Is Burj Khalifa Level 124 Worth It?

The lift doors closed, and before I had time to think about it, we were already somewhere around the 70th or 80th floor.

That's how fast the Burj Khalifa lift is. I went to the top in 2023 with my friend Umair, up to levels 124 and 125, the observation decks known as At the Top. The lift is one of the fastest in the world, and we were standing on level 124 in under two minutes.

So, is Burj Khalifa level 124 worth it? For me, 100% yes. But there are a few things I'd do differently, especially the time I chose to go. Here's my full experience, what tickets cost now, and how to plan your visit better than I did.

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What I Paid and How I Booked

I booked our tickets online for both of us. Back in 2023, the ticket cost me AED 148 per person.

Prices have gone up since then. At the time of writing, Visit Dubai's official booking site lists At the Top, levels 124 and 125, from around AED 159. Tickets cost more during prime hours, which are the busy afternoon and sunset slots, so the time you pick changes the price.

My advice is to book online, on the official Burj Khalifa site or Visit Dubai, and compare a few time slots before you pay. The cheapest slots are usually in the morning or later at night.

Getting There

To get there, I booked a Tesla as a taxi. Taxis and ride apps can drop you at Dubai Mall, which is where the At the Top entrance is.

If you'd rather take public transport, the Red Line of the Dubai Metro stops at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station. From there, a long covered walkway takes you into the mall.

The entrance to At the Top is on the lower ground floor of Dubai Mall, opposite the food court area. Give yourself time to find it, because Dubai Mall is huge.

Before the Lift: Models and Exhibits

Before you even reach the lift, there's quite a bit to see.

When we entered, there were models of the Burj Khalifa on display, and lots of small things to look at along the way.

Don't rush through this part. If you're curious about how the tower was built, it's worth a slow walk.

The Wait

This is the part nobody puts in the photos.

The waiting time was quite long when I went. Because of the rush, security was sending people up to the lift in batches. You move forward slowly, group by group, until it's your turn.

I went at 2pm, and looking back, that was the problem. The afternoon is one of the busiest times. More on that below.

The Lift Ride

Then comes the best surprise of the whole visit.

The lift is incredibly fast. It felt like we reached the 70th or 80th floor in just a few seconds. The whole ride up to level 124 took less than two minutes.

The lifts travel at around 10 metres per second, which is why it feels so quick. Your ears may feel a bit of pressure, so swallowing or yawning helps.

The View From Level 124

When you step out on level 124, you're about 450 metres above the ground.

The view was beautiful. The buildings below looked tiny, even the tall towers that look huge when you're standing next to them on the street.

Because I went in the afternoon, the sun was shining straight into my eyes. It felt like we'd come up close to it. That's one more reason I'd pick a different time if I went again, unless you want that strong sunlight effect in your photos.

Level 124 also has an outdoor terrace, so you can step outside and feel the height properly.

Taking the Stairs to Level 125

From level 124, we took the stairs up to level 125.

The staircase goes round in a circular, spiral shape, and the view while you climb it is beautiful. It's a small part of the visit, but a lovely one.

Level 125 has its own viewing area, so don't skip it. It's included in the same ticket.

The Photos

During the visit, we had our photos taken. When we came back down, they were already printed and ready to collect.

We paid AED 100 for two printed photos. It's not cheap, but it's a nice souvenir to have in your hand, especially if it's your first time. If you're on a tight budget, you can skip it and use your own phone. Nobody forces you to buy them.

When to Go (Learn From My Mistake)

If you're going for the first time, avoid the busiest hours, especially between 2pm and 5pm. That's when the rush is heaviest, and it's exactly when I went.

Here's how the times usually compare:

• Morning: fewer people, often cheaper non-prime tickets, and softer light for photos.
• Afternoon, roughly 2pm to 5pm: very busy, long waits, and harsh sun coming straight at you.
• Sunset: the most popular and most expensive slot, but the view as the city lights come on is special.
• Late evening: cheaper again, with the city lit up at night.

At the Top is open daily, with Visit Dubai listing hours from 10am to 11:30pm, though times can change on special dates like New Year's Eve.

Levels 124 and 125 or Level 148?

There's also a higher deck called At the Top SKY, on level 148. It goes higher and comes with a more premium experience, but it costs much more.

For a first visit, levels 124 and 125 are plenty. You get the lift ride, the outdoor terrace, the spiral stairs and a view where the whole city looks tiny below you.

Is It Worth It?

For me, it's 100% worth the money.

It's not a cheap ticket, but the fast lift, the view from 124 and the spiral stairs to 125 made it worth every dirham for me.

Just plan your time better than I did, and you'll enjoy it even more.

Tips for Your First Visit

• Book online, and compare time slots before paying.
• Avoid 2pm to 5pm if you want shorter waits.
• Arrive a little early, because finding the entrance inside Dubai Mall takes time.
• Take your time with the models and exhibits before the lift.
• Don't miss the spiral stairs to level 125.
• Decide in advance whether you want to buy the printed photos.
• Bring sunglasses if you're going in the afternoon.

If You Only Remember One Thing

Go to the top of the Burj Khalifa at least once, but don't go between 2pm and 5pm. Pick a quieter slot, enjoy that crazy-fast lift, walk the spiral stairs to 125, and take your time with the view.