At 828 metres, the Burj Khalifa has been the world’s tallest building since it opened in January 2010. Going up it is a highlight of almost every Dubai trip, but the ticket options can be confusing. There are three levels to choose from, prices change with the time of day, and the best slots sell out first.
This guide explains each Burj Khalifa ticket type, who it suits and when to go, so you book the right one the first time.
Quick answer: There are three main Burj Khalifa ticket types. At The Top (Levels 124 and 125, about 452 metres up) suits most visitors and costs the least. At The Top SKY adds Level 148 at 555 metres, with a host and refreshments. The Lounge on Levels 152 to 154 is the highest and most expensive, with drinks and canapés. Sunset slots, called prime hours, cost more and sell out first.
Burj Khalifa Ticket Types at a Glance
| Ticket | Levels | Height | What’s included | Price from | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At The Top | 124 and 125 | 452 to 456 m | Indoor decks, outdoor terrace on 124, telescopes | AED 165 with Wonder Star | First visits, families, budgets |
| At The Top SKY | 148, plus 124 and 125 | 555 m | Priority lift, guest host, refreshments, Level 148 terrace | About AED 400 | Special occasions, fewer crowds |
| The Lounge | 152 to 154 | 585 m | Canapés, one drink, live entertainment, terrace tour | About AED 770 | Celebrations, the highest view |
Adult non-prime prices in October 2026, rounded. Sunset (prime) slots cost more. Children aged 3 and under go free.
At The Top: Levels 124 and 125
This is the ticket most visitors buy, and for good reason. On the way up, a short exhibition tells the story of how the tower was designed and built. Then one of the world’s fastest lifts, moving at about 10 metres per second, takes you to Level 124 in around a minute.
Level 124 has an outdoor terrace where you can feel the breeze and look straight down on the Dubai Fountain lake. Level 125, one floor up, adds more viewing space and digital telescopes that zoom in on landmarks across the city. Allow 1 to 1.5 hours.
Our At The Top tickets start from AED 165 per person.
At The Top SKY: Level 148
SKY takes you to Level 148, 555 metres up and one of the highest observation decks in the world. You skip the main queue with priority lift access, and a guest host shows you around. You’ll relax in the SKY lounge with Arabic coffee and light refreshments before stepping out onto the Level 148 terrace.
Your SKY ticket also includes Levels 124 and 125, so you see everything in the standard ticket too. Far fewer people go up to Level 148, which makes it calmer and easier to take photos without a crowd. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
The Lounge: Levels 152 to 154
The Lounge sits 585 metres up and is billed as the world’s highest lounge. It spans three floors, with gourmet canapés, a drink of your choice, live entertainment and a tour of the outdoor terrace. Visits last about 1.5 hours, with slots from morning to late evening.
It’s the most expensive way up, from about AED 770 per person, and tickets can’t be refunded or changed. Book it for a birthday, anniversary or proposal rather than a first look at the city. It isn’t recommended for anyone who suffers from vertigo.
Which Ticket Should You Book?
For most first-time visitors, At The Top on Levels 124 and 125 is the right choice. The view from 452 metres is already breathtaking, and it costs less than half the price of SKY.
- First visit, family or budget: At The Top, ideally outside prime hours.
- You want sunset photos: At The Top at prime time, booked several days ahead.
- Special occasion, or you dislike crowds: At The Top SKY, for the host, the lounge and the quieter Level 148.
- The highest view, with drinks and canapés: The Lounge.
- Travelling with young children or older guests: At The Top. It’s the shortest visit, and the decks are wheelchair accessible.
Best Time to Visit the Burj Khalifa
Your ticket price depends on the time slot as much as the level. Every slot falls into one of two bands: prime hours around sunset, and non-prime hours for the rest of the day. Here’s what each part of the day is like.
Sunset (Prime Hours)
Prime hours run from late afternoon until just after sunset, roughly 4 PM to 7 PM depending on the season. You’ll see the city in daylight, watch the sun go down, then see the lights come on, all in one visit. That’s why these tickets cost more and sell out first.
Morning and Midday
Non-prime morning slots are cheaper and usually quieter. On a clear day you can see the coastline, Palm Jumeirah and the desert beyond. Dust and haze can soften the view, especially in summer, so check the weather before you go.
After Dark
Evening slots after about 7 PM are non-prime too. Downtown glows below you, and you can look down on the Dubai Fountain shows, which run every 30 minutes from 6 PM to 11 PM. It’s the best choice when sunset is sold out.
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
Every Burj Khalifa ticket is for a set date and time slot. From November to March, book sunset slots at least 3 to 5 days ahead, and a week or more around Christmas, New Year and Eid. Non-prime slots can often be booked a day or two before, though popular evenings still fill up.
Most tickets can’t be refunded or changed once they’re issued, so check your date and time before you pay. If you’re also booking a desert safari or other tours, fix those days first and fit the Burj around them.
What Happens on Your Visit
- Go to the At The Top entrance on the Lower Ground floor of The Dubai Mall and follow the signs. By Metro, take the Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station and walk through the link bridge.
- Show your ticket and pass a security check, much like at an airport.
- Walk through a short exhibition on how the tower was designed and built.
- Ride the high-speed lift to Level 124 in about a minute.
- Explore the indoor deck and the outdoor terrace, use the telescopes, then head up to Level 125, or on to Level 148 with a SKY ticket.
- Ride back down and exit into The Dubai Mall.
Tips Before You Go
- Arrive 15 to 30 minutes before your slot. Late arrivals may not be let in.
- Carry a photo ID, as some tickets ask for it.
- For night photos, wear dark clothes and hold your phone close to the glass to cut reflections.
- Check the weather. Dust or haze can hide the view, so a clear day is worth waiting for if your plans are flexible.
- Leave food, drinks and large bags at your hotel.
- Casual clothes are fine, but leave beachwear for the beach.
Make a Day of It in Downtown Dubai
The Burj Khalifa sits at the heart of Downtown, so it’s easy to pair with other sights. The free Dubai Fountain shows run at 1 PM and 1:30 PM from Saturday to Thursday (2 PM and 2:30 PM on Fridays), then every 30 minutes from 6 PM to 11 PM. Watch one from the lake promenade after your visit, or from above on an evening slot.
You can also:
- Take a morning Dubai city tour and finish at the Burj.
- Go up in the morning, then head out on an evening desert safari the same day.
- Compare the view from the Dubai Frame, which shows old and new Dubai from 150 metres.
- See the tower from the air on a helicopter tour.
For more ideas, see our guide to the best things to do in Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions guests ask us most before booking the Burj Khalifa.
What are the different Burj Khalifa ticket types?
There are three main ones. At The Top covers Levels 124 and 125, about 452 metres up. At The Top SKY adds Level 148 at 555 metres, with a host and refreshments. The Lounge, on Levels 152 to 154, includes canapés, a drink and live entertainment.
Is At The Top SKY worth it?
It’s worth it for a special occasion or if you dislike crowds. You get a higher view, priority lift access, a guest host and refreshments. For a first visit on a budget, At The Top gives you most of the view for less than half the price.
What are prime hours at the Burj Khalifa?
Prime hours are the slots around sunset, roughly 4 PM to 7 PM depending on the season. They cost more because you see the city by day, at sunset and at night in one visit.
How long does a Burj Khalifa visit take?
Allow 1 to 1.5 hours for At The Top, 1.5 to 2 hours for SKY and about 1.5 hours for The Lounge, plus time for the security check at the start.
Do children need a ticket for the Burj Khalifa?
Children aged 3 and under go free. Older children need a ticket, and some tickets have a lower child price.
Can I cancel or change my Burj Khalifa ticket?
Usually not. Most tickets are for a fixed date and time and can’t be refunded or changed once they’re issued, so check your plans before you book.
Can you see the Dubai Fountain from the Burj Khalifa?
Yes. From Level 124 you look straight down on the fountain lake. Book an evening slot after 6 PM to watch a show from above, then see another one from the promenade below.
Book Your Burj Khalifa Visit With Wonder Star Tourism
Picking the right Burj Khalifa ticket comes down to three choices:
- The level: At The Top for most visitors, SKY for a special occasion, The Lounge for the highest view with drinks.
- The time: sunset costs more and sells out first; mornings and evenings are cheaper and quieter.
- When you book: reserve winter sunset slots at least 3 to 5 days ahead.
Our local team can help you pick the right ticket and time slot, book it for you and combine it with a city tour, dhow cruise or desert safari for a full day out. Book your Burj Khalifa tickets or message us on WhatsApp.
