-Middle East.UAE.Dubai-
In this post, I will talk about Terminal 3 of the Dubai International Airport (DXB) as this has been the only terminal I have used every time I come by in Dubai. This could have something to do with me using their international airline The Emirates every trip.
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Table of Contents
Getting around the DXB Terminal
Terminal 3 itself is huge and getting from the gates to passport control or to other places can be a challenge for some. In comes the Taxi DXB – a free shuttle service to get passengers where they need to get to. Convenient and best of all free. Just flag it down when you spot it.
Passport Control
So far , the passport control has been well managed by having many counters and the line moves along pretty smoothly. I always prepare my documentations in a file on my carry-on. Below is a check-list of to-dos at the passport control.
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Necessary documentations on handPassport, visas (if required), covid pass, booked ticket flight back, accomodations while in Dubai.
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Request registration for smart gatesWhen you are registered , you are then able to use the smart gates for your return trip.
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Request for the free 1 GB Sim Card (valid for 24-hours)This will come in useful to be connected to the internet upon arrival to navigate around Dubai
Getting to the city from DXB
If you have checked-in luggage, you collect them after Passport control – and if not, then you are ready to leave the airport.
There are 4 main options –
1. Metro (Cheapest) – Usually will have to be combined with taxi to get from station to Hotel. This is my preferred way to travel into the city.
2. Taxis (Direct to where you want to go) – Starting fee of AED25 from the airport or from cruise ports.
3. Uber (through the app) – intermediate option , more expensive than taxis and cheaper than the welcome pickup
3. Welcome Pickup (Waiting at agreed time with your name in the Arrival Hall and direct to where you want to go) – Click below to book your time to / from the airport
If you decide to go with the Metro option – here is how you would find it in the DXB terminal 3
Other facilities at DXB - Terminal 3
If you have to spend some time in the Airport terminal , then this part may interest you.
1. SleepnFly Terminal 3 Concourse A
If you are in for a long transit and need a couple of hours of shut eye – try these sleep pods and cabins minimum 2-hour rental – Booking and options here Additionally they also have lounge lite and business lounge options available.
2. Dubai International Hotel
For overnight transits and to get a proper night’s sleep without leaving the terminal. It is pricey though
3. Luggage Storage
There are storage lockers available costing from AED20 for when you don’t feel like lugging your hand luggage everywhere.
4. Airport Lounges
Airline lounges or Paid airport lounges to wait in comfort in with food and some with showers. There are quite a number to choose from.
5. Wifi Service at DXB
The Wifi services here are fast and free. To connect is hassle-free too. Hooray for that
6. Restaurants and Shopping
Many to choose from – you will be spoilt for choice
7. ATMs and Currency exchanges .
8. Muslim Prayer Rooms
9. Play area for children at Gate B
10. and many more eg smoking lounges, car rentals . Go here for a comprehensive look and checkout the list of Restaurants and Retails shops here
Summary and Good to know Info
Go Ahead, Pin It for when you need it!
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A helpful post for those arriving or transiting through Dubai. Having been there over 8 times myself it can be a little overwhelming the first time you visit.
yes it is simply huge!
It would have been helpful to have this guide to Dubai airport before our first visit. I would have like to know about the Welcome Pickup when we arrived. We often look for luggage storage so good to know it is available if we did a long connection through Dubai.
ah yes – i did plenty of learning about this airport especially getting into the city from here and what to do during a long layover
This is a helpful post for T3 at Dubai Airport. I had a very bad experience here, not sure it was this terminal, but it put me off traveling again through Dubai! I remembered it has so many facilities though.
Oh i am sorry to hear that – it can be traumatic to have a bad experience and stress at the airport.
I have been to Dubai airport several times before, mostly just to change flights. One time though I had a really long layover and did get out to explore the city. I remember taking the train to Dubai Mall. It felt pretty straight forward. The only long part was to get the visa on arrival, which was requested back then (a long time ago). Overall, I had a good experience here.
I too have had good experiences here so far and hope it remains that way. I love the ride into the city. Its made very uncomplicated with that metro.
You have definitely given some helpful tips and insights for navigating one of the busiest airports in the world. It has been a while since I landed here and from the looks of it lots have changed. I love the way you have added suggestions for connecting flights and layovers. The one information that I found super useful is on visa requirements for those planning to leave the airport during their stay in Dubai.
Oh that is good to know that you found useful information on here because that is very much the point. I had to check all over to verify my visa requirements on visit.
I love Dubai airport. We use it as a hub to travel everywhere in the world. Its ‘Marhaba/ welcome’ service is fantastic where you are met by a customer service agent and taken through the processes easily. They also have little known ‘ Dubai connect’ service that provides free accommodation, food and transport to transit passengers who fall within a certain category. Good choice of food outlets too. 🙂
ah! that is good to know about the welcome service – it would be useful for people who need assist and yes the elusive Dubai connect … which I am never eligible for 😀
For a person who is about to travel to India via Dubai recently, this post is the perfect step-guide for me to get around the different zones inside Dubai international airport. Thank you for this thorough description about the terminal. It’s been a great help
I am happy if it proves helpful and have a great trip!
I had to change terminals in Dubai on a flight from Germany to Eritrea and found it very confusing. We finally found a bus that took ages to go from one terminal to another. On the way back, we did a stopover and it was difficult to find the shuttlebus between the terminals again. So this is a very helpful post.
This is a very useful post for those traveling to Dubai or via Dubai to somewhere else. It’s great to know that the airport has in transit facilities like paid lounges, food service, shower, and sleeping pods and rooms for those who want to rest. Also facilities like currency exchange, transportation, prayer rooms, luggage storage and play area for kids.