Getting a taxi in Dubai
It’s fair to say that Dubai is one of the most taxi-centric cities in the world. With few public transport options and high outdoor temperatures, taxis are the best solution for getting around comfortably. Fortunately, it’s easy to find Dubai taxis on the streets and dozens of taxi stands are spread across the city. Alternatively, you can call an official Dubai taxi number to order a ride on demand.
The government-licensed vehicles are all run by the Dubai Taxi Company. All licensed taxis use taximeters to calculate fares. You can identify them by their white “TAXI” sign on the roof, which lights up when the cab is available. The taxis themselves are cream, with different colored roofs indicating the company or service type. So if you want to see Dubai like a local and explore the city to the fullest, take a Dubai taxi as you tour around.
How much are Dubai taxis?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUBAI AIRPORT TO DUBAI CITY | 15 € | 15 € | 20 MIN |
| DUBAI TO ABU DHABI | 74 € | 77 € | 1 HR 30 MIN |
| DUBAI TO DUBAI MARINA | 10 € | 11 € | 15 MIN |
| DUBAI TO JUMEIRAH BEACH | 7 € | 7.50 € | 12 MIN |
| DUBAI TO HATTA | 80 € | 83 € | 1 HR 40 MIN |
How much is a taxi in Dubai?
All taxis in Dubai use a taximeter to calculate fares, depending on the time of day and distance traveled. Dubai taxi prices can also change depending on the type of taxi you take. There are multiple types, but the most relevant for you will be the General Taxis, Airport Taxis, and Ladies Taxis.
Most Dubai taxis are a cream color with the Dubai Taxi Company logo printed on the driver’s door. The Ladies’ Taxis are identified by their bright pink roofs. They are a safer option, exclusively driven by women and only transporting women and children. However, these taxis come with a slightly higher fare than regular ones.
That said, here is a breakdown of taxi costs in Dubai:
General Taxis
Daytime base fare (06:00 to 22:00) – €1.25 (AED 5)
Daytime per km rate – €0.53 (AED 2.19)
Nighttime base fare (22:00 to 06:00) – €1.32 (AED 5.50)
Nighttime per km rate – €0.53 (AED 2.19)
Minimum fare – €2.88 (AED 12)
Airport Taxis
Daytime base fare (06:00 to 22:00) – €6 (AED 25)
Daytime per km rate – €0.53 (AED 2.19)
Nighttime base fare (22:00 to 06:00) – €6 (AED 25)
Nighttime per km rate – €0.53 (AED 2.19)
Waiting time charge – €0.12 (AED 0.50)/minute
Family and Ladies Taxis
Daytime base fare (06:00 to 00:00) – €1.25 (AED 5)
Daytime per km rate – €0.56 (AED 2.33)
Nighttime base fare (00:00 to 06:00) – €1.32 (AED 5.50)
Nighttime per km rate – €0.56 (AED 2.33)
Note: There are Ladies’ Taxis available at the airport. The base fare rises to €6 (AED 25).
*Salik toll charges are not included in the meter fare and will be added to your final fare. They cost €0.96 (AED 4) per gate.
You can pay your Dubai taxi fare by credit card or cash in the local currency, dirham (AED). The average 5-km trip around town will cost about €8.40 (AED 35), depending on the time of day. A longer journey from Dubai International Airport to Port Rashid will likely cost upwards of €25.24 (AED 105).
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How to get a taxi in Dubai
The easiest way to get a taxi in Dubai is to hail one on the street or locate one of the taxi stands around town. To hail a taxi, simply wait by the curb until you see a taxi with an illuminated “TAXI” sign. Hold out your hand and the driver will stop in a safe place.
Taxi stands are located outside of most main attractions, such as the Burj Khalifa, the Miracle Garden, Souk al Bahar, Burj al Arab, and major transportation hubs like Dubai Airport and Port Rashid.
Using the Dubai Taxi Company (DTC) app is also a convenient way of calling an official taxi whenever you need one.
How to get a taxi from Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Whichever terminal you fly into, you’ll find clear “TAXI” signage leading towards the closest taxi rank. More specifically, if you’re arriving at Terminal 1, walk towards Boots in the Arrivals Hall. As you exit the building, you’ll pass an ATM on the right-hand side – the taxi stand is directly in front of you.
If you’re arriving at Terminal 2 of Dubai International Airport, exit the Arrivals Hall after collecting your luggage and passing the Travelex currency exchange and ATM area. Follow the yellow “TAXI” signs toward the main doors. Once outside, turn slightly right to find the covered pedestrian walkway leading to the official taxi rank
The Terminal 3 taxi stand at Dubai International Airport is located outside the Arrivals Hall. Leave the building from Exit 4, opposite the Duty-Free shop, and you’ll see the line of taxis outside. A taxi from Dubai Airport to the city center takes around 20 minutes, so you should reach your accommodation in no time.
To skip waiting times and meet your driver inside the Arrivals Hall, we recommend booking your Dubai Airport taxi with a reliable company like Welcome Pickups.
How to get a taxi from Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
DWC Airport only has one terminal, so the taxi rank is easy to find. You’ll see the fleet of DTC taxis waiting outside the main building as you leave the main exit. Follow the signs for “TAXIS” to locate them or consult a member of staff for guidance. The trip from Al Maktoum Airport to the city takes around 40 minutes.
How to get a taxi from Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall has several pickup points for Dubai taxi services. Recent changes mean that the former spot near the Waitrose exit is no longer in use. The main RTA taxi pick-up zone is now located at Zabeel Parking P3, which is clearly signposted throughout the mall. During peak hours, expect queues at this location.
Alternatively, you can order a taxi, and they will collect you from one of the following pickup locations:
- P1 Cinema Parking
- The Village
- P4 Fashion Avenue Expansion Entrance
How to get a taxi from the Burj Khalifa
The easiest place to get a taxi after visiting the Burj Khalifa is to walk to the Dubai Mall. It takes around 4 minutes to walk there and the taxi stands are efficient. Alternatively, you can walk past the Dubai Fountain to Souk al Bahar or the Palace Hotel to find other taxi stands. This is the longer route but it’s incredibly scenic!
How to get a taxi from the Etihad Museum
The Etihad Museum does not have its own taxi stand, but it’s quite easy to hail one from the street. You can also walk to Jumeirah Mosque, which is across the street and catch a taxi from there. (Plus, Jumeirah Mosque is well worth a visit!)
How to get a taxi from Port Rashid (Dubai Cruise Port)
Taxis are lined up on the dock at Port Rashid, ready to whisk you to your destination. They wait there 24 hours a day, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding one. However, remember that official taxis use airport pricing for journeys from Port Rashid, which means a higher starting fare.
Most popular Dubai taxi apps
Prefer to book a taxi with your mobile phone? The main Dubai taxi app is Hala (integrated with Careem), and you can also use Uber. These private taxi apps are convenient but are often subject to surge pricing and unprofessional drivers. The Dubai Taxi Company also has its own app, called DTC, which is a little safer as these are official city taxis.
For the ultimate seamless taxi experience, you can book a taxi in advance with a top-rated international company like Welcome Pickups. That way, you’ll get guaranteed on-time pickups with a friendly, professionally trained driver at a fixed price.
Useful Dubai taxi numbers
The main Dubai taxi number is for the Dubai Taxi Company itself. You can reach them at +971 (800) 88088. This is especially helpful if you need to order a special taxi such as a large vehicle or a wheelchair-accessible ride. That said, the DTC prefers you use the mobile app as opposed to calling.
You can also ask members of staff at your hotel or the attraction front desk to call a taxi on your behalf. Typically, the dispatcher will let you know an estimated time of arrival. In the city center, this is typically 5-10 minutes, depending on the time of day.
Benefits of booking a Dubai taxi in advance
Though taxis in Dubai are efficient and reliable, there are two major hiccups that tourists face when touring the city. One is that most taxi drivers don’t speak English very well. This can make communication difficult, especially if you don’t have your destination information written down. Secondly, delays during peak hours can lengthen your journey immensely.
Wouldn’t it be lovely to know a designated taxi is waiting for you at your chosen time and location? That’s just one of the benefits of booking a Dubai Airport transfer in advance from a trusted company like Welcome Pickups. You’ll also have a professionally trained English-speaking driver to escort you anywhere you need to go for a fixed price.
Dubai taxi tips
- Peak hours for taxis are between 08:00 and 10:00, and 16:00 and 20:00. On Fridays and Saturdays, peak times are between 16:00 and 00:00. During these times, it may be more convenient to book a private transfer in advance to avoid delays.
- Be sure to carry small bills with you as taxi drivers don’t usually carry much change.
- Dubai taxis accept multiple payment methods, including cash, credit/debit cards, Nol cards, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Alipay, and QR code payments.
- Tipping your taxi driver in Dubai is not obligatory, but they are always appreciated. If you enjoyed your journey, tipping between 10-15% of the fare is satisfactory.
- If you choose to book a taxi via a local rideshare app like Careem, the base fare will be more expensive.
- Dubai taxi drivers are trained professionals, and while many are expatriates, they are expected to have adequate knowledge of the city and basic English proficiency. Although this is not always the case on the ground.
- Make sure your driver resets the taximeter to the correct base fare before you begin your journey.
- It is safe for women to take taxis in Dubai, however, the city offers "Ladies and Families" taxis driven by female drivers. They are identifiable by their pink roofs, providing a comfortable option for women and families.
- There are women’s only taxi companies with only female drivers, these are called Ladies Taxis and have pink roofs.
- Dubai taxis don’t offer baby seats as standard, so be sure to request in advance or simply bring your own.
- The airport taxi rate of €6 (AED 25) applies to taxis from all Dubai airports and the Dubai Cruise Port (Port Rashid).
- Pets are not allowed in Dubai taxis.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis in Dubai
The Dubai Taxi Company has a specialized taxi service for those needing mobility assistance. They call these “People of Determination taxis”. These adapted vehicles are built with your comfort and security in mind.
The rates for these taxis are as follows:
Base fare (06:00 to 00:00) – €1.92 (AED 8)
Per km rate – €0.51 (AED 2.14)
You can catch a POD taxi by hailing one on the street, ordering via the DTC app, or calling them directly.
Dubai taxi safety and complaints
Dubai taxis are known to be safe, secure, and efficient. However, things do happen. If you have any problems with your taxi driver, it’s best to contact the DTC using their official contact channels: [email protected] or +971 (800) 9090. If you booked with a private company, you can also contact them.
Make a note of the driver’s ID number and the vehicle license plate to aid your complaint.