Quick overview: How to skip the lines at Burj Khalifa

With over 17 million visitors annually, Burj Khalifa is the world’s most visited monument. During peak season (Nov–Mar), elevator queues can reach 60–180 minutes, plus 15–40 minutes for security. Sunset slots (3:30–6 PM) are the most crowded, with waits regularly exceeding 90 minutes despite timed entry.

But you don’t have to wait. With the right ticket, you can reach the top in as little as 15–20 minutes.

  • Direct entry (Timed-entry, AED 149–220): Skips the on-site ticket counter only. Security + elevator queues still apply: 60–120+ min during peak, shorter early mornings. Best for budget travelers, especially off-peak, but crowding is high and lower decks can feel packed with visitors jostling for window space.
  • Fast-track / Priority entry (AED 250–300): Uses a quicker elevator queue for Levels 124/125. Cuts elevator waits to 15–40 minutes instead of 60–120, but security still applies.
  • SKY premium entry (AED 370–550): Uses a dedicated SKY elevator bank, cutting waits to 15–30 min even during peak hours. Includes access to Level 148, complimentary Arabic coffee/dates, and a guided orientation. Major advantages: significantly reduced wait time, far fewer people, and a more relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. Many reviewers note Level 148 feels serene compared to the crowded 124/125 decks. Best for time savings + exclusivity.
  • Lounge/VIP entry (AED 600–750+): Access to Levels 152–154 via private elevators, reaching the top in 10–20 minutes even at sunset. Includes champagne, canapés, and dedicated lounge seating. Most exclusive and least crowded option, ideal for special occasions. Highest “wow factor” with the world’s highest lounge at 585m.

See all your options to skip the queues at Burj Khalifa

What are customers saying?

Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Anjana Sylvester
HK

Anjana

Hong Kong
Jan 2026

review-image

review-image
We had a great time at Dubai Miracle Garden. The floral arrangements are beautiful and very creative, especially the big displays and walkways. Everything felt organized and family-friendly, and there were plenty of places to stop for photos. Headout tickets worked perfectly and the entry process was super easy.
Nathalie LECOEUR
FR

Nathalie

France
Jan 2026

review-image

review-image

review-image

+1 more

Buying skip-the-line tickets is very convenient, as it avoids waiting in line at the ticket office on site. The Miracle Garden is truly a magnificent garden! We loved it. It's a beautiful walk among these floral sculptures!
Ruchir Raut
IN

Ruchir

India
Jan 2026

review-image

review-image
One of the best experiences in Dubai. Accompanied with amazing food and very good crew made our evening count in dubai. Would love to do it again.
Sandor Levente dr Karsai
HU

Sandor

Hungary
Jan 2026

review-image

review-image

review-image

+1 more

Our tour guide was very, very nice! I wish everyone was like that everywhere! Quad biking, sand boarding and riding a jeep in the desert was an unforgettable experience!
ROHIT SINGH CHIB
AE

Rohit

United Arab Emirates
Jan 2026

review-image
Everything was beautiful, staffs were helpful, things that displayed was very informative and helpful. I love to visit again 😍
Abhishek Kumar
AE

Abhishek

United Arab Emirates
Jan 2026

review-image

review-image

review-image

+1 more

Headout made our entry to the landmark Burj Khalifa an excellent experience. At the top, the view was amazing with all the excellent architectural marvels around the Burj Khalifa with their unique lightings.
Jelena Stojanovic
RS

Jelena

Serbia
Jan 2026

review-image
Why we should win: We were this close to IMG Worlds of Adventure — bags packed, excitement at max level — and then… life happened. The tickets didn’t survive, but the enthusiasm did. These two boys have already visited IMG about a hundred times in their imagination. Winning would finally let reality catch up with their plans — and give them a story that starts with “We almost didn’t make it, but then…” Because sometimes the best adventures don’t start perfectly — they start with a second chance. And this one would be unforgettable. 🎢✨
Hatidza Sadinlija

Hatidza

Jan 2026

review-image
A wonderful show with lots of educational facts! The staff is super friendly & create a fun a liveley show for all! It is clear that the animals are well taken care of which is also very important!

Book skip-the-line tickets to Burj Khalifa

Skip the long ticket lines and enter after a quick security check. These options help you save significant time during busy periods, so you can spend more time enjoying the views, not waiting in corridors.

Pro tip: SKY and Lounge tickets sell out fast during peak season; book at least 7–14 days in advance to secure your preferred slot.

























































What does “skip-the-line” really mean for Burj Khalifa?

“Skip-the-line” at Burj Khalifa varies by ticket type. Here’s the clear, no-surprises version:

  • Standard timed-entry tickets skip only the on-site ticket-purchase counter. You still queue for security (15–40 minutes) and for the shared elevator bank (20–180 minutes). Your timed slot determines when you may enter the queue area, not how quickly you’ll reach the top.
  • SKY tickets use a dedicated elevator bank shared only with SKY guests. This is where the real time savings happen: elevator waits typically drop from 60–120 minutes to 15–30 minutes during peak hours. Security is still required, but most SKY visitors reach Level 148 within 30–45 minutes of arrival.
  • The Lounge comes closest to true skip-the-line access. A private elevator network and limited guest capacity mean you’re usually at the top in 10–20 minutes, even at sunset. You still clear security, but every queue after that is minimized.

Bottom line: Standard tickets avoid only the ticket desk. SKY and Lounge are the only tiers that meaningfully reduce total wait time during peak hours.

How long are the queues at the Burj Khalifa entrance?

Burj Khalifa sees 20,000–30,000+ visitors per day in peak season, and queue times reflect that scale.

Peak season (Nov–Mar):

  • Standard elevator queues: 60–120 minutes from late morning to early evening
  • Sunset (3:30–6 PM): 90–180 minutes
  • Lines often form before opening and extend through multiple internal corridors

Low season (Jun–Aug):

  • Elevator queues: 20–40 minutes most of the day
  • Views may be hazier due to heat and humidity

Important: These times apply to elevator queues only. All visitors must also clear security (15–40 minutes) after ticket validation.

Types of queues you'll encounter at Burj Khalifa

Entry to the observation decks is via Dubai Mall's Lower Ground floor entrance. These are the main queues and how skip-the-line access affects them:

Ticket validation

  • Location: Lower Ground floor, Dubai Mall, near Aquarium area
  • Who it's for: Walk-up ticket purchasers
  • Average wait time: 5–15 minutes (peak), eliminated if pre-booked online
  • Skip-the-line? Bypassed with any online ticket purchase

Security screening

  • Location: Immediately after ticket validation
  • Who it's for: All visitors (standard, SKY, Lounge)
  • Average wait time: 15–40 minutes depending on crowds
  • Skip-the-line? No—mandatory for everyone, no exceptions

Elevator queue (Levels 124/125)

  • Location: Post-security corridor, shared elevator bank
  • Who it's for: All standard ticket holders
  • Average wait time: 20–30 min (off-peak), 40–60 min (midday), 90–180 min (peak sunset slots)
  • Skip-the-line? No, timed entry assigns arrival window but doesn't reduce queue time

Elevator queue (SKY Level 148)

  • Location: Separate elevator bank for SKY guests only
  • Who it's for: SKY ticket holders
  • Average wait time: 10–15 min (off-peak), 15–30 min (midday), 30–60 min (peak sunset)
  • Skip-the-line? Partial—dedicated elevator significantly faster than standard

Elevator queue (The Lounge Levels 152-154)

  • Location: Private elevator network
  • Who it's for: Lounge guests only
  • Average wait time: 5–10 min (off-peak), 10–15 min (peak)
  • Skip-the-line? Yes, true priority access throughout

Descent queue

  • Location: Return elevator from observation decks
  • Who it's for: All visitors
  • Average wait time: 15–30 min (off-peak), 40–90 min (peak)
  • Skip-the-line? No, everyone queues for descent

Compare your ticket options

Ticket typeWait timesQueues skippedAccessPrice from
On-site access

2–3 hrs

❌ None

Entry to Levels 124 & 125

AED 149

Timed-entry ticket

60–120 min (peak)20–30 min (off-peak)

✅ Ticket counter only

Entry to Levels 124 & 125, online booking convenience

AED 149-220

At The Top & SKY

30–60 min (peak)15–20 min (off-peak)

✅ Standard elevator queue (dedicated SKY elevator bank)

Level 148 (555m) + Levels 125 & 124, guided intro, lounge waiting area, refreshments

AED 370–550

The Lounge

10–20 min (any time)

✅ All queues except security (private elevator network)

Levels 152–154 (585m) + descent to 125 & 124, lounge seating, canapés, champagne/cocktails

AED 600–750

Frequently asked questions about Burj Khalifa skip-the-line tickets

Skip-the-line varies by ticket type. Standard timed-entry tickets only skip the on-site ticket counter—you still queue through security (15–40 min) and elevators (20–180 min). SKY tickets use a separate, faster elevator bank, cutting typical wait from 60–120 minutes to 15–30 minutes. The Lounge offers true priority with private elevators and 10–20 minute total access time even during peak hours.