If you’re traveling through Dubai and finding the right accommodation near Dubai International Airport (DXB), you have come to the right place. Be it a short layover, a family getaway, or a quick business trip, staying at Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport can make all the difference. Travelers passing through Dubai are often stressed about long transfers after a late-night flight or catching an early-morning flight. That’s where Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport comes to the rescue, as it can turn a hectic experience into a smooth trip. Needless to say, it is one of the most reliable and famous Hotels closest to Dubai airport.
Perfectly located just opposite Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport (DXB), this 3-star hotel is tailored for modern travelers who are seeking seamless access to the airport, complimentary breakfast, free WiFi, and a warm atmosphere. These amenities are designed to refresh you before your next journey. So, whether you want an overnight stay between connecting flights or are looking forward to spending a few days in Dubai, the hotel ensures you have a stress-free airport stay.
Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport is the first choice among Dubai airport hotels for all international travelers. One can avail oneself of location benefits and convenience, all at a reasonable price. You might not get luxurious spa services or ultra-fancy design here, but this airport stay gives you proximity to Terminal 3, reliable shuttle service, clean rooms, complimentary breakfast, and value for money. If this is something you prioritize, Holiday Inn Express Dubai stands out among the list of Hotels in Dubai Near Airport and Hotels closest to Dubai Airport.
This hotel offers a perfect blend of convenience, modern amenities, and great value. Due to its location, this hotel is well-suited for transit travellers and people with early flights, or anyone who wants easy access to the airport. You can also conveniently visit Dubai’s key landmarks without staying in the city centre. Holiday Inn Express Dubai is ideal for transit travellers who wish to sleep or rest close to the airport during their short stopovers. Moreover, business and budget-minded travellers who still want comfort and convenience can get easy access to the airport and some of Dubai’s business centres and shopping hubs. Lastly, families who need a convenient base near the airport with reliable services will find this place ideal for their stay.
Main Features
- Seamless accessibility
- Value for money
- Family rooms
- Rooftop meeting rooms
- Proximity to Dubai’s main attractions
- Transit-friendly stay
- Fitness center
- Free airport shuttle
We Are More Than 20+ Global Exp.
Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport officially opened its doors on March 23, 2010. It was a part of a project between the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Ishraq Gulf Real Estate Holding Company. With 381 rooms, this hotel became the largest Holiday Inn Express hotel in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa) region.
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Value for money
Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport offers modern amenities and a comfortable stay at a reasonable cost. With its affordable rooms, the hotel stands out as one of the most budget-friendly Dubai airport hotels.
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Free shuttle service
For Terminal 1 arrivals, pick-up is at Gate A5, every 15 and 45 minutes past the hour. For Terminal 3 Departures, the shuttle leaves the Bus Parking Area every 10 and 40 minutes past the hour. However, there is no shuttle service for Terminal 2.
Our Services on the Global Market for Our Client's Reservation
Our Specialization Sectors & All of the Other Details
Transit-friendly stay
Located opposite Terminal 3, Holiday Inn Express, Dubai, ranks as one of the top hotel stays near Dubai airport among tourists. Designed keeping in mind the needs of a transit traveler, the hotel has 381 clean and functional rooms equipped with all the basic essentials.
Proximity to Dubai’s attractions
Holiday Inn Express, Dubai, serves as a great accommodation to explore the city. It is within walking distance from the Emirates Metro Station, connecting you to Dubai’s biggest attractions, including Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Deira City Centre, and Dubai Creek.
Wholesome in-room services
At Holiday Inn Express, Dubai, all rooms have high-speed Wi-Fi, comfortable bedding, private bathrooms, soundproofed walls, tea/coffee makers, and work desks. Guests also get free hot breakfast every morning, access to a 24-hour fitness center, sports bar, and business meeting rooms.
Our Rooms & Ratings
Our Latest Testimonials and What Our Client Says
Check in was very seamless and special thanks to Mr. Mannan for him professional service at check in and Mr. Kier for post check in services. Both were very professional.
Breakfast is reasonably good. I commend the excellent and professional services of Ms. Princess and Mr. Mahantesh who are friendly and kind.
Overall my stay was excellent. Thank you all for the extra effort taken to make guests feel homely.
Here's a polished version of your review:
We had an amazing stay at Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport. One of the highlights was their 24-hour airport shuttle service, which made our trip incredibly convenient.
During our stay, we were assisted by a staff member named Mahantesh, who went above and beyond to ensure all our needs were met. He was exceptionally helpful and even recommended several sightseeing spots around Dubai. His suggestions were excellent and helped make our visit even more enjoyable.
If you're a first-time visitor to Dubai, I highly recommend reaching out to Mahantesh during your stay. His local knowledge, professionalism, and willingness to help truly made a difference in our experience.
The room was immaculate, spacious, and very modern. The bed was exceptionally comfortable, ensuring a great night's sleep after a long day. It was fully equipped with all the necessary amenities, and the housekeeping team did a flawless job keeping everything pristine throughout my stay.
What truly sets this hotel apart, however, is its world-class hospitality. The entire staff was welcoming and professional, but I want to give a special thanks to Mohammed Saqib. He went above and beyond to ensure our stay was comfortable, addressing our needs with a genuine smile and incredible efficiency. His outstanding customer service made a lasting impression!
My family and I stayed at Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport for 4 nights in June, and we had a wonderful experience.
As someone familiar with Holiday Inn Express hotels in the USA, I was pleasantly surprised by the breakfast selection here. It was much more extensive than the typical U.S. offering. Every morning there was a great variety of fresh items including salads with feta cheese, labneh, yogurt, fresh vegetables, fluffy scrambled eggs, omelets, boiled eggs, breads, muffins, juices, and excellent freshly brewed coffee with hot milk. There were also Indian options such as samosas, curry dishes, and spring rolls, which was a nice touch given the large number of Indian travelers visiting Dubai.
Another highlight was the Great Room breakfast area. The interiors were modern, bright, and welcoming, with comfortable seating and large windows offering pleasant views toward the airport. It was a wonderful place to start the day. My family enjoyed it so much that we often spent one to two hours there every morning relaxing over breakfast.
We had accidentally booked a smoking room, but the hotel staff changed it to a non-smoking room immediately without any hassle. Their customer service was outstanding throughout our stay.
The real highlight of this hotel is the staff. Mahendesh and Abdul went above and beyond to help us and made us feel genuinely welcome. Every staff member we interacted with was attentive, professional, and eager to assist.
Housekeeping and room service were excellent as well. Whenever we needed something, a quick phone call was all it took, and it would be delivered promptly.
During our stay, we visited relatives in Sharjah, explored Dubai Mall and the Aquarium, and did plenty of shopping. Even during the hot June summer, returning to the hotel was always comfortable and relaxing.
Overall, this hotel offers excellent value, a convenient location near the airport, outstanding staff, and one of the best complimentary breakfasts I have experienced at a Holiday Inn Express property. I would gladly stay here again on my next visit to Dubai.
Highly recommended for families, transit travelers, and anyone visiting Dubai or Sharjah. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
On a previous stay, my daughter was sleeping in her stroller and woke up just as breakfast had finished. When Manojit noticed that we were disappointed about missing it, he kindly arranged a takeaway breakfast for us. That level of proactiveness and care was truly appreciated.
This morning, I asked if hot chocolate was available. Manojit asked me to wait just two minutes and came back with it, also checking if we needed anything else. His attention to detail and outstanding customer service really make me feel like I am staying in a five-star hotel, even though it is a three-star property.
Overall, all the staff at the hotel are friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Thank you for making our stay so pleasant.
Each time we enjoyed a nice airport view.
Special thanks to Kalam from housekeeping for his excellent support. He was polite, friendly, and very professional in his work. The room was always perfectly cleaned and refreshed on time. His dedication and positive attitude made a real difference during my stay.
the breakfast is amazing and the room is so clean. holiday inn’s second time to save me at last minute affordable bookings (i got stuck in a horrible hotel from my company and switched to this on the same day). i like the touch of the prayer mat and quran in the room. i love how cleanliness is a standard here. location is awesome too.
The rooms are simple but very clean and quiet — and as a very light sleeper, I really appreciated that. The bed isn’t the most comfortable, but it was absolutely fine for a short stay. Breakfast is superb, with plenty of options including hot dishes. If you’re short on time, they even provide a full takeaway breakfast box.
The only thing is that you have to pay a 3 euros tax at arrival which was not mentioned upfront.
Would definitely recommend.
My stay at this hotel exceeded all expectations and was truly a wonderful experience from start to finish. The hotel is clean, well maintained, and thoughtfully designed, making it a comfortable and relaxing place to stay. The room was spacious, spotless, and equipped with everything I needed, which made my stay both convenient and enjoyable.
What truly made this stay exceptional was the outstanding service, especially from Emmanjel. He went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect during my stay. His professionalism, warmth, and genuine kindness made me feel truly welcomed.
Location for the hotel is easily accessible near the airport.
Room was clean and mostly comfortable, but was a bit less soundproof than I would have liked. The mist showerhead I did not enjoy, took too long to warm up and the mist was too fine.
Because of their kindness and professionalism, everything was resolved smoothly. We were able to rest properly, enjoy our stay, and I was able to attend my very early morning meeting feeling calm, happy, and well-prepared. My husband and I are truly grateful for their efforts. Their genuine care and exceptional service turned our experience into a positive and memorable one. This is real hospitality, and we highly recommend this hotel🤗
The front desk team was welcoming and professional. Thiri was especially helpful, polite, and efficient, making check-in and communication effortless.
Breakfast service was well organized with fresh food options. Many thanks to Gian for the warm hospitality and attentive service.
Overall, the staff were extremely kind, professional, and customer-oriented. This hotel truly made my stay comfortable, and I would gladly recommend it to anyone visiting Dubai.
"Everything about this hotel exceeded my expectations. The staff were professional and went out of their way in helping every way possible from suggesting near tourist destinations, recommended local cuisine, pickup & dropoff to airport without extra fee's. Rooms are spacious, quiet, and elegantly furnished, facilities provided were far away than expectations for a reasonable price. The high-speed Wi-Fi was a huge plus for my work meetings. A truly luxurious experience that felt like a home away from home. 10/10!". Special shout to Manojit what an amazing professional way beyond his job requirements in helping us in everything felt like a professional personal concierge. Thank you Manojit & Akshay for making our first Dubai experience really memorable, will definitely visit again and recommend all my friends, family & colleagues to visit Dubai and stay at this property.
What truly made this stay exceptional was the outstanding service, especially from Emmanjel. He went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect during my stay. His professionalism, warmth, and genuine kindness made me feel truly welcomed. Whether it was assisting with check-in, answering questions, or offering helpful suggestions, Emmanjel handled everything with patience and care. It’s rare to encounter someone who treats guests with such sincerity and attention to detail.
This hotel is not just a place to sleep, but a place where you feel valued as a guest. I would absolutely choose to stay here again in the future and highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area. Special thanks once again to Emmanjel for making this stay so memorable.
Alfie from the convenience store at the hotel lobby is very helpful. I needed ice for my insulin cooler and he assisted me in a very helpful way. He provided me with ice for my cooler and placed my ice pack in the freezer for when I need to check out tomorrow.
Paolo from housekeeping also made our stay pleasant. He fixed the shampoo/lotion holder and made sure the dispenser were filled as needed. He made sure our needs were met.
The staff of the Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport, will always have my utmost respect..
The staff did not clean the rooms and did not change either the bed sheets or the towels. They provided only one towel even though we were two people.
One morning there was no hot water. During five days of stay, I was only able to take a shower once.
The receptionist, Manan, is a very unpleasant person. He tricked us by saying he would give us a better room, which never happened. Moreover, we had booked a standard room but were given an economy room instead.
The room was never cleaned and the shower glass was extremely dirty. We constantly feared catching some kind of infectious disease. During breakfast, the waitress took our cutlery away while we were eating, and the staff always responded in an aggressive manner.
We paid €594 for 5 days plus €16 in tourist tax, but it was money completely wasted. Never again in this hotel.
Dubai is a beautiful city, and I definitely did not expect such a hotel.
Specifically Asif from maintenance team he solved my issue in no-time and was really supportive offering explanation in good manner.
Also, Thawtar Kabita in the breakfast great hall was always helpful, doing her job dilgently.
I am happy to stay here
The experience here at Holiday inn Express was fantastic with the room service, the morning free breakfast buffet and etc. I highly reccomend this hotel because, it's like only 5 min away from Dubai international airport, and there is a supermarket next to it and a laundry and many other shops.
Special mention to Thawtar. She was very attentive and kind with her service. Thank you!
Rooms are clean and comfortable. Staffs were friendly and helpful.
We truly enjoyed our short stay here. Thank you everyone
I had a great time staying at your hotel. Thanks for the pickup and drop off services to the airport.
A special mention goes to Manojit, the manager, who personally welcomed us with great professionalism and warmth. He was extremely available, attentive, and truly made sure everything was perfect throughout our meal.
Fantastic atmosphere, outstanding service, and great food — I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Dubai!
I was stranded on Thanksgiving for dinner but they kindly agreed to help me heat up my turkey brought from USA plus they served me delicious rice to go with it making my Thanksgiving dinner an excellently wonderful meal!
I am So grateful for their initiative & going above & beyond the call of duty to ensure a Priority club member (myself) had an excellent enjoyed Thanksgiving day dinner!
1. Starting at check-in, the front desk staff are not helpful and seems disgruntled - Ashraf don't seem to like his job.
2. The room has NO supplies, Shower Gel Empty, Lotion Empty. Thankfully I had my own.
3. No Iron or Ironing board. You have request daily (takes more than 30 minutes to delivery one). I complainted to the manger - disregarded.
4. The staff don't clean your room properly - Example - COFFEE MUGS ONLY GET RINSE - they had coffee stains in them.
5. I left my room at 10.00 am, returned at 12.30. Room wasn't cleaned. I went sleep. At around 1.00 PM, the room attendant came, asked If I wanted service - I said yes and left the room. 3.00 PM, I returned. Room still wasn't cleaned. Went down, spoke to the manager who offered me lunch as a compensation.
6. The managers are clueless what's happening in the hotel. He subsequently insulted me by offering me 10K points....
7. I actually cut my trip short by one day - THEY RUINED MY TRIP HERE. KEEP IN MIND, THE OTHER IHG PROPERTIES HERE ID DUBAI ARE MUCH MUCH BETTER....
8. No help to manage your luggage when you arrive or leaving.
9. Being a Diamond Elite has no value at this hotel... My status wasn't recognized or appreciated.
The rooms are simple but clean, and the air conditioning worked well. The rooms are very quiet, the quietest place I've lived in Dubai (the soundproofing is fantastic). The breakfasts are typical for holiday inn hotel; you can eat well, and the food is decent. The staff is generally very friendly. Mahantesh was especially polite to me, thank him and good luck with everything. Thanks to the other staff, too; they were very responsive and helped with any questions 🙏
Better alternatives nearby.
My worst Holiday Inn Express experience… ever!
- Rooms are in extremely poor condition – see my photos. The hotel is renovating rooms (Oct 2025), but slowly, so expect a bad room and possible disruption during your stay.. I was woken by workmen outside my room in the early morning.
- Zero/poor recognition for top-tier Platinum/Diamond IHG members. I was not given a renovated room, or indeed even a good room, or a higher floor. In fact, I had to move THREE times so finally find a room which was acceptable and even it was in poor condition!!!
- Prior to check-in, for some bizarre reason, this hotel may charge your payment card a higher amount that the cost of your booking. When checking-in, the refund and re-charge process is unnecessary. When queried, the reception team couldn’t explain why they had charged a higher amount than my room rate.
- Water temperature fluctuates, so don’t expect a hot shower. Extremely uncomfortable.
- The hotel’s online information regarding the airport shuttle is inaccurate and not comprehensive. It should be every thirty minutes, but often runs late. There is a timetable, but the hotel doesn’t provide this information online. Also, there is not a complimentary shuttle to Emirates Metro as stated online, this is completely false. Other airport hotels have more frequent shuttles. It took me over an hour to get from the airport to the hotel. I could easily have travelled into central Dubai in this time, so why stay in an airport hotel?!
- I wrote a complaint to the hotel manager, Ahmed Abdel Nabi, who finds the time to respond to each Google review, but he never replied, even after two emails. I eventually received a reply from a guest service supervisor. This tells you all you need to know about how badly the hotel is managed.
AVOID!
The Positives (Highlights)
Excellent Location: It's situated directly opposite Dubai International Airport Terminal 3, making it incredibly convenient. It's an ideal proximity to the airport.
Airport Shuttle: The complimentary, regular, and efficient airport shuttle service (often running every 30 minutes) is a standout feature and highly praised.
Great Breakfast: The breakfast, often a hot buffet with a large variety of options (international, Indian, Chinese, etc.), is consistently described as "excellent," "super," and a major highlight. Breakfast boxes are also appreciated for guests with very early flights.
Friendly Staff: The staff is is being very helpful, friendly, and polite.
Metro Access: It's just a short walk (about 5-7 minutes) from the Emirates Metro Station, which is great for exploring the city.
Value for Money: It's considered a good, cheap, and reasonable option for an overnight stay.
Amenities: The hotel does not have a swimming pool.
Overall Rating: Review scores generally hover around 8.0 to 8.4 ("Very Good" to "Excellent") across major booking platforms.
It is highly recommended for travelers prioritizing proximity to the airport, convenience, good breakfast, and value.
I would like to commend Gloria for her exceptional service. She consistently demonstrated courtesy, attentiveness, and genuine care for guests. Her positive attitude made a lasting impression and elevated my overall experience.
Thank you to the entire team for maintaining such high standards of hospitality. I look forward to returning on my next visit to Dubai.
What made my stay extra special was the exceptional service from the staff, especially Gloria. She was always kind, attentive, and ready to help with anything I needed. Her professionalism and cheerful attitude made me feel so welcome and at home.
I’m really impressed with how the team goes the extra mile to make guests comfortable. Thank you, Gloria, and the whole Holiday Inn team for your excellent service — I’ll definitely come back again!
I recently stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport and had a wonderful experience from start to finish. The hotel is very convenient, clean, and comfortable — perfect for travelers who need a place close to the airport.
What really stood out was the amazing service from the staff, especially Gloria, who went above and beyond to make sure I had everything I needed. She was warm, professional, and always had a friendly smile that made me feel welcome. It’s clear that the team here truly cares about their guests.
The breakfast was delicious and well-organized, and the shuttle service made getting to and from the airport so easy. I truly appreciate how well everything was managed.
Thank you to Gloria and the rest of the team for making my stay such a pleasant and memorable one. I’ll definitely stay here again on my next trip to Dubai!
The room was spacious, clean, and beautifully maintained, offering everything I needed for a relaxing experience. The facilities were excellent, and the overall atmosphere of the hotel was both luxurious and welcoming.
A special mention goes to Ibrahim, who was outstanding in his work and service. His friendliness, professionalism, and genuine care made a big difference and truly enhanced my stay.
Direction
Facilities
Transportation facilities
- Free airport shuttle 24/7
- Scheduled shuttle times
- Free area shuttle
- Taxi/car rental service
- Free self-parking on site
- Wheelchair-accessible parking
Food and Dining facilities
- Free breakfast buffet daily
- Grab and go options
- On-site restaurant offering international cuisine
- Bar/lounge
- Sports-bar (The Brick Wall Sports Bar)
Fitness and wellness facilities
- 24-hour fitness centre (rooftop)
Business and Events facilities
- Business centre open 24 hours
- Meeting rooms
- 5 rooftop meeting rooms, capacity up to 171 delegates
Services and Conveniences
- Free WiFi throughout
- Daily housekeeping
- Laundry
- Dry cleaning
- Express check-in/check-out
- 24-hour front desk
- Luggage storage
- Multilingual staff
- Concierge/tour desk services
- Safety deposit box
- Ironing service
- Room service in some cases
- Grocery/convenience store onsite or nearby
Family/Accessibility facilities
- Family rooms
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Connecting rooms available
- Non-smoking rooms
- Accessible rooms
- Wheelchair accessible facilities
- Disabled parking
- Assistive listening devices
Parking facilities
- Free onsite self-parking
- Private parking
Public Areas
- Lounge/bar
- Snack bar/deli
- Convenience store
- Vending machines
- ATM on site
- Lobby and common seating
- Gift shop/newsstand
- Rooftop views
- Meeting and event spaces
- Rooftop meeting rooms with views
Policies
- Check-in: from 14:00 until 23:59 Check-out: until 12:00
Let's Start a Free of Questions And Get a Quick Support That Will Help You to Know Us
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What is the distance between Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport and the DXB Airport?
The hotel is approximately 2.7 km away from Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport, which it sits opposite. Thus, from there, travel time is minimal.
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Does the hotel provide free shuttle service to/from the airport? If yes, what is the shuttle bus timetable?
Yes, the hotel offers a free airport shuttle for a round trip, and the Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport shuttle bus timetable depends on the terminal. For Terminal 1 arrivals, pick-up is at Gate A5, every 15 and 45 minutes past the hour. For Terminal 3 Departures, the shuttle leaves the Bus Parking Area every 10 and 40 minutes past the hour. However, there is no shuttle service for Terminal 2.
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What are the basic facilities the Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport offers?
Some of the major facilities provided by the hotel include free WiFi, complimentary breakfast, fitness centre, meeting rooms, free shuttle, free parking, and much more. Additionally, the rooms are equipped with tea/coffee facilities, private bathrooms, etc.
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Are children allowed in the hotel? And can I get family rooms?
Yes, children are absolutely welcome in the hotel. There are family rooms with additional sofa beds, etc., and one can ask for free cribs or infant beds for their children. However, children can stay free in many room types using the already existing bedding.





































































