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Dubai Airport Transfers and Transit

By Dom Bewley

Picture the scene, if you will. You've booked your trip to Dubai, and you're excited. Looking forward to the warm weather and sunny days, you pack your bag with all your summer bits. You board the plane, eager for the long trip to be over so you can step into the desert oasis that is Dubai. You wake just as the pilot announces that your journey is nearly over. The wheels hit the tarmac, and your heart skips a beat. It's finally time.

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But when you finally get through security and leave the airport, this feeling washes over you. You brush it off at first; surely it's just nerves bundled with excitement? You head to a bus stop, but you can't read the listings. You open your GPS app, and you're having trouble connecting. The world begins to close in on you, choking you with all its sunny goodness. What if you never find your hotel? What if you're stuck here, on the cusp of paradise, doomed never to see Dubai in all its glory? Just like that movie with Tom Hanks, where he hangs out in an airport for years.

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Airport jail, probably

Now imagine none of this happened, because you booked an airport transfer weeks ago, and your driver's here to greet you with a smile and some sweet aviator shades. Feeling like a diplomat, or someone of equal import, you shimmy into the backseat of an air-conditioned vehicle, and before you know it, you arrive at your hotel. Doesn't that sound way better than the whole 'eternal airport limbo' we made up earlier? So, here's everything you need to know about travel from Dubai airport, including transfers!

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Travel in Dubai - how long are airport transfers?

The good news is that, if you're staying in the city center, it's only a 3-mile drive from Dubai International Airport. This will take roughly 25 minutes, or double that if you're staying in Downtown Dubai.

Travel in Dubai - why you should book a transfer from the airport

As a stranger in a strange land, it couldn't hurt to get some know-how from the locals. And that's what you'll get in spades if you book an airport transfer. Cab drivers will be able to provide you with local tips and tricks with a vacation twist, so be sure to strike up a conversation and see what tasty gossip nuggets you can mine.

Besides, you may have already started celebrating your vacation on the plane, so leaving the driving up to someone else might be the best, and legal, course of action!

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We've touched on the stress many holiday-goers can feel when they leave the airport in an unfamiliar place. Not knowing the local language can be a barrier between you and public transport. So it's good to know that when you get off the plane, you'll have a car and driver waiting for you, who knows exactly where to take you!

And better still, as they know your route, you'll already have a pre-agreed price. Hell, you may have already paid for the trip. With airport transfers, you don't have to worry about getting scammed or overcharged, or having enough local currency on you to pay.

Travel in Dubai - types of transfer vehicles from the airport

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Cheapest - shuttle

A cheap and cheerful shuttle will certainly do the job, with prices around $7-10. However, you will be traveling with others, and that may mean you end up making multiple stops before your desired destination. That also means your journey will be significantly longer at around 60 minutes, and you'll only have a small personal allowance for luggage. If you're traveling in a group, you're probably better off with one of the more expensive alternatives.

Small group - private car

These come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, with some (around $25) allowing up to 3 passengers, and others like mini-buses (around $35), allowing up to 7 passengers. The quality/brand of the vehicle will determine the price you pay, with classier rides being significantly more expensive for the same short journey. But hey, if you want to pay over $200 to ride in style for 15 minutes, you do you!

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Large group - coach

This one's for the extended family-type trips, where you meet three cousins you never knew existed. Seating anywhere from 35 up to 50 people, you'll pay handsomely for the privilege, but it's unarguably the best way for huge groups to travel.

Travel in Dubai - final tips on airport transfers

Whenever you book a transfer, make sure to research the travel company online to see their reviews. That way, you hopefully won't be surprised by false advertising, or end up in a car that's falling apart.

Make sure that your luggage allowance is enough for the transfer vehicle you hire! At best, you might be stuck with heavy bags on your lap for the journey. At worst, they might refuse to take you entirely!

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If your driver is super helpful and goes above and beyond in regards to their advice, hints and tips, or they're clearly making an effort to be chatty, be sure to tip them right back. But like, with money rather than life advice or anything.

And finally, make sure you keep all receipts/emails with your booking info handy, either printed out on paper or on your phone's mailbox. That way, if you do run into any problems, you'll have quick access to the info you'll need to resolve the problem!

And that about covers everything you need to know about air travel and transfers in Dubai Airport! Looking for fun in Dubai without the fuss? Look no further than Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want. If you seek some extreme sports to get the blood pumping, why not check out our guide to the best thrill-seeking activities in the city? Live for the night? Read up on our recommendations for the best neon-soaked activities. Hungry and want to know what's good? We've got you covered, thanks to your ultimate guide to the best eats in Dubai.

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Dubai in February

Planning a trip to Dubai? If you're wondering when's a good time to visit, try February. There are no better places to escape the winter chill than the UAE's own desert oasis. Need convincing? Check out our guide to Dubai in February and see for yourself! Including: Seasonal weather Refreshing waterpark adventures Secret skiing Ice skating shenanigans The best views in the city and more! Dubai in February: What to Expect For those of your visiting from colder climates, February might be the perfect month to visit Dubai. You can expect highs of around 82°F and lows of around 64°F. So it's still warm, because of course it is, but at least the evenings will be cooler, and day temperatures are a little more temperate. Shorts, tees, and summer dresses are your best bets, and make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen to protect that pasty complexion. Dubai in February: What to Do Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm On the warmer days, there's nothing stopping you from channeling your inner summer child and seeking the cooling thrills of a waterpark. And why settle for less when you can have the best? Simply head to the grand Atlantis The Palm, and enter the wonderful watery world of Aquaventure Waterpark! With rides such as the plummeting Leap of Faith, which drops you into a massive tube surrounded by exotic aquatic life, even adrenaline junkies are catered to! Or, if heights aren't your things, test your mettle at The Rapids, which puts you on a raft battling choppy waters for a mile. Even kids will get their fix thanks to the Splasher's Children's Play Area, which features tons of mini slides, climbing frames, and even tipping buckets, so they won't miss out on all the fun. It might sound strange, but splashing up a storm at a waterpark is definitely one of the best things to do in Dubai in February. Ski Dubai If - for some reason - the heat has you missing the winter chills back home, head to the slopes for some ski action. Yes, even in this desert oasis, you'll find cool arctic chills. You don't even have to climb a nearby mountain, simply head over to Ski Dubai and find a winter wonderland you'll not want to miss. Head indoors, and you'll be stunned to discover lovingly-recreated ski slopes where you can strut your stuff. In an effort to ensure genuine authenticity, you can even take a ski lift up to the top of the slopes, and every so often, a parade of penguins will grind proceedings to a halt in the cutest way possible. If you're a slope pro, there's no need to lug all your equipment on the plane ride over - all your skis, jackets, and boots will be provided by Ski Dubai when you enter. And for all your non-pros, they've got you covered too. Instructors are on hand to guide even the greenest of slope-goers. Dubai Ice Rink Speaking of missing the joys of winter, after wallowing in Dubai's sun and heat, you might be missing another mainstay of the chillier months - ice skating. But never fear, February traveler, because Dubai even has an Olympic-sized ice rink. You'll find it in the heart of Dubai Mall, and it's the perfect place to bust some moves, or at least try to stay upright. With skate hire on-site, safety marshalls on hand, and the ice being resurfaced every 2 hours, you'll enjoy a smooth and satisfying skate session. Impress the other skaters by attempting to go backward - it's the only way to get their respect. AIN Dubai Dubai is a stunning city; that's just a warm, hard fact. The glistening of sunkissed waters, the beautiful reflective towers, and the horizon-spanning beaches are absolutely stunning. Seeing it from the ground is one thing, but the best way to see it all at once is up in the sky. So, why not ascend to the heavens and look upon the city on the world's tallest observation wheel? That's what you'll get at AIN Dubai because no one does it bigger or better than Abu Dhabi! Towering above the likes of The London Eye, AIN Dubai stretches up to over 820ft off the ground. So why not enter one of its 48 luxurious, air-conditioned cabins, get your cameras/phones at the ready, and snap away at some of the best views in the world? Keep an eye out for the likes of the Palm Jumeirah, Marina Beach, the Burj al Arab, and the striking Burj Khalifa in the distance. At The Top - Burj Khalifa Speaking of getting high, why not ascend the aforementioned Burj Khalifa? If you thought AIN Dubai was high, wait until you see this bad boy. This isn't just any old large building; it's the largest building on the planet. At over 2,700ft, how will a measly human like you scale such a behemoth? Well, you'll start by entering a double-decker elevator and shooting up at over 10 meters per second. Thanks to the in-elevator media displays, even at those speeds, you'll have some time to learn about Dubai's and Burj Khalifa's history. Then, when you reach the top, you'll find telescopes with full HD cameras and high zoom, offering a unique, interactive way to learn about the Dubai landmarks and sights you'll see. Further up, Level 125, you'll reach the viewing deck, where you can look out over the city and take as many photos of the little ant people as you like. Ambassadors are also dotted about the deck, and they'll fill you in on the history and trivia about the Burj Khalifa and Dubai skyline, too. And that was our guide to Dubai in February! Need help planning the rest of your vacation? Check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want. We cover the very best Dubai attractions, so if you want all of the fun without all the fuss, we've got you covered.
Dom Bewley
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Dubai Day Trips - Tours From Dubai

Dubai is great - you've decided to vacation there, after all. But there's a whole wide world out there to explore, and it isn't going to explore itself. Instead, grab the travel bull by the travel horns, ignore that terrible turn of phrase, and plan some day trips and tours out of Dubai! Whether you're in the market for some culture, fancy getting your heart pumping, or simply want to ride an exotic animal, there's something for everyone. So, let's talk about the best day trips and tours from Dubai, which you should not miss! Including: Qasr Al Watan Thrill Buggy Rides in Dubai's desert Abu Dhabi's Highlights Day Trip from Dubai 4x4 Quad Bike Ride in Desert (Sahara Adventure) Camel Trekking in Abu Dhabi and more! Visit Qasr Al Watan Learning might not be top of your list when it comes to fun. But learning about another culture is one of the coolest things about a vacation. So, why not gain a deeper understanding of Arabic culture and how the area contributed to the arts and science on a day trip to Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi? On the outside, you'll be treated to a magnificent white palace housed in the Presidential Palace compound. On the inside, you'll discover buckets of information about Arab heritage and culture that shaped the history of the United Arab Emirates. By studying artifacts from the UAE's history, you'll learn how local traditions have evolved over the centuries. Then, there's the Qasr Al Watan Library, which culture vultures will love to dive into. All in all, Qasr Al Watan makes for one of the most fascinating day trips from Dubai. Enjoy a Thrill Buggy Ride in Dubai's desert Switching gears now to something a bit more adrenaline-pumping. If you've never ridden over the dunes outside Dubai in a dune buggy, you've never truly lived. Change all that, and get behind the wheel on this amazing day trip out of Dubai. After you're escorted from your hotel in a 4x4, your journey to the dunes will be full of photo ops. Cameras at the ready, boys and girls. Then, you'll arrive at base camp, board your metal hog, and take the beast for a spin. For 30 glorious minutes, you'll be free to carve some sick sand or something. And your guide will be on hand to make sure you don't hurt yourself, or them, or their buggy. Ever felt 800ccs of pure, unadulterated dune buggy chugging beneath you? Nothing quite compares to it. Dubai Day Trips to Abu Dhabi For those who don't know, Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It may not be as well known or as beloved as its younger brother Dubai, but it's still well worth a visit. So, why not visit and experience one of the best day trips out of Dubai? The capital is a mix of culture and modernity, offering a decidedly different atmosphere than its neighbors. Kicking off on the coast, you'll pass by famous spots such as the vast Jebel Ali Port, the National Exhibition Centre, Etihad Towers, the Louvre Museum, and Emirates Palace. All of them are worthy of more than a few pictures, so keep your phones charged and your memory free. The perfect answer to Dubai's extravagance, go see what all the fuss is about. Enjoy a 4x4 Quad Bike Tour in the desert If dune buggies don't quite do it for you, why not try a quad bike instead? These four-wheeled wonders can make quick work of Dubai's dunes, so consider doing some sweet dune jumps on this tour of the desert. After your ride drops you at camp, you'll hop on a freaking camel to tour the surroundings. After you've fulfilled your dream of embodying Indiana Jones, you'll reach a specially designed track nestled deep in the beautiful dunes. And then, well, it's game on. Race to your heart's content. Race like nobody's watching. Race like your life depends on it. And then, when you're done, you'll get a lift right back to your hotel. Nice. Take the Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner If you'd rather do the desert safari sans the thrillseeking, then you're in luck. Thanks to this desert safari and BBQ dinner, you can have your cake and eat it too. Well, not cake, mainly grilled meats and veg, but you see what we're saying. You'll still get your 4x4 tour of the dunes, from hotel to sandy sea. And yes, you'll still have plenty of time to snap pics of the mesmerizing scenery. But when you reach the desert camp, you'll be treated to a traditional BBQ meal and feast on grilled meats and other Arabian specialties. Doesn't that sound just delightful? But wait, there's more! Because on top of the grilled goodness and laid-back vibes, you'll be able to enjoy belly dancing, a traditional Egyptian dance show, some smoky shisha, sandboarding, camel riding, henna painting, and more. But if you just want to lounge the night away, go right ahead. You make the rules. You are the golden god. Enjoy camel trekking in Abu Dhabi And finally, if dune buggies don't cut it, you're not interested in quad bikes, and you prefer living matter to machine, why not trek across the beautiful dunes on camelback? Do your best 'Laurence of Arabia' impression on this fantastic natural tour of the dunes. Like before, you'll be escorted in comfort (and air conditioning) to a camp deep in the dunes. From there, you'll saddle up, and ride these curious creatures for a half-hour track into the distant sands. Then, when you're done, you'll be taken back to camp, where you can refuel, relax, and enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, dates, and more before heading back to the city. Very nice. And those were our picks for the best day trips and tours out of Dubai! If this has inspired you to make more plans during your vacation, do yourself a favor and check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want.
Dom Bewley
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Dubai Itinerary - 3 Days in Dubai for First Timers

How to spend a long weekend in Dubai.
Lindsay Eagan

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