Dubai Taxis: Prices, Apps and Practical Information
- Damian Brzeski
- 5 days ago
- 14 min read
Is it possible to travel cheaply and comfortably in one of the most luxurious cities in the world? Taxis in Dubai will surprise you not only with their price, but also with their organization, roof colors and technological innovations.
Find out which one to choose, how to request a ride and why a pink roof means more than just style!
Dubai Taxi System
Planning a trip to Dubai and wondering how to best get around the city? This guide will help you understand how Dubai's taxi system works, what types of taxis there are, how to identify operators by their roof colors, and when to take a pink lady taxi .
Whether you’ve just landed at DXB or want to conveniently get to the Burj Khalifa, it’s good to know how this impressively organized network works. Let’s get started!
The role of Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) in organizing transport
When you think of a taxi in Dubai , you’re almost certain to find a vehicle belonging to Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) . It’s the largest operator in the city, operating under the auspices of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). DTC’s fleet numbers around 9,500 vehicles, and its signature feature is its cream-coloured taxis with red roofs .
Interestingly, in addition to DTC, there are also other private companies on the streets – such as National Taxi or Arabia Taxi – all of them have a license from the RTA and cream bodies, but they differ in the color of the roof. More on that in a moment!
DTC is not only a huge fleet – it is also the driving force behind the city’s “smart mobility” strategy. In recent years, the company has focused on innovation: from integration with applications, through driver monitoring systems, to autonomous vehicle testing.
So if you choose to travel with official taxis , you can be sure that a licensed driver is behind the wheel and your journey is safe and in accordance with applicable regulations.
RTA as Dubai's public transport supervisor
The entire organization of transport in the city is the RTA – Road and Transport Authority. They set initial fares , regulate licenses and take care of the quality of services. The RTA is also a major player in implementing smart city solutions – including digital platforms for ordering rides , fleet management and integration of different means of transport.
Importantly, each RTA taxi must meet strict standards, and drivers regularly undergo training and service quality assessments.
Roof colors and their meaning in taxi identification
This is one of the most interesting and easiest ways to recognize what kind of company you are dealing with. All taxis in Dubai have a cream body color – but look at the roof:
The red roof is Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) , the largest player on the market,
Yellow Roof – National Taxi,
Green Roof – Arabia Taxi,
Blue roof – Cars Taxi,
Orange Roof – Metro Taxi,
Purple Roof – City Taxi,
Pink roof – taxis only for women and families – more about them in a moment!
It's a simple but effective system - worth remembering, especially if you're looking for a specific operator or just want to recognise who you're travelling with.
Pink Taxi - a service for women and families
Dubai has created a unique initiative – taxis for women , or the so-called Pink Taxi . Their pink roofs and women behind the wheel make many passengers – both locals and tourists – feel safer and more comfortable.
Pink Taxi allows you to order a taxi via an app or by phone, and they even have dedicated taxi ranks at airports and shopping malls.
This is a great option for women traveling alone, families with children, and those who value more privacy and peace. In addition, Pink Taxis are often larger taxis , or vans - ideal for families with suitcases.
In the following sections, we’ll take a look at how much a taxi ride costs, the starting fare from Dubai Airport , and your options for booking a ride – both over the phone and through the Careem app .
What are the prices and charges for taxi rides in Dubai?
Wondering how much a taxi ride costs in one of the most modern cities in the world? Dubai may surprise you – prices are quite affordable, and the system is transparent and adapted to the needs of tourists.
Find out how the starting fare works, how much you'll pay for a ride from DXB , and what you need to know about additional fees and hiring a taxi by the hour.
Dubai Currency and Payments
The local currency in Dubai is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) . One Dirham is divided into 100 Fils. Exchange rates change daily, but as a guide:
1 AED ≈ 1.16 PLN
1 AED ≈ 0.25 EUR
Most taxis – especially those owned by Dubai Taxi Corporation – accept card payments (Visa, MasterCard, as well as Apple Pay and Samsung Pay). Just let the driver know before the end of the trip.
However, it is worth having cash with you, because in rare cases there may be problems with the terminal (e.g. lack of coverage).
ATMs are easily accessible, and cash withdrawals are possible with almost any card. However, you should expect a possible commission from the bank.
Day and night rates and additional fees
Dubai has a uniform pricing system, whether you hail a taxi on the street or order one through an app. During the day (6am–10pm), the starting fare is AED 5 ( approx. PLN 5.80 / EUR 1.26 ), and at night (10pm–6am) it is AED 5.50 ( approx. PLN 6.38 / EUR 1.39 ).
The price for 1 kilometer is on average 2.20 AED ( approx. 2.55 PLN / 0.55 EUR ), although it can vary slightly depending on the type of vehicle and current fuel prices. Interestingly, if the taxi is stuck in a traffic jam or waiting for a customer, a waiting fee of 0.5 AED/min (or 30 AED per hour - approx. 35 PLN / 7.57 EUR ) applies.
Additional fees may be added to the bill, e.g. AED 4 ( approx. PLN 4.60 / EUR 1 ) for each passage through toll gates (Salik).
DXB Airport Transfer Cost and Starting Fare
If your first contact with Taxi in Dubai is Dubai Airport Taxis , be prepared for a slightly higher starting fare . For rides from DXB Airport, there is a starting fee of AED 25 ( approx. PLN 29 / EUR 6.31 ) - this is a flat rate, regardless of the time of day.
For example:
Dubai Airport → Downtown : approx. 50 AED ( approx. 58 PLN / 12.62 EUR )
DXB Airport → Marina : AED 80–90 ( approx. PLN 93–104 / EUR 18.5–20.3 )
Taxi rental by the hour – available options and prices
Planning on driving around the city or meeting up? Instead of counting every kilometer, you might want to consider hiring a taxi by the hour. DTC Limousine, a service run by Dubai Taxi Corporation , offers luxury cars with a driver (e.g. Lexuses) by the hour.
Starting rate : 16 AED ( approx. 18.5 PLN / 4 EUR )
Rate per kilometer : approx. AED 3.56 ( approx. PLN 4.1 / EUR 0.90 )
Hourly rental : from AED 150/h ( approx. PLN 174 / EUR 37.9 )
Packages are also available, e.g. 4 hours for AED 500 ( approx. PLN 580 / EUR 126 ).
Waiting Fee and Minimum Fare
Dubai has a minimum fare – even if you only travel 1km, you will pay at least 12 AED ( approx. 14 PLN / 3 EUR ). This means that very short journeys can be relatively expensive.
If you ask the driver to wait for you for a while – for example, in front of a shop – expect that each minute of waiting will cost you an additional 0.5 AED. This fee is also charged in traffic jams. In practice: 10 minutes of waiting = 5 AED ( approx. 5.80 PLN / 1.26 EUR ) more on your bill.
With transparent pricing, Dubai’s 24/7 taxi system is convenient, regardless of the time of day or location. And that’s just the beginning! In the next section, you’ll learn how to order a taxi quickly and conveniently, both on the street and through a Dubai taxi app .
How to order a taxi in Dubai?
In Dubai, you can order a taxi in several ways – traditionally by phone, quickly via an app or… completely modernly, using smart mobility solutions.
Importantly, each of these methods is coordinated by the RTA, which means uniform quality and transparency of fees. Check which option will be most convenient for you.
Taxi booking apps: Hala Taxi, Careem, Uber, Bolt
The most popular way to order a ride in Dubai is through mobile apps. It's convenient, fast, and allows you to track the vehicle's arrival on a map.
Hala Taxi (available in the Careem app ) – This is the official RTA taxi option . You order a licensed RTA taxi with a driver using the app’s intuitive interface. You can choose from Hala Kids (with a car seat), Hala Van (for larger groups) or Hala EV (electric cars). Entry fee: AED 12. Payment is possible by card, cash or Careem Pay .
Careem – In addition to Hala, Careem offers private rides in other car categories (e.g. GO, Business, Max). Usually more expensive than Hala, but they offer more comfort and a choice of vehicles. You can pay by card, cash or through the app.
Uber – available in Dubai but only operates private limousines, not official RTA taxis. Usually more expensive than taxis, but offers a fixed price regardless of traffic.
Bolt – Estonian alternative to Uber and Careem, often cheaper, especially for short trips. Bolt also does not use the RTA fleet, but licensed limousines.
Ordering a taxi by phone - available numbers and services
For those who prefer a more traditional option, Dubai also offers the option of ordering a taxi by phone . Simply call 800 88088 – the 24-hour Dubai Taxi Corporation hotline.
The operator will ask for location, number of passengers, and any preferences (e.g. women's taxis ). Waiting time is usually 5-15 minutes.
When booking over the phone, the entry fee is higher – AED 12 (instead of AED 5 on the street). This method of booking is great if you need a taxi in advance – for example, to the airport in the morning.
RTA Smart Taxi and other innovative ways to book
Dubai is a city of technology, so it’s no surprise that smart ways to order a taxi have also emerged. While the RTA Smart Taxi app has been retired and replaced by S’hail and Hala , there are a few new features worth mentioning:
S'hail – is the official RTA app that integrates all modes of transport: metro, trams, buses and Dubai taxi app . You can book a ride with the same rates as Hala.
DTC App – Dubai Taxi Corporation application. It allows you to order taxis 24/7 , Pink Taxi, taxis for people with disabilities or even a driver for your own car (DTC My Driver).
Modern reservation systems also include:
contactless payment option,
live vehicle tracking on the map,
driver and route evaluation,
and in some cases – free WiFi on board!
Regardless of whether you choose the classic ordering a taxi by phone or decide via the Careem app , one thing is certain - in Dubai you will find a taxi quickly and without stress.
What payment methods are available for taxi rides in Dubai?
There are many ways to pay for a taxi ride in Dubai – quickly, safely and without unnecessary stress. The system is transparent and tourist-friendly, regardless of whether you have cash, a card or use an app. Discover all the available options!
Accepted forms of payment: cash, card, apps
Cash is still the most common payment method. Drivers accept dirhams (AED) and give change. However, it is worth having smaller denominations (e.g. AED 10, 20) with you, because with AED 200 notes the driver may not be able to spend it.
All RTA taxis are equipped with POS terminals – you can easily pay by payment card (Visa, MasterCard), contactless, with PIN or magnetic stripe. Apple Pay and Samsung Pay are also supported.
If you order through Careem , Uber or Hala, you can pay cashless in the app – just link your card or top up your wallet (e.g. Careem Pay, Uber Cash). After the ride ends, the fee will be charged automatically and the receipt will be sent to your email.
Additionally, many taxis also accept Alipay and WeChat Pay , which makes life easier for tourists from China.
Note: In the event of a problem with the terminal (e.g. no reception in the tunnel), it is a good idea to have cash with you as an alternative.
NOL card as a means of payment in taxis
The NOL card, known mainly from the metro and buses, can also be used to pay for official taxi rides . You will find a NOL reader in every licensed taxi – just touch the card when paying and the system will automatically deduct the amount from your balance.
This is especially convenient for tourists who already use public transport. However, it is important to top up the card in advance – you can't do this in a taxi. If you pay with a NOL card, ask the driver for a receipt from the taximeter (it doesn't print automatically).
In short, Dubai taxi payment options are very wide and tailored to different preferences. Just choose the one that is most convenient for you.
Example Dubai Taxi Routes and Times
How much does a taxi cost from the airport to your hotel? How long does it take to get from Downtown to the Marina? If you’re planning on exploring Dubai, it’s worth knowing the approximate times and cost of taxi rides on popular routes. This will help you budget and avoid unnecessary surprises.
Popular tourist routes and approximate prices
Here are some of the most popular routes chosen by tourists – along with distance, travel time and approximate price:
Route | Distance | Travel time* | Estimated price |
DXB Airport → Downtown (Burj Khalifa) | approx. 14 km | 15–25 min | approx. 50 AED (~58 PLN / ~12.6 EUR) |
DXB Airport → Dubai Marina (JBR) | approx. 34 km | 25–40 min | approx. 85 AED (~98 PLN / ~21.4 EUR) |
Downtown → Dubai Marina (JBR) | approx. 22 km | 20–35 min | approx. 55–60 AED (~63–70 PLN / ~14–15 EUR) |
Downtown → Palm Jumeirah (Hotel Atlantis) | approx. 26 km | 25–40 min | approx. 70 AED (~81 PLN / ~17.5 EUR) |
*These times are for off-peak times. Journey times between 7:30am-9:30am and 5:00pm-7:30pm may be extended by up to 50%.
Transfers to and from Dubai Airport
Dubai Airport (DXB) taxis are the most convenient transfer option – they operate 24/7 and have clearly marked taxi ranks at all terminals. You’ll find a taxi at any time, even in the middle of the night.
The starting fare from Dubai Airport is AED 25 ( approx. PLN 29 / EUR 6.3 ). To this is added a metered fare of approx. AED 2.2/km.
Sample prices from DXB airport:
To Downtown (Burj Khalifa) : ~AED 50
To Dubai Marina / JBR : ~AED 85-90
To Palm Jumeirah (Atlantis) : ~AED 100
When travelling to Dubai Airport (i.e. in the other direction), the AED 25 fee does not apply – the standard initial fare (AED 5 during the day or AED 5.50 at night) applies.
It is worth factoring in extra time during peak hours and avoiding routes with toll gates (Salik) if you want to save on taxi fares . Each gate is an additional 4 AED.
Good to know: with 3-4 people the cost shared between passengers is very competitive compared to public transport or private hotel transfers.
Flying Taxis – The Future of Transport in Dubai
Dubai is known for its futuristic solutions and could soon become the first city in the world with regularly operating flying taxis .
Joby Aviation Project and Planned Implementation in 2025
In 2024, an agreement was signed with the American company Joby Aviation , which will be the first to launch commercial eVTOL (electric vertical-lift) flights over Dubai.
According to plans, the first pilot trips are to begin in 2025 , and ultimately the flights will be available to passengers on selected city routes.
Vertiports – infrastructure for air taxis
To accommodate this new means of transport, Dubai is building special landing strips – so-called vertiports . The first four are to be built at key points in the city: DXB airport , Downtown (Burj Khalifa), Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah.
Each vertiport will be equipped with take-off and landing areas, passenger waiting rooms, security and charging systems.
Although the cost of an air taxi ride will initially be high (estimated at around AED 350 per flight), the project has the potential to revolutionise urban transport – shortening journeys from 30 to 10 minutes.
What are the alternatives to taxis?
While Dubai taxis are convenient and available 24/7, it’s worth knowing other ways to get around the city. For budget-conscious, independent, and eco-conscious travelers, Dubai has some interesting options.
Public transport: metro, buses and trams
Dubai has one of the most modern public transport networks in the Middle East:
Metro – fully automated, clean and air-conditioned. Two lines (red and green) connect the most important points of the city: Dubai Airport (DXB) , Downtown, Dubai Marina, Mall of the Emirates and many more. Tickets are purchased using the NOL card , and prices start from 3 AED.
Buses – a wide network of lines to less touristy areas. Also operated by RTA, with stops equipped with air-conditioned shelters. Prices and ticketing system are the same as in the subway.
Tram - Ideal for short journeys around Dubai Marina and JBR. Connects to the metro and monorail to Palm Jumeirah. Tickets are only AED 3.
All these means are cheap, punctual and integrated into one transport platform.
Car rental by the minute with the Udrive app
If you prefer complete independence, consider car sharing. The most popular service in Dubai is Udrive , an app that lets you rent a car by the minute.
You register via the app,
You choose the closest available vehicle,
You open it with your phone and go!
The cost of hiring a car sharing taxi is around AED 1 per minute , meaning an hour’s ride will cost around AED 60. The price includes fuel and parking in designated areas. It’s a great alternative if you’re planning on making a few short trips or want to explore the city on your own terms.
To sum up – transportation options in Dubai are very diverse. From convenient taxi rides in Dubai , through public transport , to modern car sharing. The choice is yours!
Finally, some practical tips and curiosities
Dubai is a city that cares about the comfort of its travelers – including those who choose to travel by taxi . Here are some practical tips to help you plan your journeys even more efficiently.
Rush hours and their impact on travel time and cost
It’s worth remembering that rush hour in Dubai is typically between 7:30–9:30 a.m. and 5–7:30 p.m. (slightly later on Fridays). During this time, traffic can get really congested, and getting from A to B can take twice as long as normal.
Why is this important? Because the taximeter charges not only for kilometers, but also for the time spent waiting – 0.5 AED per minute. This means that 30 minutes in a traffic jam can add an additional 15 AED to your bill. If you want to save money – leave earlier or choose the metro.
Most frequently used vehicle models – Toyota Camry as standard
Most RTA taxis are solid and comfortable sedans – primarily the Toyota Camry , which is considered the “standard Dubai taxi”. Alongside it, you will also find the Nissan Altima, Toyota Avalon and – in the luxury version – the Lexus ES300h (in DTC limousines).
At airports or as part of the Pink Taxi service, larger vehicles such as the Toyota Innova or Hyundai H1 often appear -a minivan ideal for families and groups with luggage. For fans of technological innovations, it may be interesting to know that electric Teslas also drive around the city as part of the EV Hall.
Taxis available 24/7 – availability and reliability of services
One of the best things about Dubai taxis is their reliable 24/7 availability . No matter the time of day or night, you can always find a taxi – whether on the street or through an app. Even at 3am, there are hundreds of taxis circulating in the city centre.
It is also worth knowing that in Dubai there is no so-called "shift change" that could cause taxi drivers to refuse a ride. Drivers operate in 12-hour shifts, and their distribution is supervised by the RTA system, which balances the number of available vehicles in different areas.
A few more tips
Always wear your seat belt , even in the back seat. It's not only your duty, but also common sense.
Don't eat or drink in a taxi – that's an unwritten rule (and an official RTA ban). Exception: water.
Have a question or problem? Driver doesn't speak English? Take a picture of the license plate and contact the DTC hotline - the reaction is immediate.
Lost something in a taxi? Ask for a receipt at the end of the trip – it includes the vehicle number, which will help you recover your lost item.
Finally, using taxis in Dubai is a really convenient and safe way to get around the city – for both tourists and locals. And with proper planning, you can save a lot of money too!
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