Dubai Airport Stopover

The best visits and activities for short and long stopovers

Dubai International Airport > Guide > Stopover

Stopover at Dubai International Airport (DXB)

During a stopover at Dubai International Airport (DXB), you will find cafes, restaurants and duty-free shops in the terminals.

The Dubai Airports directory lists lounges in the three terminals (the Marhaba Lounge in Terminals 1, 2 and 3, for example), spas in Terminals 1 and 3, an airport hotel in Terminal 3, and sleep pods in Terminals 1 and 3. Free showers are available in Terminal 3, at A and B Gates; paid showers are offered by some lounges and by the hotel.

Services verified on October 3, 2026 by Dubai Airports.

Things to do at Dubai airport

If your connection is short, the safest thing to do is to stay in the airport. Some ideas:

Shopping: Dubai Duty Free is present in all three terminals (see our page). stores).
Families: The DXB Family Zone is located in Terminal 3, at gates B.
Video games: A gaming lounge, Game Space, is listed in Terminal 3.
Sport: a fitness club is listed in Terminal 3.

Services vary depending on the terminal and the area: check their location in the Dubai Airports directory before you travel.

Dubai Airport (DXB) is a non-smoking airport: smoking is permitted only in designated smoking areas. Dubai Airports lists smoking lounges in Terminals 1, 2 and 3; consult the official directory for their location.

Dining: Many restaurants and cafes are located in the terminals.

Relaxation : The Timeless Spa and XpresSpa spas are located in Terminal 3, while Be Relax is located in Terminals 1 and 3.

Lounges: The conditions for access (travel class, card, paid access) depend on each lounge; please check with the lounge or your airline.

FAQs

Is it possible to sleep in Dubai airport?

Yes. The airport hotel (DXB Hotel) is listed in Terminal 3, and sleep pods are listed in Terminals 1 and 3. Offers are subject to change; please check their location and conditions with the hotel. Dubai Airports. There are also hotels nearby: see our page hotels.

How is your stopover in Dubai?

How a stopover works depends on your ticket and your airline:

Connections: follow the signs for the connecting flights; at the transfer desks, you can obtain your boarding pass for the next flight.
Separate tickets: According to Dubai Airports, travelers in transit with separate tickets must, depending on their visa status, undergo passport control, retrieve their luggage, and re-check in, or go to the transfer counter for a paid baggage transfer service.
Visa and entry: The conditions depend on your nationality. Check with the authorities of the United Arab Emirates and your airline before planning to leave the airport.
Going out in the city: The time required depends on immigration, controls, transportation, and the time of your flight. Do not leave the airport until you have a large margin of time; see our pages Metro and taxi.

Connection information verified on October 3, 2026 with Dubai Airports.

How long is a typical stopover at Dubai airport?

There is no standard duration: it depends on your flights. The minimum connecting time is set by the airlines. If you are traveling with separate tickets or if you change terminals, allow for more leeway, as you need to account for immigration, luggage, and security checks. See our Terminal guide.

Does Dubai airport offer VIP lounges?

Yes. The Dubai Airports directory lists several lounges, including the Marhaba Lounge (Terminals 1, 2 and 3), the Ahlan Lounge (Terminals 1 and 3), and the Plaza Premium Lounge (Terminal 3), as well as airline lounges. Access conditions and services vary depending on the lounge.

Are there any restaurants at the airport?

Yes. Dubai International Airport (DXB) has many restaurants, cafes and fast-food outlets in its terminals. The outlets change: for the updated list by terminal, see the Dubai Airports website. See also our page shops and restaurants.

Does the airport offer shuttle services to the city?

Dubai International Airport (DXB) offers several options for transport to downtown and other destinations:

Metro : Connects Terminals 1 and 3 directly to downtown Dubai.
Bus : Air-conditioned public lines serve several parts of the city.
Taxis : Available 24 hours a day, they offer fast, comfortable service.
Private transfers : Book a personalized transfer for added comfort and convenience.