One evening, a young couple from the Philippines walked into my travel agency office near Deira with tired faces and heavy luggage. Their connecting flight had been delayed by 18 hours. All they needed was a clean, affordable place to sleep near the airport—but they were overwhelmed by online listings, hidden fees, and uncertainty.
That night, I personally helped them book a budget hotel near Dubai International Airport, arranged a quick airport transfer, and even offered them a list of nearby eateries that wouldn’t break the bank.
Since then, I’ve helped hundreds of travelers—transit passengers, tourists, business travelers, and budget-conscious families—find affordable hotels near DXB Airport that are safe, convenient, and comfortable.
If you’re looking for the same, this post is for you.
✈️ Why Choose a Hotel Near Dubai International Airport?
Staying near Dubai International Airport (DXB) makes sense when you:
- Have a short layover or early morning flight
- Want to avoid city traffic and long commutes
- Are looking for a budget-friendly hotel option
- Need easy access to the Dubai Metro (Red Line)
- Are arriving in Dubai late at night
Most of the cheap hotels near DXB are located in Deira, Al Qusais, and Al Rigga areas—all well-connected and full of convenient facilities.
Top 5 Cheap Hotels Near Dubai International Airport (DXB)
| Hotel Name | Distance from DXB | Metro Access | Avg. Price/Night (AED) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ibis Styles Dubai Airport | 1.5 km | ✅ GGICO | AED 200–300 | Free shuttle, modern rooms, breakfast |
| Premier Inn Dubai Intl Airport | 1.2 km | ❌ (Shuttle) | AED 180–280 | Rooftop pool, shuttle to terminals |
| Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport | 1 km | ✅ Emirates | AED 230–330 | Free breakfast, business friendly |
| Fortune Plaza Hotel | 3.5 km | ✅ Al Qusais | AED 150–220 | Budget-friendly, close to restaurants |
| City Avenue Hotel | 5 km | ✅ Salah Al Din | AED 140–200 | Comfortable, walkable to shops & metro |
1. Ibis Styles Dubai Airport Hotel – Clean, Trendy & Convenient
📍 Distance to DXB: 1.5 km | 🚇 Metro: GGICO Station (3 mins walk)
This is one of the best value-for-money hotels near Terminal 3. It feels more like a 4-star hotel with its modern design and colorful interiors, but it charges budget prices. Great for solo travelers, couples, or even businesspeople with early flights.
Features:
- Airport shuttle every 30–60 minutes
- Free Wi-Fi and breakfast buffet
- Comfortable queen or twin rooms
- Business center and small gym
- Stylish lounge and lobby area
Nearby:
- Al Garhoud Park (5-min walk)
- GGICO Metro Station (connects directly to city)
Pros:
- Contemporary interiors
- Reliable shuttle service
- Restaurants & cafés within walking distance
Cons:
- Rooms are small
- Limited food variety for vegetarians
Insider Tip: Ask for a higher floor room facing the airport runway—you’ll get some fantastic views without the noise.
2. Premier Inn Dubai International Airport – A Transit Favorite
📍 Distance to DXB: 1.2 km | 🚌 Shuttle: Yes (every 30 mins)
This hotel is specially designed for transit passengers. It offers peace, comfort, and reliable airport access. The rooms are spacious, and there’s a lovely rooftop pool to relax before or after your flight.
Features:
- Free 24/7 shuttle to all terminals
- Rooftop swimming pool and fitness center
- Costa Coffee shop and 24-hour restaurant
- Family and twin rooms available
Nearby:
- Airport Free Zone (great for business travelers)
- Duty-Free & metro just 5–10 mins away via shuttle
Pros:
- Spacious and clean rooms
- 24-hour restaurant and snack bar
- Ideal for families or late-night arrivals
Cons:
- No nearby metro station
- Can get busy during trade exhibitions
Insider Tip: Great for families traveling with kids—request a family room with sofa bed to accommodate 3–4 guests affordably.
3. Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport – Business + Budget Combo
📍 Distance to DXB: 1 km | 🚇 Metro: Emirates Station (2 mins walk)
Perfect for travelers looking for a budget hotel with professional service. It’s part of IHG Hotels, so it meets international standards in cleanliness, service, and safety.
Features:
- Free shuttle service (to/from Terminal 3)
- Complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi
- Executive desks and soundproof rooms
- Onsite bar, restaurant, and small meeting rooms
Room Types:
- Standard Queen Room
- Twin Bed Rooms
- Family rooms (limited availability)
Nearby:
- Emirates HQ
- Terminal 3 (5-min drive or metro ride)
Pros:
- Great for short business stays
- Early breakfast buffet from 5 AM
- Luggage storage and laundry service
Cons:
- Limited vegetarian options
- No pool or wellness facilities
Insider Tip: Ideal for early morning flyers. You can grab a quick breakfast and take the shuttle to T3 in 5 minutes.
4. Fortune Plaza Hotel – Budget with a Touch of Comfort
📍 Distance to DXB: 3.5 km | 🚇 Metro: Al Qusais Station (6-min walk)
For travelers seeking a clean hotel under AED 200, this one hits the mark. It’s more basic but offers good service, a quiet night’s sleep, and close access to groceries and eateries.
Features:
- Free Wi-Fi and daily housekeeping
- Small rooftop pool and gym
- In-house restaurant with South Asian and Middle Eastern menus
- Tour desk and airport taxi booking
Room Types:
- Standard & Deluxe King Rooms
- Twin and family options available
Pros:
- Great price for the amenities
- Friendly Bangladeshi, Indian, and Pakistani staff
- Walking distance to metro
Cons:
- Older furniture in some rooms
- No shuttle—must arrange your own taxi or Uber
Insider Tip: Try their chicken biryani—it’s a local favorite among Desi travelers!
5. City Avenue Hotel – Budget Stay in the Heart of Deira
📍 Distance to DXB: 5 km | 🚇 Metro: Salah Al Din Station (5-min walk)
This is a hidden gem in Deira, perfect for travelers who want to combine budget accommodation with access to shopping and street food. It’s clean, well-rated, and ideal for short 1–2 night stays.
Features:
- Free Wi-Fi and bottled water
- 24-hour reception and currency exchange
- Luggage storage available
- In-house café and room service
Nearby:
- Al Ghurair Mall
- Naif Souq and local Bangladeshi eateries
Pros:
- Very affordable for Deira
- Spacious rooms with new bathrooms
- Lively area with everything nearby
Cons:
- Slightly further from airport
- No free shuttle
Insider Tip: Walk to Al Ghurair Centre to shop or enjoy budget-friendly food courts.
Local Tips for Booking Cheap Hotels Near DXB
- Avoid peak seasons like New Year’s, Eid, and Dubai Shopping Festival for lower rates.
- Use the metro when possible—it’s cheaper than taxis and connects well with many of these hotels.
- Always confirm check-in and check-out times, especially for layovers or late arrivals.
- Ask about luggage storage if you need to check out early but your flight is later in the day.
- Bundle services like airport transfer or half-day Dubai tours for better rates. 👉 View our transit tour options
❓ FAQs – Cheap Hotels Near Dubai Airport (Answered by a Local)
Is it safe to stay in Deira near the airport?
Yes, Deira is safe and well-monitored, especially around tourist and hotel areas.
Can I book hotels for a few hours only?
Some hotels offer day-use rooms (6–12 hours), but it’s best to call or email them directly for availability and rates.
Are these hotels good for families?
Yes. Premier Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and City Avenue Hotel have family room options or sofa beds for 3–4 guests.
Which hotel is best for layovers under 12 hours?
Premier Inn DXB or Ibis Styles—both have free airport shuttles and fast check-in/out.
Final Thoughts from a Local Travel Agent
If you’re looking for cheap hotels near Dubai International Airport, don’t worry—you don’t need to sacrifice comfort or cleanliness. These options are handpicked, affordable, and conveniently located for all types of travelers.
Need help booking one of these hotels or want to add a quick Dubai City Tour from the Airport? I’m here to help.
My name is Tuhin, the founder of Royal Dubai Travel, a premier travel agency in Dubai dedicated to crafting unforgettable travel experiences. With a deep passion for tourism and years of expertise in the industry, Tuhin specializes in curating personalized tours, luxury experiences, and hassle-free travel solutions for visitors to Dubai. Whether you’re looking for desert adventures, city explorations, or VIP travel services, Royal Dubai Travel ensures a seamless and memorable journey.
For travel inquiries and expert recommendations, connect with Tuhin and explore the best of Dubai with confidence!
