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 spread across the city. Alternatively, you can call the official Dubai taxi number to order a taxi on demand.
The government-licensed vehicles are all run by the Dubai Taxi Corporation. All licensed taxis use taximeters are used 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 often colorful. 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUBAI AIRPORT TO DUBAI CITY | 15 € | 15 € | 20 MIN |
| DUBAI AIRPORT TO ABU DHABI | 83 € | 83 € | 1 HR 30 MIN |
| DUBAI AIRPORT TO DUBAI MARINA | 17 € | 17 € | 20 MIN |
| DUBAI AIRPORT TO JUMEIRAH BEACH | 15 € | 15 € | 20 MIN |
| DUBAI TO HATTA | 80 € | 80 € | 1 HR 20 MIN |
How much is a taxi in Dubai?
All taxis in Dubai use a taximeter to calculate their fares depending on the time of day and the distance traveled. Furthermore, Dubai taxi prices change depending on the type of taxi you take. There are multiple taxi types but the most relevant for you will be the General Taxis, Airport Taxis, and Ladies Taxis. Most are a uniform cream color with the Dubai Taxi Corporation logo printed on the driver’s door. The Ladies’ Taxis are identified by their bright pink roofs. They are exclusively driven by women and only transport women and children.
With all 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 – €0.50 (AED 2.14)
Nighttime base fare (22:00 to 06:00) – €1.40 (AED 5.5)
Nighttime per km rate – €0.50 (AED 2.14)
Airport Taxis
Daytime base fare (06:00 to 22:00) – €6.20 (AED 25)
Daytime per km rate – €0.50 (AED 2.14)
Nighttime base fare (22:00 to 06:00) – €6.20 (AED 25)
Nighttime per km rate – €0.50 (AED 2.14)
Family and Ladies Taxis
Daytime base fare (06:00 to 00:00) – €6.20 (AED 25)
Daytime per km rate – €0.50 (AED 2.14)
Nighttime base fare (00:00 to 06:00) – €6.20 (AED 25)
Nighttime per km rate – €0.50 (AED 2.14)
Note: There are Ladies’ Taxis available at the airport. The base fare rises to €6.20 (AED 25) and the per kilometer rate is €0.60 (AED 2.33).
You can pay your Dubai taxi fare by credit card or cash in the local currency – the dirham (AED). The average 5-km trip around town will cost about €8 (AED 35) depending on the time of day. A longer journey from Dubai International Airport to Port Rashid will likely cost upwards of €24 (AED 105).
Read all reviews
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 DTC (Dubai Taxi Company) 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)
If you’re arriving at Terminal 1, walk towards the 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.
The Terminal 3 taxi stand at Dubai International Airport is located outside of 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 15 minutes so you should reach your accommodation in no time.
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 of the main building as you leave from 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 so you can relax and enjoy the ride.
How to get a taxi from Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall has several pickup points for Dubai taxi services. For example, you can find one on the lower ground floor, by the Waitrose exit. There can be a long queue during peak times.
Alternatively, you can order a taxi and they will collect you from one of the following pickup locations:
- P1 Cinema Parking – Waitrose Exit
- 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 Dubai Mall. It takes around four minutes to walk there and the taxi stands are efficient. Alternatively, you can walk passed 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.
Most popular Dubai taxi apps
Prefer to book a taxi with your mobile phone? The main Dubai taxi app is Careem but you can also use Uber and Hala. These private taxi apps may be convenient but could be subject to surge pricing and unprofessional drivers. The Dubai Taxi Corporation also has its own app 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 Corporation themselves. 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 amazing English. 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 to 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. 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.
- Major credit cards are widely accepted in Dubai taxis.
- Tipping your taxi driver in Dubai is not obligatory, but they are always appreciated. If you enjoyed your journey, giving an extra 5 or 10 AED will make a great tip.
- If you choose to book a taxi via a local rideshare app like Careem, the base fare will be more expensive.
- Most taxi drivers in Dubai are expats from countries like South Asia, so they don’t speak much English or know the city roads well. It’s common practice for your driver to find your destination based on the nearest landmark, so be sure to look this up before your journey.
- Make sure your driver resets the taximeter to the correct base fare before you begin your journey.
- It’s safe for women to ride in taxis in Dubai, but be sure to sit in the back seat only as sitting in the front seat can be easily misunderstood.
- 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 bring your own.
- The airport taxi rate applies to taxis from all Dubai airports and the Dubai Cruise Port (Port Rashid).
- Pets are not allowed in Dubai taxis.
- You are prohibited from eating, drinking or smoking in Dubai taxis.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis in Dubai
The Dubai Taxi Corporation 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) – €2 (AED 8)
Per km rate – €0.60 (AED 2.23)
Airport base fare (00:00 to 06:00) – €6.20 (AED 25)
Airport per km rate – €0.60 (AED 2.14)
You can catch a POD taxi by hailing one on the street, ordering via the DTC app, or calling +971 (4) 208 0190.
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. Make a note of the driver’s ID number and the vehicle license plate to aid your complaint.