Dubai is known for its clean, safe, and efficient public transportation—and taxis are one of the most reliable ways to travel across the city. Whether you’re heading to the airport, visiting tourist attractions, or commuting daily, Dubai taxis are regulated by the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) to ensure fair pricing, safety, and comfort.
This guide covers everything you need to know before using a taxi in Dubai, including how to book a taxi, updated fares, types of taxis, apps, rules, safety standards, and practical tips.
Why Taxis Are One of the Best Ways to Travel in Dubai
Dubai taxis are popular because they offer:
- 24/7 availability across the city
- Government-controlled fares (no overcharging)
- Professional and trained drivers
- Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles
- Cashless payments (cards & digital wallets)
- Smart booking options (Careem, RTA)
- Perfect for tourists, families, and business travelers
Taxis are especially convenient for families visiting attractions such as theme parks in Dubai, offering door-to-door service without the hassle of parking or public transit transfers.
Types of Taxis in Dubai (RTA-Regulated)
Dubai offers a variety of RTA-regulated taxi options, each tailored to different travel needs. Whether you’re heading to the airport, exploring popular tourist attractions, traveling with family, or planning a day of sun at Dubai’s best beaches, these taxis ensure a safe, comfortable, and reliable ride across the city.
1. Standard Taxi (Cream Color)
The standard cream-color taxi is Dubai’s most widely used and traveler-friendly option, offering a quick, reliable, and budget-friendly way to move around the city.
Features:
- 24/7 availability across all areas
- RTA-regulated meter for fair pricing
- Clean, comfortable vehicles
- Easily accessible at malls, metro stations, and hotels
Why Use It:
- Ideal for daily travel and short city trips
- Perfect for those who prefer a simple, affordable, and hassle-free option
- Great for tourists looking for safe and trustworthy transportation
2. Ladies & Families Taxi (Pink Roof Taxi)
The pink-roof taxi is designed to offer women, children, and families a comfortable, private, and安心 travel experience with professionally trained female drivers.
Features:
- Operated exclusively by certified female drivers
- Safe and private option for women and families
- Easily found at major spots like airports, malls, and hospitals
- Spacious interiors suitable for kids and family travel
Why Use It:
- Ideal for solo women travelers seeking extra comfort
- Preferred by families wanting a calm and secure ride
- Great for parents traveling with young children
- Provides a stress-free, welcoming environment throughout the journey
3. Airport Taxis (DXB Airport)
Airport taxis offer a fast, direct option for travelers arriving at DXB, providing convenient pickup from Terminals 1, 2, and 3 with spacious vehicles for luggage.
Features:
- Dedicated pickup zones at all DXB terminals
- Higher starting fare due to airport surcharge
- Extra space for bags and travel gear
Why Use It:
- Perfect for arrivals with heavy luggage
- Ideal for those needing a quick, direct ride to any part of Dubai
- Reliable option, especially after long flights
4. Hala Taxi (Smart RTA Taxi via Careem)
Hala Taxi is Dubai’s smart, app-based option that lets you book an RTA taxi directly through the Careem app with quick pickup and transparent pricing.
Features:
- Instant booking through the Careem app
- Live trip tracking and accurate fare estimates
- Supports cashless payments for convenience
- Shorter waiting times, especially in busy areas
Why Use It:
- Great for those who prefer app-based, on-demand rides
- Ideal for tourists wanting easy navigation and cashless travel
- Popular among residents for its speed, reliability, and transparency
5. Luxury Taxis in Dubai
Luxury taxis offer a high-end travel experience with premium vehicles and professional service, perfect for travelers who prefer comfort and style.
Features:
- Premium cars like Lexus and similar models
- Higher fare for elevated comfort
- Professional, polished service
Why Use It:
- Ideal for business travelers
- Perfect for hotel transfers or special occasions
- Great for those wanting a more refined, spacious ride
Dubai Taxi Fares (Updated 2025)
Dubai taxis use a metered, transparent fare system, making it easy for travelers to understand costs before and during the ride.
Starting Fare:
- Daytime: AED 5
- Night (11 PM–6 AM): AED 5.50
- Airport Taxis: AED 25
Per Kilometer:
- AED 1.82 – AED 2.00
Minimum Fare:
- AED 12
Additional Charges:
- Salik toll: AED 4 per gate
- Waiting time: AED 0.50 per minute
Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Credit/Debit cards
- Apple Pay / Samsung Pay
- Careem in-app payment
How to Book a Taxi in Dubai (Step-by-Step Guide)
For routes overlapping metro lines or areas covered by the Dubai Metro, you can check the Dubai Metro Complete Guide for Travelers and Residents for station details and timing before booking your taxi.
1. Book via Careem App (Hala Taxi)
The fastest and most convenient method.
Steps:
- Download Careem app
- Select Hala Taxi
- Enter pickup and drop-off locations
- View estimated fare and confirm booking
- Track taxi in real-time
- Pay via cash, card, or in-app
Why Use Hala Taxi:
- Short wait times
- RTA-regulated fares
- Reliable tracking
- Widely available across Dubai
2. Book via RTA Dubai App
Official government taxi booking platform.
Steps:
- Open RTA Dubai app
- Tap ‘Taxi’ and set pickup location
- Confirm request and get driver & vehicle details
Why Use:
- Trusted government-backed service
- Accurate and secure bookings
3. Call Dubai Taxi Corporation Hotline
For offline or instant bookings:
Call Centre agents: 800 90 90
Overseas callers: +971 4 605 1414
Suitable For:
- Hotels and senior citizens
- Travelers without internet access
- Emergencies requiring immediate taxi
4. Taxi Stands at Metro & Malls
Available at major locations like Burjuman, Mall of the Emirates, Business Bay.
How:
- Walk to the taxi stand → take the next available taxi
5. Hail a Taxi on the Street
Street hailing is safe in Dubai.
How to Identify Availability:
- Roof light ON = Available
- Roof light OFF = Occupied
Best Areas:
- Downtown Dubai
- Deira & Bur Dubai
- Dubai Marina
Taxi Safety & Regulations in Dubai
Dubai enforces strict taxi safety standards to ensure a secure and reliable ride for every passenger.
Key Safety Features:
- GPS tracking in all taxis for real-time monitoring
- CCTV cameras inside vehicles for added security
- Panic/emergency buttons for immediate assistance
- Trained drivers with thorough background checks
- Automatic metered fares—no negotiation required
- Lost & found services managed by RTA
- Regular vehicle inspections for safety and reliability
Why It Matters:
Dubai taxis are highly secure, making them one of the safest public transport options in the city
Expert Tips for Using Taxis in Dubai
Maximize your taxi experience in Dubai with these practical tips for safety, convenience, and efficiency.
Top Tips:
- Avoid peak hours (8–10 AM & 5–8 PM) to reduce waiting time
- Use Hala Taxi for the fastest pickup
- Check the meter before starting your ride
- Ladies traveling alone can opt for Pink Roof Taxis
- For long trips, confirm your route on Google Maps
- Keep small change handy for short-distance fares
- Save the RTA hotline (800 9090) for any assistance
Taxis vs Uber vs Careem in Dubai
| Service | Price | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Taxi | Affordable | Easy | Everyday rides |
| Hala Taxi | Cheapest on apps | Fast booking | Tourists & residents |
| Uber | Higher | Premium cars | Business travelers |
| Careem (non-Hala) | Moderate | App-based | Comfort seekers |
Final Verdict: Dubai Taxi Guide 2025
Dubai offers a safe, reliable, and diverse taxi system to suit every traveler’s needs. From the affordable and widely available Hala Taxi for daily travel, to premium Uber or Careem Select vehicles for luxury trips, and dedicated Airport Taxis for smooth arrivals and departures, every option is RTA-regulated and equipped with modern safety features. With convenient app bookings, street hailing, and metro/mall taxi stands, plus expert tips like avoiding peak hours and checking meters, navigating Dubai by taxi is easy, secure, and stress-free for both residents and visitors.
FAQ About Taxi In Dubai
Are taxis easy to find in Dubai?
Yes, taxis operate 24/7 and are widely available across the city.
Do Dubai taxis accept card payments?
Yes, almost all taxis accept cards and digital wallets.
Is Uber available in Dubai?
Yes, but RTA-regulated taxis (Hala Taxi) are usually cheaper.
How much is a taxi from Dubai Airport to Downtown?
Typically AED 50–75, depending on traffic.
Are Dubai taxis safe at night?
Yes, Dubai is one of the safest cities, and taxis are monitored by RTA.