Dubai is well-known as a city of gleaming towers with unparalleled access to both pristine beaches and desert safaris. It is easy to forget that it has grown from a quaint fishing village to a city of approximately three million inhabitants over the course of the past 50 years and the metropolitan area has gone through numerous changes in this period.
Dubai is now a sprawling city with several urban centres, serving different communities. The rapid expansion over a large geographical area has resulted in a significant increase in the use of public transport. This is compounded by average temperatures of above 25C for six months of the year, making Dubai a more car-focused city than most.
You can find our complete guide to Dubai Public Transport over here. In this guide we’re going to focus on public taxis in Dubai, and how they compare with popular ride sharing services.
- Dubai and how to get around by taxi
- How do I order a taxi in Dubai?
- Different DTC Services
- Dubai Taxi Fares
- Is Uber, Careem or Taxi cheaper in Dubai?
- Are taxis safe in Dubai?
Dubai and how to get around by taxi
Dubai taxis have been an integral part of the city over the last 27 years. Dubai Taxi Corporation was launched in 1995 with 81 vehicles and is regulated by Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA).
Years ago, it used to be a somewhat daunting task for tourists to use RTA Taxis, due to the less structured address system in Dubai. Drivers often relied on passenger knowledge to guide them to destinations, and navigation was mostly done through a series of instructions around notable landmarks.
Thankfully, those days are long gone with the emergence of Google Maps, Waze, and taxi-hailing apps. Getting around by taxi in Dubai is not only convenient but also very reasonably priced.
Today, the DTC fleet numbers more than 5,000 vehicles and 12,000 male and female drivers. Taxis operate around the clock, seven days a week, keeping the city running.
How do I order a taxi in Dubai?
Cream coloured, with a red or other primary coloured roofs, Dubai Taxis are highly recognisable around the city.
Hailing a car on the street is easy and convenient—just make sure to look for taxis with their light on and be aware that they will only stop where it is safe to do so. This goes for both drop-off and pick up. At the malls look for the dedicated taxi ranks, where you will find rows and rows of taxis ready to pick up passengers.
When it may be inconvenient to hail a taxi from the street, there are several other ways to book a taxi.
Booking Dubai Taxis Online
Dubai Taxis can be booked online on www.dubaitaxi.aeas well as by calling the dispatch centre on 800 88088. Book for immediate pick-up or make an advance booking.
In August 2019 DTC launched a joint venture with Careem, allowing customers to book Hala cars (Dubai Taxis) using the smartphone application and thereby taking advantage of the features that have made these apps so popular, but at RTA prices.
If you plan to have data on your phone when visiting Dubai, this is by far the most convenient and cashless way to book and organise your taxi journeys around Dubai: Careem on Google Play | Careem on App Store
Different DTC Services
Current regulations allow for three passengers in a standard Dubai Taxi. However, DTC offers different services in order to cater to varying needs.
- Should you need to travel in a group of up to five people or with larger luggage, it is recommended to book one of the larger cars, also known as Hala Van on the Careem app. These cars will offer ample space for passengers as well as luggage. These cars are also readily available at the airport taxi rank.
- If travelling with younger children, why not take advantage of the Hala Junior service, Dubai Taxis, equipped with car seats to ensure children travel as safely as possible.
- If you are a female passenger travelling alone, you may be more comfortable taking one of the dedicated taxis driven by female drivers. You will know them by the pink roof. Whilst you cannot book a Pink car on the Careem app, they are readily available at the airport or at most larger malls. You can also book via the dispatch centre.
- For people of determination, Dubai Taxi offers a specific service aimed at those with additional mobility needs. These taxis must be prebooked via the dispatch centre.
You can learn more about these special services using the DTC App – Google Play | App Store
Dubai Taxi Fares
Dubai taxis have different base fares depending on how the taxi is booked.
- The standard base fare is 5 AED for a taxi flagged from the street.
- This goes up to between 10 AED (off-peak hours) to 12 AED (peak hours) when booked via dispatch or an app, with additional fees for other types of services such as Juniors and Van.
- The subsequent meter charge is 1.82 AED per kilometre for a normal sedan, and 1.96 for a larger car or special service.
- An airport levy of 25AED is added for pick-ups at any terminal.
- Any Salik (toll) charges are also payable by the customer.
Taxis accept cash, credit cards, Apple Pay, nol Cards (that you use to pay for the Metro and bus system too), or Careem Pay if booked on the app.
Is Uber, Careem or Taxi cheaper in Dubai?
Both Uber and Careem ride share services operate in Dubai, and both offer a large fleet of predominantly Lexus sedan vehicles to be pre-booked via the respective smartphone applications.
As expected from privately owned taxi services, their prices are higher than Dubai Taxis, and significantly so when looking at their executive options (not to mention the Uber option of booking a helicopter!)
Please note, that both companies operate with surge pricing structures at particularly busy times, which may further increase the price. Both apps will allow you to see a list of the different available services along with the estimated fares based on the pick-up and destination entered. Careem will also give you the Hala options to choose from.
So, while you may arrive in Dubai with Uber already installed on your mobile phone, it is worth considering downloading Careem, as it will give you more options in terms of private hire cars and Dubai Taxis.
Taxies at Dubai Airport DXB
One time when it is recommended to hail a taxi is when arriving at Dubai Airport. Here, it is often more convenient than prebooking, as the taxi rank is always easily accessible from arrivals, whereas pick-up locations for pre-booked cars can be less conveniently located.
NB – when they try and upsell you at the taxi rank for a more luxurious limousine taxi for just “one dirham more”, they are talking about 1 AED more PER KILOMETRE! Don’t get caught out by this!
Taxis from Dubai airport are also able to drive you to other Emirates, beyond Dubai by meter.
Are taxis safe in Dubai?
In a word – YES. Dubai Taxis are well regulated by the RTA, and passengers can feel safe using any of the services.
As the fares are metered, there is little scope for overcharging.
In addition, the ability to book a taxi via apps such as Careem means that passengers have all the additional safety features typically associated with a private hire car platform such as tracking the journey, easily identifying the car and driver as well as being able to share the journey details with others.
More frequently asked questions about Dubai Taxi
What is Hala Taxi?
Hala Taxi is a Dubai public taxi that can be booked using the Careem app. Ordering a Hala Taxi has some added benefits such as being able to know your driver’s details, pick your type of vehicle, track your car, and use cashless payment. You will need the Careem App downloaded to book a Hala Taxi
Why do Dubai taxis have different colour roofs?
The coloured taxi roofs are used to depict the different taxi companies that operate in Dubai. All, however, are booked in the same way and regulated by DTC so it makes no difference which beige coloured taxi with a different colour roof you catch.
The only difference is the pink roof taxis which have lady drivers for women and families only.
How do I pay for a taxi in Dubai?
All Dubai taxis now offer passengers the option to pay with nol cards, credit cards or NFC technology via smartphones using Apple Pay or Samsung Pay.
How can I make a complaint about an RTA taxi driver?
The vast majority of the time you should have no issue with your Dubai taxi driver. However, if you’d like to report a problem you should ring 800 9090 to lodge a complaint.
Which is the best Taxi App in Dubai?
It can understandably be confusing which app to use as there are several ways you can book a taxi or ride share online in Dubai.
We suggest the best one to use is Careem as it gives you both Hala Taxi (Dubai public taxis – with all their variations including Hala Van and Hala Juniors) as well as Careem’s ride share service, or Uber UAE (who actually owns Careem but still operates under their internationally recognised brand).
Further Public Transport in Dubai
To assist your journey across the city of Dubai, you may also be interested to learn more about:
- Dubai Nol Cards and the Metro system
- Dubai Ferry – commuting on water
- Dubai water buses and water taxies
- Traditional Abra (boats) in Dubai
- The Palm Monorail on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah
- Transiting from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by Public Bus
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Dubai, a handy guide on what to pack, and top tips for first-timers on the do’s and don’ts, laws, and customs to be aware of.
- Check out this incredible list of 150+ places you should visit when you’re in Dubai.
- Pick up a Dubai Pass from iVenture or a Go City Dubai Pass to save up to 50% on top Dubai attractions.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!!!
- Discover the best areas to stay in Dubai, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
Take me back to the best attractions and activities in Dubai
Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE and transit passengers self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our recommendation links.
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FAQs
How to book taxi in Dubai easily? ›
Our customers can call 80088088 or through DTC's Smart App to book a vehicle and receive it at the doorstep of their home or office, in addition to the availability of free Internet during the ride.
How do I schedule a taxi pickup in Dubai? ›Dubai Taxi Corporation
How to book: Contact the dispatch centre at 800 880 88 or get the DTC mobile application.
CALL THE TAXI RESERVATION CENTRE
The easiest trick in the books for a taxi reservation in Dubai is a phone call. To book a taxi in Dubai, simply call 8008-8088.
These vehicles are exclusive to arriving visitors to Dubai International Airport. The Airport taxi allows you to connect to other Emirates in Country around the clock. Look for the taxi sign icon inside Terminal 1, 2 and 3 where our highly qualified Taxi Officers are waiting to drive you to your destination.
Do you need cash for taxi in Dubai? ›Yes, all taxis in Dubai have the necessary equipment to accept debit, credit and Nol cards. However, there are times when these machines are 'out of order', so if you need to pay by card, be sure to ask your driver before you get in the taxi.
Are taxis cheaper than Uber Dubai? ›In Dubai, Uber and Careem typically cost more than a taxi . The advantage is that Uber offers a flat rate, so if there's traffic and you're going a long distance, it can also be cheaper. In general, Careem is less expensive than Uber for shorter distances and Uber is less expensive for longer distances.
How much is a full day taxi in Dubai? ›Rental Taxi Fare in Dubai
You can book a rental Dubai taxi for a fare of AED 500 for 6 hours, AED 800 for 12 hours or AED 1000 for 24 hours.
What is the minimum taxi fare in Dubai? Taxi fare in Dubai depends upon many factors, such as taxi type, duration, timings and travel distance. On average, you can expect to pay between AED 5 (06:00 am – 10:00 pm) – AED 5.50 (10:00 pm – 06:00 am).
What is the rule for taxi driver in Dubai? ›The driver must be between 21 and 65 years old. The customer must pass the foundation training course. The customer must pass the test scheduled for the foundation training course. The customer must pass the medical fitness test.
What is the cheapest taxi app in Dubai? ›- RTA Public Transport Dubai App.
- Careem Dubai.
- Hala (Dubai Taxi)
- Uber UAE.
- S'hail.
- DTC Smart App.
How does taxi booking app work? ›
Dedicated Taxi Booking App
Consequently, by using their taxi service apps, these business proprietors make it more convenient for their patrons to book a ride and dilate their customer base. In apps like these, customers just need to enter their location, pay the hourly fee, and choose their desired car.
What payment methods are available in the taxi? You can pay by Cash, Credit and Nol cards.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Dubai? ›Cab is the best way. It is cheaper than any other option. From the airport you get plenty of them and from the hotel the staff can call a cab for you, or you can also book a regular cab by calling them. If you take a mini-van Cab, that is 5AED more than a regular Camry cab.
How much is taxi from Dubai airport to Centre? ›The quickest way to get from Dubai Airport (DXB) to Downtown Dubai is to taxi which costs AED 150 - AED 180 and takes 12 min. Is there a direct bus between Dubai Airport (DXB) and Downtown Dubai? No, there is no direct bus from Dubai Airport (DXB) to Downtown Dubai.
How much is taxi from airport to international city Dubai? ›The quickest way to get from Dubai Airport (DXB) to international city is to taxi which costs AED 240 - AED 290 and takes 20 min.
Can I pay taxi in Dubai with USD? ›Dubai uses it's own currency, not US $. US dollar is widely accepted in many shopping outlets in Dubai, most major grocery stores, etc. but taxis so far accept local currency only. You can exchange some money at the airport to cover taxi fare and any other incidentals.
Do you need cash in Dubai or card? ›You will need cash in Dubai quite rarely. Try not to use it for big purchases. Book accommodation and pay for it online, we normally use Agoda for Asia as they are reliable specialists for the region. It's annoying to have to find a bank and withdraw cash when you're travelling, so use your card where you can.
How much cash is required to travel to Dubai? ›Indian travellers need to note that they are not allowed to carry more than INR 25,000 while travelling abroad. That does not mean you can't travel with foreign currencies or any other means of payments.
Do you tip in Dubai? ›In Dubai, you don't have to tip, as a service charge is built into the prices (especially with restaurants). It won't be considered rude if you don't leave the staff any dirhams. With that said, remember that the service charge goes to the business—not directly to the staff that served you.
Does WhatsApp work in Dubai? ›In Dubai, and by extension the UAE, the use of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services are banned – including WhatsApp. Users are instead directed to paid apps, such as Botim to make internet calls.
Is it cheaper to rent a car or take taxi in Dubai? ›
If you have a big family the cost of transporting everyone around town can mount to become unmanageable. It is important that you run a price comparison check before you go. A larger family will likely find it more affordable to rent a hire car in Dubai than to take public transport all week or fortnight long.
Do you tip taxi drivers in Dubai? ›Taxi drivers: Taxis in Dubai are both affordable and plentiful, and therefore tipping the driver is a common occurrence. Usually a small tip of AED5-10 is given, but generally passengers will just round the fare up to the nearest figure and allow the driver to keep the change.
What are peak hours in Dubai taxi? ›| Days | Trip/ Area | Starting fare timing |
|---|---|---|
| All weekdays | Road pickup | 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. |
| 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. | ||
| Rush hours | Through reservation | Monday to Thursday 8 a.m - 10 a.m 4 p.m - 8 p.m Friday 8 a.m - 10 a.m 4 p.m - 12 a.m Saturday and Sunday 4 p.m - 12 a.m |
| All weekdays | Dubai airports Port Rashid |
- Dubai Marina & JBR – Best area to stay in Dubai for families & first time visitors.
- The Palm – Best location to stay in Dubai for couples & luxury.
- Deira – Best place to stay in Dubai for budget travellers.
- Downtown Dubai – Best part of Dubai to stay for shopping & malls.
The official taxis are controlled by the government and can be recognized by the cream color and a random color on the roof. The color of the roof determines for which company the taxi drives. For example, taxis with a red roof are the most common and also the largest company.
Can 4 people sit in a taxi at Dubai? ›Current regulations allow for three passengers in a standard Dubai Taxi. However, DTC offers different services in order to cater to varying needs.
How much is a taxi from Dubai airport to the walk? ›The quickest way to get from Dubai Airport (DXB) to The Walk (Jumeirah Beach Residence) is to taxi which costs AED 320 - AED 390 and takes 24 min. Is there a direct bus between Dubai Airport (DXB) and The Walk (Jumeirah Beach Residence)?
How many passengers are allowed in Dubai taxi? ›The passengers capacity in luxury vehicles is same as regular taxi vehicles. For the People of determination van taxi capacity. (Journey inside Dubai) can get maximum 4 passengers + the driver. Going from Dubai to Abu Dhabi allowed ONLY to have 3 passengers + the driver.
Can I hire a private driver in Dubai? ›Chauffeur Car Hire Dubai provides professional chauffeurs to meet all your requirements. If you require a driver for a day, week or monthly Chauffeur Car Hire Dubai can provide you with professional and experienced chauffeurs. You might have a meeting to attend and you don't find a space to park your car.
How many passengers are allowed in a taxi now? ›Seating Capacity: 7
Up to 5 adults per MaxiCab.
What is the most popular taxi app in Dubai? ›
1) Careem Dubai- The Most Rewarding Taxi Booking App In UAE
With over 10M+ downloads and a 4.2-star rating, Careem allows users to book affordable rides and schedule pick-ups. Rides include city-to-city, local, and Hala taxis and bike rentals.
Taxis. Taxis are a convenient and affordable way of travelling around the city and can either be pre-booked or simply hailed down on the street. All Dubai taxis are metered – fares typically start at AED5 (£1.02) and rise by around AED2 (41p) per kilometre.
How much is a taxi in Dubai city Tour? ›| Tours | Transfers | Adult |
|---|---|---|
| Full Day Abu Dhabi City Tour With Ferrari World or Warner Bros | SIC | Rs 6570 |
| Full Day Abu Dhabi City Tour | SIC | Rs 1730 |
| Abu Dhabi City Tour with Ferrari World or Warner Bros (Premium Ticket) | SIC | Rs 8990 |
| Desert Safari - Dubai (4X4 from hotel to hotel) | SIC | Rs 2010 |
The main drawback to app-based taxi services is that they're destroying the taxi industry. The major way which these apps compete with each other is through lowering their prices, which means the original black cab and self-employed taxi drivers are losing out.
What are the top 5 features for a taxi booking app? ›- Social Login/Sign-up.
- Create and manage profile.
- On-demand taxi booking.
- View estimated wait time for taxi arrival.
- Real-time vehicle tracking.
- Flexible billing and payment options.
- Push Notifications, emails & SMS alerts.
- Rate and provide feedback to drivers.
Advantages of Taxi Booking Applications
Users can book a taxi with a single tap and they just have to enter the pickup location and destination. Payment: The users of the taxi booking application will get multiple payment options. Users can use any mode of payment at their convenience.
Although USD is widely accepted across all sectors in Dubai, it is best advisable to convert home currency into Dirham for the ease of travelling and saving money.
Is it safe to pay by card in taxi? ›In general, there's no reason using a credit card in a cab should be less secure than other types of transactions.
Which card to use in Dubai? ›The answer is Niyo Global Card. Niyo Global is a widely used solution by many international travellers for travelling to Dubai from India. If you are wondering what that is, here are 6 reasons why Niyo is the best foreign travel card for visiting Dubai.
Are taxis readily available in Dubai? ›Taxis are readily available throughout Dubai, with drivers who know its streets inside and out. Hail one on the street or download the Hala app to schedule your trips ahead.
Can you hire a taxi for a day in Dubai? ›
Rental Taxi Fare in Dubai
You can book a rental Dubai taxi for a fare of AED 500 for 6 hours, AED 800 for 12 hours or AED 1000 for 24 hours. Also, you can rent a car in Dubai and drive it yourself if hiring a taxi is not your cup of tea.
Reserve a ride with Uber in advance in Dubai
Complete your plans today by reserving a ride with Uber in Dubai. Request a ride up to 30 days in advance, at any time and on any day of the year.
Taxi fare in Dubai depends upon many factors, such as taxi type, duration, timings and travel distance. On average, you can expect to pay between AED 5 (06:00 am – 10:00 pm) – AED 5.50 (10:00 pm – 06:00 am).
How to catch a taxi in Dubai? ›Dubai Taxis can be booked online on www.dubaitaxi.ae as well as by calling the dispatch centre on 800 88088. Book for immediate pick-up or make an advance booking.
Do you need cash in Dubai? ›You will need cash in Dubai quite rarely. Try not to use it for big purchases. Book accommodation and pay for it online, we normally use Agoda for Asia as they are reliable specialists for the region. It's annoying to have to find a bank and withdraw cash when you're travelling, so use your card where you can.
Do you need to tip in Dubai? ›In Dubai, you don't have to tip, as a service charge is built into the prices (especially with restaurants). It won't be considered rude if you don't leave the staff any dirhams. With that said, remember that the service charge goes to the business—not directly to the staff that served you.
What is peak time taxi Dubai? ›| Days | Trip/ Area | Starting fare timing |
|---|---|---|
| All weekdays | Road pickup | 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. |
| 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. | ||
| Rush hours | Through reservation | Monday to Thursday 8 a.m - 10 a.m 4 p.m - 8 p.m Friday 8 a.m - 10 a.m 4 p.m - 12 a.m Saturday and Sunday 4 p.m - 12 a.m |
| All weekdays | Dubai airports Port Rashid |
The best way to get around Dubai is by taxi or by metro. Although prices are high across the board in Dubai, a taxi here or there won't break the bank. Plus, they provide the freedom to move at your own pace without the hassle of navigating traffic.
What currency does Dubai airport accept? ›List of currencies accepted at Dubai Duty Free are the following:US Dollars, Euro, Sterling Pounds, Kuwait Dinars, Singapore Dollars, Qatar Riyals, Saudi Riyals, Omani Riyals, Bahrain Dinars, Hong Kong Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Australian Dollar, Swiss Francs, Malaysian Ringgit, Chinese Yuan, Indian Rupees, Israeli ...
How much is a taxi from Dubai airport to Dubai Marina? ›The cheapest way to get from Dubai Airport (DXB) to Dubai Marina is to subway which costs AED 7 - AED 10 and takes 53 min. What is the fastest way to get from Dubai Airport (DXB) to Dubai Marina? The quickest way to get from Dubai Airport (DXB) to Dubai Marina is to taxi which costs AED 320 - AED 390 and takes 24 min.