If you live in the UAE and drive to Dubai International for a trip, you have a choice: leave your car at the airport, or book a transfer there and back. For short trips parking is often convenient. For longer trips the daily charges add up quickly. This guide sets out the official parking rates and compares the two options so you can decide.
Official DXB parking rates
Dubai Airports publishes its parking rates by terminal. The figures below are taken from the Dubai Airports car parking page as checked in October 2026; rates and offers change, so check the page before you travel.
| Car park | Walk to terminal | 4 hours | 1 day | Each extra day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1, Car Park A (Premium) | 2-3 min | AED 65 | AED 125 | AED 100 |
| Terminal 1, Car Park B (Economy) | 7-9 min | AED 45 | AED 85 | AED 75 |
| Terminal 2, Car Park A (Premium) | 3-5 min | AED 65 | AED 125 | AED 100 |
| Terminal 2, Car Park B (Economy) | 10-12 min | AED 30 | AED 70 | AED 50 |
| Terminal 3, all levels | 2-3 min | AED 65 | AED 125 | AED 100 |
Short stays are also charged: at Terminal 3, for example, the page lists AED 5 for 5 minutes, AED 15 for 15 minutes and AED 30 for 30 minutes. Dubai Airports also runs seasonal long-stay offers from time to time, so it is worth checking for one before a holiday.
How to pay
According to Dubai Airports, you can pay by scanning the QR code on your parking ticket or at an automatic pay station before returning to your car. Salik is also accepted: if your Salik account has enough balance and the fee is unpaid, the charge is deducted automatically when you exit. Our guide to Salik tolls in Dubai explains how the account works.
Working out the real cost of parking
Parking is more than the car park fee. Add the fuel for both drives, any Salik gates on your route, and the time it takes to find a space, walk to the terminal with luggage and get the car out again when you return, often late at night after a long flight. Using the official rates, a week at Terminal 3 would be AED 125 for the first day plus AED 100 for each of the next six days, before any offer. For a two-week holiday the total is much higher.
When a private transfer makes more sense
- Longer trips: once the trip runs to several days, the parking fee alone can exceed the cost of two transfers. Ask us for a quote and compare it with the official rates.
- Late-night returns: after a long flight, a driver waiting in arrivals is easier than driving home tired.
- Families and groups: one larger vehicle, such as a V-Class style MPV, takes everyone and the luggage.
- Visitors: if you are staying in Dubai on holiday, a hire car parked at the airport rarely makes sense; a DXB airport transfer is simpler.
Our Dubai airport transfer cost guide explains how transfer quotes are built, so you can compare fairly with parking.
When parking makes more sense
For a short business trip of a day or two, or if you need your car the moment you land, parking can be the better choice. The economy car parks at Terminals 1 and 2 cost less than the premium options, but involve a longer walk.
Dropping off and picking up
If a friend or family member is dropping you off, the departures forecourt is for quick drop-offs only. For pickups, Dubai Airports advises using the car parks or valet services rather than waiting at the kerb. A pre-booked driver avoids both: they park, meet you inside and take you to the car. See our meet and greet page and our guide to DXB Terminal 3 arrivals.
Hidden costs to factor in
When you compare parking with a transfer, include everything that comes with driving yourself. Fuel for the round trip, Salik toll charges on the way, and the time spent looking for a space and walking to the terminal all add up. If you are travelling with family, think about whether everyone, and all the luggage, fits comfortably in your car.
There is also the return journey. After a long flight, driving home tired can be unpleasant, particularly late at night. A drop-off by a friend or relative avoids parking fees but involves two return trips for them. A transfer means someone else does the driving in both directions.
Which option suits which trip
- Short business trip, one traveller: parking for a night or two can be convenient if you are comfortable driving.
- Family holiday of a week or more: long parking stays add up, and a transfer in each direction often works out simpler.
- Late-night arrival: a driver waiting at arrivals saves the walk to the car park and the drive home.
- Visitors without a car: the choice is between taxis, the Metro and pre-booked transfers.
How to compare like for like
Use the official car-parking page to calculate the cost for your exact dates and terminal, then ask for a transfer quote for the same dates. Remember that rates and car parks can change, so check the official page shortly before you travel. Whichever you choose, allow plenty of time to get to the terminal, especially at busy holiday periods when car parks fill up and roads around the airport are busier.
Drop-off rules at the terminals
If a friend or family member drops you off, they should follow the signs for the departures forecourt and stop only briefly to unload. Waiting at the kerb is not allowed, and drivers who want to come inside need to use the short-term car parks. For pick-ups, the same applies: it is easier to arrange to meet in the car park or for the driver to wait nearby until you have your bags.
For a pre-booked transfer, the driver handles the parking and meets you inside or at a set point, so you do not need to coordinate a kerbside pick-up. This is one of the main reasons families choose a transfer for arrivals. See our meet and greet page for how arrivals pickups work.
Whichever option you choose, keep your flight details handy and allow extra time during school holidays.
Ask for a quote to compare
Use our quote request form, or email info@belgraviatransfers.com, with your home address, your outbound and return flights, passengers and bags. We reply with a quote for both journeys so you can compare it with the parking cost for your dates. Nothing is booked until you accept. You can also start from our Dubai airport transfer page.
Frequently asked questions
How much is parking at Dubai airport Terminal 3?
Dubai Airports lists AED 40 for up to 2 hours, AED 65 for 4 hours, AED 125 for one day and AED 100 for each additional day at Terminal 3, as checked in October 2026.
What is the cheapest parking at DXB?
The economy car parks at Terminals 1 and 2 have lower rates, with a longer walk to the terminal.
Can I pay DXB parking with Salik?
Yes. Dubai Airports says the fee is deducted from your Salik account on exit if it is unpaid and the balance is enough.
Is a transfer cheaper than parking at Dubai airport?
For longer trips it often is. Ask for a quote for both journeys and compare it with the official parking rates for your dates.
Do parking rates change?
Yes. Check the Dubai Airports car parking page for current rates and any seasonal offers.
Facts on this page were checked against the sources linked above on 17 October 2026. Dates, prices and opening hours can change, so confirm them with the official source before you travel.
