Float above golden dunes as the desert slowly wakes beneath you — that’s the magic of a Dubai hot air balloon ride. Most flights take off just before sunrise, between 3am and 5:30am, when desert winds are calmest and visibility is at its best.
Since departure windows shift with the seasons, planning around the right timing makes all the difference. Here’s your complete guide to hot air balloon Dubai timings, including pickup details, flight durations, and the best time of year to fly.
| Experience | First departure | Flight duration | Total experience |
|---|---|---|---|
Premium Dubai Hot Air Balloon with Michelin Breakfast & Drone Show | 3am | 1 hr | ~5 hrs |
Dubai Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride with Hotel Transfers | 3:30am | 1 hr | ~4–5 hrs |
Dubai Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride for 2 with Transfers | 4:30am | 1 hr | ~4 hrs |
Dubai Hot Air Balloon with Private Transfers & Vintage Land Rover Drive | 4am | 1 hr | ~4–5 hrs |
Mountain Sunrise Hot Air Balloon in Ras Al Khaimah | 5am | 1 hr | ~4 hrs |
The Dubai Balloon at Atlantis | 12am & 5am | 10 min | ~30 min |
Always confirm your final pickup and launch time via your operator’s official site or booking message before travel.
| Location | First departure | Last departure | Avg duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve | 3am | - | 4–5 hrs | Main launch zone for premium and shared flights |
Ras Al Khaimah Mountain Route | 5am | - | 4 hrs | Combines desert + mountain views, longer transfer time |
Atlantis The Palm | 12am | 5am | 30 min | Tethered balloon for skyline and night-light shots |
Between 3:00am and 5:30am, depending on the operator and season.
Yes, though operations may pause in July–August due to high temperatures.
Usually 60–90 minutes before departure; expect pickup from 2–4am.
Yes. Operators offer flexible rebooking within 12 months if conditions aren’t safe.
October–April, when skies are clear and temperatures pleasant.
Around 6:45am in winter and 5:30am in summer, guiding all flight schedules.
Dubai Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride with Hotel Transfers
Dubai Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride for 2 with Transfers
Premium Dubai Hot Air Balloon Experience with Michelin Breakfast & Drone Show
Dubai Hot Air Balloon Experience with Private Round-Trip Transfers & Vintage Land Rover Desert Drive
Mountain Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Experience in Ras Al Khaimah with In-Flight Photos, Videos and Round-Trip Hotel Transfers
The Dubai Balloon at the Atlantis Tickets
