DXB is the main Dubai airport (Emirates hub, 12 km to Downtown). DWC is Al Maktoum out near Jebel Ali — 40 km away, mostly low-cost carriers and charters. Confused before your trip? Here is what actually matters when you book a transfer.
Travellers regularly confuse the two airports because both share the city name. Look at the three-letter IATA code on your booking. DXB = Dubai International, in Garhoud, the airport everyone pictures when they think of Dubai. DWC = Al Maktoum International, in Jebel Ali on the south-west edge of Dubai, near Expo City.
Drive times differ sharply. DXB to Downtown is 15–20 minutes. DWC to Downtown is 40–55 minutes. DWC to Dubai Marina is around 30 minutes. DWC to Abu Dhabi is actually faster than DXB to Abu Dhabi because you're already past the toll line.
Our chauffeur fare structure stays the same — E-Class from AED 120, S-Class from AED 220, V-Class from AED 250 — but longer DWC drives to inner-city Dubai are typically quoted slightly higher because of distance. Both airports get the full meet-and-greet treatment: name board, terminal pickup, Salik and parking included, 60 minutes of free wait.
| Route | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| DXB → Downtown | Via Al Khail Rd | 15–20 min |
| DXB → Marina / JBR | Via SZR | 25–35 min |
| DXB → Palm Jumeirah | Via SZR | 25–30 min |
| DWC → Downtown | Via SMBZ Rd | 40–55 min |
| DWC → Marina / JBR | Via SMBZ Rd | 25–35 min |
| DWC → Abu Dhabi | Via E11 | 55–70 min |
DXB (Dubai International, code DXB) is Dubai's main airport in Garhoud, 5 km from Downtown and the hub for Emirates and flydubai. DWC (Al Maktoum International, code DWC) is the newer airport in Jebel Ali, 40 km south-west of Downtown — mostly cargo, charters, low-cost carriers and overflow A380 traffic. Always check your ticket; DXB and DWC are 45–60 minutes apart.
DWC to Downtown Dubai is approximately 45 km and takes 40–55 minutes in normal traffic via Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. DXB to Downtown is only 12 km and 15–20 minutes via Al Khail Road.
Slightly. A Chauffeurr E-Class is AED 120 from either airport, but DWC drives to Dubai Marina or Downtown will typically be quoted at AED 150–180 because of distance and Salik. DXB transfers stay at the flat AED 120 entry fare for most Dubai zones.
DXB handles around 90% of Dubai's international passenger traffic, including all Emirates flights. DWC mainly serves Wizz Air, some charter operators and a growing list of European low-cost carriers. If you're flying Emirates, British Airways, Etihad, Qatar, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines — you're at DXB.
Yes — book it as an hourly charter (3-hour minimum at AED 150/hr for E-Class). The chauffeur drops you at DXB, waits or returns to base, then collects the second arrival from DWC. WhatsApp +971 50 239 0670 for a fixed quote.
Yes, all three: Terminal 1 (most international), Terminal 2 (flydubai, regional), Terminal 3 (Emirates). Meet-and-greet is included at every terminal, 24/7.