Getting the metro from Dubai airport, fly Dubai and hotels attached to metro stops in Dubai... | ExpatWoman.com
 

Getting the metro from Dubai airport, fly Dubai and hotels attached to metro stops in Dubai...

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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 June 2013 - 13:57

I live in Doha and we are planning a long weekend in Dubai. My 3 year old gets terribly carsick and last time we were in Dubai the taxi ride from the airport to hotel was not fun for anyone! Also the logistics of carting around 2 carseats everywhere we go is a bit of a pain so ideally I'd like to use the metro as much as possible, if we could use it to and from the airport as well then we could leave the carseats at home altogether.

I think FlyDubai flys into and leaves from terminal 2 (is that right?) is there a metro stop there? Any recommendations for hotels/apartments attached to metro lines. I am looking at the Kempinski; Mall of Emirates which is really a bit expensive for us but tempting due to being attached to the mall and presumably we have internal access from the mall to the metro line (or would we be carting our bags a long way from metro to hotel?). With two children (a 9 month old and an almost 3 year old) and it being mid summer I don't really want to be walking a long way outdoors or crossing busy roads in order to get to a metro stop.

Any advice greatly appreciated!

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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 July 2013 - 08:36
Dubai Mall is connected to the Metro ( Burj Khalifa ) by a rather long but covered and air conditioned walkway. There is lots for children to see and do within the DM. I recommend the role playarea in Galleries Lafayette - beautifully clean and well maintained. Kidszania is best visited in the mornings, as it gets very busy but would be ideal for Daddy to take your eldest to. As soon as it's dark you can watch the fountains from one of the restaurants within The Mall or along the promenade. There is a lovely kid friendly middle eastern one with an air conditioned balcony on the 1st floor which opens for the first show. Dubai Mall and the Metro both have phone app maps that you can download free. Have fun !
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 June 2013 - 17:04
Thanks ladies, we have gone with an Emirates flight as the price was actually similar and its easier with the metro. If we didn't have kids then I agree taxis would be easier but for me its much easier to not have to be buckling two carseats into and out of cabs, folding down a pram then having to carry them into and find a place at a mall to store them all with a baby and toddler in tow vs just wheeling my tribe straight onto the metro. Also with my son getting so carsick it just makes the trip, to and from the airport much less stressful, nothing to do with saving money. We're only there a few days so will just stick to the malls that do have metro stops attached. :) I know Mall of Emirates and Deira CC are covered ibn Battuta is a short walk as is Dubai Mall ( Not nice in the heat though)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 June 2013 - 17:03
I am not entirely sure how much more "comfortable" the metro would be than a taxi. The last time we were in Dubai the metro was uncomfortably busy -- I mean you were squished up against complete strangers with your nose in the armpit of the guy beside you holding the upper railing kind of uncomfortable. My husband and I then opted to just use taxis from that point on because it wasn't worth saving a couple of dirham. It is packed on a Friday and believe me no-one gets up for a Mother I had to ask a guy to give up his seat for a poor Mum that was balancing a pram and 2 small children. Needless to say he did but gave me the evil eye for the duration of the trip whilst Mum said thank you
2782
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 June 2013 - 16:24
Thanks ladies, we have gone with an Emirates flight as the price was actually similar and its easier with the metro. If we didn't have kids then I agree taxis would be easier but for me its much easier to not have to be buckling two carseats into and out of cabs, folding down a pram then having to carry them into and find a place at a mall to store them all with a baby and toddler in tow vs just wheeling my tribe straight onto the metro. Also with my son getting so carsick it just makes the trip, to and from the airport much less stressful, nothing to do with saving money. We're only there a few days so will just stick to the malls that do have metro stops attached. :)
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 June 2013 - 20:39
You can always buy gold class tickets on the metro, more comfortable. Most of the metro stops do not have direct access to shops etc, so walking will be involved and with the weather this warm now, I would say the metro is a no no to be honest.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 June 2013 - 19:00
I am not entirely sure how much more "comfortable" the metro would be than a taxi. The last time we were in Dubai the metro was uncomfortably busy -- I mean you were squished up against complete strangers with your nose in the armpit of the guy beside you holding the upper railing kind of uncomfortable. My husband and I then opted to just use taxis from that point on because it wasn't worth saving a couple of dirham.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 June 2013 - 17:43
The metro does not go out to Terminal 2 where Fly Dubai lands. You'd have to take a taxi to terminal 1 or 3 and then catch the metro from there.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 June 2013 - 15:09
Thanks ladies, I did post to the Dubai page too but I thought the Doha ladies might have the scoop from a tourists perspective :)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 June 2013 - 15:06
If you haven't already, try posting on the Dubai page -- the ladies there will know lots of hotels that fit your criteria I'm sure. I have stayed at a couple different hotels on Sheikh Zayad road which were right next to the metro-- Corwn Plaza and the Fairmont, but neither was particularly cheap. BUT I'm certain you can find something reasonably priced and on the metro. Not certain about the Fly Dubai terminal and the metro though.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 June 2013 - 14:34
Hi Kiwispiers, I am not sure if there is a metro stop by the Fly Dubai terminal, the terminal is quite a way away from the main terminal but surely there must be a way to connect between the terminals. I am sure someone else can advise. Hotel wise consider Gloria Hotel, it is a 4 star so a bit less expensive and is right next to the Dubai Internet City Metro stop which is two stops away from Mall of the Emirates. Kempinski as you rightly say have indoor access from the metro to the hotel but it is a bit if a walk. Most of the places you would want to go to will be close to the metro but you will probably have to jump in a cab now and then to get to a few places. Hope you have a great time!:)