DUBAI / AIRPORT GUIDE
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC): a practical guide
Al Maktoum International Airport, also called Dubai World Central (airport code DWC), is Dubai’s second airport. It is in Dubai South, near Expo City and Jebel Ali, far from Dubai International (DXB). If your ticket says DWC, this guide explains what to expect and how to plan the journey to your hotel or residence.
- 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
Where Al Maktoum airport is
DWC sits in the south-west of Dubai, in the Dubai South district. It is roughly 60 km by road from DXB, so the two airports are not interchangeable. Always check the airport code on your airline itinerary and write it explicitly in any transfer enquiry. Our DXB or DWC guide explains the difference.
There is no Dubai Metro station at the airport at present. Arriving passengers usually continue by taxi from the official rank, by public bus to a Metro station, or by a pre-arranged private transfer.
If you plan to take a cab, see the airport taxi Dubai fares comparison. Pre-arranged transfers start at airport transfer Dubai and include meet and greet at Dubai airport.
The passenger terminal
According to Dubai Airports, the expanded passenger terminal opened in 2018 with capacity for about 26.5 million passengers a year, 24 departure gates, 7 baggage reclaim carousels and 104 check-in desks, and an expanded taxi and limousine pick-up area. (Dubai Airports, DWC fact file)
Passenger flights at DWC began in October 2013. Today the airport handles a mix of scheduled and charter passenger flights, cargo and business aviation. Check with your airline which airport your flight uses, especially if you are booking a connection or a return.
The DWC expansion
In April 2024 Dubai approved an AED 128 billion second phase for Al Maktoum International. Dubai Airports says the plan is a 150-million-passenger airport over about ten years, with five runways, more than 400 aircraft stands and an ultimate capacity of 260 million passengers a year. Over time, operations from DXB are planned to move to DWC. Until then, most long-haul flights still use DXB, so check your ticket.
Distances and journey times from DWC
These are typical road distances and driving times. Real times depend on traffic, especially in the morning and evening rush hours on Sheikh Zayed Road, and on your exact address.
| From DWC to | Approx. distance | Typical drive |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Marina / JBR | 30–40 km | 35–50 min |
| Palm Jumeirah (Atlantis) | about 41–50 km | 40–60 min |
| Downtown Dubai / DIFC | about 50–60 km | 45–70 min |
| Dubai International (DXB) | about 60 km | 55–80 min |
| Abu Dhabi city | about 120 km | 1 h 20 min – 1 h 45 min |
For door-to-door planning, use our route pages: DWC to Dubai Marina, DWC to Palm Jumeirah and DWC to Downtown Dubai.
Getting from Al Maktoum airport to your hotel
- Taxi: Dubai Taxi airport cabs serve DWC from the official rank. Airport taxis start at a higher flag fare than city taxis; check current fares on the Dubai Taxi website.
- Public transport: RTA buses link the airport with the Metro network. It is the cheapest option but takes longer, and is less practical with heavy luggage.
- Private transfer: a pre-arranged car with an agreed meeting point and a quote confirmed before you travel. See DWC airport transfers.
Passport control and baggage at DWC
- Eligible nationalities, including UK and all EU passport holders, get a visa on arrival, according to Dubai Airports’ DWC passport control page. Check the list before you fly.
- Visa-on-arrival visitors with biometric passports can use the Smart Gates; first-time users are registered at passport control on arrival.
- Trolleys are free, and porters at DWC start from AED 30, rising with time (Dubai Airports).
- Power banks go in hand luggage, and liquids in hand baggage are limited to 100 ml per item and 1 litre in total, with exemptions for medication and baby food.
Facts checked against Dubai Airports on 20 October 2026.
Planning your departure from DWC
Because DWC is far from the centre, allow enough time for the drive as well as check-in. Use your airline’s current check-in advice, and give us the time you want to leave your hotel, not just the flight time. A departure is a separate journey with its own pickup address and time.
Is Al Maktoum airport the same as Dubai World Central?
Yes. Al Maktoum International Airport is also called Dubai World Central. Its airport code is DWC.
How far is Al Maktoum airport from Dubai Marina?
Roughly 30 to 40 km by road, usually 35 to 50 minutes by car depending on traffic and your exact address.
How far is DWC from Downtown Dubai?
About 50 to 60 km, typically 45 to 70 minutes by car. Rush hours on Sheikh Zayed Road can add time.
Is there a Metro at Al Maktoum airport?
Not at present. Passengers use taxis, buses to the Metro network or pre-arranged transfers.
Can Belgravia collect me from DWC?
Yes. Send your flight number, arrival time, destination address, passengers and luggage, and state DWC clearly, for an email quote.
Keep exploring
Plan the rest of your journey
DXB terminals guideTerminal 1, 2 and 3 at Dubai International explained.Explore
Abu Dhabi airport to DubaiZayed International (AUH) to your Dubai address.Explore
Abu Dhabi to DubaiA pre-booked alternative to a long taxi ride.Explore
Dubai to SharjahShort inter-emirate trips, quoted in advance.Explore
Chauffeur service DubaiCity journeys for business and leisure.Explore
Car with driverRent a car with a private driver by the hour or 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.