Dubai International Airport Guide (DXB)

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the world’s busiest international airports, and the busiest in the Middle East. In 2024 it welcomed more than 90 million passengers across its three terminals and five concourses.

Emirates dominates at Terminal 3, and flydubai at Terminal 2, with more than 120 airlines serving destinations across all continents. DXB also has a impressive 24 lounges which range from ultra premium spaces like the Emirates First Class Lounges to versatile pay-per-use facilities which are open to all travellers.

Get familiar with Dubai Airport through this comprehensive guide featuring details on terminals, lounges, and key passenger services.

• Terminal Navigation Hub

• Quick Lounge Finder

• Terminal Transfer Guide

• Unique Airport Experiences

• Family Facilities Overview

• Overnight at DXB

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Summing Up

The following is a reference to notable airlines that use each terminal, noteworthy features, the number of lounges available and quick access links for more in depth guides:

• Terminal 1:

  • Airlines: 90+ international carriers including Air France, British Airways and Turkish Airlines.

  • Number of Lounges: 8 lounges.

  • Features: Original terminal, wave roof design, Concourse D linked by Automated People Mover.

  • Guide Link: Dubai Airport (DXB) Terminal 1 - Lounges and Terminal Guide
    

• Terminal 2:

  • Airlines: 20+ regional and budget airlines, and the main hub for FlyDubai.

  • Number of Lounges: 2 Lounges.

  • Features: Remote stands only, compact layout, quick processing.

  • Guide Link: Dubai Airport (DXB) Terminal 2 - Lounge and Terminal Guide
    

• Terminal 3:

  • Airlines: Home of Emirates and select partners.

  • Number of Lounges: 14 lounges.

  • Features: Large terminal building, three concourses (A/B/C), luxury shopping.

  • Guide Link: Dubai Airport (DXB) Terminal 3 - Lounges and Terminal Guide

By access type

• Pay-per-use: Available in all three terminals; bookable via LoungePair, Plaza Premium, marhaba, and other providers.

• 24-hour access: Nearly all lounges operate 24/7, which is ideal for overnight connections. Some T1 airline lounges have restricted hours.

• Accessible via lounge membership: 11 lounges are accessible via lounge membership. Most contract lounges accept Priority Pass, DragonPass, and LoungeKey.

• Airline status or premium cabin travel: Star Alliance, oneworld, or SkyTeam carriers.

Best pay-per-use lounge in each terminal at Dubai (our view!)

• Terminal 1: Ahlan First Class Lounge

• Terminal 2: marhaba Lounge (the only choice)

• Terminal 3: Plaza Premium Lounge (Concourse A)

Above: The Plaza Premium Lounge at Terminal 3.
Below: The Ahlan First Class Lounge at Terminal 1

Airline lounges
Accessed with premium cabin tickets or elite status with Star Alliance, oneworld, or SkyTeam. These lounges are usually exclusive and aren't accessible on walk-up.

Pay-per-use lounges
Regardless of airline or cabin class, all passengers are welcome. Advance bookings can be made directly with the lounge or through websites such as LoungePair, Plaza Premium, Lounge Pass, Klook, or GetYourGuide.

Credit card or program access
Pay-per-use lounges generally accept Priority Pass, DragonPass, LoungeKey, and Dreamfolks memberships. Access can also be gained via credit cards that offer these membership programs, such as American Express Platinum, Capital One, and various premium local credit cards.

Dubai International Airport spans three terminals and five concourses, with long walking distances and multiple transport modes. Planning your transfer route is essential to avoid missing your connection.

Terminal 1 ↔ Concourse D

• Method: Automated People Mover (APM)

• Average Time: 5-10 minutes

• Note: Continuous Service.

Terminal 1 or 3 ↔ Terminal 2

• Method: Landside shuttle bus

• Average Time: 20-30 minutes

• Note: Not linked to airside so you'll need to re-clear security and immigration

Terminal 1 ↔ Terminal 3

• Method: Airside walkway or the free shuttle bus.

• Average Time: 5-30 minutes.

• Note: Connected inside security. There are travelators throughout. Walking to/from Concourse A is recommended (short distance); shuttle bus to/from B/C to save time.

Terminal 3 (Concourse A ↔ B ↔ C)

• Method: Walkways or the automated people mover (APM).

• Average Time: 5-20 minutes.

• Note: Long distances so allocate ample time to reach your gate.

• Same terminal: 60 minutes

• Between Terminals 1 and 3: 75 minutes

• Via Terminal 2: 90 minutes but at least 3 hours suggested (includes immigration, security, and transport time)

Dubai International Airport offers more than just lounges. Its terminals are filled with art, cultural features, and facilities that can make long layovers more enjoyable.

• Wave-like Architecture (T1): The original terminal’s roof is an architectural landmark that evokes ocean waves and the city’s maritime heritage.

• Aviation History Displays (All Terminals): Scattered exhibits tell the story of Dubai’s rise as a global aviation hub.

• Dubai Duty Free: Spanning 120,000 m² (almost 1.3 million sq ft), it is the largest duty-free shopping complex in the world and stays open 24 hours.

• Game Space (T3 Concourse B): A cutting-edge gaming zone with 40 stations, and 50-inch screens, accessible via pay-per-use or lounge membership.

• Be Relax: Pay-per-use spa locations open to all passengers in T1 and T3, specialising in express treatments like chair massages and nail care.

• Timeless Spa: Available to eligible Emirates premium-cabin passengers and status members, offering full-service treatments such as massages, facials, and wellness therapies; complimentary 15-minute treatments for first class passengers.

• Observation Areas: Informal airfield viewing points are scattered around public zones for aircraft enthusiasts, although there is no formal observation deck.

Terminals 1 and 3 at Dubai International Airport are better equipped for families than terminal 2, with dedicated play spaces, kid-friendly policies, and thoughtful services available. Terminal 2, by contrast, has only very basic seating areas and few family amenities.

These can help break up long layovers and make transiting with children less stressful.

All Terminals

• Baby care rooms with changing stations and nursing areas located both landside and airside

• Complimentary stroller rentals available on request

• Family immigration lanes for faster clearance at busy times

• Children under 2 years old are admitted free at nearly all lounges; reduced lounge rates typically apply for children aged 2-12

Terminal 1

• The SkyTeam and marhaba Lounges each feature dedicated kids’ areas, giving families a comfortable place where children can play or unwind while caregivers relax. 

Terminal 2

• This terminal has limited facilities with only basic seating, so it’s best to bring your own entertainment.

Terminal 3

• T3 has the most family friendly facilities of the three terminals.

• A dedicated Family Zone is located in Concourse B near Gate B28. This enclosed space includes soft-play areas, children’s entertainment, and comfortable seating for caregivers, providing a welcome break during long connections or before boarding.

• Kids aged 4-12 can collect a novelty 'passport stamp' at a space themed arrivals counter when they land and pass through immigration to enter the United Arab Emirates.

• Several lounges also cater to families with child-friendly spaces. The Ahlan Lounges in Concourses A, B, and C each include small play areas, while the marhaba Lounges in Concourses A and B offer kids’ rooms equipped with PlayStation gaming consoles. The Plaza Premium Lounge in Concourse A has a play area stocked with wooden toys and private family suites with butler service (for a fee). (Emirates lounges do not have dedicated children’s rooms.)

Dubai International Airport is well suited for overnight layovers, with 24 hour facilities and plenty of quiet spaces for rest. Almost all lounges operate around the clock, and there are multiple options for both paid lounge stays and private sleeping facilities.

The airport is busiest late at night and in the early morning, when waves of long haul connections pass through, so securing a quiet space in advance can make a big difference to your comfort.

• 24-hour pay-per-use lounges: Available in all three terminals. These offer hot meals, drinks, and seating at any hour of the day or night. 

• Showers: Complimentary in most airline and contract lounges (and available for a small extra fee in select pay-per-use facilities), allowing travellers to freshen up before an early morning departure or after a long haul arrival.

• Sleeping pods: sleep ’n fly private cabins with flexible hourly rates in T1 and T3. Ideal for travellers needing several hours of uninterrupted sleep without leaving the terminal.

• Dubai International Hotel: Located inside T3 and accessible without clearing immigration. Offers 340+ rooms bookable by the hour or overnight, along with a gym, and in-room dining.

Home to almost 100 airlines flying to over 340 destinations worldwide, Dubai International Airport offers travellers an excellent experience. From its 24 premium lounges and comfortable overnight facilities to family and shopping services, DXB continues to rank among the world’s most connected and impressive airports.