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Burj Khalifa: floors 124/125 or 148, which to choose in 2026?
At 828 meters, the Burj Khalifa has been the tallest tower in the world since it opened in 2010. Going up is a near-mandatory stop on a stay in Dubai, but the ticket office offers several options and it is easy to get lost. Here is how to choose, with no nasty surprises, with the advice we give our travelers every week.
The difference between floors 124/125 and 148
Floors 124 and 125 ("At The Top") are the classic option. You reach an observation deck at about 452 and 456 meters, with large glass windows and a 360° view over Downtown, the sea, the Palm and the desert in the distance. It is the most popular visit: accessible, quick and very well organized.
Floor 148 ("At The Top SKY") peaks at about 555 meters. Access is more exclusive, with better-controlled visitor numbers, a smoother route and, depending on the time slot, a dedicated space before heading back down to floors 124 and 125. You are higher up, with fewer people around you.
| Floors 124 & 125 | Floors 124, 125 & 148 | |
|---|---|---|
| Altitude | ≈ 452 m and 456 m | up to ≈ 555 m |
| Average duration | 1h to 1h30 | 1h15 to 2h |
| Crowds | Heavy at sunset | Better managed |
| Dubai Tourisme price* | 180 AED adult · 145 AED child (ages 3-7) | 390 AED adult and child (age 3 and over) |
| Best for | First visit, controlled budget | Maximum view, exceptional moment |
* Prices in dirhams (AED) per person, as of October 2026. Free for children under 3. The up-to-date price is always shown on the booking page.
What time should you go up the Burj Khalifa?
Sunset is the most magical slot: you watch the city turn from gold to blue, then light up. It is also the one with the highest demand, so it is better to book several days ahead. In Dubai, the sun sets around 5:30pm in December-January and around 7pm in summer.
- Morning: soft light, clearer air, smoother elevators. Ideal with children.
- Late evening: Dubai sparkles, fewer crowds, perfect for night photos.
- On weekdays: calmer than the weekend, especially Friday and Saturday evenings.
Burj Khalifa with children
The visit is very affordable for families: free under 3, then a child rate for ages 3 to 7 on the 124/125 option. For the 148 option, the price is the same as adults from age 3. Strollers are generally accepted, but check before you go if you have a bulky model. For a family stay, combine the visit with the Dubai Mall aquarium with our Burj Khalifa + Aquarium combo (315 AED, child rate from age 4).
Practical tips to prepare your visit
- Arrive early: allow 20 to 30 minutes for walking and security checks from the Dubai Mall to the entrance.
- E-ticket: shown on your phone, no need to print it.
- Large bags and tripods: they may be refused. Travel light.
- Photos: a small microfiber cloth helps reduce reflections on the glass. Press the camera against the window for sharper night photos.
- Dress: casual, but the air-conditioning is strong at the top. Bring a thin jacket.
- The fountains: the Dubai Fountain show, at the foot of the tower, combines very well with an early-evening ascent.
What if you want to compare with other viewpoints?
Dubai has several observation decks, each with its own style:
- SkyViews Observatory: the view over the Downtown twin towers, with glass elevators and high-altitude experiences (85 AED adult, 69 AED child).
- The View at The Palm: the best view of Palm Jumeirah and the coastline.
- Dubai Frame: the golden frame separating old and new Dubai.
Our view: the Burj Khalifa remains a must, and the other observation decks are very good complements if you stay more than three days.
Book your Burj Khalifa
E-tickets sent within a few hours. Floors 124/125 from 145 AED, with 148 at 390 AED.
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What is the difference between Burj Khalifa 124/125 and 148?
Floors 124 and 125 (452 m and 456 m) are the classic visit, with a large indoor panoramic terrace. Floor 148, at 555 m, is a more exclusive option: fewer people, calmer access and an even higher view. The 148 ticket also includes access to floors 124 and 125.
What time should you visit the Burj Khalifa?
Sunset is the most spectacular moment, but also the most in demand. In the morning, the light is soft and the wait shorter. Late in the evening, the illuminated city is superb and there are fewer people. Book ahead for the slots near sunset.
How long does the Burj Khalifa visit last?
Allow 1h to 1h30 on floors 124 and 125, and 1h15 to 2h with 148. Add 20 to 30 minutes to reach the entrance from the Dubai Mall and pass the security checks.
Do children pay for the Burj Khalifa?
With us, the visit is free for children under 3. The child rate on the 124/125 option applies from ages 3 to 7. For the 148 option, the price is the same for everyone from age 3.