How long does it take to get from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 at Dubai Airport?

Transfer between terminals You can easily walk between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 when transferring between flights. It shouldn't take more than 20 minutes, and there are travelators and escalators along the way.



The travel time between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB) is generally quick and straightforward, as they are connected within the same building complex.

Here’s a breakdown:

1. Walking (Inside Security / Airside)

  • If you are in transit and already have your boarding pass for your next flight (and both flights are in the same terminal complex or you can stay airside), you can often walk between T1 and T3 without exiting security.
  • The walk is via connected concourses (through Gates C in T1 and Gates A/B in T3).
  • Time: Approximately 15–25 minutes depending on your pace and distance between gates.

2. By Airport Train (Airside)

  • There is an automated people mover (APM) airside that connects Concourse A (T3) and Concourse C (T1).
  • It runs frequently (every few minutes).
  • Time: The train ride itself is only a couple of minutes, but including waiting and walking to/from gates, total transit can be 10–20 minutes.

3. By Metro or Public Transport (Landside)

  • If you have exited security (landside), you can take the Dubai Metro.
  • Stations: Terminal 1 has its own metro station; Terminal 3 is connected to the Airport Terminal 3 metro station.
  • Metro ride between T1 and T3 is just one stop (about 3–5 minutes).
  • Including ticket purchase and walking to/from stations

People Also Ask

You do not require a transit visa in Dubai if you are only transferring flights under 24 hours, regardless of the airlines you are travelling with. Upon your arrival to terminal 1, please follow the signs to connections and proceed to the transfer desk.

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You need to clear Immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and go through Customs. Exit the terminal and take a taxi or bus to your departure terminal. Check in for your next flight as usual.

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Below you can find the minimum time needed for connecting flights in Dubai International Airport. Between domestic flights: 20 min. Between domestic and international flights: 60 min. Between international flights: 60 min.

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You will not require a UAE transit visa if you are staying in the airport for a period of four hours or less. What can I do? Relax in a reclining seat designed specifically for your comfort during transit hours.

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You must apply for a transit visa for Dubai/UAE if you're not eligible for Dubai Visa On Arrival. Additionally, if your layover is longer than 8 hours, and you plan on leaving the airport, you need a transit visa.

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Terminal 3 consists of three concourses (A-Gates, B-Gates and C-Gates) which are used exclusively by Emirates and Qantas. Terminal 1 Concourse D (D-Gates) is home to many of DXB's international airlines while Terminal 2 (F Gates) also provides access to regional and international flights.

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It's easy to transfer between terminals at Dubai International Airport. The Metro runs between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3; there is a free 24-hour shuttle service between Terminals 1, 2 and 3; and if you're connecting to another flights, you'll be automatically transferred as part of your connection.

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The distance between T1 and T3 is approximately 8 kms. Provide a minimum of 15 mins to account for traffic jams or unavoidable delays. In order to avoid fraudsters, it is advisable to take a taxi from one of the Taxi Counters inside the Airport premises.

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Travel on Diplomatic or Official Passports: U.S. citizens traveling to or through the UAE on diplomatic or official passports are required to obtain a visa before travel (transit passengers only require a visa if exiting the airport).

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You need to be at the boarding gate at least 45 minutes before the departure of your connecting flight. If you don't have a UAE visa, the scheduled departure of the connecting flight needs to be within 24 hours of your arrival in Dubai. Without a UAE visa, you won't be allowed to leave the airport.

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Is security check required for a flight connection? Yes, a security check is mandatory when you take a connecting flight. This is because there is a time lag between getting off one aeroplane and getting on-board another to reach your destination.

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You will be fine with a one and a half hour layover. The excellent staff of Emirates will help you to make sure you are in time for your connecting flight. We flew Emirates via Dubai twice last summer and 1.5 hours to connect should be fine. Connections there are very efficient.

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Dubai International (DXB) is our home hub. Your Emirates flight will arrive at and depart from gates A, B or C at our own Emirates Terminal 3.

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If you miss your link due to a flight delay, it is the airline's fault. Thus, during such cases, Emirates will rebook you on their next available flight. However, if this next flight happens to be the following morning, the airline has a solution to this too. They will book you on another airline in such a situation.

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