BELGRAVIA / JOURNEY PLANNING
Dubai airport transfers: DXB and DWC compared
Two airports serve very different starting points. Belgravia Transfers handles enquiries for Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central–Al Maktoum International (DWC). Begin with the code on your flight confirmation, then describe the onward journey you actually need.
- 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
DXB and DWC side by side
Dubai has two international airports, and they serve travellers in different ways. The table below sets out the practical differences that matter for a road transfer. Airline and terminal allocations change, so always check your own booking.
| Dubai International (DXB) | Al Maktoum International (DWC) | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Al Garhoud, close to Deira, Downtown Dubai and the creek | Dubai South, in the south-west of the emirate, near Expo City Dubai and Jebel Ali |
| Passenger terminals | Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 | A single passenger terminal today |
| Typical users | Emirates (Terminal 3), flydubai (mainly Terminal 2) and most international airlines (Terminal 1) | A smaller range of passenger airlines and charters, plus cargo; check your ticket |
| Dubai Metro | Red Line stations at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 | No Metro station at the terminal |
| Closer to | Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Deira and Sharjah | Dubai Marina, JBR, Palm Jumeirah, Expo City and Abu Dhabi |
Sources: Dubai Airports for airport and terminal information. For terminal-by-terminal detail at DXB, read our Dubai airport terminals guide.
The future of Dubai’s airports
In April 2024 the Government of Dubai approved designs for a new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International, with a plan to move Dubai International’s operations to DWC over the coming years, according to the Dubai Media Office. For now, both airports operate, and most long-haul passengers still arrive at DXB. Check the airport code on each booking rather than assuming which airport your airline uses.
Our Al Maktoum airport guide covers DWC in more depth, including events such as the Dubai Airshow that take place on the airport site.
After you land: what to expect
Whichever airport you use, the sequence is the same: passport control, baggage reclaim, customs, then the arrivals hall where your driver meets you. Our step-by-step guide to arriving at Dubai Airport explains each stage, and travellers with time to spare before a departure can compare Dubai airport lounges by terminal.
If you are booked on an early flight, staying close to the airport can help; see hotels near Dubai Airport. For a pickup inside the arrivals hall, choose meet and greet.
Getting from the airport into the city
Both airports have official taxi ranks outside arrivals, and fares follow the RTA tariff, as explained in our Dubai taxi fare guide. At DXB, the Metro Red Line serves Terminals 1 and 3, which works well if you travel light. Ride-hailing apps also operate; see Uber, Careem and taxis in Dubai.
A pre-booked private transfer is the calmest option with luggage, children or a late-night landing: the driver tracks your flight, waits at the agreed point and takes you straight to the door. Our guide to airport taxi or private transfer compares the options in more detail.
Choose your airport page
- DXB airport transfer: pickups at Terminals 1, 2 and 3, with routes to Downtown, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah
- DWC airport transfer: pickups at Al Maktoum, with routes to Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah and Downtown Dubai
- DXB or DWC? if you are still comparing flights
- Flying into a neighbouring emirate: Sharjah airport to Dubai and Abu Dhabi airport to Dubai, or onward to Sharjah
Send the airport code, terminal, flight number, passengers, luggage and full destination address to info@belgraviatransfers.com, and we reply with availability and a quote for your itinerary. Prices are agreed per itinerary; see the transfer cost guide to compare quotes fairly.
Does Belgravia handle both DXB and DWC?
Yes. Specify the airport code and flight details in your email enquiry so the correct journey can be discussed.
Can I enquire about both arrival and departure?
Yes. Include both journeys with their respective dates, airports, flight details and addresses, and ask for the proposed arrangements for each.
Keep exploring
Plan the rest of your journey
Cruise terminal transfersDubai Harbour and Port Rashid, to the ship or the airport.Explore
Inter-emirate transfersAbu Dhabi, Sharjah and the other emirates.ExploreDubai to Abu DhabiPrivate car between the two cities.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
Arrival checklistWhat to have ready before you land.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.