Quick Answer
Dubai is served by two airports: Dubai International Airport (DXB), the main hub close to the city center, and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), a smaller, growing airport about 40 kilometers southwest near Dubai South. Most travelers land at DXB, since it handles the vast majority of Dubai’s passenger traffic, including all Emirates flights, while DWC currently serves a smaller number of budget, charter, and seasonal carriers. Always check your boarding pass or ticket for the three-letter airport code, DXB or DWC, rather than assuming based on the city name alone.
Booking a smooth airport transfer starts with knowing which of Dubai’s two airports your flight actually lands at, especially if you’re arranging a Dubai to Abu Dhabi transfer, since DXB and DWC have different locations, transfer times, and onward routes. This guide breaks down exactly what separates DXB from DWC, how to confirm which one applies to your trip, and what that means for planning your pickup.
DXB vs DWC at a Glance
| Factor | DXB (Dubai International) | DWC (Al Maktoum International) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Roughly 5km from Deira, close to the city center | Around 40km southwest, near Dubai South and Jebel Ali |
| Terminals | Three terminals (T1, T2, T3) | One operational terminal currently, with more planned |
| Main hub for | Emirates and the majority of international carriers | A smaller mix of budget, charter and seasonal airlines |
| Passenger volume | One of the world’s busiest airports, over 95 million passengers in 2025 | Currently much smaller, with large-scale expansion underway |
| Metro access | Yes, connects to Terminals 1 and 3 | No direct metro connection |
| Typical transfer time to city center | Roughly 15 to 35 minutes by car | Roughly 35 to 50 minutes by car |
| Facilities | Extensive dining, shopping and lounge options | Limited, though expanding over time |
What Is Dubai International Airport (DXB)?
Dubai International Airport, known by its airport code DXB, is the primary airport serving the city and one of the busiest airports in the world by international passenger traffic. It sits close to the Deira area, well within the city itself, which is why most travelers landing here reach central Dubai relatively quickly compared to DWC.
DXB Terminals Explained
DXB operates three terminals, each serving a different mix of airlines. Terminal 1 handles a broad mix of international carriers, Terminal 2 primarily serves budget and regional airlines, and Terminal 3 is dedicated almost entirely to Emirates, including one of the largest terminal buildings in the world by floor area.
Knowing which terminal your flight uses matters for planning your pickup point, since arrivals halls are terminal-specific, and a chauffeur drawn from a well-maintained fleet will already have this confirmed before you land.
Airlines and Destinations Served by DXB
DXB serves as the hub for Emirates and hosts more than a hundred international carriers connecting to hundreds of destinations worldwide. If you’re flying Emirates, flydubai, or most major international airlines into Dubai, DXB is almost always the airport you’ll land at.
What Is Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)?
Al Maktoum International Airport, known by its airport code DWC and also referred to as Dubai World Central, is Dubai’s second airport, located much further from the city center in the Dubai South area near Jebel Ali.
It currently serves a smaller share of passenger traffic, though it plays a significant role in cargo operations and is the focus of a long-term, large-scale expansion plan. For now, most travelers encounter DWC either through a specific budget or charter booking, or indirectly through the cargo and logistics activity that surrounds Dubai South.
DWC Terminal and Facilities
DWC currently operates with a single passenger terminal, which means simpler navigation and typically shorter queues than the larger, busier DXB. Dining, shopping and lounge options remain more limited for now, reflecting the airport’s earlier stage of development compared to DXB’s fully built-out facilities.
Airlines That Fly Into DWC
DWC is used by a mix of budget carriers, charter operators, and seasonal international routes rather than the majority of major international airlines. Some low-cost routes are directed here specifically because operating costs are lower than at the more congested DXB, so it’s worth double-checking your specific booking rather than assuming a low-cost fare automatically lands at DXB.
How Do I Know Which Airport My Flight Uses?
The most reliable way to confirm which airport applies to your trip is to check the three-letter airport code printed on your boarding pass, e-ticket, or booking confirmation: DXB or DWC, rather than relying on the city name “Dubai” alone, since both airports technically serve the same city.
If you’re unsure, checking directly with your airline or travel booking platform before arranging chauffeur-driven car hire avoids the risk of a transfer being booked for the wrong airport entirely.
Distance and Travel Time to Dubai City Center
Because the two airports sit roughly 35 kilometers apart, the difference in transfer time is significant enough to factor into your planning, particularly if you’re arriving late at night or have a tight schedule.
| Route | Approximate Distance | Typical Travel Time by Car |
|---|---|---|
| DXB to Downtown Dubai | Around 15–20km | 15–35 minutes, depending on traffic |
| DWC to Downtown Dubai | Around 45km | 35–50 minutes, depending on traffic |
| DXB to DWC (airport to airport) | Around 40km | 35–45 minutes |
Traffic conditions, time of day and your exact destination within the city all affect these figures, so treat them as general guidance rather than fixed timings.
Public Transport vs Private Transfer: Getting From Each Airport
DXB connects directly to the Dubai Metro at Terminals 1 and 3, giving travelers a low-cost public transport option alongside taxis and private transfers. DWC currently has no direct metro connection, which makes a pre-booked private transfer a considerably more practical option than relying on public transport, particularly with luggage or after a long flight. For a closer look at how pricing works across these transfer options, see how much chauffeur-driven car hire actually costs in Dubai.
Why DWC Is Growing: Dubai’s Long-Term Airport Plan
DWC is central to Dubai’s long-term aviation strategy, backed by a multi-billion-dollar expansion plan intended to eventually make it one of the largest airports in the world by capacity, with plans to serve well over a hundred million passengers annually within the coming decade. As this expansion progresses in phases over the coming years, more airlines and routes are expected to shift toward DWC over time, which means the airport landscape covered in this guide may continue to evolve.
For now, DXB remains the primary airport for the overwhelming majority of travelers, but it’s worth staying aware of this shift if you fly to Dubai regularly.
Which Airport Should You Plan Your Pickup Around?
For most travelers, the honest answer is DXB, simply because it still handles the vast majority of flights into Dubai, including virtually all Emirates services. However, if you’re flying a budget carrier, a charter service, or a less common seasonal route, it’s worth specifically confirming the airport code before booking transport.
This matters just as much for high-profile arrivals coordinated through a VIP event booking as it does for routine travel, since a mismatch between the expected and actual airport causes far more disruption for a tightly scheduled arrival. A corporate travel coordinator booking transfers on behalf of a group, in particular, should confirm this detail for every traveler individually rather than assuming everyone lands at the same airport.
Booking the Right Airport Transfer for DXB or DWC
Once you’ve confirmed which airport applies to your trip, booking the correct transfer becomes straightforward. A dedicated Dubai Airport pickup suits the vast majority of arrivals landing at DXB, while a separate Al Maktoum Airport (DWC) transfer is built specifically around DWC’s layout, single terminal and longer distance from the city.
If your day involves more than a single pickup, extending into an hourly chauffeur booking for onward travel is worth considering rather than arranging separate trips. Booking the airport-specific service rather than a generic transfer ensures your chauffeur is tracking the correct flight and waiting at the right arrivals hall from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DWC the same as Dubai Airport?
No, DWC (Al Maktoum International Airport) is a separate airport from DXB (Dubai International Airport), located roughly 35 kilometers further from the city center. Both serve Dubai, but they are physically distinct airports with different terminals, airlines and transfer times.
Which Dubai airport do most tourists fly into?
The large majority of tourists fly into DXB, since it’s the hub for Emirates and hosts the majority of major international carriers serving Dubai. DWC currently handles a smaller share of passenger traffic, mostly through budget, charter and seasonal routes.
How far is DWC from DXB?
The two airports are approximately 40 kilometers apart, with a typical car journey between them taking around 35 to 45 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
Can I take the metro from DWC?
No, DWC currently has no direct metro connection, unlike DXB, which connects to the Dubai Metro at Terminals 1 and 3. A private transfer or taxi is generally the most practical option for reaching or leaving DWC.
Why do some cheap flights land at DWC instead of DXB?
Some budget and charter airlines operate out of DWC because operating costs there are typically lower than at the busier, more congested DXB, allowing certain low-cost routes to be priced more competitively. It’s worth checking your specific booking rather than assuming a low fare automatically means DXB.
Will DXB eventually close in favor of DWC?
Dubai’s long-term aviation plans involve significant expansion of DWC over the coming years, with ambitions for it to become one of the world’s largest airports by capacity, though this is a multi-year, phased process. For the foreseeable future, DXB remains the primary and far busier of the two airports for the vast majority of travelers.
Does flydubai fly into DXB or DWC?
Flydubai, Dubai’s main low-cost carrier, primarily operates out of DXB rather than DWC, despite being a budget airline. It’s still worth confirming the airport code on your specific booking, since this can vary by route.
What terminal does Emirates use at DXB?
Emirates operates almost exclusively out of Terminal 3 at DXB, one of the largest airport terminal buildings in the world by floor area, which is directly connected to the Dubai Metro.
Confirming Your Airport Before You Book
Knowing whether your flight lands at DXB or DWC takes the guesswork out of planning your arrival, from transfer time to which pickup point to expect. Once you’ve confirmed the airport code on your ticket, booking the right transfer is a simple next step. Whether you’re arriving at Dubai International Airport or Al Maktoum International Airport, you can arrange a tracked, fixed-price pickup with Chauffeur Emirates or get in touch to confirm the details of your specific flight.
Sources: Dubai Airports, “Who We Are”; Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC)
