How to Fly Dubai Cheap: The Insider's Guide
AirHuntr Editorial
June 18, 2026
Dubai has a reputation for luxury, but getting there and even some aspects of visiting don't have to break the bank. Here's how to keep costs down.
Dubai has a reputation for luxury, but getting there and even some aspects of visiting don't have to break the bank. Here's how to keep costs down.
Finding Cheap Flights to Dubai
Budget Airlines to Dubai
Flydubai (FZ): Dubai's own low-cost carrier. Flies to over 100 destinations. Fares can be extremely cheap — sometimes under €50 one-way from Europe/Turkey on promotional fares.
Air Arabia: Based in Sharjah (20 min from Dubai by taxi). Flies to many destinations in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Often cheaper than Flydubai for similar routes.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi subsidiary of Wizz Air. Not exactly Dubai but Abu Dhabi is a 1.5-hour bus ride (AED 25). Significant price difference possible on some routes.
Best Booking Strategy
- Book 8–12 weeks ahead for best prices
- Use the Flydubai and Air Arabia apps for app-exclusive fares
- Fly into Sharjah (SHJ, Air Arabia hub) instead of Dubai (DXB) for cheaper fares — combined with a taxi to Dubai it's still often cheaper overall
- Avoid peak periods: Christmas/New Year, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, summer school holidays
Cheap Ways to Experience Dubai
Dubai is famously expensive, but there are genuine budget experiences:
Free and Cheap Attractions
- Dubai Frame: AED 50 (€12)
- Dubai Creek: Free, walk along the historic waterway
- Gold Souk and Spice Souk: Free to browse
- Jumeirah Beach: Free public beach
- Dubai Fountain: Free to watch from outside Dubai Mall
- Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood: Free
Budget Food Options
- Al Dhiyafa Road: Cheap Lebanese, Indian, and Pakistani restaurants
- Ravi Restaurant (Satwa): Legendary cheap Pakistani food
- Meena Bazaar area: Affordable South Asian restaurants
- Mall food courts: Fast food and casual dining at reasonable prices
Transport
- Metro: AED 3–10 (€0.70–€2.40) per trip, far cheaper than taxis
- RTA buses: Very affordable but limited routes
- Taxis: Expensive for tourists if used extensively
Alcohol Note
Alcohol is available in Dubai (unlike more conservative Emirates) at licensed venues — hotels, some restaurants, licensed clubs. It is expensive: AED 40–80 (€10–€20) per drink. For a dry trip, costs drop significantly.
Visa
Dubai/UAE offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to citizens of most Western countries, EU members, UK, and many others. Turkish citizens receive a visa on arrival or can apply for an eVisa in advance.
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