Most travellers can connect at Dubai International (DXB) without a visa if they stay airside with a confirmed onward flight. DXB has an airside hotel and paid sleep pods, so long layovers are easy to rest through. Allow at least 90 minutes for connections, and more if Terminal 2 is involved.
Do you need a transit visa for DXB?
It depends on your passport and whether you stay airside (inside the international transit area) or want to leave the airport, which always requires entry permission for the United Arab Emirates.
DXB terminals
Terminal 1
Most foreign airlines. Concourse D is linked to the main T1 building by an automated train.
Terminal 2
Mainly flydubai and smaller regional carriers. It is a separate building, so allow extra time for connections to it.
Terminal 3
Emirates (and Qantas on some routes). Concourses A, B and C are linked by trains airside.
How transfers work at DXB
Follow the purple 'Flight Connections' signs. Connecting within the same terminal stays airside with a security re-screening. Transfers between terminals use airside shuttle buses; T2 connections usually take the longest.
Not sure your connection is long enough? Try the layover calculator →
What to do on a layover at DXB
- 2–5 hours
Stay airside
Grab food, walk the duty-free, and take a shower in a lounge. Leaving the airport isn't worth the queue time.
- 6–10 hours
Quick Downtown trip (if you can enter the UAE)
Take the Metro to Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall and walk the fountain area. Be back at the airport at least 3 hours before departure.
- 10+ hours / overnight
Sleep, then explore
Book the airside hotel or a sleep pod to rest. With entry rights, consider the Dubai Creek area (abra boat ride) or the Marina.
Where to sleep at DXB
- 🛏️ Dubai International HotelAirside: no visa neededAirside hotel inside the terminals. You can book by the hour without passing immigration.
- 😴 Sleep pods / sleep loungesAirside: no visa neededPaid nap pods in the concourses. Book ahead during peak night-bank hours.
- 🪑 Quiet zonesAirside: no visa neededFree reclining chairs in parts of T3 Concourse B and other gate areas.
Lounges at DXB
| Lounge | Who can get in |
|---|---|
| Emirates Business & First lounges | Emirates premium passengers and eligible Skywards members |
| Marhaba lounges | Pay-per-use or lounge membership programs |
| Ahlan lounges | Pay-per-use or lounge membership programs |
No status? See how to get lounge access without flying business.
Getting from DXB to Dubai city centre
| Option | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Metro (Red Line) | ≈ 20–30 min to Downtown / Burj Khalifa | Stations at T1 and T3. Buy a Nol card at the station. |
| Taxi | ≈ 15–30 min depending on traffic | Official taxi ranks outside arrivals. |
Only leave the airport if your passport allows entry and you have enough time. Aim to be back 2.5–3 hours before departure.
Insider tips for DXB
- The 'night bank' of Emirates flights (roughly 11pm–4am) makes the airport very busy, so security queues can be long.
- Gates in Concourse A (T3) need a train ride. Check your gate early.
- Whether you can leave the airport depends on your passport. Check our transit visa pages before planning a city trip.
DXB layover FAQ
Do I need a visa to transit through Dubai airport?
If you stay airside (don't pass immigration) and have a confirmed onward flight, most travellers don't need a visa. To leave the airport you need UAE entry permission, which depends on your nationality.
Can I sleep at Dubai airport?
Yes. There's an airside hotel, paid sleep pods, and free quiet zones with reclining chairs.
How long does a transfer take at DXB?
Same-terminal transfers often take 30–60 minutes including security. Transfers involving Terminal 2 take longer.
Official sources
Last checked against these sources on 3 November 2026. Rules change, so always confirm with the official source or your airline before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.