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DWC

Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Where to start
Careem or Uber

Al Maktoum International (also called Dubai World Central) is located in Dubai South, approximately 65 km south of central Dubai. Currently used mainly by cargo and select passenger flights. No Metro connection yet — Careem and Uber are the primary options. Licensed taxis are available. Journey times to central Dubai are significantly longer than from DXB.

Ride Options

Careem

rideshare

Most practical option from DWC

AvailabilityAvailable — allow extra app loading time in this area
Pickup NoteBook Careem before exiting arrivals. Pickup zone is outside the terminal. DWC is a long distance from central Dubai — confirm your destination and expected travel time in the app before confirming the booking.
Convenience
Relative costHigher cost
Visit Website

Uber

rideshare

Alternative to Careem with same process

AvailabilityAvailable at DWC
Pickup NoteUber operates at DWC. Same pickup process as Careem — book in the app and go to the designated pickup area outside arrivals. Compare both apps for availability and price.
Convenience
Relative costHigher cost
Visit Website

Licensed Dubai Taxi (RTA)

taxi

No-app option — metered ride

AvailabilityAvailable at the taxi rank outside arrivals
Pickup NoteCream-colored RTA metered taxis are available outside arrivals. All rides are metered — do not accept flat-rate offers. An airport surcharge applies from the start of the trip. Expect a lengthy metered journey to central Dubai.
Convenience
Relative costHigher cost
Visit Website

Pickup Guidance

Rideshare

Careem and Uber both serve DWC. Book in the app before exiting — pickup zones are outside the arrivals hall. Expect longer journey times to central Dubai compared to DXB.

Taxi

Licensed Dubai Taxis (RTA) are available at the official taxi rank outside arrivals. All rides are fully metered — an airport surcharge applies automatically.

Shuttle

Hotel shuttles serving DWC are limited. Contact your hotel before arrival to confirm if they offer a transfer. Most hotels in central Dubai do not include DWC in their standard shuttle route.

Transit

There is currently no Metro or train connection to DWC. Bus services to the Dubai Metro network exist but are infrequent — rideshare or taxi is strongly recommended.

Travel Extras

Need a SIM?Need a lounge?Need a hotel?Need bag storage?

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Local Tips

  • There is no Metro to DWC at this time. Rideshare or taxi is your only practical option.
  • A future Metro extension to DWC is planned but not yet operational — check current status before travel.
  • NO direct metro from DWC — Dubai Metro Route 2020 (Red Line extension) reaches it via shuttle. Taxi or Careem/Uber recommended.
  • DWC is far from central Dubai (~50 km) — taxi to Downtown runs high; allow 45-60 min off-peak.
  • Most flights still use DXB — confirm your terminal carefully.