How to Reach Dubai

Dubai is one of the easiest international destinations to reach from India. Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the main airport for direct flights from India, and nonstop services run from most major Indian cities. This guide covers the flight times, the airlines, which airport to use, what to check before you fly, and how to get around once you land.

How long are flights from India to Dubai?

Flight times and the usual airlines by departure city:

• Mumbai: about 3 hours, nonstop to DXB. Airlines include Emirates, Air India, IndiGo and flydubai.
• Ahmedabad: about 3 hours, nonstop. Airlines include Emirates, IndiGo, SpiceJet and flydubai.
• Pune: about 3 hours, nonstop where scheduled. Airlines include IndiGo, Air India Express and SpiceJet. Confirm operating dates, because Pune nonstop frequency can change, and Mumbai is the main alternative if timings are unsuitable.
• Delhi: about 4 hours, with frequent nonstop services. Airlines include Emirates, Air India, IndiGo and flydubai.
• Chennai: about 4 hours. Airlines include Emirates, Air India, IndiGo and flydubai.
• Bengaluru: about 4 hours. Airlines include Emirates, Air India Express, IndiGo and flydubai.
• Hyderabad: about 4 hours, with frequent nonstop services. Airlines include Emirates, IndiGo, flydubai and Air India Express.
• Kolkata: about 5 hours, nonstop when scheduled. Otherwise connect through Delhi, Mumbai or Doha. Airlines include Emirates, IndiGo and flydubai.

Nonstop availability varies by season and schedule, so recheck before you buy tickets.

Which airport do I fly into?

Most travellers land at Dubai International Airport (DXB), the main airport for direct flights from India. Some itineraries use Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), depending on the airline and routing. Check the transfer time to your hotel before choosing between airports, and compare nearby options only after you have checked the transfer.

Tips for booking flights

• Use early flights to maximise your first sightseeing day.
• Allow substantial airport and hotel transfer time during evening arrival peaks.
• Verify baggage rules when you combine full-service and low-cost sectors.
• Book early for December to February and the New Year period.
• Our packages are land-only, so flights are booked separately, and our planners can advise on timings.

Do you need a visa before you fly?

Most Indian ordinary-passport holders need a UAE visit visa before travel. Read our Dubai visa guide for Indians before you book, because airlines can refuse boarding without the right entry documents.

How do you get around Dubai once you land?

• Metro: the most economical option for major corridors, linking the airport area, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Deira. Fares are generally AED 3 to AED 7.5 depending on zones. It is usually the easiest option for airport transfers and major sightseeing.
• Nol card: used for the Metro, tram, bus and some other public transport.
• Taxis: metered fares, with airport trips typically starting around AED 25 plus distance charges. Convenient for late-night travel and destinations the Metro does not cover.
• Ride-hailing, buses, tram and monorail: also available, and the Palm monorail serves Palm Jumeirah.
• Private transfers: more practical for desert safaris, beaches and dispersed attractions.

Local transport and distances are what catch travellers out most often. The Metro is useful between major hubs, but many places are not realistically walkable, so choose a hotel with good transport access.

Getting from Dubai to Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is reachable by road in roughly 90 minutes to two hours each way, traffic permitting. Plan ahead for mosque entry rules and clothing requirements, and allow for inter-emirate traffic.

Plan your Dubai trip

All our packages are land-only and work with any flight: start with the Dubai Classic 4N package.

See where to go in places to visit in Dubai, choose your month in best time to visit Dubai, and browse our Dubai tour packages.