Dubai has fast become an incredibly popular destination among tourists, in no small part thanks to attractions like the mighty Burj Khalifa skyscraper. The Burj Khalifa is currently the world’s tallest building and an attraction that dazzles visitors with its expansive views and grand amenities. Visiting the Burj Khalifa has become a requisite inclusion on any Dubai itinerary, and it’s easy to see why.
The risk with a popular attraction like the Burj is that it doesn’t live up to expectations. That’s why planning your visit, and particularly your Burj Khalifa tickets, is so crucial to ensure you make the most of your time seeing this record-breaking landmark. And so we’ve put together this guide on how to buy tickets to the Burj Khalifa to make that planning as easy as possible.
Quick Answer – The Different Types of Burj Tickets Available:
- Level 124 and 125 Entry Ticket
- Skip-the-Line Level 124, 125 and 148 Entry Ticket & Tour:
- Level 124 & Lunch or Dinner at The Burj Club
- Private VIP Entry + 5-Star Cuisine & Transfer
- Aquarium & Burj Khalifa Levels 124/125 Combo Ticket
Best Ways to Get Tickets to the Burj Khalifa
With an incredible attraction like the Burj Khalifa that offers all sorts of experiences to visitors, it makes sense that there are different ways to organize tickets. Here we’ll take you through where to buy tickets for the Burj Khalifa, explaining each of the options, their strengths, and why it’s generally best to book them in advance.
1. Line Up in Person (Not Recommended)
It really doesn’t matter which world-class tourist attraction you’re talking about, lining up for tickets when you arrive is rarely the best way to get them. The same goes for tickets to the Burj Khalifa. Lines to get tickets for the famous Dubai attraction can often take 30 minutes to get through, which is hardly a good use of your precious vacation time. The other downside to buying tickets at the counter is they are more expensive than those available online.
Editor’s Note: It is not currently possible to purchase tickets in person due to COVID-19 pandemic precautions. All visitors must purchase tickets online to be allowed entry.
2. Book Online (Recommended)
Instead of lining up when you arrive at the tower, we highly recommend booking tickets to Burj Khalifa online well in advance of your visit for a more streamlined experience. Online tickets can be booked up to three months in advance and allow you to select the date and time you would like to visit. That way you can experience the Burj the way you want and plan your sightseeing itinerary for Dubai to make the most of your time.
One thing worth noting is that not all tickets bought online are necessarily skip-the-line tickets. General admission tickets providing access to Levels 124 and 125 do not allow you to skip the line and take the express elevators. For that privilege, you’ll want to look at tickets that include Level 148, the SKY lounge.
Tickets are naturally available for booking through the official website of the Burj Khalifa. However, those bookings are nonrefundable, so you’ll be out of pocket if your plans change and you can no longer make it to the tower for your allocated time.
That is why we recommend booking through this link for general admission tickets to Levels 124 and 125 and through this link for skip-the-line tickets to the Burj Khalifa for Levels 124, 125, and 148. Although a little more expensive, these tickets allow you to cancel them up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund.
Finally, if you’re looking to combine your visit with one of the tower’s dining options, we recommend booking your ticket and meal through this link, as it too comes with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
3. Book a VIP Visit and Tour
Want to make your visit to the Burj Khalifa private, luxurious, and truly special no matter the cost? If so, you probably won’t want to miss this special VIP package that is sure to make your visit an unforgettable experience. Not only does this package include the chance to see the tower’s views, it also offers a private guided tour of Burj Khalifa, limousine transfer, and gourmet meal, all managed by a personal host.
4. Purchase a Combined Ticket
If you are also planning on visiting the Dubai Aquarium during your time sightseeing around the city, then you should consider booking this combined ticket, which conveniently packages your Burj Khalifa ticket and ticket to the Dubai Aquarium in one easy-to-manage booking that also happens to save you money. Worth noting is that this package only includes general admission to Levels 124 and 125 of the Burj Khalifa.
Useful Information for Visiting the Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa Hours of Operation
The Burj Khalifa is open every day of the year for visits. However, the different levels of the tower are open at different times of the day. When looking at the opening hours, it’s important to remember that in the United Arab Emirates the weekend is on Friday and Saturday rather than Saturday and Sunday.
Levels 124 and 125 are open from 10:00 to 00:00 on weekdays and from 8:00 to 00:00 on the weekend. The opening hours for Level 148 are from 12:00 to 22:00 every day of the week. Last admission to the various levels is always one hour before closing time. The Lounge on Levels 152, 153, and 154 is open from 14:00 to 22:00, with different services provided at certain times of the day.
What’s the Best Time to Visit the Burj Khalifa?
Just as some Burj Khalifa tickets will provide a better experience than others, there are better times for touring the Burj Khalifa than others. Knowing the best time to visit can not only lead to better views but also allow you to enjoy the experience without being surrounded by crowds of other people.
Sunset at the Burj Khalifa is always the most popular time to visit, and it’s no secret why that is. If you don’t mind sharing the view, then this is the time to visit. However, if you’re after a quieter visit, consider coming in the morning or much later in the evening for a completely different experience. As for the best time of year to visit, the tower sees the most tourists during December, January, and February, and is quietest from May to September, much like all of Dubai.
How to Get to the Burj Khalifa
Getting to the Burj Khalifa while in Dubai won’t be a problem as it’s conveniently located in the Downtown Dubai complex, which is also home to the famous Dubai Mall and the incredibly popular Dubai Aquarium.
To visit the Burj Khalifa, you’ll need to make your way to its main entrance through the Dubai Mall. The best way to get there using public transport is to take the Red Line metro to Burj Khalifa Station. From there, you can either walk 10 minutes along the overpass or go one stop on the F13 bus to the Dubai Mall. However, there are also various buses that run to the Dubai Mall, including the 27 bus from the Gold Souq and the 81 bus from the Mall of the Emirates.
How Do Burj Khalifa Tickets Work?
To get the most out of your visit, it helps to understand how the tickets to the Burj Khalifa work. That way you can get the ones that best suit how you want to visit the skyscraper and not feel disappointed when the experience isn’t what you thought it would be.
There are two main things to understand about how the tickets work, as they will require you to decide how you want to visit.
The first is that different tickets provide you with access to certain levels, so you’ll need to decide where you actually want to go in the Burj before you buy your tickets. A standard At the Top ticket provides access to Levels 124 and 125, but there is also a ticket that offers additional access to the SKY lounge on Level 148. Finally, there is the special VIP ticket that offers entry to the Lounge on Levels 152, 153, and 154.
The other option you’ll need to consider is whether you wish to visit during prime hours or off hours. Tickets for the prime hours – generally in the afternoon for sunset – are understandably more expensive. Once you’ve decided on the time of day, you’ll be asked to choose the time you want to visit to the nearest half hour, if available.
To collect your general admission and skip-the-line Burj Khalifa tickets booked online, you will need to bring your booking confirmation to the will call counter at the tower to get your tickets.
How Much Do Tickets for the Burj Khalifa Cost?
Now that we’ve covered how the tickets actually work, let’s look at how that reflects the price you pay when buying tickets to Burj Khalifa. Prices referenced below are those just for entry available from the official website of the Burj Khalifa.
Regular adult At the Top tickets for Levels 124 and 125 cost 149 AED to visit during off hours and 224 AED to visit during prime hours. Tickets for children aged 4 to 12 are reduced to 114 AED for off hours and 132 AED for prime hours. Infants and children under four enter free.
Tickets that include access to the SKY lounge on Level 148 on top of access to Levels 124 and 125 are understandably more expensive. Adult tickets cost 379 AED for visits during off hours and 533 AED for visiting during prime hours. There is no discount for children aged over 4 for this ticket.
Finally, there are the tickets to the Lounge on Levels 152, 153, and 154, which cost 754 AED. There is no off hours option for this ticket or reduced entry rate.
Hotels Near the Burj Khalifa in Dubai
Since the Burj Khalifa is the most popular attraction in Dubai and close to other major sights, there’s no shortage of places to stay close by. The Downtown area is full of accommodation options, including plenty that offer views of the iconic tower. But if you don’t feel like looking through lists of hotels, allow us to provide a few suggestions to save you the hassle.
For the perfect luxury accommodation with views of the Burj Khalifa, treat yourself to a stay at the Palace Downtown. Situated across the Dubai Fountain from the tower, this refined five-star hotel has no shortage of Burj views, not to mention decadent rooms and suites boasting contemporary Middle Eastern style.
Even mid-range accommodation in Dubai can mean staying in a five-star hotel, as is the case with the excellent Taj Dubai. Although only a few hundred meters from the Burj Khalifa, guests of this Indian-themed hotel have access to a free shuttle bus to the Downtown area, plus stunning tower views from its rooms and suites.
It’s no secret that Dubai is not an especially budget-friendly place to visit, so you’ll have a hard time finding cheap places to stay close to the Burj Khalifa. One of the most affordable options nearby is the Rose Rayhaan hotel in the city’s financial center, a four-star hotel that still offers plenty of comfort. The hotel is just one metro stop away from the Burj Khalifa Station.
Security Process at the Burj Khalifa
To ensure a smooth visit, there are some things you will want to know about before you arrive at the tower. Large bags, shopping, and strollers are not allowed up to the observation decks and will need to be stowed in the luggage room by the entrance.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all visitors must go through a temperature check prior to entry, sanitize their hands, and wear masks during their visit.
Dining at the Burj Khalifa
Another way to experience the Burj Khalifa is by spending your visit dining at one of its two different venues. Reservations for these experiences are made separate from any observation decks you wish to visit, unless booked through a special package.
Located on Level 122, At.mosphere offers various dining options, from breakfast or dinner at its restaurant to High Tea in its lounge. Alternatively, you can head to the Burj Club on Level 5 for fine dining with views overlooking the Dubai Fountain.
Visiting Burj Khalifa With a Disability
One of the benefits of visiting a modern attraction like the Burj Khalifa is that the tower has been designed with accessibility in mind. Wheelchair users will be pleased to hear that the observation decks and elevators are fully wheelchair accessible. Unfortunately, it’s not all good news, as service animals are not allowed in the tower at all.
FAQ – Facts About the Burj Khalifa
What Is the Burj Khalifa?
The Burj Khalifa is a modern skyscraper in Dubai.
When Was the Burj Khalifa Built?
Construction of the Burj Khalifa began in 2004, and the tower opened in 2010.
How Tall Is the Burj Khalifa?
The Burj Khalifa is 829.8 meters (2,722 feet) high, making it currently the tallest building and structure in the world.
Who Built the Burj Khalifa?
American architect Adrian Smith was responsible for the design of the tower, and the development was funded by Emaar Properties and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Why Was the Burj Khalifa Built?
The Burj Khalifa was built to be a key feature of the Downtown Dubai complex, an initiative to help diversify Dubai’s economy and put the city on the world stage.
Where Is the Burj Khalifa Located?
The Burj Khalifa is located in the Downtown Dubai complex near the northern end of the city.
After reading this guide, you hopefully have all the information you need about getting tickets to the Burj Khalifa and your visit in general. Knowing your way around the tower and its tickets before you go is bound to make your visit much more straightforward.
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