How to Buy Tickets for the Burj Khalifa in Dubai

Over the past decade, Dubai has become one of the world’s most sought-after destinations, thanks in part to spectacular attractions like the Burj Khalifa, the tallest skyscraper on the planet. Visiting this architectural marvel is truly a must for anyone traveling to the United Arab Emirates. With its breathtaking views and world-class amenities, it’s no wonder the Burj Khalifa draws such crowds.

But as with all hugely popular landmarks, expectations can easily fall short if not planned right. That’s why it’s essential to plan your visit carefully, starting with the ticket purchase. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to book your Burj Khalifa tickets to make the most of this unforgettable monument.

The Different Types of Tickets Available

First, it’s important to understand the different ticket options for the Burj Khalifa. The type of ticket you choose gives you access to different floors and unique experiences. Here’s an overview of the main ticket categories:

Admission to Floors 124 & 125

This is the standard pass allowing entry to the panoramic observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors of the Burj Khalifa. Here, you’ll enjoy spectacular city views stretching out across Dubai and its iconic skyline.

Skip-the-Line Ticket for Floors 124, 125 & 148 + Guided Tour

Alongside entry to floors 124 and 125, this ticket includes access to the exclusive Sky Lounge on floor 148 and a guided tour. The skip-the-line benefit helps you avoid long queues and enjoy commentary from an expert guide.

Ticket with Lunch or Dinner at Burj Club

If you’re after a truly special experience, this option combines access to floors 124 and 125 with either lunch or dinner at the prestigious Burj Club, located on the 5th floor.

Private VIP Package with Transfer & Gourmet Dining

For the ultimate in luxury: a VIP ticket that includes a private tour of the Burj Khalifa, limousine transfer, and a gourmet meal prepared by award-winning chefs. It’s a true dream experience for those who want the best.

Combo Ticket: Burj Khalifa + Dubai Aquarium

An excellent value for money: this combo pass provides access to both the Burj Khalifa (floors 124 and 125) and the Dubai Aquarium, helping you save versus buying separate tickets.

Best Ways to Buy Your Tickets

After picking the ticket option that suits you best, it’s time to decide how to buy. Here’s a rundown of your options, with pros and cons for each.

Buying On Site (not recommended)

Like most iconic attractions, lining up to buy tickets at the door isn’t ideal. Queues for the Burj Khalifa can stretch up to 30 minutes, wasting precious time. On-site tickets also cost more than advance online purchases.

Booking Online (recommended)

The easiest and most economical way to secure your tickets is online booking a few months ahead. This lets you choose your date and slot, and organize your Dubai itinerary more easily. Note that not every online ticket includes skip-the-line benefits—the standard pass for floors 124 & 125 doesn’t allow queue jumping. For fast-track lifts, choose tickets that include access to the 148th floor.

Tickets can be purchased from the official website or from select third-party platforms. We recommend the latter, since they usually allow free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund (unlike the official site).

VIP Tours & Experiences

If you want a once-in-a-lifetime experience and have a flexible budget, consider booking a VIP package. These exclusive private tours come with a dedicated guide, limo transfer, and gourmet dining—perfect for those seeking luxury.

Buy a Combo Ticket

If you’re planning to visit both the Dubai Aquarium and the Burj Khalifa during your stay, it makes sense to opt for a combo ticket. This gives you access to both attractions in one transaction, streamlining logistics and saving money. The combo package includes standard entry to the 124th and 125th levels of Burj Khalifa, so you won’t miss out on those amazing city views.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Burj Khalifa

Before booking, here are some key points to help you make the most of your visit to Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Opening Hours

The Burj Khalifa is open every day of the year, but opening hours vary by area. Floors 124 and 125 are accessible from 10 am to midnight on weekdays and 8 am to midnight on weekends. Floor 148 operates with reduced hours, from 12 pm to 10 pm. Last entry is always one hour before closing.

Best Time to Visit

Sunset hours are hands-down the most popular for taking in the Burj Khalifa, as the tower glows in magical golden light. For a quieter experience, opt for a morning or evening visit instead. The busiest months are December, January, and February; from May to September, you’ll find smaller crowds.

How to Get to Burj Khalifa

The skyscraper stands in Downtown Dubai, a vast complex also housing the famous Dubai Mall and Aquarium. Getting there by public transport is easy: simply take the red metro line to Burj Khalifa station and then walk the covered pedestrian bridge (10 minutes on foot), or hop on bus F13.

How Tickets Work

To make the most of your experience, it’s handy to know how Burj Khalifa tickets work. In essence, choose which floors to visit and whether to visit during peak (more expensive) or off-peak hours. Standard “At the Top” tickets grant access to floors 124 and 125, while premium options add access to the 148th floor and Sky Lounge. VIP passes allow access to the exclusive lounges on floors 152 to 154. After choosing your ticket type, you’ll select your preferred time slot (if available). Online tickets must be collected at the designated desk before entering the tower.

Ticket Prices

As you’d expect from such a landmark, tickets to the Burj Khalifa aren’t cheap. Here’s a breakdown of official rates:

• Standard adult tickets (floors 124 & 125): 149 AED off-peak, 224 AED peak hours
• Standard child tickets (ages 4-12): 114/132 AED
• Tickets with Sky Lounge access (148th floor): 379 AED (off-peak) / 533 AED (peak)
• Lounge tickets for floors 152-154: 754 AED (no discounts)

Where to Stay Near Burj Khalifa

If you want easy access to Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai offers plenty of accommodation, including upscale options. For a view of the tower, consider the elegant Palace Downtown or Taj Dubai, both within walking distance. For more budget-friendly stays—though not truly “cheap”—the Rose Rayhaan Hotel is just one metro stop away from the skyscraper.

Security Procedures

For safety reasons, bags and strollers cannot be brought to the observation decks and must be left at the dedicated luggage storage at the entrance.

Dining at Burj Khalifa

Don’t miss the chance to dine at one of the Burj Khalifa’s panoramic restaurants. On the 122nd floor, you’ll find At.mosphere, famous for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a refined afternoon tea with jaw-dropping views. Alternatively, Burj Club on the 5th floor offers excellent cuisine with vistas over Dubai’s iconic Fountain.

Accessibility

Thanks to state-of-the-art design, the Burj Khalifa is fully accessible for visitors with reduced mobility. Elevators and terraces are all wheelchair accessible. Please note, however, that service animals are not permitted.

FAQ – Facts & Trivia about the Burj Khalifa

What is the Burj Khalifa?

The Burj Khalifa is a spectacular skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. At 828 meters tall, it is currently the tallest building in the world.

When was the Burj Khalifa built?

Construction of the Burj Khalifa began in 2004, and the tower was inaugurated in 2010 after six years of work.

Who designed the Burj Khalifa?

The skyscraper was designed by the American firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM), led by architect Adrian Smith. It was developed by Emaar Properties with financing from Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.

Why was the Burj Khalifa built?

The main aim behind the Burj Khalifa was to create a world-class architectural icon for Dubai, attracting visitors from everywhere. The tower is the flagship of the Downtown Dubai redevelopment—a project to diversify the city’s economy beyond oil.

Where is the Burj Khalifa located?

The Burj Khalifa rises in the heart of Downtown Dubai, a major commercial and residential area in the northern part of Dubai emirate.

With this detailed guide, you’ll have all you need to organize an unforgettable visit to the Burj Khalifa and experience this world-famous landmark at its best.