How to Book a Taxi in Dubai
Complete guide to all taxi booking methods in Dubai - from apps to street hailing
5 Ways to Book a Taxi in Dubai
✓ Mobile Apps (Careem, Uber, RTA)
✓ Street Hailing
✓ Phone Booking
✓ Hotel Concierge
✓ Airport Taxi Stands
✓ Taxi Stands at Malls
Method 1: Mobile Apps (Most Popular)
Recommended
Careem (Most Popular)
1.Download Careem app from App Store or Google Play
2.Sign up with your phone number and verify with OTP
3.Add payment method (credit card, debit card, or cash)
4.Enter your pickup location and destination
5.Choose ride type: Economy, Comfort, Business, or Kids
6.Confirm booking and see estimated fare
7.Track driver in real-time on map
Tip: Careem often has promo codes for new users. Check for discounts before your first ride!
Uber
1.Download Uber app from App Store or Google Play
2.Create account with email or phone number
3.Enter pickup and drop-off locations
4.Select ride option: UberX, Comfort, XL, or Black
5.Confirm booking and track driver
RTA Dubai Taxi App (Official)
1.Download "RTA Dubai" or "S'hail" app
2.Register with Emirates ID or passport details
3.Book official RTA taxis with guaranteed metered fares
4.No surge pricing - standard meter rates apply
Method 2: Street Hailing
Traditional
How to Hail
- • Stand on main roads or near landmarks
- • Look for cream-colored Dubai Taxis
- • Raise your hand when you see an available taxi
- • Check roof light is ON (means available)
- • Enter from the back door
Best Locations
- • Sheikh Zayed Road
- • Jumeirah Beach Road
- • Downtown Dubai
- • Dubai Marina Walk
- • Outside shopping malls
Important: Always ensure the driver turns on the meter before starting the journey. Base fare starts at AED 12.
Method 3: Phone Booking
24/7 Available
RTA Taxi Booking Numbers
Dubai: 04 208 0808
Abu Dhabi: 600 535353
Ladies & Families Taxi
04 208 0808
Request pink taxi with female driver
What to Provide:
- • Your current location (building name or landmark)
- • Phone number for driver to contact you
- • Preferred pickup time (immediate or scheduled)
- • Any special requirements (wheelchair accessible, etc.)
Method 4: Hotel Concierge
Convenient
Most hotels in Dubai have taxi booking services at the concierge or main entrance.
Advantages:
- ✓ No waiting - taxis on standby
- ✓ Concierge assists with directions
- ✓ Safe and reliable service
- ✓ Can schedule advance bookings
Note:
- • Some hotels charge small booking fee
- • Metered fares still apply
- • Tipping concierge appreciated (AED 5-10)
Method 5: Airport Taxis
AED 25 Base Fare
Where to Find:
- • Terminal 1: Outside Arrivals Hall
- • Terminal 2: Outside Arrivals Hall
- • Terminal 3: Arrivals Level, follow taxi signs
Fares
- • Base Fare: AED 25
- • Per km: AED 2.82
- • To Dubai Marina: ~AED 80-100
- • To Downtown: ~AED 60-80
- • To Deira: ~AED 30-50
Tips
- • Queue at official taxi stands only
- • Avoid unofficial drivers
- • 24/7 availability
- • No need to pre-book
- • Journey time varies by traffic
Taxi Stands at Popular Locations
Shopping Malls
Dubai Mall, Mall of Emirates, Ibn Battuta, Festival City
Metro Stations
Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, Mall of Emirates, Deira City Centre
Tourist Attractions
Burj Al Arab, Atlantis, Global Village, IMG Worlds
Beaches
JBR Beach, Kite Beach, La Mer
Business Districts
DIFC, Business Bay, Dubai Media City
Hospitals
American Hospital, Mediclinic, Rashid Hospital
Method Comparison
| Method | Wait Time | Availability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Apps | 3-8 mins | 24/7 | Convenience, tracking, cashless |
| Street Hailing | Immediate | Day time | Quick trips, no app needed |
| Phone Booking | 10-15 mins | 24/7 | Scheduled trips, no smartphone |
| Hotel Concierge | Immediate | Hotel hours | Hotel guests, convenience |
| Airport | Immediate | 24/7 | Airport arrivals |