Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the main gateway for Australians flying through the United Arab Emirates, and it’s where almost all non-stop Emirates and Qantas services from Australia touch down. If you’re travelling from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth, you’ll land in Terminal 3, Australian passport holders get a free 90-day visa on arrival, and the quickest way into the city is the Dubai Metro’s Red Line, which reaches Downtown Dubai in around 30 minutes. This guide walks you through what to expect at each stage, from the terminal you’ll land in to the money and duty-free rules that catch Australian travellers off guard.
At Remitly, we help Australians send and manage money while they’re overseas, so this guide focuses on the practical details of getting through DXB, not just the highlights.
Quick answer
- Terminal: Australians flying Emirates or Qantas from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth land in Terminal 3.
- Visa: Australian passport holders get a free 90-day visa on arrival, as long as their passport is valid for at least six months.
- Transport: The Dubai Metro’s Red Line runs directly from the airport to Downtown Dubai in about 30–35 minutes.
- Duty-free: Returning to Australia, adults can bring back AUD 900 in general goods, 2.25 litres of alcohol and 25 cigarettes duty-free.
- Money: The dirham (AED) is the local currency; Australian cards typically face a foreign transaction fee of 2–3% unless you’re using a travel money card.
What is Dubai International Airport?
Dubai International Airport (DXB) sits in Al Garhoud, on the edge of Dubai’s city centre, and is the United Arab Emirates’ main international gateway. It’s consistently one of the world’s busiest airports for international travel: Dubai Airports reported 95.2 million passengers through DXB in 2025 — a record year for the airport — in traffic figures released in February 2026.
For Australians, DXB also works as a major transit hub on the way to Europe, the UK and parts of Africa. If you’re flying Emirates or Qantas out of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth, you’ll almost always land in Terminal 3.
- Terminal 1: most other international airlines
- Terminal 2: flydubai and regional or budget carriers
- Terminal 3: Emirates, and Qantas passengers travelling on Emirates-operated codeshare flights
Dubai Airport terminals: which one will you use?
DXB has three terminals, and which one you land in from Australia depends entirely on your airline, not on which city you’re flying from.
- Terminal 1 handles most other international carriers; few Australians start or finish a Dubai trip here, since neither Emirates nor Qantas uses it.
- Terminal 2 is flydubai’s home base, along with a mix of regional, charter and budget airlines.
- Terminal 3 is Emirates hub. Qantas passengers will usually arrive here, as many Qantas flights to Dubai are operated by Emirates, thanks to the longstanding partnership between the airlines. At more than 1.7 million square metres, this self-contained airport terminal is largest in the world, with its own concourses, shops and lounges.
If your booking needs a transfer between terminals, a free shuttle bus connects them; allow around 15–20 minutes, plus time to clear security again. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth flights on Emirates or Qantas all land in Terminal 3, so most Australians won’t need to worry about this.
Visa rules for Australian passport holders
Australian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at DXB: it’s a free, multiple-entry, 90-day tourist visa, and there’s nothing to apply for or pay before you fly. It remains valid for 6 months from the date of entry and the main requirement is that your passport is valid for more than six months.
If you’re only connecting between flights at DXB rather than leaving the airport, you generally won’t need a visa at all for transits under 24 hours. For longer stopovers, you can get a transit visa from your airline that will allow you to leave the airport and return. It’s always good to confirm the current the UAE ICP or the UAE embassy in Australia beforehand, since transit policy has shifted before.
At immigration, have ready:
- your passport
- your return or onward flight ticket
- proof of your accommodation booking
The UAE also enforces strict rules on what you can bring in. You’re limited to a three-month supply of any prescription medication (carry the prescription or a doctor’s letter naming the medication and dosage), and vaping devices, e-cigarettes and a range of other items can be treated as restricted or banned. It’s worth checking the current list of banned or restricted medications before you pack as you may need a permit.
Visa and customs rules have changed in recent years, so consider checking Smartraveller’s UAE travel advice shortly before you travel, rather than relying on any single guide.
Getting from Dubai Airport to the city
Once you land, there are four main ways to reach the city. Here’s roughly what each one costs and takes.
- Dubai Metro (Red Line): around 30–35 minutes to Downtown Dubai. You’ll need a Red line pass or a Nol Card. The Nol Card is the Dubai’s equivalent to Myki, with cards sold from vending machines in the arrivals area for AED 25 (roughly AUD 10), which includes a balance of AED 19 (about AUD 7) ; a typical fare across two or more zones is about AED 7.50 (roughly AUD 3). Source: Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai.
- Taxi: metered, and available right outside every terminal; fares start at AED 25 (around AUD 10) a trip to Downtown Dubai takes about 15 minutes in ideal conditions, but can be longer in heavy traffic. Female passengers travelling alone can ask for a female-only taxi, identifiable by a pink roof sign.
- Careem or Uber: both operate from designated pickup zones at the airport rather than the general taxi rank, so follow the signage; fares are often a little lower than a metered taxi for the same trip.
- Pre-booked private transfer: worth arranging ahead if you’re arriving late at night, travelling with young kids, or carrying a lot of luggage, since it skips the taxi or rideshare queue altogether.
Whichever option you choose, check with your Australian bank about foreign transaction fees before you go — some cards charge extra on AED transactions. If you already get around without a car at home, Dubai’s mix of metro, taxis and rideshare makes a car-free stopover just as easy.
Lounges
If you’ve got status with Qantas or Emirates, or you’re flying Business or First, you can usually access the Emirates First and Business lounges in Terminal 3 with a boarding pass check at the door. Qantas passengers connecting on an eligible Emirates-operated codeshare flight get similar access through the Qantas–Emirates partnership, though it’s worth confirming your booking qualifies. Whether you have paid or complimentary access will depend on your class of travel. Without lounge access through your airline or status, Marhaba Lounges which operate in Terminals 1, 2 and 3, accept Priority Pass and similar lounge programmes, and sell pay-per-entry access. Pricing currently starts at around AED 195 (AUD 74) for a two-hour visit.
Currency exchange and managing money
The local currency is the UAE dirham (AED), and you’ll find currency exchange kiosks throughout every terminal, including the arrivals halls. Before you exchange your currency, look at the rates from different kiosks. This way, you can make sure you are getting the best deal.
If you’d rather withdraw local cash, ATMs are widely available. Keep in mind that using your debit or credit card might lead to extra foreign transaction fees (typically around 2–3%). It’s a good idea to ask your bank about this before you go.
A travel money card, such as Wise or Revolut, can be a straightforward way to avoid some of those fees while you’re in Dubai; Remitly’s international transfers are also worth comparing if you’re sending money home during your trip. If you’re planning a longer stay rather than a quick stopover, it’s also worth getting a feel for Dubai’s cost of living before you commit to anything.
Wi-Fi, charging and connectivity
Every terminal has free Wi-Fi and there’s no account or lengthy registration needed. Connect to the ‘DXB Free WiFi’ network and you’ll be online within a couple of taps. There are plenty of charging stations available to make sure your devices stay charged on your journey. You can find them in waiting areas and near gates, including throughout Terminal 3.
If you’re staying longer than a quick layover, UAE SIM cards and eSIMs are sold at kiosks in the arrivals areas, for reliable local data beyond the airport Wi-Fi.
Luggage storage
With downtown Dubai so close to the airport, a long layover is the perfect opportunity to get a taste of it. Luckily, secure short-term storage is available at all three terminals, so you don’t have to worry about dragging your bags along. Look for dnata Baggage Services in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and Emirates Left Luggage in Terminal 3. Storage runs 24 hours a day, and a standard bag costs around AED 35–40 (AUD 13-15) for 12 hours or less, with a higher rate for oversized items, per Dubai Airports’ current baggage information.
Where to eat at Dubai Airport
If you want a proper sit-down meal for a longer wait, Giraffe World Kitchen is running in Terminal 3’s Concourse A. If you’re with a group and everyone wants something different, the Food Village and the Daily DXB are two great options that pack multiple stalls under one roof.
For a quick bite between a short connection, there’s Shake Shack, Five Guys, Pret A Manger and the usual fast-food names, plus several venues that stay open around the clock for very early or late flights. For something with a bit more local flavour, S34 serves Gulf classics like karak chai, though a dedicated Emirati restaurant isn’t currently part of the Terminal 3 line-up.
Duty-free shopping: what Australians should know
DXB’s duty-free areas are spread across all three terminals, with Terminal 3’s the largest and most geared toward Emirates and Qantas travellers. Think perfume, gold, watches and electronics alongside the usual souvenirs and confectionery.
The part that catches people out usually isn’t what’s for sale; it’s what you’re allowed to bring home. Under Australian Border Force rules, each adult can bring back AUD 900 worth of general goods duty-free (AUD 450 for travellers under 18), plus 2.25 litres of alcohol and 25 cigarettes or 25 grams of tobacco. Go over any of those limits and duty applies to the full amount, not just the excess. It’s also worth checking Australia’s biosecurity rules before you buy. Some food, plant and animal products that might look like a great souvenir aren’t allowed back into Australia at all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Australian citizens need a visa for Dubai?
No advance visa is needed. Australian passport holders receive a free 90-day tourist visa on arrival at Dubai International Airport, provided their passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry. You’ll need your passport, an onward or return ticket, and proof of accommodation when you go through immigration.
Which terminal do Qantas and Emirates flights from Australia use?
Qantas and Emirates flights between Australia and Dubai both use Terminal 3. Qantas doesn’t fly its own aircraft on this route. Qantas-numbered flights to Dubai are operated by Emirates under a codeshare agreement, which is why both airlines’ passengers end up in the same terminal, using many of the same lounges and check-in areas.
What’s the quickest way to get from DXB to the city centre?
The Dubai Metro’s Red Line is often the fastest option, reaching Downtown Dubai in around 30 to 35 minutes. A taxi can work out quicker door-to-door and might be the best option if you’re carrying a lot of luggage, but it can take longer than the metro during peak traffic.
What’s the best way to pay for things at Dubai Airport?
AED cash, a debit or credit card, and Careem or Uber’s in-app payment all work at DXB. Australian cards typically incur a foreign transaction fee of around 2–3% on AED purchases, so it’s worth checking with your bank beforehand. A travel money card can help you avoid some of that cost while you’re in Dubai.
How long is the flight from Australia to Dubai?
Flight times vary by departure city. Perth is the closest, at roughly 11 hours nonstop, while nonstop flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane typically run closer to 14 hours. Emirates operates most non-stop flights to Dubai, while Qatar Airways operates regular flights with a brief stop in Doha. If you’re still weighing up routes and flight times, our Melbourne to Dubai flights guide breaks down the airlines and journey times in more detail.
How much duty-free can I bring back to Australia from Dubai?
Under Australian Border Force rules, each adult can bring home AUD 900 worth of general goods duty-free (AUD 450 for those under 18), along with 2.25 litres of alcohol and 25 cigarettes or 25 grams of tobacco. Bring back more than that, and duty applies to the full amount, not just what’s over the limit.
Are there airport hotels at DXB for a long layover?
Yes, there are transit hotel options and paid rest areas within the terminal precinct, alongside lounge access in the departure zones. If your layover runs to several hours or more, it’s worth booking a room or a lounge visit in advance.
Key takeaways for Australian travellers
Landing at DXB from Australia is fairly predictable once you know the pattern: Emirates and Qantas both use Terminal 3, the visa-on-arrival process is straightforward as long as your passport has six months left on it, and the metro is usually the fastest way into the city. The details that trip people up tend to be smaller ones like foreign transaction fees, Australia’s duty-free limits on the way home, and confirming lounge or transit-visa rules. If you’ve got friends or family from Dubai heading back the other way, check eVisitor requirements travellers might need to visit you in Australia afterwards.
- Australian passport holders receive a free 90-day visa on arrival at DXB, with no pre-application required, provided their passport is valid for at least six months.
- Emirates and Qantas flights between Australia and Dubai both use Terminal 3; Qantas’s Dubai service is operated by Emirates under a codeshare agreement.
- The Dubai Metro’s Red Line connects DXB to Downtown Dubai in around 30–35 minutes, using a Nol card bought from airport vending machines for AED 25.
- Returning to Australia, adults can bring back AUD 900 in general goods duty-free, plus 2.25 litres of alcohol and 25 cigarettes or 25 grams of tobacco.
- Australian cards typically face a 2–3% foreign transaction fee on AED purchases at DXB, so it’s worth checking with your bank or carrying a travel money card.
Last reviewed: September 2026
