Reaching Dubai is quite convenient with multiple options available from India and around the globe. The best choice for travelling to Dubai from India is by air, with direct and connecting flights available from all major Indian cities. Due to its excellent connectivity, Dubai has become a major travel destination in the UAE. With its ultra-modern metropolis and futuristic architecture, a trip to Dubai promises a remarkable experience.
Explore the detailed information and various modes of transportation available. Additionally, when you plan your Dubai holiday with Indian Holiday, don’t fret about how to get to Dubai, as our travel experts will take care of your needs.
By Air (recommended option)
Dubai International Airport is the busiest airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), offering numerous conveniences to visitors from every corner of the world. If you’re travelling from India to Dubai, multiple airlines offer direct flights from cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and more. Additionally, you can find connecting flights with layovers from smaller regions. Located just 5 kilometres from Dubai city centre, DXB offers unmatched connectivity with facilities including:
- Terminal 3: Dedicated Emirates hub with luxury amenities
- Terminal 1: International flights from various airlines
- Terminal 2: Budget airlines and regional carriers
- 24/7 operations: Flights arriving every few minutes
- World-class duty-free shopping spanning over 7,000 square meters
Airlines Operating the India-Dubai Route
Full-Service Carriers
- Emirates: Dubai’s flagship airline with daily flights.
- Air India: National carrier with competitive rates.
- Jet Airways: Premium service with flexible schedules.
Budget Airlines
- IndiGo: Most affordable option with frequent sales
- SpiceJet: Budget-friendly with decent service
- FlyDubai: Emirates’ low-cost subsidiary
Alternative Airports
Sharjah International Airport
- Distance to Dubai: 25 kilometers (30-minute drive)
- Airlines: Air Arabia, Air India Express
Abu Dhabi International Airport
- Distance to Dubai: 140 kilometers (1.5-2 hours’ drive)
- Airlines: Etihad Airways, various international carriers
By Sea
Dubai can be reached by sea from India through cargo shipping services operating between Indian ports and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While not as commonly used as air travel, sea routes provide a unique and scenic alternative. However, these services are seasonal and limited, so it’s important to check schedules and availability in advance.
Primary Cruise Option: Jalesh Cruise (Now Cordelia Cruises)
Route Details:
- Departure Port: Mumbai International Cruise Terminal, Green Gate (Near Ballard Pier, CST, Fort)
- Route: Mumbai to Muscat to Dubai and the same route back
- Duration: 4 nights, 5 days
Popular Cruise Lines
- MSC Cruises: Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf routes
- Royal Caribbean: International itineraries
- Costa Cruises: European departures to Dubai
- Celebrity Cruises: Luxury cruise experiences
Cruise Seasons
- Peak season: November to April
- Best weather: December to February
Local Transportation in Dubai
Dubai Metro
Two main lines cover major attractions:
Red Line
- Route: Jebel Ali to Rashidiya
- Key stops: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina, Airport
Green Line
- Route: Etisalat to Creek
- Key stops: Deira, Bur Juman, Al Karama
Metro Features:
- Air-conditioned coaches
- Ladies’ and children’s carriages
- Gold class for a premium experience
- Operating hours are from 5:00 am to 12:00 am
Nol Card System
One of Dubai’s smart and contactless payment systems is for all public transport, making commuting across the city seamless. There are several types of Nol Cards to suit different travel needs:
- Silver Card: AED 25 (AED 19 credit, AED 6 card fee)
- Gold Card: AED 25 (First-class metro access)
- Paper ticket: Single journey option
All Nol Cards can be topped up at Metro stations, ticket vending machines, and select retail outlets throughout the city, making it a reliable and flexible way to get around Dubai.
Dubai Buses
Comprehensive network of 114 bus routes operating citywide, covering the entire city:
- Express services: Limited stops for faster travel
- Feeder services: Connecting to metro stations
- Intercity buses: To other emirates
Bus Types:
- Local buses: Regular city services
- Express buses: Airport and long-distance
- Feeder buses: Metro connectivity
- Central buses: Business district focus
Taxi Services
Multiple taxi operators provide 24/7 service with a starting fare of AED 5 during the day and AED 5.50 at night.
- Per kilometer: AED 1.96 (day), AED 2.15 (night)
- Booking: Careem, Uber, or street hailing
Premium Taxi Services
- Pink taxis: Ladies and families
- Orange taxis: Airport specialized
- Green taxis: Eco-friendly hybrid vehicles
Water Transportation
Dubai Ferry
- Route: Dubai Marina to Al Ghubaiba
- Cost: AED 25-50 per journey
- Duration: 45-60 minutes
- Schedule: Regular departures throughout day
Water Bus
- Routes: Multiple creek crossings
- Cost: AED 1-2 per crossing
- Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes
- Air-conditioned: Comfortable seating
Traditional Abra
- Cost: AED 1 per crossing
- Route: Dubai Creek crossings
- Experience: Traditional wooden boats
- Operating hours: 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Tram Services
Dubai Tram in Marina and JBR area:
- Route: Marina to Al Sufouh
- Integration: Connected to the metro system
- Cost: Standard Nol Card rates
- Frequency: Every 6-8 minutes
Monorail
Palm Jumeirah Monorail:
- Route: Gateway to Atlantis
- Cost: AED 15 single journey
- Duration: 5.5 kilometers in 5 minutes
- Views: Spectacular palm island views
Useful Apps for Dubai Travel
- Careem: Local ride-hailing service
- Uber: International ride-sharing
- Wojhati: Dubai public transport app
Dubai Now: Government services app
