Dubai International Airport DXB Terminal 3

Dubai Airport Terminal 3 is one of the biggest and busiest airport terminals in the world. Opened on October 14, 2008, it was the largest building by floor area at the time. It’s part of Dubai International Airport and was specially built for Emirates Airlines.

The terminal is partly underground, cost around $4.5 billion to build, and can handle up to 43 million passengers. While it was made for Emirates, Qantas also started using it in 2012 for a few years. Today, even Flydubai uses Terminal 3 for selected flights.

Location

Arrivals

Departure

Restaurants

Shops

Lounges

Services

Hotel

Parking

FAQ

Photos

Things to do

Smoking Area

Contact Number

Car Rental

Dubai Airport Terminal 3 Arrivals Location

Map

Dubai Airport Terminal 3 is in the Al Garhoud area of Dubai International Airport. It is a major terminal handling international flights. You can use the airport map to find directions easily. See the map below for directions to Terminal 3.

Map PDF Download

Arrival

Dubai Airport Terminal 3 is one of the busiest arrival hubs in Dubai, welcoming millions of travelers each year. Once passengers land, they are guided towards Immigration and Passport Control, where their documents are checked. After clearing immigration, they proceed to the baggage claim area to collect their luggage.

Next, passengers go through customs clearance, where officials may inspect luggage if needed. After completing these formalities, travelers can exit the terminal and access various transport options like taxis, metro, and car rentals to reach their destination in Dubai.

Departure

Passengers start their journey by checking in at their airline counter and dropping off their luggage. After check-in, they proceed to security screening, where their bags and personal items are scanned.

Once cleared, travelers can explore duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges before heading to their departure gate. Boarding announcements guide passengers to their flight, ensuring a smooth departure from Dubai. The terminal offers various facilities to make the travel experience comfortable and efficient.

How to Get Through Dubai Airport Terminal 3?

1. Arriving at Terminal 3

Before you even step inside the terminal, here’s how you can get there:

By Dubai Metro: Take the Red Line and stop at Airport Terminal 3 Metro Station. From there, follow the signs to enter the terminal.

By Taxi or Ride-Hailing (Uber, Careem): Taxis are available 24/7 and drop you directly outside the departure gates. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem also operate in Dubai.

By Private Car: There is short-term and long-term parking available near the terminal.

Entry: Once you arrive, enter the terminal through the departure entrance and follow the signs for check-in.

2. Check-In and Baggage Drop

Step 1: Find Your Airline’s Check-In Counter

Inside the terminal, look for the large departure screen to find your airline’s check-in counter.
Emirates has multiple check-in areas; make sure you’re at the right one.

Step 2: Choose Your Check-In Method

Online Check-In (Recommended): If you’ve checked in online, go straight to the baggage drop counter.
Self-Check-In Kiosks: You can use these machines to print your boarding pass and luggage tags.
Counter Check-In: If you haven’t checked in online, proceed to your airline’s check-in counter.

Step 3: Drop Your Baggage

Ensure your luggage meets the airline’s weight limit before dropping it at the counter.
You’ll receive your boarding pass and baggage receipt—keep them safe!

Next Step: Proceed to Passport Control (Immigration).

3. Immigration and Security Check

Step 1: Go to Immigration Counters

Follow signs for Passport Control (Immigration).
If you’re a UAE resident or eligible for E-gates, you can use them to skip the long lines.
Otherwise, stand in the queue and wait for your turn.

Step 2: Present Your Documents

At the immigration counter, show your:

Passport

Boarding Pass

Visa (if Required)

The officer will stamp your passport and allow you to proceed.

Next Step: Security Screening.

4. Security Check (Baggage Screening)

Step 1: Join the Security Queue

After immigration, proceed to the security checkpoint where your hand luggage will be screened.

Step 2: Prepare for Security Screening

Place your laptop, mobile, and other electronics in a separate tray.
Remove jackets, belts, and metal objects before walking through the scanner.
Liquids over 100ml are not allowed—place small liquids in a clear plastic bag.

Next Step: You are now inside the departures area!

5. Inside Terminal 3 – Finding Your Gate

Now that you are past security, here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Check Your Boarding Gate Number

Look at your boarding pass or check the large departure screens for your gate number.
Gates are labeled as A, B, or C in Terminal 3.

Step 2: Walk or Take the Airport Train

Concourse A: Take the airport train to reach gates in Concourse A.
Concourses B & C: These gates are within walking distance.

6. Things to Do While Waiting for Your Flight

Duty-Free Shopping: Explore luxury brands, electronics, perfumes, and souvenirs.
Restaurants & Cafés: Grab a meal at fast food outlets or fine dining restaurants.
Lounges: Emirates and premium lounges offer food, Wi-Fi, and resting areas.
Free Wi-Fi: Connect to “DXB Free Wi-Fi“ for unlimited internet access.
Charging Stations: Available throughout the terminal.
Rest Areas: Quiet zones and sleeping pods are available for long layovers.

Next Step: Proceed to Your Gate.

7. Boarding Your Flight

Step 1: Arrive at Your Gate on Time

Check your boarding pass for the boarding time.
Gates close 20-30 minutes before departure, so don’t be late!

Step 2: Final Boarding Checks

Keep your boarding pass and passport ready.
Some flights may have an additional security check before boarding.

Step 3: Board the Aircraft

Listen for boarding announcements and proceed when your group is called.
If the flight is parked away from the terminal, you may be taken to the plane by bus.

8. Transiting at Terminal 3 (For Connecting Flights)

If you have a layover in Dubai, follow these steps:

Short Layovers (Under 4 Hours):

Proceed to your next gate and wait for boarding.

Long Layovers (4+ Hours):

Relax in lounges (some require payment).
Explore the airport—visit shopping areas and restaurants.
Sleep in sleeping pods if you need rest.

Over 8-Hour Layover?

Some passengers may qualify for a free Dubai city tour provided by Emirates.

Can I walk from Terminal 3 to terminal 1 in Dubai?

Yes, you can walk from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1 or Terminal 1 to 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB), but it’s not the best option. The two terminals are connected by a dedicated transit area and a passenger tunnel, but it’s a long walk (around 15-20 minutes).

Better Options to Transfer from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1:

Airport Train (Recommended) – A free automated train (people mover) runs between the terminals, making the transfer quick and easy.
Shuttle Bus (For Passengers with Connecting Flights) – A free shuttle bus is available for passengers with a valid boarding pass for their next flight.

If you have time and prefer walking, you can follow the clearly marked signs to Terminal 1, but using the train or shuttle is more convenient.

What’s inside in Terminal 3?

Check-in & Immigration

Multiple Check-in Zones (Economy, Business, First Class)
Self-Check-in Kiosks
E-Gates for UAE Residents

Shopping & Duty-Free

Dubai Duty-Free
Luxury Brands (Gucci, Rolex, Chanel)
Electronics & Gadgets (Apple, Samsung)
Souvenirs & Perfumes (Arabic perfumes, gold jewelry, dates)

Dining Options

McDonald’s, KFC, Hardee’s, Burger King
Chinese, Italian, Indian, Japanese Cuisine
Starbucks, Costa Coffee, Tim Hortons
Bars & Lounges

Lounges & Relaxation

Emirates First & Business Class Lounges
Snooze Cubes & Sleeping Pods
Public Showers
Timeless Spa (Jacuzzi, Sauna, Steam Room, Massages)

Banking & Currency Exchange

Emirates NBD
Planet Payment
Travelex

Passenger Assistance

Emirates Ticketing
Dnata Assisted Passenger
Autostrad

Baggage Services

Demoshield Baggage Wrapping
Emirates Baggage Wrapping

Family & Medical Services

Baby Care Rooms
Showers
Emergency & Medical Services

Tourism & Travel Services

Dubai Tourism
Kitmytrip
Travelex
Jumeirah
Atlantis
Visit Dubai

Transportation & Transfers

Dubai Metro (Red Line)
Airport Shuttle (Terminal Transfers)
Taxis, Uber, Careem

Hotels & Sleeping Areas

Dubai International Hotel
Sleep ‘n Fly Sleep Pods

Special Services

Assistance for Passengers with Disabilities
Free Wi-Fi, Charging Stations
Family Areas & Kids’ Play Zones
Entertainment Zones (TV lounges, interactive screens)
Telecommunication (Etisalat, Du, Virgin Mobile)

For a complete list of all available shops, including their locations and contact information, please visit the Shops Page.

Lounges

There are also many lounges where travelers can relax, enjoy food, and refresh before their flight. Whether you need a comfortable place to rest, a spa treatment, or a gaming experience, there are plenty of options, including

Marhaba Lounge
G-Force Health Club
World of Wellness
XpresSpa
Plaza Premium Lounge
Emirates Lounges
Be Relax
Timeless Spa
Al Majlis
Emirates Lounges
sleep ‘n fly Sleep & Showers
Ahlan Business Class Lounge
Game Space Gaming Lounge.

For more information about other available lounges, visit our lounges page to explore all the options.

Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 Hotel

Dubai International Hotel is inside Terminal 3, making it a perfect place to rest during your transit. It offers 5-star facilities, including comfortable rooms that you can book by the hour. You can enjoy delicious international food in your room or at The Ahlan Lounges. For relaxation, the hotel has a spa with a pool, sauna, steam room, and hydrotherapy jacuzzi. There is also a fitness center for those who want to exercise.

Rooms come with many amenities to make your stay comfortable. You can choose from different types of rooms, including Executive Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Family Rooms, and even Royal Suites.

To check more hotels, visit our hotel listings page

Restaurants

Dubai International Airport (DXB) offers a variety of dining options to suit every traveler’s taste. Whether you want a quick bite, a fresh cup of coffee, or a full meal, you’ll find plenty of choices across all terminals.

Restaurants at DXB:

Budweiser
Get Your FIX
Burger King
Costa
Starbucks
The Daily DXB
Cho Gao
Flour + Stone
Paul
Bottega
Heineken
All’Antico
Desi Lunch Box
Asian Street Kitchen
Comptoir Libanais
The Hangar
Veranda Café
Five Guys
Grabb’it
Subway
Shake Shack
M&M
Food Village
O’Regan’s
L’Éclair de Génie
Giraffe
Hard Rock Cafe
McDonald’s
Foodplus
Pret A Manger
O’Briens
Treehouse Juicery
S34
The Sports Shack
Jack’s Bar & Grill
Jones the Grocer
Paper Café
Tranzeet

For more details on each restaurant, check the dedicated page.

Smoking Area

Dubai Airport does not allow smoking in open areas. However, there are special smoking rooms with ventilation. In Terminal 3, you can find these smoking rooms at Gates A2, A23, B7, B27, C9, and C23.

Other terminals also have smoking areas:

Terminal 1 – Gate D22
Terminal 2 – Departure Gates

If you need to smoke, use these rooms. Smoking in other areas is not allowed.

Photos Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

How many gates are there in Terminal 3?

Concourse B at Terminal 3 has 10 floors, including four basement levels, a ground floor, and five upper floors. It has 32 gates (B1 to B32) for boarding. There are also 14 remote stands for Airbus A340 and Boeing 777 aircraft.

Which flights operate from Terminal 3?

Terminal 3 is mainly used by Emirates and Qantas, but it also serves Air Canada, United Airlines, and some flydubai flights. While flydubai primarily operates from Terminal 2, certain flights also depart from Terminal 3.

Is there Krispy Kreme in Terminal 3?

No, Krispy Kreme is not available in Terminal 3, but you can find it in Terminal 1 at Concourse D (Upper Level and Departure Airside) and in Terminal 2 (Departures area).