Dubai Airport train plans are set to bring Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) closer together. The proposed 55-kilometre Airport Express Line would create a direct rail connection between Dubai’s current main airport in Al Garhoud and its future aviation hub in Dubai South.
Six international consultancy groups have submitted proposals to study and design the project, which is being developed by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
A 55km Connection Across Dubai
The proposed Airport Express would begin at the existing Dubai Metro Red Line station at DXB, then travel through Al Jaddaf and along the Al Khail Road corridor towards Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC). From there, the line would continue towards DWC.
The planned route includes five main stations, giving the project a wider role within Dubai’s transport network. Two additional spur connections are also part of the proposal.
One branch would connect JVC with Al Fardan Exchange Metro station, close to Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Marina. Another would extend towards Business Bay, potentially giving residents and visitors in these areas another way to reach the airport network.
More Than A Journey Between Airports
The proposed line could also change the way passengers prepare for flights. Selected stations are expected to offer facilities such as remote airline check-in, baggage drop-off and security screening.
This would allow travellers to complete some airport formalities before reaching the airport itself. If these facilities are delivered as planned, the train could become part of the journey rather than simply a way of getting to the terminal.
The exact stations where these services would be available have not yet been confirmed.
Linking Dubai’s Current And Future Aviation Hubs
The project is being planned at an important point in Dubai’s aviation expansion. DWC is being developed as the emirate’s long-term aviation hub, with operations expected to gradually shift from DXB as the new airport expands.
The first phase of DWC’s expansion is targeted for completion in 2032, while the fully developed airport is planned to accommodate up to 260 million passengers a year by 2057. Emirates is also expected to make DWC its future home.
DXB is already connected to the Dubai Metro Red Line, with stations serving Terminals 1 and 3. The Airport Express would add a direct cross-city rail connection between the two airports.
The Project Is Still Being Studied
Six groups have submitted bids for the RTA’s consultancy contract: Aecom/Surbana Jurong, AtkinsRéalis, Jacobs, Parsons/Arup, Systra/Egis and WSP.
The Airport Express remains at the study and design stage, so its final route, station locations, fares, journey times, construction schedule and opening date have not yet been confirmed.
The proposed line is also separate from the planned Dubai Metro Route 2020 extension to DWC’s West Terminal.
For now, the project offers a glimpse of how Dubai could connect DXB and Al Maktoum International Airport as the emirate’s aviation network evolves. If delivered as proposed, the 55km rail line could make airport travel more seamless while adding new connections between several parts of the city.
