Taking a taxi in Abu Dhabi
Taxis in Abu Dhabi are by far the most convenient and popular transport option. Getting around the city is easy; more than 6,000 taxis are roaming around the streets looking for their next ride outside major tourist spots. Taxis in Abu Dhabi are reasonably priced and thanks to the exchange rate, fares are very low compared to international standards which makes taking a taxi in Abu Dhabi Dubai even more accessible.
There are various types of taxis; regular silver taxis with a yellow roof light, Pink taxis – driven only by women, airport taxis that offer specific routes from the airport to the city center, and family taxis that can accommodate up to six passengers and are distinguished by their white roof light. On top of that, over 85% of taxis are hybrids or run natural gas to support efforts for a more sustainable future.
Hand picked & english speaking drivers
Same price as a regular Taxi from the line
Drivers are always on time
24/7 Email & Phone support
How much does a taxi cost?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FROM ABU DHABI AIRPORT TO THE CITY CENTER | 19.50 € | 20 € | 30 MIN |
| FROM ABU DHABI AIRPORT TO SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE | 17.2 € | 17.7 € | 20 MIN |
| FROM ABU DHABI AIRPORT TO DUBAI | 56 € | 56.50 € | 1 H |
| FROM ABU DHABI AIRPORT TO SHARJAH | 67 € | 67.80 € | 1 H 20 MIN |
| FROM ABU DHABI AIRPORT TO YAS MARINA CIRCUIT | 8 € | 8.70 € | 20 MIN |
| FROM THE CRUISE TERMINAL TO SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE | 11.50 € | 12 € | 20 MIN |
| FROM THE CRUISE TERMINAL TO ABU DHABI MALL | 4.20 € | 4.50 € | 14 MIN |
Abu Dhabi Dubai taxi price
Taxi prices in Abu Dhabi are government-regulated throughout the city and charged using a taximeter. Fares are calculated based on the distance traveled, so the further your destination, the more expensive your ride will be. Current Abu Dhabi taxi rates are as follows:
Day-time 06:00 to 22:00
Base Fare – €1.22 (AED 5)
Additional price/km – €0.45 (AED 1.82)
Waiting time per minute – €0.12 (AED 0.50)
Night-time 22:00 to 06:00
Base Fare – €1.34 (AED 5.50)
Additional price/km – €0.45 (AED 1.82)
Waiting time per minute – €0.12 (AED 0.50)
Generally, you can expect the cost of a taxi in Abu Dhabi Dubai to be around €3 (AED 12.00) for any trip within the city during the day. The base fare changes at night, making rides slightly more expensive and rides from the airport incur an additional surcharge fee of €3.70 (AED 15) which will automatically be added to the meter when you get in. There is also a call-out fee of €0.98 – €1.22 (AED 4 – 5) for bookings made over the phone.
Read all reviews
How to get a taxi in Abu Dhabi
Grabbing a taxi from the street in Abu Dhabi is a breeze which is why they are the most common mode of transport for tourists visiting the city. Taxis can be hailed from the side of the ride by holding out your hand when you see the taxi light on the roof is turned on. Just wait for them to pull over to let you in, and always check that the meter is on and in use.
Alternatively, you can walk to a designated taxi stand by looking for a red and yellow sign with ‘Taxi Stand’ written on it. Official taxi stands are limited, however, taxis are commonly found waiting outside shopping centers, hotels, and bus stations and at designated taxi stands near Sheikh Khalifa Medical City and Abu Dhabi Courts.
How to get a taxi from Abu Dhabi Airport
Taxis are available from Abu Dhabi Airport at any time of day. Airport taxis depart from the official taxi stand located outside the Arrivals Hall of each terminal, if in doubt simply follow the airport signs or ask for help at the Information Desk. Airport taxis are comfortable and spacious black Mercedes-Benz Vito vans and the 30-minute ride from Abu Dhabi Airport to the city center shouldn’t cost more than €19.50 (AED 80) on the meter.
How to get a taxi from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
After disembarking from your bus, enter the terminal building and exit through the main entrance. Given this is the main bus station in the country, you’ll have no problem finding silver taxis lined up along the road outside directly in front of the entrance. Note that it’s not uncommon for strangers to share taxi rides, especially from bus stations.
How to get a taxi from Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal
Passengers aren’t allowed to walk through the port although if you’re taking a taxi, there is no need to anyway. Taxis line up outside the Passenger Terminal along with the Hop On Hop Off buses and shuttle services. Just be sure to have some dirhams on you to pay for your ride. From here to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is about 20 minutes and costs €11.50 (AED 47.20).
How to get a taxi from Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Grand Mosque, a site that shouldn’t be missed on your visit to Abu Dhabi, is most easily accessed by taxi for both your arrival and departure. Upon exit, you’ll find taxis lined up outside waiting to take passengers to their next destination. If none are waiting, head to the nearby Ritz Carlton Hotel where there will either be one waiting or you can phone one directly.
How to get a taxi from Abu Dhabi Mall
Regular taxis are available outside all of the main entrances to the mall. Keep in mind if you are finishing your shopping late at night that prices may be slightly higher than when you arrived during the day.
Most popular Abu Dhabi taxi app
If you’re not having much luck finding a cab on the street or you simply prefer to know the cost of your ride upfront, you can use a taxi app to arrange your ride instead.
Ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem are popular options. However, most people in Abu Dhabi use the Abu Dhabi Taxi app to arrange a regular taxi service as they are generally more affordable.
For rides to and from the airport, you may want something more reliable for added peace of mind. Welcome Pickups provides competitive fixed rate fares when booked in advance and guaranteed on-time pickups ensuring a seamless transfer.
Useful Abu Dhabi taxi number
If you won’t have access to WiFi or prefer not to register for another app, you can request an air-conditioned taxi to come and pick you up by calling a taxi Abu Dhabi number. Some popular options include:
- National Taxi LLC: +971 2554 2231
- Cars Taxi: + 971 4269 3344
- Tawasul: + 971 2 673 4444
- Abu Dhabi transport hotline: +971 600 535 353
Remember that there will be an additional call-out fee for this option.
Book your Abu Dhabi taxi in advance with Welcome
Even though they are relatively inexpensive, when you use an Abu Dhabi taxi service your fare will always be calculated using a taximeter based on the time and distance traveled which can be impacted by the level of traffic during peak hours. That means that unexpected charges may occur.
If you want to plan your journey’s expenses without worrying about unexpected fees, then pre-booking your Abu Dhabi Airport taxi will take the weight off your shoulders. For a competitive fixed price and no hidden fees, stellar personalized service, and local English-speaking drivers, we recommend that you pre-book your Abu Dhabi taxi with Welcome Pickups.
Abu Dhabi Taxi Tips
- You might spot the occasional yellow and white taxi. A few of these were re-released into the city as a nostalgic throwback to taxis in the 80s and 90s.
- For your safety, taxis in Abu Dhabi require wearing a seatbelt at all times.
- Taxis in Abu Dhabi accept both card and cash payments. However, vehicles don't have Point of Sale machines so if you wish to use a card you’ll need to download the Abu Dhabi taxi app and pay by scanning the QR code on the taximeter.
- Due to high temperatures in Abu Dhabi, taxi drivers are required to have air-conditioning on. Feel free to ask your driver to switch it on.
- Abu Dhabi taxi drivers are more familiar with landmarks than street names so it is helpful to have a point of reference to show them.
- Tipping your driver isn't required in Abu Dhabi. However, if you receive exceptional service you can round up your fare. For longer routes, it's common to tip your driver 10% of your ride's cost.
- Abu Dhabi is a popular and busy destination, so it might take longer to get from point A to B during peak hours. It's recommended to plan ahead and when possible, choose to travel outside of these hours.
- Abu Dhabi taxis are equipped with CCTV cameras to ensure a safe and excellent service for the passengers.
- To save money, you can choose to share your ride with other passengers heading in a similar direction. Keep in mind, however, that the driver will likely drop you at a place convenient to all passengers, rather than directly at your destination.
- It may be possible to pay for a regular Abu Dhabi taxi with a credit card, however, airport taxis only accept dirhams.
- Ask your driver for a receipt at the end of your trip in case you leave anything behind. Abu Dhabi taxi drivers are usually very honest and will arrange to have your items returned.
Wheelchair Accessible Taxis in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is one of the most organized cities when it comes to wheelchair-accessible taxis. Many companies provide minivans and spacious taxis for electric wheelchairs or mobility scooters, offering a 50% discount on the standard taxi fare. If you wish to book a fully accessible taxi with spacious seating, large walkways, and access ramps, you can contact the Abu Dhabi taxi call center at +971 600 53 53 53.
Abu Dhabi Taxi Safety and Complaints
In general, all taxi services in Abu Dhabi have a good reputation for treating tourists honestly by offering a great experience. Even though it’s very unlikely to receive bad taxi service, if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable during your trip, make sure you keep your receipt with the driver’s details, along with the taxi license number, so you can make a complaint by calling +971 600 53 53 53.