Key hubs
Dubai airport and railway station
- Airport
- Dubai International (DXB), in Al Garhoud, about 5 km from the city centre; Red Line Metro at Terminals 1 and 3
- Railway station
- No trains from India. Etihad Rail's Al Yalayis station links to Abu Dhabi; it is not useful for most sightseeing.
- Getting around
- Taxis and app cabs are easiest for elders. The driverless Metro (Red and Green lines) is clean and cool; pay with a Nol card, not cash.
How to reach Dubai by air
Dubai International (DXB) is in Al Garhoud, about 5 km from the city centre; allow around 20–40 minutes by road to most hotels, depending on traffic. Air India has scheduled direct flights from Delhi; check other Indian cities with your airline, as capacity has been recovering after 2026's disruption. Confirm flight status close to departure.
How to reach Dubai by train
There is no rail link from India. Etihad Rail began Dubai passenger services in September 2026 at Al Yalayis station, near Jumeirah Golf Estates, with trains to Abu Dhabi taking about 64 minutes. A long elevated walkway links it to the Metro Red Line. It is useful only for that trip.
How to reach Dubai by road
Sheikh Zayed Road is the main artery, running along the coast from Downtown to Jebel Ali and on towards Abu Dhabi. Dubai is not reachable overland from India. Long-distance road trips to Abu Dhabi or Hatta are easiest by hired car and driver or a pre-booked tour.
Getting around Dubai
The Metro's Red and Green lines cover most main sights, and abras cross the Creek for a small fare. Taxis and app cabs are the simplest choice for elders, especially at Jebel Ali and Dubailand. Use a Nol card for the Metro, and allow for long station walkways at places like the Dubai Mall.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Dubai
- Book a taxi door to door for older parents. The Metro is comfortable, but station walkways can be very long, such as the 820-metre link to the Dubai Mall.
- Ask about wheelchairs at malls and museums when you arrive; distances inside the large buildings are the most common cause of fatigue.
- Carry your medicines in original packaging with a doctor's prescription, and check the UAE's rules on controlled medicines before you fly.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.