Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International uses the airport code DWC. If a flight lands there, the onward trip begins in a different part of the city from Dubai International, or DXB. The airport’s official bus and taxi pages make it possible to sketch the route in advance. Build the plan around the airport code on the actual booking and the address where you need to end up.
Start with the flight and the address
Look at the airport code on each booking confirmation, including any return flight or second ticket. Share the complete airport name and flight number with whoever is meeting you. A note that only says Dubai airport leaves too much room for confusion, particularly when someone is booking a car on your behalf. Keep the final address and entrance pin where you can open them quickly after landing.
If two flights use different airports, treat the trip between them as a separate ground journey. Dubai Airports’ DWC transfer guidance directs passengers travelling between DWC and DXB to clear passport control and collect baggage before arranging onward transport. Check the exact arrangements with the airlines for the tickets you hold and allow for check-in and any required processing at the next airport.
Work out what happens after the bus
Dubai Airports lists the F55 connection between DWC and Expo Metro Station and the N55 connection with Ibn Battuta. Use the current RTA schedule for your arrival time and check whether your onward Metro or bus connection is running when you expect to reach it. A line on the map can still require an awkward wait if your flight lands near the end of the connection window.
The airport says passengers need a nol card to use the public bus and that cash is not accepted on board. Establish how you will obtain or top up the card before relying on the bus. If a group is travelling with large bags or a tired child, include the walk between stops and lifts in the calculation. This gives you a more realistic comparison with a taxi.
Agree on a pickup and a fallback
A taxi can be the simpler option when your destination is far from the connecting stations, you have several suitcases or the group is arriving late. For a booked ride, follow the airport’s pickup instructions and keep the driver informed after baggage collection. For someone meeting you in person, agree where they will wait and who will contact whom if the flight time changes.
A small note with the airport code, destination, preferred route and backup is enough. Decide in advance when you would switch to the backup, such as after a missed Metro connection. That gives you one less decision to make with luggage in hand. Share that decision with anyone waiting for you so they can adjust their plans as well.
Sources & further checks
Official references reviewed for this article. Practical comparisons and checklists are CyDubai editorial guidance.
Information reviewed on 13 November 2026. Confirm current service details and requirements with the relevant provider. Editorial standards