrieve their checked luggage while staying in the hotel. Rates are available in 3, 6, 12 and 24-hour packages. » Check Rates
- Sleep n’ Fly Lounge – 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:
- Terminal 1, Airside, D Gates » Check Rates
- Terminal 3, Airside, A Gates » Check Rates
- Terminal 3, Airside, B Gates » Check Rates
- Terminal 3, Airside, C Gates » Check Rates
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. Free 24-hour airport shuttle departs from the Arrivals Area. » Check Rates
- Premier Inn Dubai International Airport – Located opposite Terminal 3. Free 24-hour airport shuttle bus (only serving Terminal 1 and 3). » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Dubai Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
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. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about itself and how to enter one of these lounges even with an economy class ticket!
Terminal 1
- Marhaba Lounge (D Gates) – Location: Airside, Concourse D. Showers are available ($). Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- Ahlan Business Class Lounge – Location: Airside, Concourse D. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- SkyTeam Lounge – Location: Concourse D, Airside. Showers are available ($). Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
Terminal 2
- Marhaba Lounge (F Gates) – Location: Airside, opposite Gates F3 and F4. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
Terminal 3
- Ahlan Lounge at B – Location: Airside, Concourse B, Departure Level, East Side, next to Gate B26. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- Ahlan Lounge at C – Location: Airside, Concourse C, next to Gate C13. International flights only. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- Marhaba Lounge (Concourse A) – Location: Airside, Concourse A, between gates A3 and A2. Showers are available ($). Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- Marhaba Lounge (Concourse B) – Location: Airside, Concourse B, Departure Level, East Side, next to Gate B26. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- Marhaba Lounge (Concourse C) – Location: Airside, Concourse C, the East End of Terminal 1, between Gates C23 and C25. Showers are available ($). Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- The Gallery – Location: Airside, Concourse B, Level 4, near Gate B9. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass.
- Plaza Premium Lounge – Location: Airside, Concourse A, Level 4. Showers are available ($). Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass.
Related Pages: Dubai Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
Free water refill stations can be found on the airside. Drinking water on the landside is limited bottled water (AED 5/$1.50 USD).
Food & Drinks
All food and beverage concessions are open 24 hours.
Terminal 1: Brioche Dorée • Costa • Giraffe • KFC • Krispy Kreme • Marrybrown • Masale The Taste of India • McDonalds • Noodle House • O’Briens • Pret A Manger • Starbucks • The Draft House • The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck •
Terminal 2: Costa • Jones The Grocer • KFC • Krispy Kreme • McDonalds • Starbucks • Subway •
Terminal 3: Asian Street Kitchen • Bottega • Burger King • Cadiz (Ahlan Lounge) • Caffe Nero • Cho Gao • Comptoir Libanais • Costa • Delizie • Desi Lunch Box • Flour & Stone • Food Plus • Food Village • Get Your Fix • Giraffe • Grabb’it Jack’s Bar & Grill • Hard Rock Cafe • Heineken • Jones The Grocer • McDonalds • M&M • O’Briens • Paul • Pret A Manger • S34 • Shake Shack • Sky Bar • Starbucks • Subway • The Daily DXB • The Gallery • The Hangar • The Sports Shack • Tranzeet • Treehouse Juicery •
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Short-term baggage storage is available in two areas of the airport:
- Terminal 1 – Dnata Baggage Services, Arrivals, near the Boots Pharmacy. Hours: 24 hours. Rates: AED 40 – 50 for 12 hours (depending on the baggage size).
- Terminal 3 – Emirates Left Luggage, Arrivals, near Exit 1, behind Boots Pharmacy. Hours: 24 hours. Rates: from AED 35 – 50 (depending on the baggage size).
Mobile Charging
Showers
If you need to freshen up, you can enjoy a shower before your flight.
Terminal 1
- Sleep n Fly, Airside, Concourse D. ($)
- Lounges: Marhaba Lounge • Ahlan Business Class Lounge • SkyTeam Lounge ($)
Terminal 3
- Airside, between gates 13 and 19. (FREE)
- Be Relax, Airside, Gate A1. ($)
- 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.
Security & Safety
At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at DXB, but there are reports of pickpocketing on the lands. Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
More Airport Information
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – To access one of the airport’s Baby Care rooms, go to one of the Information Zones or ask a “May I Help You?” staff member for assistance.
- Children’s Play Area – At one point, a children’s play area was located in Terminal 3, Airside, near Gates B26-B32. We could not confirm this at the time of our September 2023 update. If you know whether it’s still there, click here to update our guide.
Health Club – Passengers can use the swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room, and gym on an hourly basis. Location: DIH Health Club, Airside, behind the Dubai International Hotel. Location: Terminal 3, Concourse B, above Gates B12 and B22. ). Service fees are (as of May 2023. Click here to send us the current rates.):
- Shower – AED51.45
- Nautilus Gym – AED 51.45
- Gym + Shower – AED 84.00
- All facilities (Gym, shower, Steam room, Jacuzzi, Pool): AED 78.75 (1 hour) • 115.50 (2 hours) • 147.00 (3 hours)
Information Desk – “one above each end of duty-free airside T1. Landside has dedicated “May I help you?” staff walking around in blue polo shirts.” (submitted by a reader)
Luggage
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Trolleys – Luggage trolleys are available for use, free of charge, at any terminal.
- Luggage Wrapping – Protect your bags from theft and damage by having them wrapped in plastic. Fee: AED 30 per item at Terminals 1 and 2. AED 40 per item Terminal 3.
- Porters – If you need help with your luggage, porters are available to assist you. Rates: AED40 for a regular trolley and AED100 for a family-size trolley. Pay the porter directly.
Medical Services
- Medical Centre – First aid and emergency medical attention is available at two locations: Terminal 1, below Gate C13 or Fox 7 • Terminal 3, between Fox 22-23, Level 0. You can also ask any “May I Help Staff” for assistance; they will get you the attention you need. Hours: 24 hours.
- Pharmacy – Boots (Locations: Terminal 1, Arrivals • Terminal 3, Departures, B Gates • Terminal 3, Arrivals, opposite taxi exit). Hours: 24 hours.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Terminals 1, 2 and 3.
- Currency Exchange – Foreign exchange counters are open 24 hours in Terminals 1, 2 and 3 (Airside).
Prayer Rooms – Muslim prayer rooms are located throughout the airport and car park. Ablution facilities are available.
SIM Cards – A reader tells us, “You [will receive] a free 1GB SIM card if you go through immigration that is valid for 24 hours.” (September 2022)
Smoking Rooms – Locations: Terminal 1, airside, Gate D12, upper level • Terminal 2, Gate D12, Upper Level • Terminal 2, near departure area • Terminal 3, airside, at Gates A2, A23, B7, B27, C9, C23.
Spa – Pamper yourself with relaxing massage services (including aromatherapy), body scrubs, and reflexology.
- Timeless Spa – Location: Dubai International Hotel, Airside. Access points: Concourse A, A24 • Concourse B, B14.
- G-Force Health Club – Location: Terminal 3, Concourse B (above Gates B12 and B22.
- Spas – Be Relax (T3, Concourse A, Gate 23 • XpresSpa (Terminal 3, Concourse B, Gate B21 • Terminal 3, Concourse B, Gate B17 • Terminal 3, Concourse C, Gate C22 ).
Tours – Tour operators in the Arrivals area offer short city tours. (submitted by a reader).
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 or explore Things to do in Dubai on Tripadvisor.
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.
Inter-Terminal Shuttle
Passengers travelling between Terminals 1 and 3 may use the airport’s complimentary 24-hour shuttle bus.
Hotel Shuttles
Some area hotels provide airport shuttle service: Aloft Dubai Airport • Element Dubai Airport • Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport • Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre • Premier Inn Dubai International Airport.
See also 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: 2025-03-04
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.