DXB / TERMINALS 1, 2 AND 3
Dubai airport terminals: Terminal 1, 2 and 3 explained
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has three passenger terminals, and the one you use changes where you exit, where taxis queue and where a driver should meet you. This guide explains Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 in practical terms for planning your transfer.
- Fixed quote agreed before you travel
- Flight-aware pickup planned around your arrival time
- Meeting point confirmed in writing
- Right vehicle for your passengers and luggage
Which terminal is my flight?
Your airline decides the terminal. As a general guide, Terminal 3 is the home of Emirates, Terminal 1 handles many other international airlines, and Terminal 2 is mainly used by flydubai and some regional carriers. Airlines can move terminals, so always confirm on your booking or with the airline before you travel and include the terminal in your transfer enquiry.
| Terminal | Typically used by | Dubai Metro |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Many international airlines | Airport Terminal 1 station, Red Line |
| Terminal 2 | flydubai and some regional airlines | No direct Metro station |
| Terminal 3 | Emirates | Airport Terminal 3 station, Red Line |
If your ticket says DWC rather than DXB, you are landing at Al Maktoum International instead; see the Al Maktoum airport guide.
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 serves a wide range of international airlines. Some of its gates are in Concourse D, which is linked to the main terminal building by an automated train, so allow a little extra time from the gate to arrivals. Once you have cleared immigration and collected your bags, you exit into the arrivals hall where taxi ranks and pre-arranged meeting points are located.
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 is on the opposite side of the airfield from Terminals 1 and 3 and is mainly used by flydubai. It has no direct Metro station, so most arriving passengers leave by taxi or a pre-booked car. Because it is separate from the other terminals, make sure your driver knows you are landing at Terminal 2, not Terminal 1 or 3.
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 is the Emirates terminal and one of the largest airport buildings in the world. Arrivals can involve long walks and a busy arrivals hall at peak times. The Airport Terminal 3 Metro station on the Red Line connects to the terminal, which is useful if you are travelling light. With luggage or a group, many travellers prefer a car waiting at an agreed point.
Departures: getting to the right terminal
For departures, the terminal matters just as much. Drop-off zones are at the departures level of each terminal, and Terminal 2 is reached by a different route from Terminals 1 and 3. When you book a transfer to the airport, tell us the airline, the flight number and the terminal so the driver goes to the right building.
Leave enough time for check-in and security, and more at busy holiday periods. If you are travelling from another emirate, see our Abu Dhabi to Dubai transfer and Sharjah airport to Dubai transfer pages for planning tips.
Planning a private pickup from any terminal
For a smooth pickup, send us your flight number and terminal. We plan the pickup around the actual arrival and agree the meeting point in writing. If you would like the driver to meet you in the arrivals hall, ask about meet and greet at Dubai airport.
From DXB, the most requested routes are DXB to Downtown Dubai, DXB to Dubai Marina and DXB to Palm Jumeirah. Our DXB airport transfer page covers the rest. Comparing options first? See airport taxi or private transfer.
- pickup point: airport and terminal, hotel name or full address
- destination: hotel, building or full address, with the entrance if you know it
- date and time, plus your flight number for airport pickups
- number of passengers and cases, child seats and any accessibility needs
- a return journey, listed as a separate trip with its own date and time
Which terminal does Emirates use at Dubai airport?
Emirates operates from Terminal 3 at Dubai International (DXB). Confirm with your booking, as airline terminal allocations can change.
Which airlines use Terminal 2 at Dubai airport?
Terminal 2 is mainly used by flydubai and some regional airlines. Check your booking for the terminal.
Is there a Metro station at Dubai airport?
Yes. The Red Line has Airport Terminal 1 and Airport Terminal 3 stations. Terminal 2 has no direct Metro station.
Do I need to tell my driver the terminal?
Yes. The terminals have separate arrivals areas, and Terminal 2 is on the other side of the airport, so include the terminal and your flight number in the enquiry.
Is Dubai airport Terminal 1 the same as Concourse D?
Concourse D is part of Terminal 1 and is linked to the main building by an automated train.
Keep exploring
Plan the rest of your journey
Abu Dhabi airport to DubaiZayed International (AUH) to your Dubai address.Explore
Cruise terminal transfersDubai Harbour and Port Rashid, to the ship or the airport.Explore
DWC to Downtown DubaiFrom Al Maktoum to the city centre.Explore
DWC to Dubai MarinaFrom Al Maktoum to the Marina.Explore
Car with driverRent a car with a private driver by the hour or day.ExploreHourly chauffeurSeveral stops, one car, planned around your day.Explore
YOUR NEXT JOURNEY
A considered arrival.
A clear next step.
Tell us where you are landing and where you want to go. Include your travel date, flight number, passenger count and luggage so your enquiry starts with the right details.
Send your journey details to Belgravia Transfers. Ask for availability, vehicle suitability, pricing and pickup arrangements for your itinerary.
Your booking is confirmed only when the arrangements have been agreed. Please do not send payment-card details or passport copies by email.
- 1Send your detailsAirport, flight, address, passengers and bags.
- 2Receive your quoteWe reply by email with the vehicle and price.
- 3Travel as agreedMeeting point and pickup confirmed in writing.