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. Experiences vary significantly: some travellers describe quiet, safe spaces with comfortable sleep chairs, while others find the concourses crowded, noisy, and lacking working outlets. 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.
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 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.
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 within the secure zone of Terminal 3, with access points in Concourses A, B, and C. 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. » 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.
Ahlan Business Class Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Concourse D, Airside, Level 2, above the departure gates. Hours: 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: Yes (sleeping rooms available for an additional fee). Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
Marhaba Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Concourse D, Airside, above departure gates. Hours: 24 hours. Showers: Yes (additional fee, 30-minute limit). Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: Yes (sleeping rooms available for an additional fee). Lounge Access: Pay at the Door (from Dhs200 ($54) per adult, Dhs105 ($29) per child, for 4 hours) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs (Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and DragonPass).
SkyTeam Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Concourse D, Airside. Hours: 24 hours. Showers: Yes (additional fee). Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: SkyTeam Business/First Class passengers • SkyTeam Elite Plus members • Lounge membership programs.
Sleep ’n Fly Sleep Lounge & Showers – Location: Terminal 1, Concourse D, Airside, opposite Gates D6–D7. Hours: 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: Yes (cabins and sleep pods). Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
Marhaba Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, opposite Duty Free. Hours: 24 hours. Showers: Yes (additional fee). Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: Yes (sleeping spaces available for an additional fee). Lounge Access: Pay at the Door (from Dhs185 ($50) per adult, Dhs105 ($29) per child. 2, 4 and 6-hour passes are available) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs (Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and DragonPass).
Ahlan Lounge – Showers: Yes (inside Dubai International Hotel, 5-10 minute walk with staff assistance). Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door (from Dhs199 ($54) for 3 hours) • Lounge membership programs (Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and DragonPass).
- (Gate A) – Location: Terminal 3, Concourse A, Airside, near Gate A1. Hours: 24 hours.
- (Gate B) – Location: Terminal 3, Concourse B, Airside, next to Gate B26, inside Cadiz Tapas Bar. Hours: 24 hours.
- (Gate C) – Location: Terminal 3, Concourse C, Airside, next to Gate C13. Hours: 24 hours.
Al Majlis Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, Arrivals, Airside. Hours: 24 hours. Showers: Yes (included in access). Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Open to all passengers, booking required 24 hours in advance. Walk-in rates: Premium pricing due to VIP services. Includes personal assistant, baggage, and immigration handling.
Emirates Business Class Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, Concourses A, B, and C, Airside. Hours: 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (dedicated sleeping areas with cushy loungers, blankets, and partitions). Sleep Facilities: Yes. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door – Economy passengers can pay for access: starting from $175 for 4 hours (Concourse B) • Emirates Business Class passengers • Emirates Skywards Gold members • eligible Skywards Silver members.
Marhaba Lounge – Showers: Yes (additional fee). Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (quiet zone with reclining chairs). Sleep Facilities: No.Lounge Access: Pay at the Door (from Dhs220 ($60) per adult, Dhs105 ($29) per child. 4 or 8-hour passes are available) • Lounge membership programs (Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and DragonPass).
- (Terminal 3, Concourse A) – Location: Terminal 3, Concourse A, Airside. Hours: 24 hours.
- (Terminal 3, Concourse B) – Location: Terminal 3, Concourse B, Airside. Hours: 24 hours.
- (Terminal 3, Concourse C) – Location: Terminal 3, Concourse C, Airside. Hours: 24 hours.
Plaza Premium Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, Concourse A, Level 4, Airside, near Duty Free. Hours: 24 hours. Showers: Yes (included in access). Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door (from $49 for 3 hours, $80 for 6 hours) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs (Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and DragonPass).
Sleep ‘n Fly – As outlined above in the Hotels section, Sleep ‘n Fly offers sleep pods and cabins for a short-term basis. At their Terminal 3 (Concourse B) location, they offer a “Lounge Lite” package, which includes a lounge seat, a 15-minute shower, and hot and cold drinks from the self-service counter. Location: Terminal 3, Concourse B, Airside, between Gates B14 and B18 • Terminal 3, Concourse C, Airside, Lower Level, near Gate C14. Hours: 24 hours daily. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: Yes. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
The Gallery by Dubai International Hotel Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, Concourse B, Airside. Hours: 24 hours. Showers: Yes (included in access). Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door (from Dhs199 ($54) for 3 hours) • Lounge membership programs (Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and DragonPass).
Elite Status only
Emirates First Class Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, Concourses A, B, and C, Airside. Hours: 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: Yes (private rest areas with loungers and blankets). Lounge Access: Exclusive to Emirates First Class passengers and Emirates Skywards Platinum members. No walk-in or pay-at-the-door access available.
Other Lounges
Game Space Gaming Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, Concourse B, Airside, near Gate B25. Hours: 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Lounge membership programs.
Unaccompanied Minors Lounge by Emirates – Location: Terminal 1, Concourse D, and Terminal 3, Departure Area, Airside. Hours: 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Exclusive to Emirates unaccompanied minors. No walk-in or paid access available.
Assisted Travel Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside. Hours: 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Exclusive to People of Determination and travellers with hidden needs. No walk-in or paid access available.
Drinking Water
Free water refill stations are available airside. On the landside, water is primarily sold as bottled water, typically costing around AED 5.
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 •
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.
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 – 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.
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: 2026-01-15
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.