Dubai is one of the world’s great stopover cities. Dubai International (DXB) sits only a few kilometres from the centre, the Metro runs straight from the terminals, and the city’s biggest sights are packed into a few easy-to-reach areas. Even a one-night stop gives you time to go up the Burj Khalifa, watch the fountain and walk the old souks.
This guide shows how to get into town, two ready-made plans for 24 and 48 hours, what to do on a short layover, and where to sleep for each type of stopover.
How to get from Dubai Airport to the city
| Option | Cost | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Metro Red Line (T1 & T3) | AED 3–7.50 with a Silver nol card | Deira, Downtown, Business Bay, the Marina |
| Airport taxi | From AED 20, then AED 2.62 per km, plus any Salik tolls | Late arrivals, luggage, the Palm |
| Hotel shuttle | Free at some airport hotels | One-night stays near DXB |
Downtown Dubai is about 15–20 minutes by road off-peak. The Metro roughly runs from 5am to midnight Monday to Thursday and Saturday, 5am to 1am on Friday, and 8am to midnight on Sunday — check the RTA timetable on holidays. More in our Dubai Airport guide and getting around Dubai.
The 24-hour Dubai stopover
Afternoon: Burj Khalifa
Drop your bags and take the Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station. Go up the Burj Khalifa with a timed ticket booked in advance (from about AED 160 for adults).
Evening: Dubai Mall and the fountain
Explore The Dubai Mall, then watch the Dubai Fountain from the waterfront. Shows run every 30 minutes from 6pm to 11pm and are free.
Next morning: the Creek and souks
Before your flight, ride an abra across Dubai Creek and walk the Gold and Spice Souks in Deira, just a few Metro stops from the airport.
Stay: Downtown Dubai for the sights, or Deira to stay close to the airport. See hotels near the Burj Khalifa.
The 48-hour Dubai stopover
Day 1: Downtown
Follow the 24-hour plan: the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the fountain.
Day 2 morning: Old Dubai
The Dubai Frame (8am–9pm, AED 50 for adults) and the Al Fahidi historic district in Bur Dubai, then the abra across the Creek.
Day 2 afternoon: the beach
JBR Beach and the Dubai Marina promenade — or, in the winter season, an evening at Global Village.
Stay: Business Bay or Downtown for one central base, or Dubai Marina if the beach matters most. For a longer version, see our 4-day Dubai itinerary.
A short layover (under about 10 hours)
With less than about 10 hours, you may be better off staying airside. Dubai International Hotel is inside Terminal 3, on the upper floors of Concourses A, B and C, and is only open to passengers who are airside — so you can sleep and shower without passing immigration. If you do leave the airport, allow plenty of time for immigration and security on the way back.
Where to stay on a Dubai stopover
Travelling with family? Look at family hotels or family apartments. On a budget, see cheap hotels in Dubai. For a treat, try luxury hotels or hotels with Burj Khalifa views.
Stopover tips
- Check entry rules first on the official UAE government site.
- Buy a Silver nol card at the airport Metro station for cheaper fares.
- Leave luggage at your hotel, or stay airside if your layover is short.
- Book the Burj Khalifa ahead — timed tickets sell out at sunset.
- Allow time on the way back for traffic, check-in and security.
- Check the events calendar — big events can fill hotels near the airport.
Ready to book? Compare airport hotels or search your dates with the box on this page.
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Can I leave Dubai Airport on a layover?
Only if you are allowed to enter the UAE. Entry rules depend on your passport, so check the official UAE visa information, or ask your airline, before you plan to leave the airport.
How do I get from Dubai Airport to the city?
The Metro Red Line stops at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. A taxi from the airport starts at AED 20, plus AED 2.62 per km. Downtown is about 15–20 minutes by road off-peak.
What time does the Dubai Metro run?
Roughly 5am to midnight Monday to Thursday and Saturday, 5am to 1am on Friday, and 8am to midnight on Sunday, according to the RTA timetable. Hours change on holidays.
Is there a hotel inside Dubai Airport?
Yes. Dubai International Hotel is airside in Terminal 3, on the upper floors of Concourses A, B and C, so you can sleep without passing immigration. It is only open to passengers who are airside.
Where should I stay on a one-night Dubai stopover?
Near the airport in Garhoud or Deira for an early flight, or Downtown Dubai if you want to see the Burj Khalifa and the fountain. Both are a short ride from DXB.
Is 24 hours enough to see Dubai?
It’s enough for the highlights: the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the fountain in the evening, and the Creek and souks the next morning.
Sources checked for this guide (8)
Checked on 11 November 2026. Prices, dates and rules can change, so check again before you travel.
