If you’re planning a trip to Dubai, you may be wondering: how much is a trip to Dubai? On average, a one-week trip costs $1,500–$2,500 per person. Budget travelers can get by with around $1,000, while luxury travelers who stay in 5-star resorts can easily spend $5,000 or more.
Flights make up a big part of the budget. A round trip to Dubai from the US averages $800–$1,200, while from Europe it can be as low as $400–$600. Once in Dubai, hotel prices vary by district, food can be as cheap as $5 street shawarma or as pricey as $200 fine dining, and attractions add up depending on your itinerary.
Below is a full breakdown of the trip to Dubai cost, including tables, tips, and sample itineraries.
Average Trip to Dubai Costs
| Duration | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range Traveler | Luxury Traveler |
| 1 week | $1,000 – $1,500 | $1,500 – $2,500 | $4,000+ |
| 2 weeks | $2,000 – $2,800 | $3,000 – $4,500 | $7,000+ |
| 3 weeks | $3,000 – $4,000 | $4,500 – $6,000 | $10,000+ |
Flights: How Much Is a Round Trip Ticket to Dubai?
Flight costs vary based on departure city and season.
- From the US: $800 – $1,200 round trip
- From Europe: $400 – $600 round trip
- From Asia: $200 – $400 round trip
- From Africa: $300 – $500 round trip
Seasonal flight trends:
- High season (Nov–Feb): $1,000–$1,500 from US, $600+ from Europe
- Shoulder seasons (Mar–Apr, Oct): $800–$1,200 from US, $400–$600 from Europe
- Low season (May–Sep): $600–$1,000 from US, $350–$500 from Europe
Airlines flying direct include Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, and flydubai.
How Much Is a Trip to Dubai from the US
For American travelers, Dubai is a long-haul destination, and flights make up a large share of the budget. A round trip ticket from major hubs like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago typically costs $800–$1,200, while departures from smaller cities can be higher.
Here’s an estimate of total trip costs for US travelers:
| Duration | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range Traveler | Luxury Traveler |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 week | $1,500 – $2,000 | $2,500 – $3,500 | $5,000+ |
| 2 weeks | $2,800 – $3,800 | $4,000 – $5,500 | $8,000+ |
| 3 weeks | $4,000 – $5,500 | $6,000 – $8,000 | $12,000+ |
Most Americans fly Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, or United Airlines for direct or one-stop flights. Flying from the East Coast (New York, Washington, Boston) is usually cheaper and shorter (12–14 hours) than flying from the West Coast (Los Angeles, San Francisco), which can take 16–20 hours with a stop.
Accommodation Costs in Dubai
Hotels in Dubai range from hostels to world-famous luxury resorts.
- Budget hotels/hostels (Deira, Bur Dubai): $30–$60 per night
- Mid-range hotels (Downtown, Dubai Marina): $80–$150 per night
- Luxury hotels (Palm Jumeirah, Burj Khalifa area): $250–$600+ per night
- All-inclusive trip to Dubai: $2,500–$5,000 per week for 2 people (includes flights, hotel, meals, and activities)
For couples, a week trip to Dubai for 2 averages around $5,000 with mid-range hotels and activities.
Transportation in Dubai
Dubai has efficient public transport and affordable taxis.
- Metro ride: $1–$2
- Day pass: $6
- Taxi: $5–$15 for short rides
- Uber/Careem: slightly higher than taxis
- Car rental: $30–$50 per day (fuel is $0.80 per liter)
- Airport transfer: $25–$40 by taxi
Food and Drink Costs
Dubai’s food costs depend on where you eat.
- Budget meals: $5–$10 (shawarma, falafel, biryani)
- Mid-range: $20–$40 (international restaurants, casual dining)
- Luxury: $70–$200+ (hotel dining, rooftop restaurants)
Examples:
- Street shawarma: $3–$5
- Buffet brunch (famous in Dubai): $60–$120
- Coffee: $4–$6
- Alcohol: $10–$15 per beer, $15–$20 per cocktail (only sold in licensed venues)
Activities and Attractions
Dubai is famous for modern attractions, theme parks, and cultural experiences. Average ticket prices:
- Burj Khalifa “At the Top” (124th floor): $40–$60
- Burj Khalifa SKY (148th floor VIP): $100–$150
- Dubai Mall Aquarium: $30–$40
- Desert safari with BBQ dinner: $50–$80
- Dhow dinner cruise at Marina: $60–$100
- IMG Worlds of Adventure theme park: $70–$90
- Ski Dubai (indoor ski resort): $50–$70
- Day trip to Abu Dhabi (Grand Mosque + Louvre): $100–$150
- Dubai Frame: $15
- Global Village cultural park: $6 entry + $20–$40 food/shopping
Best Time to Visit Dubai
- High season (Nov–Feb): Pleasant 20–25°C, perfect for outdoor sightseeing, most expensive
- Shoulder seasons (Mar–Apr, Oct): Warm but manageable, cheaper than winter, good balance
- Low season (May–Sep): Very hot (35–45°C), cheapest flights and hotels, fewer crowds
Hidden Costs of a Trip to Dubai
- Tourist visa (if required): $100–$150 (many nationalities get visa-free entry)
- Hotel tourism fees: $3–$5 per room per night
- Alcohol: heavily taxed, more expensive than most countries
- Tipping: 10% in restaurants is common
- Travel insurance: $50–$150 per week
Sample Itineraries and Costs
7 day trip to Dubai cost (budget traveler):
- Hostel: $250
- Food: $200
- Transport: $70
- Activities: $200
- Flights: $800
- Total: ~$1,520
1 week trip to Dubai cost (mid-range):
- Hotel: $800
- Food: $400
- Transport: $100
- Activities: $400
- Flights: $900
- Total: ~$2,600
How much is a trip to Dubai for 2 (mid-range):
- Hotel: $1,500
- Food: $800
- Transport: $200
- Activities: $700
- Flights: $1,800
- Total: ~$5,000
Luxury 10-day trip (couple):
- 5-star hotel at Palm Jumeirah: $5,000
- Fine dining: $2,000
- Private tours & activities: $2,500
- Flights: $2,200
- Total: $11,700
Budgeting Tips for Dubai
- Use the metro instead of taxis to cut transport costs
- Visit free attractions like Dubai Fountain and beaches
- Eat at local restaurants in Deira for budget meals
- Book attraction tickets online for discounts
- Travel in shoulder season (Mar–Apr, Oct) for cheaper hotels
Family Trip to Dubai
A family trip to Dubai for four people costs about $5,000–$7,000 for a week. Families often choose apartment hotels with kitchens to save on meals. Popular family activities include theme parks, Dubai Aquarium, desert safaris, and KidZania at Dubai Mall.
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Conclusion
So, how much is a trip to Dubai? For most travelers, a one-week mid-range trip costs $1,500–$2,500 per person. Couples can expect around $5,000 for a week, while families spend $5,000–$7,000. Whether you plan a budget adventure, a luxury getaway, or an all-inclusive trip, Dubai offers something for everyone.
FAQs about a Trip to Dubai
Dubai can be expensive, but costs vary depending on choices. Budget travelers can manage on $1,500 per week, while luxury vacations often cost $5,000 or more. The flexibility of food, hotels, and transport makes it possible to adapt to any budget.
A one-week trip typically costs $1,500–$2,500 per person mid-range. This includes flights, hotel, meals, local transport, and a few popular attractions like Burj Khalifa and a desert safari.
Couples can expect around $4,000–$5,000 for a one-week stay, depending on hotel type and activities. A luxury romantic holiday at resorts like Atlantis The Palm may push the cost to $10,000+.
From the US, round trip tickets average $800–$1,200, while from Europe they are often $400–$600. Booking early and flying in the summer months can bring prices down further.
All-inclusive packages (flights, hotels, meals, activities) range $2,500–$5,000 per week for two people. They are convenient for hassle-free travel, though booking separately often allows more flexibility and savings.
Families of four typically spend $5,000–$7,000 per week, with apartment hotels helping reduce food costs. Kid-friendly attractions like theme parks and aquariums can raise daily expenses.
Decide your budget and focus: shopping, sightseeing, or luxury relaxation. Book flights 3–5 months ahead, pick a district close to attractions, and use the metro to save on taxis. Always include travel insurance for peace of mind.
Yes, Dubai is considered one of the safest cities in the world, making it ideal for a solo trip to Dubai. Women travelers in particular appreciate the city’s safety standards, though modest dress and cultural respect are recommended.
References and Useful Sources
- Visit Dubai – Official Tourism Site
- Skyscanner – Flights to Dubai
- Numbeo – Cost of Living in Dubai
- Radical Storage – Luggage Storage in Dubai