Navigating parking at the world’s busiest international airport can be daunting. Understanding DXB airport parking fees before you arrive is the key to a stress-free start to your journey. Whether you’re dropping off for five minutes or leaving your car for three weeks, this guide breaks down every cost and option clearly.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has three terminals, each with slightly different parking setups. The fees work on a simple principle: you pay for convenience. The closer you park to your terminal, the more it costs per hour.
Here’s your 30-second overview:
| Parking Type | Location | First 30 Mins | Daily Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-Term | At each terminal | FREE at T1 & T3 | 200 AED | Quick stops (<5 hrs) |
| Premium Long-Term (T3 only) | Short walk to T3 | 40 AED | 150 AED | T3 travelers (1+ days) |
| Long-Term | Shuttle ride away | 15-25 AED | 100 AED | All terminals (1+ days) |
| Valet | Terminal curb | 40-70 AED | 200 AED | Maximum convenience |
Golden Rule: If you’re parking for more than 5-6 hours, always choose Long-Term parking. The free shuttle ride saves you significant money.
Terminal-by-Terminal Parking Breakdown
Terminal 1 & 3 Parking Fees
These terminals share a similar fee structure for Short-Term and Long-Term.
Short-Term Parking (Terminals 1 & 3):
- 0-30 minutes: FREE (perfect for timed pick-ups)
- 31-60 minutes: 25 AED
- 1-2 hours: 40 AED
- 2-3 hours: 60 AED
- 3-4 hours: 80 AED
- 4-5 hours: 100 AED
- 5-6 hours: 120 AED
- 6-12 hours: 150 AED
- 12-24 hours: 200 AED
- Each additional day: +200 AED
Long-Term Parking (All Terminals):
- Requires a free shuttle bus (runs every 10-15 minutes)
- 12-24 hours: 100 AED (half the price of Short-Term)
- Each additional day: +100 AED
Terminal 2 Parking Fees
Terminal 2 parking is generally cheaper but has fewer amenities.
Short-Term Parking (Terminal 2):
- First 30 minutes: 15 AED (not free)
- Generally 10-20% cheaper than T1/T3
- Best for budget-conscious travelers using T2 airlines (Flydubai, some regional carriers)
Terminal 3 Exclusive: Premium Long-Term
Only Terminal 3 offers this “middle ground” option:
- Located in the car park building (5-10 minute covered walk to terminal)
- No shuttle needed
- More expensive than regular Long-Term, but cheaper than Short-Term for multi-day stays
Valet Parking: The Ultimate Convenience
Available at all terminals, but prices vary:
- Terminal 1 & 3: Starts at 70 AED for 2 hours
- Terminal 2: Slightly cheaper, starts around 40 AED for 2 hours
- Includes: Door-to-terminal service, often with car wash option
- Best for: Business travelers, families with young children, or special occasions
How to Save Money on DXB Parking
1. Master the Free 30-Minute Window (T1 & T3 only)
- For pick-ups: Have your passenger call you only when they’re outside Arrivals with all luggage
- For drop-offs: Quick goodbye at Departures, then leave immediately
- Set a phone timer to avoid accidentally going over
2. Use the Correct Long-Term Lot
- Terminal 1 & 3 Long-Term: Separate lots, each with dedicated shuttles
- Shuttles run 24/7 every 10-15 minutes
- Journey time: 5-10 minutes to terminals
3. Book Online for Discounts
- Dubai Airports website offers 10-15% discounts for pre-booking Long-Term
- Guarantees a spot during peak seasons (December, Eid holidays)
- Look for “Park & Fly” packages
4. Consider Off-Airport Parking
For trips longer than 10-14 days, companies like “Smart Parking” or “Alpha” can be cheaper:
- Located 5-10 minutes from airport
- Include shuttle service to your terminal
- Often include car care services
Step-by-Step: Parking at DXB
For Short-Term Parking:
- Follow signs to your terminal’s Short-Term parking
- Take ticket at entrance
- Park and walk directly to terminal
- Pay at machine before returning to car
For Long-Term Parking:
- Follow signs to “Long-Term Car Park”
- Take ticket and find spot
- Take free shuttle to your terminal
- On return: Take shuttle back, pay at exit
For Valet Parking:
- Drive to Departures curb at your terminal
- Look for Valet signage
- Hand keys to attendant, get receipt
- On return: Present receipt at Valet desk
Cost Comparison: Real Scenarios
Scenario 1: 45-minute pick-up at T3
- Short-Term: 25 AED (free 30 mins + 15 mins paid)
- Long-Term: 25 AED + shuttle
- Best choice: Short-Term (same price, more convenient)
Scenario 2: 8-hour business meeting at T1
- Short-Term: 150 AED
- Long-Term: 55 AED + shuttle
- Best choice: Long-Term (saves 95 AED)
Scenario 3: 5-day vacation from T3
- Short-Term: 1,000 AED (200 AED × 5 days)
- Long-Term: 500 AED (100 AED × 5 days) + shuttle
- Premium Long-Term: 750 AED (150 AED × 5 days)
- Best choice: Long-Term (saves 500 AED vs Short-Term)
Special Situations & Tips
With Heavy Luggage or Mobility Issues
- Valet is worth the premium
- Short-Term is closest if self-parking
- Long-Term shuttle drivers assist with bags
During Peak Hours (Friday evenings, holiday periods)
- Arrive extra 45 minutes early
- Short-Term may be full – have Long-Term as backup
- Consider taxi or metro if parking stress is high
For Very Early or Late Flights
- Long-Term shuttle runs 24/7
- Security present at all hours
- Well-lit parking areas
Electric Vehicles
- Limited charging stations available
- Located in Short-Term parking areas
- Confirm availability with airport if essential
Common Questions Answered
❓ Is there any completely free parking at DXB?
A: Only the first 30 minutes in T1 & T3 Short-Term parking. No free 24-hour options exist.
❓ Can I wait for free if flight is delayed?
A: No. Once you enter paid parking, the clock starts. Use free waiting areas on airport approach roads instead.
❓ How do I pay for parking?
A: Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and cash (AED) at all payment machines.
❓ What if I lose my parking ticket?
A: You’ll pay a “lost ticket” fee equal to the maximum daily rate for a set period (often 30 days). Keep your ticket safe!
❓ Is the parking secure?
A: Yes. 24/7 CCTV surveillance, regular security patrols, and well-lit areas at all DXB parking facilities.
❓ Can I park at one terminal and fly from another?
A: Not recommended. Use the terminal-specific parking for your flight. Transferring between terminals with luggage is difficult.
The Smart Traveler’s Cheat Sheet
Choose Short-Term Parking if:
- Stay is under 5 hours
- You’re at T1/T3 and can complete your stop within 30 minutes
- Convenience is worth the premium
Choose Long-Term Parking if:
- Stay is over 5 hours
- You’re on any budget
- You don’t mind a 5-10 minute shuttle ride
Choose Valet Parking if:
- Money is no object
- You have mobility challenges or heavy luggage
- You want the easiest possible experience
Choose Premium Long-Term (T3 only) if:
- Flying from Terminal 3
- Want a balance of cost and convenience
- Don’t want to wait for shuttles
Final Verdict: Parking Smart at DXB
Understanding DXB airport parking fees is your first step to a stress-free airport experience. The system is designed to reward those who plan ahead:
- Use the free 30 minutes at T1/T3 strategically
- Default to Long-Term for any trip longer than a workday
- Book online for the best rates on extended stays
- Factor in shuttle time when planning your arrival
Remember: The extra 10 minutes you spend on a shuttle bus could save you hundreds of dirhams on a week-long trip. That’s money better spent on your actual vacation.
Safe travels and smart parking! 🚗✈️
