Observation deck visitors enter through the Lower Ground Floor of Dubai Mall, not from outside the building. The metro is the fastest and cheapest way to get there, taking 20 to 30 minutes from Dubai International Airport for around AED 9.
A lot of first-time visitors make the same mistake when they arrive at the Burj Khalifa. They walk up to the base of the building, look for a door, and cannot find one. That is because observation deck visitors do not enter the building from outside. You go in through Dubai Mall, take the right signs to the Lower Ground Floor, and enter from there.
Getting that one fact right before you arrive saves a lot of confusion. This guide covers the full picture, from the exact address and Google Maps tips to every transport option, all the parking zones with prices, and step-by-step directions from the airport.
Where Is the Burj Khalifa? Address and Location
The official address of the Burj Khalifa is 1 Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It sits in the Downtown Dubai neighbourhood, developed entirely by Emaar Properties over the past two decades. The building is surrounded by Dubai Mall to the east, Burj Lake and the Dubai Fountain to the west, Souk Al Bahar to the south, and Burj Park to the north.
Burj Khalifa — Location & Contact Info
| 📍 Address | 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, UAE |
| 🏙️ Located In | Burj Park, Downtown Dubai |
| ⭐ Google Rating | |
| 📝 Description | Spired 828-metre skyscraper with a viewing deck, restaurant, hotel and offices |
| 🕐 Opening Hours | ✅ Open 24 Hours |
| 🌐 Website | burjkhalifa.ae |
| 📞 Phone | +971 4 888 8888 |
| 🗺️ Plus Code | 57WF+VQ Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
What’s Inside & Nearby Burj Khalifa
| 📍 Place | 🏷️ Type | ⭐ Rating | 🕐 Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| ⛲ The Dubai Fountain | Fountain | ⭐ 4.8 (138,395) | Open 24 hrs |
| 🔭 At The Top, Burj Khalifa | Observation Deck | ⭐ 4.2 (6,106) | Closes 12 AM |
| 🍽️ Atmosphere Burj Khalifa | Restaurant | ⭐ 4.5 (4,658) | Opens 7 AM |
| 🏨 Armani Hotel Dubai | Hotel | ⭐ 4.6 (4,139) | 🚧 Closed (renovation) |
When you search on Google Maps, search for “At The Top Burj Khalifa” rather than just “Burj Khalifa.” Searching the building name alone sometimes pins the exterior base of the tower, which will take you to the wrong side of the complex for the observation deck entrance. The At The Top search result pins you directly at the Dubai Mall entrance where you need to be.
Burj Khalifa Map
The map below is pinned to the At The Top entrance on the Lower Ground Floor of Dubai Mall. Use this before you leave your hotel so you know exactly where you are heading. Save the location to your phone while you are on WiFi so it works offline too.
If you are using Google Maps on your phone, tap “Directions” from the map pin and select your transport mode before you leave. The walking route from the metro station and the driving route to Fashion Parking are both clearly marked.
Burj Park is the ground-level garden that wraps around the base of the building. It is a public park with walking paths, seating, and clear views of the tower above you. A lot of visitors enjoy spending time here for photos and views of the fountain from ground level. It is not the entrance to the building itself. You still need to go through Dubai Mall to get inside. For background on the building and everything it contains, our guide to Burj Khalifa: The World’s Tallest Building covers it all.
The Most Important Thing to Know Before You Go
There is no public entrance to the Burj Khalifa directly from the outside of the building for observation deck visitors. This surprises a lot of people when they arrive. The building has three separate entrances, and each one serves a different type of visitor.
Burj Khalifa — Which Entrance to Use
| 👤 Visitor Type | ✅ Correct Entrance | 📍 Where It Is |
|---|---|---|
| 🔭 At The Top Observation Deck | Lower Ground Floor, Dubai Mall | Inside Dubai Mall, Fashion Avenue side |
| 🏨 Armani Hotel Guests | Armani Hotel private lobby | Street-level, hotel entrance off Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Blvd |
| 🍽️ At.mosphere & Restaurant Diners | Armani Hotel lobby | Same as above — follow restaurant signs |
If you have tickets for At The Top, you go into Dubai Mall first. Follow the blue At The Top signs once inside and they will take you straight to the Lower Ground Floor entrance. If you are checking into the Armani Hotel or dining at one of the Armani restaurants, you enter through the hotel’s private ground-level lobby entrance, which is separate from the mall.
How to Get to Burj Khalifa by Metro
The metro is the fastest, cheapest and most reliable way to get to the Burj Khalifa. It avoids traffic, it is air-conditioned, and it drops you at a covered walkway that connects directly into Dubai Mall.
Which Station to Use?
Take the Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station. This is the only station you need. Do not get off at Business Bay, which is the next stop and sometimes confused with the Downtown Dubai area.
Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall Metro Station
| 📍 Address | Business Bay, Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| 🏷️ Type | Subway / Metro Station |
| ⭐ Google Rating | |
| 🚆 Lines Served | 🔴 Red Line 1 🔴 Red Line 2 |
| 🌐 Website | rta.ae |
| 🗺️ Plus Code | 6729+HQ Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| 🚧 Current Notice |
⚠️ Station is currently undergoing a AED 210 million renovation as of early 2026. Expect changes to access points and walkways.
|
| ♿ Accessibility | Moving walkways, clear English signage, free toilets available |
| 🛍️ Connected To | Directly connected to Dubai Mall via air-conditioned Metro Link bridge |
Metro Timings
The metro runs from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM Saturday to Thursday and from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Fridays. Trains run every 5 to 7 minutes during the day. The last train is at midnight on Thursday nights only.
Dubai Metro Map 2026 — Full Station Guide
📋 Green Line Quick Facts
🔄 2 interchange stations with Red Line: Union & BurJuman
⏱️ Frequency: Every 3–7 min (peak) / 7–10 min (off-peak)
🎫 Fare zones: Zone 1 (AED 3) / Zone 2 (AED 5)
🕐 Operating hours: Sat–Thu 5:30 AM–12:00 AM · Fri 10:00 AM–1:00 AM
Nol Card
You need a Nol card to use the metro. You cannot pay with cash on the platform. Buy a Silver Nol card at any metro station from the ticket machines for AED 25, which includes AED 19 of credit. A single journey from the airport to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station costs AED 9. Shorter journeys within Downtown Dubai start from AED 4 depending on your starting zone.
Walking from the Station to the Entrance
From the metro station, follow the Metro Link Bridge into Dubai Mall. The bridge is 820 metres long, fully air-conditioned, and fitted with travellators so you do not have to walk the whole distance. Once inside the mall, follow the blue At The Top signs to the Lower Ground Floor. The total walk from the platform to the ticket counter takes 10 to 15 minutes. If you prefer not to walk, the F13 feeder bus runs from the metro station directly to a Dubai Mall entrance in a few minutes.
Coming from Dubai Airport
Take the Red Line from Terminal 1 or Terminal 3. The journey takes 20 to 30 minutes and costs AED 9. If you are coming from Terminal 2, take the Green Line to either Union Station or BurJuman Station and transfer to the Red Line from there. For full step-by-step metro directions and a station map, see our Burj Khalifa Metro Station guide.
Coming from Deira or the Gold Souk Area
Take the Green Line to Union Station or BurJuman Station, then transfer to the Red Line heading toward UAE Exchange. Get off at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station. The full journey takes around 25 to 35 minutes depending on your starting point.
How to Get to Burj Khalifa by Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare apps work well in Dubai and are a straightforward option if you are travelling with luggage or a group.
When you get in the taxi, say “Dubai Mall, At The Top entrance” or “Dubai Mall, Fashion Avenue entrance.” Do not just say “Burj Khalifa” because drivers sometimes interpret this as the exterior base of the building, which is on the wrong side of the complex for the observation deck. Being specific about Dubai Mall saves you a 10-minute walk around the outside.
Uber and Careem both operate in Dubai and give you upfront pricing before you book. A ride from Dubai International Airport costs between AED 70 and AED 90 depending on traffic and takes 15 to 25 minutes outside of rush hour. From most Downtown Dubai hotels, a taxi costs AED 15 to AED 25 and takes under 10 minutes. A night surcharge applies after 10:00 PM and the starting fare rises to AED 3.50 on the meter.
How to Get to Burj Khalifa by Bus
The bus is the most affordable public transport option after the metro. It works well if you are coming from areas not directly served by the Red Line.
The most useful route for most visitors is the F13 feeder bus, which runs directly between Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station and Dubai Mall. It takes just a few minutes and is ideal if you do not want to walk the Metro Link Bridge. Other routes serving Dubai Mall include Route 27 from Gold Souq, Route 28 from Lamcy/Oud Metha, and Route 29 from nearby neighbourhoods. From Business Bay, the X22 bus runs directly to Dubai Mall. From International City, take Bus 50.
All bus fares are paid with your Nol card and cost between AED 9 and AED 15 depending on the route length. Routes 27 and 28 run every 16 minutes from around 5:00 AM to 2:00 AM. For live schedules and real-time bus tracking, download the RTA S’hail app before your trip. It is the most reliable tool for planning any public transport journey in Dubai.
How to Get to Burj Khalifa by Car
Driving to the Burj Khalifa is straightforward if you know which road to take and where to park.
Salik Toll Gates on the Way
If you are driving to the Burj Khalifa on Sheikh Zayed Road, you will pass through at least one Salik toll gate. Salik is Dubai’s electronic road toll system and charges AED 6 per gate automatically. You do not stop at a booth. The charge is deducted from a Salik tag registered to the vehicle.
If you are driving a rental car, the rental company handles the Salik tag but most charge a daily admin fee of AED 10 to AED 20 on top of the actual toll. Check your rental agreement before you drive because these fees are one of the most common surprise charges on final rental bills in Dubai. If you are driving your own UAE-registered vehicle, make sure your Salik account has enough credit before the trip.
The toll gate on Sheikh Zayed Road near the Downtown Dubai exit is active 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no time window where it is free. Budget AED 12 for the round trip toll if you are driving from and back to the same starting point on Sheikh Zayed Road.
Best Route
Take Sheikh Zayed Road heading toward Downtown Dubai. Exit at Al Mustaqbal Street or Financial Centre Road and follow the signs for Dubai Mall. Both exits put you on the road network around Downtown Dubai with clear signage toward the mall’s car parks. If you are using Google Maps, enter “Dubai Mall parking P1” or “Dubai Mall Fashion Parking” as your destination to get routed directly to the most convenient car park for At The Top visitors.
Dubai Mall Parking Zones
Dubai Mall has several car parks, and they are not all equal when it comes to how close they put you to the At The Top entrance.
Fashion Parking (P1 and P2) is the closest option to the At The Top entrance. This is the one to aim for. It connects directly to the Fashion Avenue section of the mall and puts you a 5-minute walk from the Lower Ground Floor entrance.
Cinema Parking is a good backup if Fashion Parking is full. It is slightly further but still gives a manageable walk inside the mall.
Fountain Views Parking is ideal if you are combining your Burj Khalifa visit with time watching the Dubai Fountain from the waterfront. It connects to the lower ground floor near the fountain exit.
Zabeel Parking is complimentary and connects to the Zabeel expansion of the mall. It is slightly further from the At The Top entrance but is a good free option if the paid zones are busy.
Grand Parking is a paid zone that has been subject to temporary closures related to ongoing expansion works. Check availability before heading there.
Parking Costs
Free parking at Dubai Mall covers 4 hours from Monday to Thursday and 6 hours from Friday to Sunday in the standard complimentary zones. Paid zones like Fashion Parking and Cinema Parking charge per hour after a short grace period. Valet parking is available at the Dubai Mall entrance for AED 50. Check the Dubai Mall website for live parking availability before you arrive since spaces fill quickly during weekends and evening fountain show hours.
Alternative Parking Near the Burj Khalifa
If the mall car parks are full, there are several options within walking distance. Emaar Boulevard on-street parking costs AED 10 per hour. Bay Avenue in Business Bay offers free parking for the first 2 hours, then AED 10 per hour after that, and it is an 8 to 10 minute walk to the mall. Old Town Visitor Parking is free and approximately 8 minutes on foot from the Dubai Mall entrance. Boulevard Plaza has its own parking structure and is a short, convenient walk.
How to Get to Burj Khalifa by Ferry or Water Taxi
This is the most underused transport option and easily the most scenic way to arrive. The DC2 ferry route runs a stop close to the Dubai Mall waterfront on Burj Lake. The first ferry departs at 10:00 AM and the last at 10:13 PM.
The ferry connects from Dubai Creek and several other marine transit stops across the city. It is not the fastest option, but it is a genuinely enjoyable way to approach Downtown Dubai if you are not in a rush. You arrive at the waterfront, walk along Burj Lake, and enter Dubai Mall from the outdoor promenade side. For visitors combining the ferry trip with the evening fountain show, the timing works out perfectly.
Walking to Burj Khalifa from Nearby Areas
From Dubai Mall
You are already there. Follow the Lower Ground Floor signs inside the mall and you will reach the At The Top entrance in 5 to 10 minutes from most entrances.
From Downtown Dubai Hotels
Most Downtown Dubai hotels are within a 10 to 20 minute walk of Dubai Mall. Pedestrian lanes are well-marked and the route is straightforward. The Address Downtown and Palace Downtown are the closest, with a walk of around 5 minutes to the mall.
From Souk Al Bahar
Cross the pedestrian bridge over Burj Lake from Souk Al Bahar and enter Dubai Mall from the waterfront side. This route takes about 5 minutes and gives you a great view of the building as you approach.
From Burj Park
Burj Park wraps around the base of the Burj Khalifa and is a beautiful open green space for photos and views. Keep in mind that the park itself does not give you access inside the building. You still need to walk to the Dubai Mall entrance and enter from the Lower Ground Floor for At The Top. The walk from Burj Park to the mall entrance is around 5 to 8 minutes.
Summer Heat Warning
If you are visiting between June and August, avoid walking outdoors between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Temperatures regularly exceed 40 degrees Celsius and the humidity makes it genuinely uncomfortable and potentially dangerous for extended outdoor walks. Plan your arrival for early morning or after 6:00 PM when the temperature drops. The metro and mall connection is fully air-conditioned, which makes that route especially practical in summer.
How to Get to Burj Khalifa from Dubai Airport
The airport is 13 to 15 kilometres from the Burj Khalifa. Outside of rush hour, the journey takes 20 to 30 minutes by car or taxi.
By taxi: The fastest and most comfortable option from the airport. A metered taxi costs between AED 70 and AED 90 depending on traffic. Tell the driver “Dubai Mall, At The Top entrance” for the right drop-off point. Taxis are available from the ground floor arrivals hall at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
By metro: Take the Red Line from Terminal 1 (Airport Terminal 1 Station) or Terminal 3 (Airport Terminal 3 Station). The journey to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station takes 20 to 30 minutes and costs AED 9. If you are arriving at Terminal 2, take the Green Line to Union Station and transfer to the Red Line. The metro is strongly recommended during morning and evening rush hours from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on weekdays, when road traffic can add 30 to 45 minutes to a taxi journey.
Inside Dubai Mall: How to Find the Burj Khalifa Entrance
Once you are inside Dubai Mall, follow the blue At The Top signs. They appear on every floor and at every major junction inside the mall. Your target is the Lower Ground Floor on the Fashion Avenue side of the building.
The fastest internal route is to enter from the Grand Drive entrance or the Fashion Avenue entrance on the ground floor, then take the escalators or lifts down one level to the Lower Ground Floor. The walk inside the mall takes 5 to 20 minutes depending on which mall entrance you came in from. The Fashion Avenue entrance puts you the closest.
Accessibility at the Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall are both fully accessible for wheelchair users and visitors with mobility needs. Here is what you need to know before you arrive.
The Metro Link Bridge from Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station has lifts running alongside every travellator section. You do not need to use the travellators or ramps to make the full journey from the platform to the mall. All lifts are wide enough for standard wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Inside Dubai Mall, lifts are available on every floor throughout the building. The route from the main entrances to the Lower Ground Floor At The Top entrance is fully lift-accessible. Follow the blue At The Top signs and look for the lift symbols at each floor junction. Staff at the information desks inside the mall can guide you to the most direct accessible route from your entry point.
The At The Top observation deck elevators on floors 124 and 125 are fully wheelchair accessible. The outdoor terrace on floor 124 is also accessible. Floor 148 at The Top SKY has some areas with limited space on the outdoor terrace. Contact the At The Top team directly on +971 4 888 8124 before your visit if you have specific mobility requirements so they can arrange assistance in advance.
The Dubai Mall waterfront promenade and Burj Park at ground level are both fully paved and accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The boardwalk over Burj Lake is also accessible. Accessible parking bays are available in all Dubai Mall car parks close to the lift entrances and are clearly marked.
At the At The Top entrance on the Lower Ground Floor, there are two queues. One is for pre-booked ticket holders and is significantly shorter. The other is for walk-up ticket purchases. If you have already booked, use the pre-booked lane and make sure your confirmation email or QR code is ready on your phone before you reach the counter. Large bags are not allowed past the security point. Bag storage is available near the entrance for a small fee. Strollers are allowed but need to be folded in certain sections.
For the latest ticket options and prices for all three observation deck levels, visit our Burj Khalifa Tickets page.
What to Do Once You Are There
Getting to the Burj Khalifa is only the start. Here is a quick summary of everything you can do once you arrive.
The At The Top Burj Khalifa observation decks on floors 124, 125 and 148 are the main draw for most visitors. Floor 148 at 555 metres is the highest outdoor observation deck in the world. The Atmosphere Burj Khalifa restaurant on floor 122 is the world’s highest restaurant and a great way to combine a meal with the view.
The Burj Khalifa Fountain Show runs daily on Burj Lake from 6:00 PM every 30 minutes and is free to watch from the waterfront.
If you are staying the night, the Armani Hotel Dubai is the only hotel inside the building and reopens in early 2027 after its renovation. For a full understanding of the floors inside the building and what sits at each level, our Burj Khalifa floors guide has the complete breakdown. And if you want to know every height measurement from ground to tip, the Burj Khalifa height guide covers all the numbers.
The Bottom Line
Getting to the Burj Khalifa is straightforward once you know the one key fact, you go in through Dubai Mall, not directly from outside the building. The metro is the best transport option for most visitors. It is fast, cheap, air-conditioned, and drops you at a covered walkway that leads straight into the mall. From the airport, the Red Line gets you there in under 30 minutes for AED 9.
If you are driving, aim for Fashion Parking (P1 or P2) for the shortest walk to the At The Top entrance. If you are staying nearby, use the waterfront walking route through Souk Al Bahar for a more scenic approach. And if you have time to spare, the DC2 ferry from Dubai Creek is the most enjoyable way to arrive and one of the best views of the Downtown Dubai skyline you will find anywhere in the city.
The Burj Khalifa has attracted attention from all kinds of visitors over the years. Our Tom Cruise Burj Khalifa article covers how the building featured in the Mission Impossible film series. For anyone curious about who developed and owns the tower, the Burj Khalifa owner page covers the full story. And if you have ever wondered what it is like to actually live inside the world’s tallest building, our Burj Khalifa residence guide gives you the full picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the Burj Khalifa located?
The Burj Khalifa is at 1 Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, UAE. It sits in the heart of the Downtown Dubai neighbourhood, surrounded by Dubai Mall, Burj Lake, Souk Al Bahar, Burj Park, and Dubai Opera. When searching on Google Maps, search for “At The Top Burj Khalifa” to get the correct pin for the observation deck entrance.
2. What is the nearest metro station to the Burj Khalifa?
The nearest metro station is Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station on the Red Line. From the station, follow the Metro Link Bridge, which is 820 metres long and fully air-conditioned with travellators, directly into Dubai Mall. From there, follow the At The Top signs to the Lower Ground Floor entrance. The full walk takes 10 to 15 minutes.
3. How do I enter the Burj Khalifa?
Observation deck visitors enter through the Lower Ground Floor of Dubai Mall. There is no public entrance from outside the building for At The Top visitors. Armani Hotel guests and At.mosphere restaurant diners enter through the Armani Hotel lobby, which is a separate ground-level entrance off Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard.
4. Is there parking at the Burj Khalifa?
Yes. Dubai Mall has several car parks directly connected to the complex. Fashion Parking (P1 and P2) is the closest to the At The Top entrance. Standard zones offer 4 free hours Monday to Thursday and 6 free hours Friday to Sunday. Paid zones like Fashion Parking charge by the hour after a grace period. Valet parking is available for AED 50. Alternative free parking at Old Town Visitor Parking is an 8-minute walk away.
5. How long does it take to get to Burj Khalifa from Dubai Airport?
By taxi it takes 15 to 25 minutes outside of rush hour and costs AED 70 to AED 90. By metro on the Red Line it takes 20 to 30 minutes and costs AED 9. During morning and evening rush hours on weekdays, the metro is the better option since road traffic can significantly extend taxi journey times.
6. Can I walk to the Burj Khalifa from the metro station?
Yes. The Metro Link Bridge is a fully air-conditioned covered walkway with travellators that connects Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station directly into Dubai Mall. The bridge is 820 metres long and the walk takes around 10 to 15 minutes. In summer months, this is the most comfortable way to make the journey since you are never outdoors.
7. What is Burj Park at Burj Khalifa?
Burj Park is a public ground-level garden that wraps around the base of the Burj Khalifa tower. It has walking paths, seating areas, and open views of the building above and the Dubai Fountain nearby. It is a popular spot for photos and outdoor time. Burj Park is not the entrance to the building. Observation deck visitors still need to enter through Dubai Mall, which is a 5 to 8 minute walk from the park.
