DXB or DWC? Dubai’s two airports explained
Shuttlix teamUpdated October 7, 2026 · 2 min read
Dubai has two international airports: Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International, also called Dubai World Central (DWC). They are about 65 km apart, so it matters which one is on your ticket.
The two airports at a glance
| DXB | DWC | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | North of the city, next to Deira | South of the city, in Dubai South near Expo City |
| Flights | Most scheduled airlines, including Emirates | Fewer flights, mainly low-cost, charter and seasonal services |
| Terminals | Three | One passenger terminal |
| Dubai Metro | Stations at Terminals 1 and 3 | No station at the airport |
Always check the three-letter code on your booking. A ticket to “Dubai” can mean either airport.
How far is each airport from the hotel areas?
| Area | From DXB | From DWC |
|---|---|---|
| Deira / Bur Dubai | about 15 minutes | about 55 minutes |
| Downtown Dubai | about 20 minutes | about 45 minutes |
| Dubai Marina / JBR | about 35 minutes | about 30 minutes |
| Palm Jumeirah | about 35 minutes | about 35 minutes |
| Abu Dhabi city | about 100 minutes | about 75 minutes |
If you are staying in Dubai Marina, on the Palm or in Jebel Ali, DWC is as close as DXB or closer. For Deira and Downtown, DXB is much nearer. Abu Dhabi is also a shorter drive from DWC.
Arriving at DXB
DXB is one of the world’s busiest airports and has three terminals. Our Dubai Airport arrivals guide explains which terminal each airline uses and how to get out of each one. Fixed prices to every part of the city are on the Dubai Airport transfers page.
Arriving at DWC
DWC is small and quick to walk through, with one arrivals hall. Because there is no Metro station, almost everyone leaves by road: metered taxis wait outside, a public bus runs to the Metro, and a pre-booked driver meets you in the arrivals hall. See Al Maktoum Airport transfers for prices.
Getting between DXB and DWC
There is no train between the two airports. By car the journey takes 45 to 60 minutes. If you are connecting from one airport to the other you have to enter the UAE, collect your bags and check in again, so allow at least four to five hours between flights. A DXB to DWC transfer is booked like any other airport pick-up: give both flight numbers so the driver knows your schedule.
Will DWC replace DXB?
Dubai has announced plans to expand Al Maktoum International into the city’s main airport and to move airlines there over the coming years. Until that happens, DXB remains the airport most visitors use.