Navigating airport parking can be stressful, but knowing the Terminal 1 parking fee in advance takes the guesswork out of your travel day. Whether you’re dropping off family, picking up friends, or leaving your car for a trip, this guide breaks down every cost clearly.
At Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 1, you have three main parking options. Your choice depends on two things: how long you’ll stay and how much you want to walk.
Here’s the simple breakdown:
| Parking Type | Location | Best For | First 30 Mins | Daily Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-Term | Closest to terminal | Quick stops (under 5 hrs) | FREE | 200 AED |
| Long-Term | Shuttle ride away | Trips (overnight+) | 15 AED | 100 AED |
| Valet | Terminal curb | Maximum convenience | 40 AED | 200 AED |
Key Insight: “For any stay longer than 5-6 hours, the Long-Term parking with its free shuttle bus is always the most economical choice. The short walk to the bus stop saves you significant money.”
Detailed 2025 Parking Rates
Here are the complete Terminal 1 parking fees, current as of 2024. All prices in UAE Dirhams (AED).
Short-Term Parking Fees (Closest Option)
| Duration | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| 0 – 30 minutes | FREE |
| 31 – 60 minutes | 25 |
| 1 – 2 hours | 40 |
| 2 – 3 hours | 60 |
| 3 – 4 hours | 80 |
| 4 – 5 hours | 100 |
| 5 – 6 hours | 120 |
| 6 – 12 hours | 150 |
| 12 – 24 hours | 200 |
| Each additional day | +200 |
Perfect for: Quick passenger pick-up/drop-off. If you can complete your stop within 30 minutes, it costs nothing.
Long-Term Parking Fees (Most Economical)
| Duration | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| 0 – 2 hours | 15 |
| 2 – 4 hours | 25 |
| 4 – 6 hours | 35 |
| 6 – 8 hours | 45 |
| 8 – 10 hours | 55 |
| 10 – 12 hours | 65 |
| 12 – 24 hours | 100 |
| Each additional day | +100 |
Note: Requires a free shuttle bus to Terminal 1. Buses run every 10-15 minutes, 24/7. Journey takes 5-7 minutes.
Valet Parking Fees (Premium Service)
| Duration | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| 0 – 2 hours | 70 |
| 2 – 4 hours | 90 |
| 4 – 6 hours | 110 |
| 6 – 8 hours | 130 |
| 8 – 10 hours | 150 |
| 10 – 12 hours | 170 |
| 12 – 24 hours | 200 |
| Each additional day | +200 |
Ideal for: Business travelers, families with young children, or anyone with heavy luggage. Drive directly to Departures curb.
Money-Saving Strategies
1. Master the 30-Minute Free Window
- For pick-ups: Have your passenger wait outside Arrivals with all luggage before you enter Short-Term parking
- For drop-offs: Quick goodbye at Departures curb, then leave immediately
- Set a timer on your phone to avoid going over
2. Know the Break-Even Point
5 hours is the tipping point:
- Short-Term for 5 hours: 100 AED
- Long-Term for 5 hours: 45 AED + 5-min shuttle
Always choose Long-Term if staying over 5 hours.
3. Free Waiting Alternatives
If your passenger’s flight is delayed:
- Use the free waiting area on the airport approach road (near Terminal 3)
- Wait at a nearby café or mall with free parking
- Circle the airport perimeter roads (but don’t stop illegally)
4. Book Online for Discounts
- Check Dubai Airports’ official website
- Pre-booking Long-Term parking can save 10-20%
- Guarantees a spot during peak seasons (Eid, Christmas, New Year)
Step-by-Step: How to Park at Terminal 1
For Short-Term Parking:
- Follow signs to “Terminal 1 Short-Term Parking”
- Take ticket at entrance barrier
- Park in any available spot
- Walk directly to terminal via connecting bridge
- Pay at machine before returning to car
For Long-Term Parking:
- Follow signs to “Long-Term Car Park”
- Take ticket and find parking spot
- Locate shuttle bus stop (clearly marked)
- Take free bus to Terminal 1
- On return: Take shuttle back, pay at exit
For Valet Parking:
- Drive to Terminal 1 Departures curb
- Look for “Valet Parking” signage
- Hand keys to attendant, get receipt
- On return: Present receipt at Valet desk
Common Questions Answered
❓ Is there completely free parking at Terminal 1?
A: Only the first 30 minutes in Short-Term parking. No free 24-hour parking exists.
❓ How reliable is the Long-Term shuttle bus?
A: Very reliable. Runs 24/7 every 10-15 minutes. Air-conditioned and comfortable.
❓ Can I wait in my car for free?
A: Only up to 30 minutes in Short-Term. After that, regular rates apply. Better to use free waiting areas.
❓ What payment methods are accepted?
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, usually the maximum daily rate for a set period (often 30 days). Keep your ticket safe!
❓ Is the parking secure?
A: Yes. All Dubai Airport parking has 24/7 CCTV surveillance and regular security patrols.
Cost Comparison: Real-Life Examples
Scenario 1: Quick 25-minute pick-up
- Short-Term: FREE (within 30-minute window)
- Long-Term: 15 AED
- Savings: 15 AED by using Short-Term
Scenario 2: 4-hour business meeting
- Short-Term: 80 AED
- Long-Term: 35 AED + shuttle
- Savings: 45 AED by using Long-Term
Scenario 3: 3-day weekend trip
- Short-Term: 600 AED (200 AED × 3 days)
- Long-Term: 300 AED (100 AED × 3 days)
- Savings: 300 AED by using Long-Term
Tips for Specific Situations
With Children or Elderly Passengers
- Consider Valet if mobility is limited
- Short-Term is closest but most expensive
- Long-Term shuttle buses accommodate strollers and wheelchairs
During Peak Travel Times
- Arrive extra early (add 30 minutes for parking)
- Pre-book if possible
- Have alternative plans if parking is full
For Business Travel
- Short-Term for meetings under 2 hours
- Long-Term for day trips
- Valet if expense account allows
What Makes Terminal 1 Parking Different?
Terminal 1 serves many international airlines (like British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France) and tends to be busy. Unlike Terminal 3 (which has Premium Long-Term within walking distance), Terminal 1’s Long-Term parking always requires a shuttle bus.
This is important: Factor in that 10-minute shuttle ride when planning your airport arrival time.
The Smart Traveler’s Decision Tree
Follow this simple logic:
- Stay under 30 minutes? → Short-Term (free if timed perfectly)
- Stay 30 mins to 5 hours? → Short-Term (convenience over cost)
- Stay over 5 hours? → Long-Term (cost savings worth shuttle ride)
- Value time over money? → Valet (ultimate convenience)
Final Advice
Understanding the Terminal 1 parking fee structure eliminates airport stress and saves money. The system is designed to reward smart choices:
- Use the free 30 minutes strategically
- Default to Long-Term for any trip
- Consider Valet when convenience is priceless
- Always plan extra time for parking logistics
Remember: Your airport experience starts the moment you decide where to park. Make that decision confidently, and you’re already on your way to a smoother journey.
Safe travels and happy parking! 🚗✈️
