How to Reach Burj Khalifa, Dubai — Directions & Tips (2025)
Step-by-step routes to Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai: nearest metro and bus stops, mall walkways, airport links, parking and taxi drop-offs—plus time-saving tips.
Book Burj Khalifa Tickets (At The Top)Quick Overview
Address: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai — entry to At The Top via
Dubai Mall, Lower Ground (LG).
Nearest metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (Red Line) — indoor Metro Link Bridge walkway to the mall (~10–15 min).
Nearby hubs: Dubai Mall Bus Station (F13 loop & other routes) • Business Bay (Red Line, 1 stop away) •
Dubai Opera & Dubai Fountain a short walk through the mall/outdoor promenade.
Best First-Time Route
Ride the Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. Follow signs to the Metro Link Bridge (air-conditioned, moving walkways) into the mall. Inside, follow “At The Top – Burj Khalifa” signs down to Lower Ground (LG) for ticket counters and security.
Coming from Dubai Marina/JBR
Board Red Line at DMCC/JLT toward UAE Exchange → alight at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. Travel time ~25–35 min off-peak. Taxi is ~20–30 min in light traffic.
Option 1 — Metro (Fast & Reliable for Most Visitors)
Great if you want predictable timings and an air-conditioned route straight into the mall.
- Ride Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. Trains run every few minutes.
- Use Metro Link Bridge: 10–15 minutes of indoor, moving walkways directly into Dubai Mall.
- Wayfinding in Mall: Follow “At The Top – Burj Khalifa” signs to Lower Ground (LG) for entrance/security.
Tickets
Nol cards are required for metro/bus. Top up at stations. Off-peak is less crowded; Friday evenings and sunset can be busy.
Option 2 — Taxi & Ride-Hailing
Drop-off Points
Ask for Dubai Mall drop-off. Inside, follow signs to At The Top (LG). If you’re attending the Sky Lounge (Level 148) with premium access, follow staff directions after security.
Typical Times
From DXB T1/T3: 15–25 min (traffic-dependent). From Dubai Marina: 20–30 min. Expect evening delays around Fountain show times and weekends.
Money-Saver
Consider a metro in, taxi out (or vice versa). It avoids peak taxi queues and gives you flexibility after the Fountain show.
Option 3 — Buses & Walkways
Several routes stop at Dubai Mall Bus Station. From there, follow mall signage to the Burj Khalifa entrance at LG level. For short hotel hops around Downtown, walking via shaded boulevards is pleasant outside peak heat.
- F13 circulator serves Downtown/Dubai Mall areas (connects with metro).
- Promenade Access: From the mall, the outdoor route via Dubai Fountain to Burj Park is clearly signed.
Photo Tip
Blue hour (just after sunset) gives great reflections on the tower and the lake—arrive early; sunset slots sell fast.
From the Airports
From DXB (Dubai International)
Metro: Red Line from T1/T3 → Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (no line change). ~25–35 min plus walkway.
Taxi: 15–25 min off-peak; follow signs to airport taxi rank.
From DWC (Al Maktoum)
Taxi: ~35–55 min depending on traffic. Public transport is possible with bus+metro but slower—taxi is easiest.
Luggage
Large suitcases aren’t ideal inside the mall and observatory. Use hotel storage or mall services; travel light for faster security.
Driving, Parking & Accessibility
Parking at Dubai Mall
Multiple free multi-storey car parks (e.g., Grand, Fashion, Cinema). Park where convenient, then follow At The Top signs to LG. Allow 10–20 min walking time inside the mall.
Ride & Valet
Valet is available at selected mall entrances. For the quickest observatory access, head straight to LG after drop-off.
Accessibility
Step-free routes from metro, bus and parking to Dubai Mall and the observatory. Elevators and staff assistance are available.
E-Scooters & Bikes
Personal e-scooters/bikes are restricted on mall property. Walk them or use designated racks outside the mall area.
Practical Tips
Arrive a Little Early
For sunset slots, arrive 30–45 min early. Security and elevator queues build quickly around golden hour.
Best Time of Day
Morning is calmest; sunset & blue hour are most photogenic but busiest. Late evening offers night-skyline views.
What to Bring
Booking ID, charged phone/camera, and a light layer—AC can feel cool after walking the bridge.
Combine Your Visit
Pair the observatory with Dubai Aquarium, Dubai Fountain show, or Sky Views Observatory via combo tickets.
Getting There Cheatsheet
Closest Stops
Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (Red Line) • Dubai Mall Bus Station • Taxi ranks at main mall entrances
Typical Times
Metro to mall bridge: 10–15 min walk • Marina → BK/Dubai Mall: 25–35 min metro • DXB → BK: 25–35 min
Wayfinding
Follow “At The Top – Burj Khalifa” to Lower Ground (LG) for entry, security & elevators.
Crowd Strategy
Choose morning or late evening for lighter queues; consider Fast Track at sunset.
Weather Watch
Most of the route is indoors/AC; if walking outside, plan shade and water—summer heat is intense.
Nearby Essentials
ATMs, cafés, food courts and restrooms are plentiful inside Dubai Mall on all levels.
Ready to Visit Burj Khalifa?
Pick the route that suits you—metro, taxi or bus—and book timed entry for a smooth arrival. Mobile tickets and flexible options.
Book Burj Khalifa Tickets