In Dubai, the Metro Red Line runs from the airport to Burj Khalifa without changing, so you can start sightseeing on arrival day.
Metro fares on a Silver Nol card are 3 dirhams for one zone and 5 dirhams for two neighbouring zones; Airport Terminal 3 to Burj Khalifa is two zones, so 5 dirhams.
Burj Khalifa tickets for levels 124 and 125 cost 189 dirhams.
Visa-free entry depends on your nationality, and your passport should usually be valid for at least 6 months from entry. The observation deck uses timed tickets, so fix your date first.
Visa and entry requirements for The United Arab Emirates
Whether you need a visa, how long you can stay and which pre-arrival forms apply all depend on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Check the official source below, and your own government's travel advice, before you book.
- Visa and Emirates ID (UAE government portal) (The UAE Government)
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) (ICP, UAE)
- Metro, one zone: Silver Nol 3 dirhams
- Airport to Burj Khalifa: Two zones, Silver Nol 5 dirhams
- Burj Khalifa: Levels 124 and 125, 189 dirhams
How much are the Metro and the observation deck?
The Dubai Metro Red Line stops at Airport Terminals 1 and 3. Silver Nol card fares are 3 dirhams for one zone, 5 dirhams for two neighbouring zones and 7.5 dirhams for more. Single-use Red Tickets cost 4, 6 and 8.5 dirhams. From Terminal 3 to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall is two zones: 5 dirhams on Silver Nol, 6 dirhams on a Red Ticket.
Burj Khalifa At the Top tickets are 189 dirhams for Silver (levels 124 and 125), 399 dirhams for Gold (including level 148) and 769 dirhams for Platinum. You choose a time slot, so fix your plans before buying.
| Item | Price | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Metro, one zone | Silver Nol 3, Red Ticket 4 dirhams | Stops at Airport Terminals 1 and 3 |
| Metro, two zones | Silver Nol 5, Red Ticket 6 dirhams | Terminal 3 to Burj Khalifa |
| Burj Khalifa | Silver 189, Gold 399, Platinum 769 dirhams | Choose a time slot |
Based on Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority and At the Top. Prices may change.
How should I split 2 or 4 nights?
With 2 nights: on day one, take the Metro from the airport towards Dubai Mall and check in; on day two, go up Burj Khalifa around sunset. Pick your time slot first so it matches sunset.
With 4 nights: keep the first two days in the same order and keep day three free for a desert tour. Allow plenty of time for the airport on day four.
| Plan | Day | What |
|---|---|---|
| 2 nights | Day 1 | Airport Metro, Dubai Mall |
| 2 nights | Day 2 | Burj Khalifa, old town |
| 4 nights | Day 3 | Desert tour |
| 4 nights | Day 4 | Rest, departure |
What should I eat?
Plan meals in Dubai around shawarma, meze, mandi and dates: shawarma for a light lunch, and sharing dishes like meze and mandi for dinner. We don't pick specific shops or prices here.
What should I check before I go?
Some nationalities can enter the UAE visa-free (for example up to 90 days within 180 days, or 30 days on arrival), while others need a visa in advance. Check your nationality on the official UAE government portal; your passport should usually be valid for at least 6 months from entry.
Burj Khalifa requires a time slot, so buy once your date is fixed. Nol cards and Red Tickets are sold at the airport stations.
Before you leave Dubai
- Check your passport has 6+ months' validity
- Have your return flight ready
- Get a Metro Nol card or Red Ticket
- Check your Burj Khalifa time slot
- Check entry requirements on the official sources
Which plan suits my trip?
- First time in Dubai: take the airport Metro into the city and put Burj Khalifa at sunset on day two.
- Heading straight into town: Terminal 3 to Burj Khalifa is 5 dirhams with no change.
- Adding a desert day: with 4 nights, keep day three free for a desert tour.
FAQ
Can I take the Metro from the airport into the city?
Yes. The Red Line stops at Terminals 1 and 3; Terminal 3 to Burj Khalifa is two zones.
How much is the Metro?
On a Silver Nol card, 3 dirhams for one zone and 5 dirhams for two. Red Tickets are 4 and 6 dirhams.
How much is Burj Khalifa?
A Silver ticket for levels 124 and 125 is 189 dirhams.
Do I need a visa for Dubai?
It depends on your nationality. Check the official UAE government portal; passports should usually have 6+ months’ validity.
Sources
- Visa and Emirates ID (UAE government portal) · The UAE Government · accessed 2026-10-30
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) · ICP, UAE · accessed 2026-10-30
- Nol fares · Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai · accessed 2026-10-23
- Dubai Airports: Metro · Dubai Airports · accessed 2026-10-23
- Dubai Metro · Visit Dubai · accessed 2026-10-23
- Burj Khalifa At the Top tickets · At the Top · accessed 2026-10-23
- Do you need an entry permit or a visa to enter the UAE? · UAE Government portal · accessed 2026-10-23
Information was checked against the official sources listed above. Opening hours, fees and fares can change; please confirm with the venue or operator before you visit.