TAXIS IN DUBAI
At the Airport
Public taxis: For visitors arriving at Dubai International Airport, once you exit the baggage carousel area and make your way out, follow the clearly signposted boards that say Taxis. Outside, you’ll find the taxi rank with different options available. Taxis are available 24/7.
All taxi options are metered and start at AED 25. However, the rates per KM will differ as highlighted below (as of 2023).
Recommended: The beige colored standard taxis are the best value. The rate per KM is AED 2.09.
For Ladies & Families, there is a dedicated service driven by female drivers. Those typically come with pink roof signs. The rate per KM is AED 2.23.
For People of Determination who may need assistance with wheelchairs and so on, there is also a dedicated service. The rate per KM is AED 2.23.
There are also black limousine options, including a standard limousine service, ladies limousine service and Tesla electric car services. Kindly note that they’re not actually limousines, but typically Lexus or similar car options. The rate per KM is AED 3.67.
All taxis accept cash and contactless card payments. You can always check with the drivers before riding. If the card machines are found to be faulty after you ride, then the ride is free. All vehicles have a contact number sticker for the Roads Transport Authority if you’d like to call and report that the machine is not working. Again if this happens, the ride is free. Would still advise carrying cash to tip the driver, preferably in local currency.
UBER: has a designated waiting area at the airport. When you book using the app, which requires a phone and active data connection, you should note down the terminal you’re arriving at, and can then follow the signposted boards at the airport leading to the pick-up point. FYI: it’s much easier to just grab a public taxi.
In the City
Public taxis: You can find a public taxi in Dubai by flagging one from the street. They are all beige colored taxis, again all metered, and have a minimum charge of AED 12. The starting fares differ when requested during peak vs. non-peak hours. Also, additional fares apply when passing through Salik toll gates.
If you’re staying at a hotel, ask the concierge team to flag one for you. Make sure to explicitly request a public taxi and not a limo taxi.
If you’d like to book a public taxi in advance, you can book one via the Careem mobile app. For this you’ll need a phone and active data connection. The Careem app allows you to book public taxis when you select ‘Hala taxi’ as your ride of choice. Please note that the other vehicle options listed under ‘Rides’ as Comfort, Executive, Premier, Kids, and others are not applicable under public taxi rates. Only Hala rides fall under public taxis and are available in Dubai only.
Tip: If you decide to use the Careem app to book Hala Rides, check out their list of available promo codes for first-time users.
UBER & Careem: your go-to ride hailing apps. Again, both require a phone and active data connection. The estimated fares will be shared prior to booking; however, may vary as per waiting times and traffic. All cars are licensed vehicles, are typically Lexus, Mazda models, or similar, and can be paid via the app directly.
There are a few other apps you’ll also find available to use in Dubai; however, the above noted are the most popular.