Top Dubai Hot Air Balloon Rides

Past travelers rave about Dubai hot-air balloons that transport you high above scenic desert dunes. Here are some of the top-rated tours available now:

• Dubai Hot Air Balloon Ride with Vintage Land Rover & Breakfast
• Deluxe Hot Air Balloon Ride with Breakfast & Flight Falcon Show
• Dubai Hot Air Balloon Ride with Breakfast, Falconry & Camel Ride
• Hot Air Balloon Ride & In-flight Falcon Show including Transfers
• Hot Air Balloon Ride With Gourmet Breakfast & Falcon Show

Despite the early morning wake-up call, a once-in-a-lifetime Dubai hot-air balloon ride is well worth it. Watching the desert scenery unfold as you rise higher in the sky in changing morning light is magical. Hot-air balloon rides typically include transport from your hotel, and many tours include breakfast.

Hot-air balloon rides in Dubai start at about US$300 per person. These trips usually include transportation from your hotel, and you’ll share the balloon’s basket with other guests. Private hot-air balloon rides or group hot-air balloon tours with other activities, such as a falcon show or camel ride, will cost more.

Depending on the weather, hot-air balloon rides in Dubai usually feature about 40 to 70 minutes of flight time. Your entire door-to-door tour—including hotel transport and perhaps breakfast and other added activities—can last 3–5 hours.

Hot-air balloon rides in Dubai take place in the early morning hours. You can expect a pick-up from your hotel as early as 3am since weather conditions are most favorable around sunrise when winds are typically calm and cool.

You’ll take in several amazing sights on a Dubai hot-air balloon ride, and the views keep changing as you float higher in the sky. In the early morning light, as the sun rises, the expansive dunes are incredibly mesmerizing. Keep your eyes peeled for desert wildlife and spot Dubai’s city skyline in the distance.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Dubai aside from hot-air balloon rides. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Waterskiing and Jet-Skiing

• Safaris

• Dinner Cruises

• Dhow Cruises

• Theme Parks

Dubai hot-air balloon ride prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best rides to book now: 

• The Dubai Balloon at Atlantis Tickets with Options

• The Dubai Balloon at Atlantis Palm Tickets With Transfers Option

• The Dubai Balloon 360 Degree Dubai Skyline Views

• Hot-Air Balloon Sunrise Tour with Free Transport in Dubai

• Hot-Air Balloon Ride with Pick-up and Drop-off

Be prepared for an early start! Hot-air balloon rides in Dubai often take place at sunrise, as this time not only offers the most magical views, but also cooler temperatures and more stable air conditions. Choose a flight that suits how long you want to be in the air—some offer a budget-friendly 10 minutes, while others can last for hours. Finally, check the location of the ride’s departure point and whether travel to and from your accommodation is included in the price.

To fully enjoy your hot-air balloon ride in Dubai, dress appropriately. The temperature at sunrise might be cooler than you expect, so wearing layers is a wise choice. Remember to take your sunscreen and sunglasses and secure your belongings—nothing ruins a hot-air balloon ride like dropping something over the side of the basket while you’re up in the air.

The best time of year to book a hot-air balloon ride in Dubai is arguably during peak tourist season from November to March. Most flights are in the morning, which offers the most pleasant experience in terms of both the temperature and the views. Be sure to book ahead as hot-air balloon rides are popular in Dubai.