Layover in Dubai (DWC)
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). Here's how much of a layover you can really use, and what fits in it.
About Dubai
Dubai is a cosmopolitan metropolis and global city on the Arabian Peninsula. The city is one of the ten most popular tourist destinations in the world. The city is also considered one of the most modern and progressive cities in the Middle East – certainly in the Arab world – and is also sometimes nicknamed as "City of Gold" due to historically being a hub for gold trade as well as the rapid transformation from a desert into a luxurious city.
From Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.
How much time can you use?
After getting off the plane, immigration for international arrivals, the trip into town and back, and security.
| Layover | Domestic arrival | International arrival |
|---|---|---|
| 4 hours | Stay at the airport | Head straight to your gate |
| 6 hours | About 2h 37m in the city | Stay at the airport |
| 8 hours | About 4h 37m in the city | About 3h 2m in the city |
| 12 hours | About 8h 37m in the city | About 7h 2m in the city |
Getting into Dubai
About 54m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center, roughly 43 km (27 mi). This is an estimate based on distance; the planner checks real transit times for your exact flight.
Questions
Can I leave the airport on a layover in Dubai?
On a domestic connection, you need roughly 5 hours or more to get into Dubai and back with time to enjoy it. If you're arriving internationally and must clear immigration, plan on about 7 hours or more.
How do I get from DWC to central Dubai?
Allow about 54m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center; the center is about 43 km (27 mi) from the airport.
How early should I head back to DWC?
Be back through security about 1h 20m before a domestic departure and 2h 10m before an international one, plus the ride back.
Build a plan for your exact flight
Guide data from OurAirports, © OpenStreetMap contributors and Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Times are estimates for planning; check transit schedules and airline rules before you leave the airport.