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Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) – Terminals, Transport, Hotels & Guide
Airport Directions
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), often referred to as Dubai World Central, is Dubai’s “Airport of the Future.” Located in Dubai South, it is currently the secondary hub for the city but is undergoing a massive expansion to eventually become the world’s largest airport. For Flys to Dubai travelers, DWC is primarily the gateway for budget airlines (like Wizz Air) and seasonal charter flights from Europe and Russia. It offers a calm, uncrowded, and ultra-modern arrival experience compared to the bustle of DXB.
Airport Name
Al Maktoum International Airport
IATA Code
DWC
Location
Emirates Road, Dubai South, Jebel Ali, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Terminals
single compact passenger terminal
Distance from Central London
Approximately 23 miles (37 km) southwest of Dubai Marina and 30 miles (50 km) from Downtown Dubai / Burj Khalifa.
Nearby Areas
Dubai Expo City, Dubai Parks and Resorts (Legoland/Motiongate), and Jebel Ali Port
Airlines Operating from the Airport
DWC is the home of low-cost and charter travel in Dubai.
- Budget Carriers: Wizz Air (Flights to Europe/Middle East), flydubai (Selected seasonal routes).
- Charter/Regional: Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, Smartwings, Luxair, TUI.
- Note: Emirates flights do not currently operate from DWC (they are exclusively at DXB Terminal 3).
Destinations & Routes
DWC connects to niche destinations and major European cities via budget carriers.
- Popular Routes: Budapest, Bucharest, Sofia, Moscow, and various seasonal holiday destinations.
- Flys to Dubai Connection: If you see a surprisingly cheap fare to Dubai, double-check the airport code. It is likely landing here at DWC.
Airport Terminals Information
Currently, DWC operates from a single compact passenger terminal, which makes it incredibly efficient.
- Passenger Terminal: All check-in, security, and arrivals are on one level. You can walk from the plane to the taxi stand in under 15 minutes.
- Future Plans: The airport is currently in “Phase 2” of expansion, which will eventually see it replace DXB, but for 2026, it remains a single-terminal boutique experience for passengers.
Airport Facilities & Services
- Wi-Fi: Free high-speed “WOW-Fi” is available throughout the terminal.
- Lounges:
- Marhaba Lounge: A comfortable lounge available for Priority Pass holders and paid entry. Offers hot food, showers, and quiet zones.
- Duty Free: A compact Dubai Duty Free store is available in Arrivals and Departures (selling alcohol, perfumes, and tobacco).
- VAT Refund: A Planet tax refund kiosk is available in the Departures hall.
Shopping & Dining at the Airport
- Dining: Options are limited compared to DXB but sufficient.
- McDonald’s: Located landside (before security) and airside.
- Costa Coffee: Located in Arrivals and Departures.
- Caribou Coffee: Located airside.
- Shopping: A WHSmith (books/snacks) and the main Duty Free shop.
Airport Security & Immigration
- Speed: DWC is famous for its speed. It is rarely crowded, and you can often clear immigration and customs in under 10 minutes.
- Smart Gates: Smart Gates are available for eligible residents and returning tourists.
- Baggage: Baggage claim is usually very fast due to the smaller terminal size.
Dubai Arrival Airports
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Most flights (including Emirates) arrive at DXB, offering fast immigration, Dubai Metro access, and short transfer times to hotels.
Transport & Connectivity
Transport from DWC requires a bit more planning than DXB as there is no direct Metro station at the terminal yet.
- Bus (F55): The F55 Bus runs every hour from DWC Arrivals to Expo 2020 Metro Station (Red Line). This is the cheapest way to the city. Journey time: 35 mins.
- Bus (N55 – Night): During the night (when the Metro is closed), the N55 runs all the way to Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in the city center.
- Taxi (RTA): Cream-colored taxis are available 24/7. Note: Like DXB, there is an airport flag-fall surcharge (approx. AED 25). Expect to pay AED 100–140 to Dubai Marina or AED 160–200 to Downtown Dubai.
- Car Rental: All major agencies (Hertz, Europcar, Sixt) have counters in Arrivals. Driving to the city is easy via Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) or Emirates Road (E611).
Parking Information
Parking at DWC is significantly cheaper than DXB and usually has plenty of space.
- Arrivals/Departures Parking: All parking is surface-level and located directly in front of the terminal.
- Rates: Approximately AED 10-20 per hour and AED 100 per day.
- Free Drop-Off: You can drop off passengers directly at the Departures curb for free.
Hotels Near the Airport
- Holiday Inn Dubai Al-Maktoum Airport: Located just 5 minutes away. Modern and convenient.
- Staybridge Suites Dubai Al-Maktoum Airport: Perfect for longer stays or families.
- Aloft Dubai South: A trendy, tech-forward hotel located near the airport entrance.
- Rove Expo 2020: Located at the Expo City site (15 mins by taxi), offering great value.
Tips for Travelers
- Check the Airport Code: Ensure your ticket says DWC and not DXB. They are 60km apart!
- Transport to City: If you are on a budget, take the F55 Bus to Expo 2020 Station, then take the Metro. It costs roughly AED 7.50 total vs AED 150 for a taxi.
- Inter-Airport Transfer: If you are connecting from DWC to DXB, allow at least 3 to 4 hours. You must take a taxi (1 hour drive) or bus+metro (2 hours). There is no airside transfer between them.
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Questions & Answer
We’re committed to offering more than just products—we provide exceptional experiences.
It will cost approximately AED 100 – AED 120, including the airport surcharge.
DWC is in the Jebel Ali area of Dubai South, approximately 37 km southwest of central Dubai, accessible via major highways like Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), E311, and Emirates Road (E611).
Opened for cargo in 2010 and passengers in 2013, DWC focuses on low-cost, cargo, and future hub operations; it's set to become the world's largest airport, potentially replacing DXB as Dubai's primary gateway.
Driving takes 40–45 minutes via E311; taxis are readily available outside arrivals (metered, ~AED 100–150).
RTA Bus F55 runs every 30 minutes from Ibn Battuta Metro Station to DWC, linking to the Dubai Metro Red Line for city access (~1 hour total).
Yes, major providers like Hertz and Avis have desks in the terminal, with pick-up areas nearby.
Baby-changing rooms, family seating, and child-friendly dining options are provided in the terminal.
