Discover all the entrances to Burj Khalifa — the main At the Top entrance inside The Dubai Mall, the Armani Hotel private entry, corporate offices, and residential access. This guide shows you exactly where to enter, which gate to use, how to get there, and whether you can go inside without a ticket.
Quick answer: The main entrance to Burj Khalifa is inside The Dubai Mall, on the Lower Ground (LG) floor — this is the "At the Top" entrance for the observation decks on levels 124, 125 and 148. Follow the signs for "At the Top / Burj Khalifa" through the mall. Separate entrances serve the Armani Hotel (north side), corporate offices (ground floor / Gate 3) and residents (east side). You can walk into the mall and view the tower for free, but you need a ticket to go up to the observation decks.
Planning to go up? 👉 Book At the Top Burj Khalifa tickets online → and skip the counter queue with an instant e-ticket. See prices in our Burj Khalifa ticket price & booking guide.
Burj Khalifa entrances at a glance
| Entrance | Location | Who it's for | Ticket / booking needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| At the Top (main visitor entrance) | Lower Ground floor, The Dubai Mall | Observation-deck visitors (levels 124, 125, 148) | Yes — observation-deck ticket |
| Armani Hotel entrance | North side of Burj Khalifa | Hotel guests & At.mosphere / restaurant diners | Reservation or hotel booking |
| Corporate offices entrance | Ground floor (Gate 3, Corporate Suites) | Authorised staff & appointment guests | Prior authorisation only |
| Residential entrance | East side of Burj Khalifa | Residents & their guests | Residents only |
Contents
- Where is the main entrance to Burj Khalifa?
- Finding the entrance from inside The Dubai Mall
- How to access the Armani Hotel & its restaurants
- Where are the corporate office entrances (Gate 3)?
- How do residents access the building?
- How do I get to Burj Khalifa?
- FAQs
Standing at a staggering height of 828 meters, the Burj Khalifa is not just the tallest building in the world but also an iconic symbol of Dubai's ambition and architectural prowess. Situated in the heart of Downtown Dubai, this marvel offers unparalleled views of the city, luxurious dining experiences, and a glimpse into the future of urban design. Whether you're visiting for the observation decks, dining, or other experiences, understanding the correct entrances is crucial for a smooth visit.
Where is the main entrance to Burj Khalifa?
The primary entrance to Burj Khalifa is located within The Dubai Mall, one of the most famous shopping and entertainment hubs in the world. This makes it exceptionally convenient for visitors, as they can combine their visit to the Burj Khalifa with a unique shopping experience. The Dubai Mall is a sprawling destination that features over 1,200 retail outlets, dining options, an indoor ice rink, and even an aquarium, all of which complement the majestic Burj Khalifa experience.
When planning to visit At The Top or At The Top SKY, the two iconic observation decks of Burj Khalifa, you must first enter The Dubai Mall. This mall is linked directly to Burj Khalifa, making the transition from one to the other effortless. Upon arrival at the mall, follow the signs that lead you to the Burj Khalifa / At the Top entrance located on the Lower Ground floor. From there, visitors reach the At The Top counters where they collect their tickets or vouchers before proceeding to the elevators that whisk them to the observation decks.
Finding the entrance from inside The Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall is huge, so first-time visitors often ask exactly how to find the entrance. Here's the simple route:
- Head to the Lower Ground (LG) floor of The Dubai Mall.
- Follow the "At the Top / Burj Khalifa" signage — it's well marked throughout the mall.
- You'll arrive at the At the Top ticket counters and reception, near the base of the tower.
- From the Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall Metro station, take the air-conditioned pedestrian link bridge into the mall (about a 10–15 minute walk), then follow the LG-floor signs.
Tip: if you have a booking, arrive 10–15 minutes before your time slot. If you booked online, you can head straight to the entrance with your mobile e-ticket instead of queuing at the counter.
How can I access the Armani Hotel and its restaurants?
The Armani Hotel, known for its opulence and sophistication, offers an exclusive atmosphere reflected in the private access provided via the northern entrance. For visitors not staying at the hotel but wishing to enjoy its exceptional dining, booking a reservation at one of its restaurants is the first step to gain entry. Whether you're dining at At.mosphere or savoring culinary delights at the hotel's other fine-dining venues, this private entrance allows for an experience as refined and exclusive as the hotel itself.
For guests with reservations at the Armani Hotel or its exclusive dining venues, there is a separate entrance on the northern side of Burj Khalifa, offering a more discreet and exclusive pathway. Unlike the main tourist entrance through The Dubai Mall, this access point caters to the premium nature of the hotel and its services.
Once you arrive at the northern entrance, you are directed straight into the hotel lobby, where you can check in or proceed to one of the hotel's restaurants. The most famous is At.mosphere, one of the world's highest restaurants, located on the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa. Dining here offers gourmet cuisine plus stunning views of Dubai's skyline, desert and coastline. A valid reservation in advance is required, and this entrance lets diners avoid the crowds of the main public areas.
Where are the corporate office entrances (Gate 3)?
Burj Khalifa houses several corporate offices — the Corporate Suites — between the 111th and 154th floors. These offices have a dedicated entrance to ensure privacy and security.
- Location: the corporate entrance (often signed as Gate 3, Corporate Suites) is on the ground floor of Burj Khalifa.
- Access: restricted to authorised personnel and guests with appointments. Visitors cannot access the corporate offices without prior authorisation.
How do residents access the building?
Burj Khalifa also accommodates private residences. To maintain the privacy and security of its residents, a separate entrance is provided.
- Location: the residential entrance is on the eastern side of Burj Khalifa.
- Access: exclusive to residents and their guests. Visitors cannot use this entrance unless accompanied by a resident.
How do I get to Burj Khalifa?
Reaching Burj Khalifa is convenient thanks to its central location in Downtown Dubai.
- By Metro: take the Red Line to Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall Station, then follow the signs and the air-conditioned link bridge to the mall (about 10–15 minutes on foot).
- By taxi or ride-hailing: ask for The Dubai Mall — Grand Drive / Cinema drop-off for the quickest route to the At the Top entrance. Taxis, Uber and Careem are widely available.
- By car: drive along Sheikh Zayed Road and take the Financial Centre Road exit. Paid parking is available at The Dubai Mall, with entrances near Fashion Avenue and Cinema parking closest to the tower.
- On foot: Downtown Dubai is walkable — the Dubai Fountain boardwalk and Souk Al Bahar footbridge also lead toward the tower base.
For the full breakdown of transport options, see our guide on getting around Downtown Dubai attractions.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the entrance to Burj Khalifa?
The main visitor entrance to Burj Khalifa is inside The Dubai Mall on the Lower Ground floor, signposted "At the Top / Burj Khalifa." This is where you access the observation decks on levels 124, 125 and 148. The Armani Hotel, corporate offices and residences have their own separate entrances on other sides of the tower.
Can you go inside Burj Khalifa?
Yes. You can walk into the base of Burj Khalifa via The Dubai Mall for free and admire the tower, the Dubai Fountain and the lobby areas. To go up the tower, you need a ticket for the At the Top observation decks (levels 124/125 or 148), a restaurant reservation at At.mosphere, or a hotel booking at the Armani Hotel.
Can I access Burj Khalifa without a ticket?
Yes — you can enter Burj Khalifa without a ticket if you are not visiting the observation decks. For the Armani Hotel, its restaurants, or other floors, you don't need a deck ticket, though you will need a reservation or hotel booking. The only areas requiring a ticket are the observation decks on the higher floors.
Is there an entrance fee for Burj Khalifa?
There is no fee to enter the public areas such as the lobby or the mall-level surroundings. To visit the At the Top observation decks you need a ticket — prices start from around AED 159 for standard access. See our full Burj Khalifa ticket price guide for every level and time slot.
Do I need tickets to visit the Dubai Mall's Burj Khalifa entrance?
No — you do not need a ticket simply to reach the Burj Khalifa entrance through The Dubai Mall. The entrance is on the Lower Ground floor, and you can walk there freely. You only need a ticket if you continue up to the At the Top observation decks or enter other restricted areas.
Are tickets required to visit Burj Khalifa's observation decks?
Yes — tickets are required to access the At the Top observation decks (levels 124, 125 and 148). You can book online in advance for the best price and to skip the counter queue.
How do I get to Burj Khalifa by metro?
Take the Dubai Metro Red Line to Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall Station, then follow the signs and the air-conditioned pedestrian link bridge into The Dubai Mall (about a 10–15 minute walk). Once inside, head to the Lower Ground floor and follow the "At the Top" signage.
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