Dubai is famous worldwide for its luxury and modern surroundings, another convenient aspect for people here and those visiting is the cheap and reliable taxis. Be it from the airport, a night at Dubai Mall or anywhere in the city, taxis in Dubai are both easy to use and comfortable.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- Different types of Dubai taxis
- Updated fare structures
- Booking options
- Tips for using the system efficiently
Why Choose Dubai Taxi?
Dubai’s official taxi service, operated by the Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) under the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), is:
- Widely accessible
- Budget-friendly compared to other tourist cities
- Safe and well-regulated
With over 5,000 vehicles in operation, you can easily spot a cream-colored taxi with color-coded roofs based on service type (e.g., pink for Ladies Taxi, red for regular).
General Dubai Taxi Fares (2025)
Here’s a quick overview of standard fare rates:
| Time of Day | Base Fare | Per Km Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 06:00 AM – 10:00 PM | AED 5 | AED 2.26 |
| 10:00 PM – 06:00 AM | AED 5.5 | AED 2.26 |
| S’hail or Careem Booking | AED 12 | AED 2.26 |
Note: Additional charges apply for Salik tolls and airport pickups.
Types of Dubai Taxis and Fare Details
1. Airport Taxi
- Pick-up points: Terminals 1, 2, 3 of DXB and Al Maktoum Airport
- Base Fare: AED 25
- Per Km: AED 2.43
- Booking: Walk-in, no pre-booking required
2. Ladies and Families Taxi
- Driven by female drivers
- Identified by pink roofs
- Available at malls, hospitals, and airports
- Fare:
- AED 5 (06:00 AM – 10:00 PM)
- AED 5.5 (10:00 PM – 06:00 AM)
- Per km: AED 2.26
3. Hatta Taxi
- For Hatta residents and travel between Hatta and Dubai
- Fare: AED 25 per person
- Shared 7-seater vehicles available
4. People of Determination Taxi
- Specially designed for accessibility
- Features include wheelchair access
- Fare:
- Base: AED 8
- Per km: AED 2.14
- Discount: 50% for SANAD cardholders
5. Limousine Taxi
- For corporate and luxury travel
- Tesla, Lexus, Infiniti models
- Fare:
- AED 16 base + AED 3.56/km
- From airport: AED 25 base + AED 3.67/km
- Hourly Rental: AED 300 (2 hrs) to AED 750 (10 hrs)
- Advance booking required (10 hrs)
6. In-Safe Hands Taxi
- Safe transport for kids, seniors, women
- Specially trained drivers
- Fare:
- General: AED 25 base + AED 2.23/km
- Limousine: AED 25 base + AED 3.56/km
How to Book a Dubai Taxi
There are multiple ways to book a DTC taxi:
Step-by-Step Booking Guide:
- Via Phone: Call 800-88088 (DTC)
- Via App:
- Use S’hail or DTC App for real-time booking
- Available on Android and iOS
- Through Careem App:
- Choose “Hala Taxi” option
- Street Hailing:
- Look for available taxis on main roads
- Taxi Stands:
- Located at malls, metro stations, airports
Dubai Taxi Fare Calculator
To estimate your fare in advance:
Use the DTC Fare Formula:
sqlCopyEditFare = Base Fare + (Per Km Rate × Distance) + Waiting Time Charges (if any)
Example Calculation:
- Base Fare: AED 12
- Distance: 5 km
- Per Km: AED 2.26
Estimated Fare = 12 + (2.26 × 5) = AED 23.3
Visit the DTC website to use the online fare calculator. It provides estimated fare and trip duration.
FAQs
Q: What is the Dubai taxi fare per km?
A: Standard rate is AED 2.26 per kilometre.
Q: What is the minimum fare for a Dubai taxi?
A: AED 12 for bookings through apps like Careem or S’hail.
Q: How much is a taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
A: The fare ranges between AED 250 – AED 300.
Q: Is Uber cheaper than Dubai Taxi?
A: Dubai Taxi is often more economical and has wider availability.
