How to get from the airport to the Dubai Cruise Terminal?

Cruises in the Persian Gulf during the winter navigation season hold a top spot among cruise enthusiasts. A vast selection of cruise companies, visa-free travel, summer sun, and attractive prices due to intense competition make this vacation destination a true hit during the winter period.

Dubai is one of the main points from which almost any cruise in the Persian Gulf starts or finishes. We have explored three main ways to reach the cruise terminal if you have just arrived at Dubai Airport.

All cruise terminals in Dubai are located in the port called Rashid. There are three of them, all located one after another. The newest among them is Terminal 3, which has the lengthy name Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal 3 and can accommodate up to 14,000 passengers simultaneously. So, how do you get from the airport to the Dubai cruise terminal?

From the airport by metro and then on foot to the port

Let's say it straight away; although walking is beneficial for health and quite enlightening, in this particular case, it's a very bad idea. There is no metro from the airport to the port. The maximum you can reach by metro is the Al-Ghubaiba station (green line):

with one transfer at BurJuman station:

Exiting the metro, do not trust the optimistic figures of your navigator, estimating your walking route to a measly 45 minutes. You will likely even see the funnel of your liner, and the distance will seem like a mere trifle. In reality, the path will meander; you will encounter dead ends, a highway without crossings and signs, as well as indications of the possibility of safely crossing it. Even if you somehow manage to do it miraculously, the path will run into a wire fence that stretches for insane distances.

But the biggest surprise awaits you at the port checkpoint - officially, you cannot pass through it on foot - it is prohibited, as indicated by prohibiting signs. Only by car or taxi.

From the airport by metro and then on a free shuttle

This option is the most economical among all available.

Port Rashid offers one free shuttle each to Mercato Mall and City Centre Drive shopping centers, which run from the port to them every hour.

Mercato Mall is 3 km from Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station, which is the red metro line:

Dubai Mall is closer to the same station:

The first shuttle departs from the port at 09:00.

Also, keep in mind that the Dubai Metro operates from 10 am on Fridays.

The exact schedule looks like this:

Red Line UAE Exchange — Rashidiya:
🔸 Saturday to Wednesday: 05:00 to 00:00
🔸 Thursday: 05:00 to 01:00
🔸 Friday: 10:00 to 01:00.

Green Line Etisalat — Creek:
🔹 Saturday to Wednesday: 05:30 to 00:00
🔹 Thursday: 05:30 to 01:00
🔹 Friday: 10:00 to 01:00.

From the airport to the cruise terminal by taxi

Taking a taxi is the only straightforward way to get around in Dubai, especially on the way to the port.

Here are some specifics:

1️⃣ Keep in mind that there is an additional charge of 20 dirhams for boarding at the airport, and an additional 20 for entering the port (as well as boarding at the port). Thus, a taxi ride to the terminal will cost a total of 15-20 dollars and take up to 25 minutes. If taking a taxi in the city, there is no additional charge for boarding. Taxi drivers are not used to turning on the meters, so insist on it, as it will be cheaper.

2️⃣ Note that taxis with a pink roof or entirely pink are taxis only for women, and the driver there is a woman.


Taxi from Dubai Airport to Port Rashid


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