Even if you don’t stay at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, it’s still a must-see luxury destination. It’s an expensive hotel that looks like a sail. It sits on an artificial island off the coast of Dubai’s Jumeirah district. In this article, we’ll take a look at how to get there and discuss directions. We’ll take a look at how to get there by metro + taxi (since the subway doesn’t go there directly, you’ll have to take a taxi part of the way), bus, taxi, and rental car.
What kind of place is this, and where exactly is it located?
Burj Al Arab is a luxurious hotel. The building is 321 meters tall and is one of Dubai’s most recognizable landmarks, alongside Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Frame.
The Burj Al Arab is located on Jumeirah Street in the Umm Suqeim neighborhood, near the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Madinat Jumeirah.
It is approximately 17 km from Downtown, and if you plan to travel there from DXB, Burj Al Arab will be about 25 km away. The distance from Dubai Marina is about 10 km.
It is important to note that the island is private. Visitors can access it only with a confirmed hotel stay, restaurant reservation, tour, or other eligible booking.
You can book burj al arab tickets online for restaurants (such as Al Muntaha), bars, and afternoon high tea, for overnight stays, or to reserve a guided tour. Visitors who book the Inside Burj Al Arab tour can explore the hotel’s interiors, including its impressive lobby, atrium, and foyer.
Can You Visit Burj Al Arab in Dubai?
Access to the island via the bridge is restricted to hotel guests only. To enter the island, you must have your reservation confirmation with you.
Options for gaining access include lunch or dinner at the restaurant, afternoon tea, the “Inside Burj Al Arab” tour, or a visit to the terrace (but be sure to book these in advance, as your reservation confirmation will be checked at the entrance). The hotel also has separate indoor and outdoor pool areas, although access depends on your booking.
In addition, a dress code may apply. The dress code for restaurants and bars is usually smart casual, just as it is for afternoon tea or high tea. For men, long or elegant pants, a shirt or polo shirt, and closed-toe shoes are appropriate. Women can wear a dress, skirt, pants, or an elegant suit. Clothing that is too beachy is not appropriate (for example, shorts or beach flip-flops).
If you don’t have a reservation, don’t head to the bridge. Go to the viewing areas on the beach instead.
Quick Guide: Getting to Burj Al Arab Destination
The iconic sail-shaped hotel is one of Dubai’s most famous landmarks. Planning how to get there is essential if you want to see Burj Al Arab up close. Consider your budget and preferred pace. This is one of the city’s top attractions. It is located on its own private island along the Jumeirah coast.
Use the comparison table below to find the best way to reach this legendary destination from the city center:
| Option | Time from Downtown | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro + taxi | ~30 min + 10 min | AED 20-25 (taxi) + AED 3-5 (metro) | Budget travel |
| Bus | ~45 min | From AED 3 | Travellers without luggage |
| Taxi / ride-hailing | ~20-25 min | AED 45-95 | Convenient for visitors with a confirmed booking |
| Rental car | ~20 min | From AED 60/day | Combining Jumeirah stops |
Reaching Burj Al Arab by Metro and Bus
The metro station that is located near Burj Al Arab is on the Red Line. Another station is Mall of the Emirates and Noor Bank. As soon as you get off the train at the transit station, you’ll have to walk 4-6 km, so it’s best to take a taxi or bus from there. Several RTA bus routes run directly along Jumeirah Street, which parallels the coastline. Look for Bus 8, 81, or 88, which stop directly outside the resort area. The closest official stop is Burj Al Arab Hotel 1 or Burj Al Arab Hotel 2, located just a short walk from the main bridge. You must use a standard Dubai Nol card to pay for metro and bus fares.
Public transportation will certainly save you money, but it isn’t very convenient or practical. It also means you’ll need to leave early.
Taxi and Ride-Hailing to Burj Al Arab
Taking a taxi or using Careem or Uber is one of the easiest ways to reach Burj Al Arab.
Estimated fares:
- Downtown Dubai, Dubai Mall: AED 45-65
- Dubai Marina or JBR: AED 35-50
- DXB Airport: AED 70-95
The prices are subject to change depending on seasonal demand.
The hotel is on a private island, so access across the bridge is restricted. You can pass in your taxi only if you have a confirmed reservation. Security may check it at the gate. Always keep your booking details ready.
Driving to Burj Al Arab
Driving your own vehicle or renting one can be an excellent option for the traveler who wishes to see the city as they desire. The unique location of the hotel on its own private, isolated island results in different parking options based on the visitor’s specific needs (i.e., whether the visitor has a reservation at the hotel or if the visitor is just interested in seeing the coastline).
If you are coming from Downtown or collecting your DXB airport car rental, take the main artery, Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), and take the exit onto Umm Suqeim Street (D63) heading toward the coast. Follow D63 straight until you merge onto Jumeirah Street.
- Standard travel time: A drive from Downtown Dubai usually takes about 15-20 minutes under normal conditions.
- Rush hour warning: During peak evening rush hours (5:00 PM – 7:30 PM), gridlock along Jumeirah Street can easily double your travel time. Factor this in if you need to catch a lift up to a strict booking slot.
Before you start driving, it’s important to understand where you are legally allowed to park.
- On-Island Parking (for reservation holders only): If you have a booking for a luxury suite, a spa treatment, or a table at the Skyview Lounge, you can access the hotel island after passing the security check. Once you gain entry past the security gate, you do not have to worry about finding a spot. The hotel provides complimentary valet parking right at the main entrance. Uniformed valets will handle your vehicle while you walk inside to admire the architecture.
- The Off-Island Parking (for general sightseers) is as follows: Do not attempt to drive onto the island unless you are certain of a pre-booked appointment. In this instance, you will need to park along the mainland seafront and then view the structure from across the water. The best place to park to get the best views would be either Umm Suqeim Beach (Sunset Beach) or the dedicated parking lots for Souk Madinat Jumeirah or Kite Beach, located just up the coast.
Mainland parking is managed by Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA). During the late afternoon and evening, the parking near the beachside becomes incredibly crowded with people who came here to watch the sunset. It will be challenging to find an open space. That’s why we recommend arriving early.
With Octane Rent, you can rent a car with 24/7 delivery anywhere, including spots near Burj Al Arab. The prices start at AED 60 per day. With us, you can rent without a security deposit. The price includes:
- basic insurance
- 24/7 customer support
- roadside assistance
- daily mileage of 250 km
Vehicles arrive in excellent condition and completely prepared for travel. All vehicles will be delivered to your requested drop-off point, whether that is your apartment, hotel, office building, etc. Also, when your rental is complete, we’ll come get your vehicle from wherever it may be to eliminate wasted time. Delivery is possible 24/7 and every single day of the year.
The Jumeirah coastline provides ample opportunity to take a trip to see the Burj Al Arab, including a visit to the Skyview Lounge. You can also stop into Madinat Jumeirah and Kite Beach. Many visitors choose to rent cars because they have traveled to Dubai without their own vehicle but wish to remain active while traveling within Dubai and other surrounding areas. Many residents also prefer to rent luxury cars for special occasions, such as weddings, birthdays, parties, and so on.
Best Photo Spots
- Umm Suqeim Beach: From this viewpoint, you can see Burj Al Arab rising behind the sand. If you need a clean composition with sea and beach in the foreground, you must go closer to the shoreline.
- Kite Beach: Visit this spot for a more distant perspective. The sail-shaped silhouette will stand out against the coastline. We recommend visiting this spot around sunset for more depth in the frame.
- Souk Madinat Jumeirah: Here the bridges and waterways create an atmospheric setting. Here, the hotel is framed by traditional Arabian architecture. By the way, you can stop here for a meal or dine after a photoshoot.
- Jumeirah Beach Hotel terrace: This viewpoint is more polished. It is higher, and it offers Burj Al Arab against the coastline. From this area, you also can have access resort amenities and spa facilities.
The best time for photography is about an hour before sunset. You can capture the hotel in natural light first, then stay as the sky darkens and its evening illumination comes on.
Best Time to Visit
The best months to visit the Burj Al Arab and spend time at the nearby beaches would be from November to March, which have lower temperature ranges that make it easier to walk around and take photographs. The summers in this area of Dubai can get extremely hot during the peak summer months (June – September). Accordingly, if you plan to visit during these months, you will probably want to focus your time indoors and/or spend a lot of time in an air-conditioned space as opposed to being outside for a while on the beach.
- November – March: Best for beach walks, photography, and sightseeing outdoors.
- April – May and October: Warmer, but still manageable if you visit early or late in the day.
- June – September: Very hot and humid. Plan outdoor stops around sunrise or sunset and spend the hottest hours indoors. So don’t forget about carrying water, SPF, and a hat or a cap – anything to cover your head.
