Where to stay in Dubai: areas and transfer times

Dubai is a long, narrow city that follows the coast for more than 50 km. Where you stay decides how long your airport transfer takes and how much time you spend in a car during the trip. This guide compares the main hotel areas, starting with the closest to Dubai International Airport (DXB).

Transfer times from Dubai Airport

Area	Drive from DXB	Good for
Deira / Bur Dubai	about 15 minutes	Old Dubai, souks, short stopovers
Downtown / Business Bay	about 20 minutes	Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, business trips
Jumeirah / Al Barsha	about 30 minutes	Beaches, Mall of the Emirates, families
Dubai Marina / JBR	about 35 minutes	Beach, restaurants, nightlife
Palm Jumeirah	35 to 45 minutes	Resort stays

Times are for normal traffic. Add 15 to 30 minutes in the evening rush.

Deira and Bur Dubai

The old centre on either side of Dubai Creek is the closest area to the airport. Hotels cost less here, and the gold and spice souks are within walking distance. It is the practical choice for a short stopover or an early flight.

Downtown Dubai and Business Bay

Downtown is built around the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. It is central, close to the airport and well placed for both sightseeing and meetings. See prices on Dubai Airport to Downtown Dubai.

Jumeirah and Al Barsha

Jumeirah runs along the public beaches, and Al Barsha sits inland beside Mall of the Emirates. Both are roughly halfway between the airport and the Marina, which makes them a reasonable base if you plan to see both ends of the city.

Dubai Marina and JBR

The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are the liveliest beach districts, with a long waterfront promenade. They are at the far end of the city from DXB, so the transfer is longer. See Dubai Airport to Dubai Marina.

Palm Jumeirah

The Palm is resort territory. Hotels on the outer crescent, including Atlantis, are the furthest from the airport, and there is no Metro on the island, so nearly all guests arrive by car. See Dubai Airport to Palm Jumeirah.

If you land at Al Maktoum Airport (DWC)

Dubai’s second airport is in the south of the city. From there the Marina and the Palm are the closest areas and Deira is the furthest. Our guide to Dubai’s two airports compares the two.

Choosing a vehicle

A sedan takes three people with two large suitcases. Families and anyone with extra luggage usually need a minivan or a minibus. Seats and luggage space for each class are listed on our fleet page, and fixed prices to every area are on the price list.