The ultimate guide to visiting Burj Khalifa

A visit to the Burj Khalifa is a must-do experience on any trip to Dubai.

	At The Top Ticket	At The Top Sky ticket	“The Lounge” Ticket
Access to the 124th and 125th floors	✅	✅	✅
Access to the 148th floor	❌	✅	✅
Access to the 152nd, 153rd, and 154th floors	❌	❌	✅
Priority / skip-the-line access	❌	✅	✅
Pastries + tea/coffee/soft drinks	❌	✅	✅
	See At The Top prices ➚	See At The Top Sky prices ➚	See “The Lounge” prices ➚

Built between 2004 and 2010 and located right in the heart of Downtown Dubai, the needle-shaped tower has, in just a few years, become the very symbol of the Emirati city.

And for good reason! It’s the tallest building in the world, standing at a staggering 828 metres.

Key facts:

• 200 storeys (160 of which are habitable)
• 57 elevators and 8 escalators
• 309,473 m² of floor space
• 330,000 m³ of reinforced concrete
• 22 million working hours
• $1.5 billion construction cost

From its base, the tower already dominates the skyline, but from the top, the view is nothing short of breathtaking. You can see Sheikh Zayed Road, Burj Khalifa Lake, Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, the world-famous Burj Al Arab, and—on clear days—the endless dunes of the Rub’ al Khali desert beyond the city.

Attracting over two million visitors every year, the Burj Khalifa is one of Dubai’s must-see attractions — and booking your tickets in advance is the only way to secure your preferred time slot to the top.

This guide covers everything you need to know before your visit, helping you make the most of your time and avoid long queues.

Please note that ticket prices may vary slightly depending on the time and date of your online reservation.

Burj Khalifa tickets: admission prices and options

The sections of the Burj Khalifa open to visitors include two observation decks and a sky lounge.

• At The Top (Levels 124 & 125)
  🎟️ Book here ➚
• At The Top Sky (Level 148)
  🎟️ Book here ➚
• The Lounge (Levels 125, 153 & 154)
  🎟️ Book here ➚

To ensure a smooth visitor experience, the Burj Khalifa operates on a timed entry system, making it essential to book your spot in advance.

At The Top ticket: levels 124 & 125

At the Top ticket is the most affordable and popular option for visiting the Burj Khalifa. It corresponds to the “Silver” package.

This ticket grants access to the lower observation decks, located on Level 124 (442 metres high) and Level 125 (456 metres high), where you can take in stunning 360° views of Dubai.

After waiting a few minutes in a large hall with other visitors (sometimes several hundred), and passing through security checks as well as long corridors that serve as a mini exhibition about the tower, you will be invited to step into the elevator.

The elevator then whisks you up to the observation deck at a speed of 36 km/h (10 m/s)!

On Level 124, the fully-glassed observation deck features an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy panoramic views of Dubai’s most iconic skyscrapers. If the weather is clear, you may even spot the man-made islands of “The World” on the horizon.

At each level, electronic telescopes are available, allowing you to locate Dubai’s main attractions and see what the city looked like before it became the modern urban center we know today.

In 2020, Emaar Properties, the tower’s owner, partnered with DigiComm to add a new attraction on Level 125: the Burj Khalifa Glass Floor. This is a glass walkway that gives the illusion of cracking beneath your feet as you walk on it. Watch out if you’re afraid of heights!

Pricing for At The Top

When it comes to pricing, it depends on the time slot you choose:

• Sunrise slots from 5:00 AM to 6:30 AM allow you to enjoy breathtaking views of Dubai’s skyline at sunrise. These are the cheapest tickets, priced at 159 AED ($43). A cold drink and a pastry are included in the ticket price ;
• Morning, early afternoon, and night slots (7:00 AM to 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM) are priced at 179 AED ($49) ;
• Late afternoon or sunset slots, called “prime hour” (3:00 PM to 7:00 PM), cost 259 AED ($71).

Children under 3 years old enter for free, while those aged 3 to 8 can benefit from a discounted ticket, priced between 145 AED ($39) and 165 AED ($45) depending on the time slot.

At The Top Sky Ticket: Access to the 124th, 125th, and 148th floors

At The Top Sky ticket grants access to floors 124, 125, and 148. This is the “Gold” experience.

The experience is more exclusive and VIP than At The Top, as only 50 visitors are allowed on the 148th floor at the same time. This also means you’ll need to book your time slot well in advance!

Before taking the elevator, you’ll be invited to relax in a lounge area, where you can enjoy Middle Eastern sweets served with Arabic coffee or tea.

The visit begins on the 148th floor, featuring an air-conditioned lounge with large windows and relaxation areas equipped with armchairs and sofas.

It also grants access to the world’s highest observation platform, at 555 meters. This is a small terrace, much more modest than the one on the 124th floor.

Tea, coffee, or a soft drink (plus a pastry) is included in the ticket price: you can enjoy them in peace, seated in one of the comfortable armchairs of the private lounge, around a small table.

Access to the 148th floor is officially limited to 30 minutes. In reality, no one will ask you to leave after that time, so you can stay longer and enjoy the experience at your own pace.

After visiting this floor, you’ll have the option to go down to the 124th and 125th floors, but the view of Dubai will probably feel less impressive from the lower levels!

Pricing for At The Top Sky

The price of the At The Top Sky ticket is:

• from 399 AED ($109) during off-peak hours (between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, and between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM);
• and 553 AED ($151) during peak hours (between 12:00 PM and 8:00 PM).

For children under 3 years old, the ticket is always free (this must be specified when booking). For children between 3 and 8 years old, the ticket is priced the same as for adults, ranging from €100 to €140 depending on the chosen time slot.

The Lounge Ticket: 152nd, 153rd, and 154th floors

The Lounge ticket grants access to floors 124, 125, and 148, as well as the tea lounge/bar on the 152nd, 153rd, and 154th floors, which opened relatively recently (2019). This is the “Platinum” experience.

The Lounge is located at 585 meters and offers a breathtaking view of the city. However, it is not an observation deck, and the dress code is more upscale.

The Lounge, the highest publicly accessible floor, offers an unforgettable experience with live music, unlimited pastries and seating on comfortable sofas, along with a stunning panoramic view of the city.

A welcome glass of champagne or cocktail is also included.

Each floor offers a different experience:

• 154th floor: cocktail tables
• 153rd floor: low tables and designer furniture
• 152nd floor: “majlis-style” seating and ambiance

To access The Lounge, booking in advance is mandatory.

You can access it at only three times of the day:

• Morning: from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
• Afternoon Tea: from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, to enjoy tea or coffee with unlimited pastries
• Evening: from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, to enjoy cocktails with unlimited canapé bites

Note that for dining on-site, you can reserve a table at the restaurant “At.Mosphere” located on the 122nd floor.

Pricing for The Lounge

The price of a The Lounge access ticket is 769 AED, or €209.

Entry is free for children under 3 years old. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

FAQ and Visiting Tips

Which floor should you choose for a first visit?

What are the opening days and hours in 2025?

The Burj Khalifa is open to the public every day of the year.

The At The Top observation deck is accessible Monday to Sunday, from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

The At The Top Sky deck is open daily, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

What time is the last entry?

The last entry is 45 minutes to 1 hour before the Burj Khalifa closes, that is:

• 11:00 PM for the At The Top observation deck
• 10:00 PM for the At The Top Sky observation deck

What is the address of the Burj Khalifa?

The Burj Khalifa is located at 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai.

The GPS coordinates are: 25°11’49.902” N, 55°16’27.754” E.

How can you get there?

There are several ways to get to the Burj Khalifa.

By bus

Take bus lines 27, 29, or F13. The trip from the airport takes around 30 minutes and costs approximately €2.

By metro

Take the Red Line (which departs from Terminals 1 and 3 at the airport and runs the length of the city from north to south). Get off at the “Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall” station.

You’ll then need to walk about 10 minutes through the metro station to reach the Dubai Mall entrance. Next, go down to Ground & Level 1 and follow the signs to “Burj Khalifa At The Top”.

The metro ticket costs less than $1 USD.

By taxi

Tell the taxi driver that you want to go to the Burj Khalifa. The taxi will drop you off at Ground & Level 1 of the Dubai Mall, in the underground parking. Simply enter the mall, and the tower entrance will be on your right.

The fare from the airport to the tower is approximately $10 USD (about 20 minutes).

By car

Follow Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai’s main highway, and take the Burj Khalifa exit. The drive from the airport takes about 15 minutes.

We recommend parking at the Dubai Mall parking, as the tower entrance is located inside the mall.

By shuttle

Check with your hotel to see if they offer a shuttle service that can take you directly to the Burj Khalifa.

Où se situe l’entrée du Burj Khalifa ?

The Burj Khalifa entrance is located inside the Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai, at the Lower Ground level. To enter, you must go through the mall itself; it is not possible to access the tower from outside.

If you have trouble finding the entrance, check a mall map, the Burj Khalifa entrance is clearly marked.

Do you need to book your tickets in advance?

Yes, it is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially if you’re only spending a few days in Dubai! In fact, it’s almost impossible to get entry tickets on the same day, as a visitor quota is allocated for each time slot.

If you go to the ticket counter intending to visit the tower on the same day, you’ll be offered the next available time slot, often the following day or even several days later. This could disrupt your entire schedule!

You’ll need to book even earlier if you’re aiming for the most popular time slot, which is at sunset.

Moreover, booking online offers several advantages:

• It avoids bank currency exchange fees that you would incur when buying tickets on-site;
• You don’t have to wait in line at the ticket counter: your tickets are sent by email and available immediately;
• You can cancel if something unexpected comes up.

What is the best time to visit the Burj Khalifa?

The best time to visit the Burj Khalifa is at sunset.

Indeed, this allows you to enjoy the view of Dubai by day and night, while also witnessing stunning lights and colors. If you’re a photographer, capturing shots during the blue hour from the Burj Khalifa observation deck is a must!

However, this time slot is also the most expensive and most popular, so you’ll need to budget accordingly and book your visit as early as possible, especially if you’re traveling during the high season (October to April).

Be careful not to choose the wrong time slot: to ensure you catch the sunset, you need to book a slot 45 minutes before sunset.

Make sure to check the sunset times for the season before booking your ticket (see below).

If you prefer not to visit the Burj Khalifa at dusk to avoid the crowds, note that the view is often clearer in the afternoon. This can be a good alternative, especially since you’ll get a better view of the sea and desert.

The nighttime city view, with its sparkling lights, is also impressive. For example, a 7:00 PM time slot can be an interesting option.

Finally, note that the best season to visit Dubai is winter, as summers can be extremely hot, often exceeding 40°C (104°F). By comparison, temperatures in autumn and winter are around 20–25°C (68–77°F).

Below is the weather forecast for the coming days in the Burj Khalifa area.

Dubai weather forecast

How long does the ascent take?

The elevator to the observation decks is very fast (10 meters per second). The ascent takes less than a minute.

The elevator can accommodate a group of 12 to 14 people.

If you’re afraid of heights or claustrophobic, don’t worry, you won’t even notice the time passing, especially since a video projection is shown during the ascent.

How much time should you allow for the visit?

We recommend allowing 1.5 to 2 hours to fully enjoy your visit. If you’ve booked the sunset time slot, you may want to plan for a longer duration to enjoy the night views of Dubai after the sun sets.

If you’ve chosen the At The Top Sky ticket, your time at the 148th floor is theoretically limited to 30 minutes, but you have unlimited time afterward on the 124th and 125th floors.

What should you wear at the Burj Khalifa?

Dubai is an eclectic city, and as a tourist, you are not required to wear traditional clothing such as the dishdasha (for men) or abaya (for women).

The same goes for head coverings: they are not mandatory (except in places of worship).

However, make sure to respect the local culture and Islamic traditions by avoiding clothing that is too short or tight and by covering your knees.

During your visit to the Burj Khalifa, you can choose a smart-casual outfit, such as a well-fitted shirt with trousers for men, and a midi dress or blouse/t-shirt with pants for women.

Also, opt for closed and comfortable shoes, and avoid flip-flops or sandals.

What to do next?

There are plenty of things to do around the Burj Khalifa, which is located in the heart of Dubai.

• Go for dinner at the At.Mosphere restaurant, located on the 122nd floor of the tower ;
• Stroll through the Dubai Mall, the largest shopping center in the world, with over 1,200 shops, hundreds of restaurants, an aquarium (where you can see one of the largest crocodiles in the world!), an ice rink, a flight simulator, and arcade games. Note that there is a combined Burj Khalifa + Dubai Aquarium ticket if you want to visit both on the same day ;
• Watch the Fountain Show at the base of the Burj Khalifa (outside the Dubai Mall): the Burj Khalifa laser show and the Dubai Fountain Show. This free show, a true spectacle of lights and sounds, takes place Wednesday to Sunday at 7:45 PM, 8:45 PM, and 9:45 PM.
  If you want a good view of the fountain show, we recommend arriving a bit early, as it often gets very crowded! Two other options are to watch the show from one of the terraces of the Apple Store in the Dubai Mall or directly from the lake in a traditional abra boat ;
• Go skiing at Ski Dubai, an indoor winter sports resort located in the Mall of the Emirates. You can also snowboard or see penguins there ;
• Go on a helicopter tour over Dubai: several companies offer flights of varying lengths and prices, ranging from 12 to 25 minutes. Aerial sightseeing is also a great way to appreciate the vastness of Dubai!
• Stroll through Souk Al Bahar, a market located on the waterfront of Downtown Dubai and accessible via the Dubai Mall walkway. Souk Al Bahar has over 100 shops and 22 restaurants, so there’s plenty to explore!
  From the market, you’ll also enjoy a magnificent view of the Burj Khalifa!

Is there a virtual tour of the Burj Khalifa?

Yes, there is a virtual tour of the Burj Khalifa, available on the Google Street View app. It is actually the first virtual tour of a building in the Arab world.

Le Burj Khalifa est-il accessible aux personnes à mobilité réduite ?

Yes, the Burj Khalifa is accessible to people with reduced mobility.

To access the ticket counter inside the Dubai Mall, a wheelchair ramp has been installed.

Additionally, people with disabilities have priority in the queue for the elevator that takes them to the top.

However, assistance dogs for people with disabilities are not allowed inside the tower.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed inside the Burj Khalifa.