How to Get to Dubai. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Dubai serves as a major global aviation hub. Air travel is the most common way to reach Palm Jumeirah.

Information

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the main international gateway.
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) serves some budget airlines.
Emirates Airline and Flydubai are Dubai-based carriers.

Flight Availability & Prices

Direct flights are readily available from most major cities worldwide. Seasonal variations influence prices.

Planning Your Flight

Peak Season (Dec-Mar) sees highest flight prices. Book well in advance.
Low Season (Jun-Aug) offers significantly lower prices due to heat.
Shoulder Seasons (Oct-Nov & Apr-May) present mid-range prices.

Airport Services DXB

DXB features numerous lounges, world-class duty-tax-free shopping, varied food choices, and free Wi-Fi.

Taxi Transfers

Taxis are readily available 24/7. DXB to A Palm-shaped island typically costs AED 80-120 ($22-$33 USD).

Metro & Ride-Sharing

The Red Line (Metro) connects near A Palm-shaped island. Uber and Careem operate from both airports. Check Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for deals.

Transfer Options from Airports

Public Transport Connectivity

From DXB, Red Line connects to DMCC or Sobha Realty station.
Transfer to Dubai Tram or a taxi to reach A Luxury destination.
This option has a cost-effective choice for solo travelers.
Numerous high-end hotels feature private airport transfer services for convenience.

Car Rental & General Tips

Rental car desks are available at both airports if you prefer to drive.
Booking hotel transfers can offer comfort for evening arrivals or heavy luggage.
Plan arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before scheduled departure for international flights.
Online check-in is advised for time savings at the airport.

Airport Facilities & Departure Tips

Duty-Free & Dining

DXB offers extensive duty-free buying souvenirs or luxury goods, alongside a diverse selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Lounges & Amenities

Numerous comfortable lounges are available for leisure or work, with spas, relaxation areas, and even a swimming pool (Terminal 3).

Departure Procedures

No specific departure taxes apply for visitors. Security procedures run efficiently. Consider time for VAT refund claims if applicable.

Land Transportation

Inter-Emirate Travel

While the majority of foreign visitors arrive by air, land transportation is relevant for inter-emirate travel or self-driving.

Bus & Rail

The RTA operates inter-emirate buses connecting Dubai with Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
Etihad Rail's passenger services are not yet fully operational to Dubai.
Dubai Metro is an efficient urban train system, not connecting other emirates.

Self-Driving & Road Safety

For independence, renting a vehicle is an option. Driving in the UAE is on the right side of the road.

Driving Considerations

An International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home country's license is required.
Dubai’s roads are excellent, featuring multi-lane highways and clear signage.
You might encounter heavy traffic during peak hours, especially on major arteries.

Road Conditions & Safety

Roads in Dubai generally remain very safe and well-maintained. Strict traffic laws and speed enforcement are set up.

Aspects

Speed limits are strictly enforced with numerous speed cameras.
Drivers should remain aware of fast-paced traffic.
Mandatory seatbelt use is enforced for all passengers.

Rental & Border Notes

Border crossings mainly serve travel to Oman and Saudi Arabia. Flying into DXB or DWC is the most convenient mode of arrival.

Important Rental Details

International rental companies like Hertz and Avis operate in Dubai.
Booking on the internet in advance is recommended for better rates and availability.
Motorcycle/scooter rentals are less frequent for tourists.

Driving & Parking Alerts

Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited.
Zero tolerance for drunk driving.
Paid parking zones common in urban areas, managed by RTA meters or apps.

The minimum age for rental is typically 21 or 25, depending on the company.
Foreigners must have an IDP besides their a driver's license from your own country.
Book rental cars in advance for better rates and availability.

Sea/River Arrivals & 4.4 Departure Information

Sea & River Travel

Sea travel mainly concerns cruise ship arrivals in Dubai. River transportation offers local experiences.

Options & Procedures

Dubai Harbour is the main the cruise ship terminal, close to An Artificial archipelago in dubai.
Dubai Ferry offers scenic views from Dubai Marina to Dubai Creek.
Traditional abras operate in Dubai Creek for cultural experiences.

Departure Information

No specific departure taxes or exit fees apply to tourists. Your airfare generally includes any relevant airport charges.

Departure Process

Arrive at DXB at least 3 hours in advance of the scheduled departure for international flights.
Online check-in is recommended.
Factor in time for VAT refund processing as needed.

Seaport Immigration

Immigration procedures at Dubai's seaports mirror airport immigration; clear customs upon disembarkation.

Seaport Connections

From Dubai Harbour, taxis, ride-sharing (Uber/Careem), and pre-organized transportation are readily available.

Departure Facilities

DXB offers extensive shopping, diverse dining, numerous lounges, and other amenities for departing passengers.

Specialized Transportation

Tour & Water Transport

Dubai offers unique transport experiences beyond standard options.

Options

Big Bus Tours and Touring The city Dubai offer hop-on-hop-off services near The Palm.
Dubai Ferry connects Dubai Marina to Dubai Creek, offering scenic views.
Private Yacht Charters are popular for exploring the coastline around An Artificial archipelago in dubai.

Unique Local & Accessibility

Dubai’s infrastructure generally has itself as modern and accessible.

Further Details

The The Palm Monorail is the unique elevated rail system serving the Palm.
Hotels and major attractions on A Luxury destination cater to accessibility.
Public transport (Metro, Tram) is wheelchair-friendly, featuring elevators plus ramps.

General Accessibility

Wheelchair Access

Metro and Tram systems feature elevators plus ramps for mobility needs.

Resort Accessibility

Major hotels and attractions on A Palm-shaped island are designed for accessibility.

Transport Design

Dubai’s transport infrastructure is modern and considerate of all travelers.

Transport Summary

Dubai's extensive transport network and world-class airports make arriving at and from Palm Jumeirah straightforward for any traveler.

How to Get to Dubai