Are you looking for a cheap and reliable way to get around Dubai, but the logistics seem complicated? Then this practical guide is for you! We tell you everything in this guide: rates applied, useful apps for ordering a vehicle, and the options available according to your needs.
Did you know, for example, that some services offer top-of-the-range sedans at affordable prices? We explain how to manage your travel arrangements without unpleasant surprises, so that you can concentrate your energy on what's most important: enjoying your stay in the Emirates.
Getting around Dubai by cab
Locating official vehicles
Arriving in Dubai and looking for a reliable way to get around? Official cabs can be identified by their cream color, with a colored roof depending on the company. A practical tip: take a look at the roof color to quickly identify the type of vehicle.
| Cab type | Roof color | Special features |
|---|---|---|
| Regular cabs | Varies by company (red, green, blue, yellow...) | Available 24/7, operated by various companies (DTC, Cars Taxi...) |
| Ladies Taxis | Rose | Women-only, driven by women, available at airports, shopping malls and hospitals. |
| Hala Taxi | Not specified | Reservations via Careem, EV car options, Tesla, 7-seater and child seats. |
| Airport cabs | Not specified | Available 24/7 at the airport, easily recognized by their cream color. |
| Hatta cabs | Gold | Cab service to the Hatta area. |
? GO TO
Ladies Taxis (pink roof) are perfect for solo female travellers. They can be found in front of major malls such as Dubai Mall, as well as near marina hotels. In fact, many of our partner hotels offer discount coupons for these trips. Just ask at reception!
Where and how to order your vehicle?
Need a quick way to reach your hotel or the airport? You have several options:
- Mobile apps: uber and Careem work perfectly here. The big plus? You pay directly via the app, with no surprises on the final fare.
- Hand-heeling: In tourist areas like Downtown Dubai, a simple wave of the hand is all that's needed. But avoid rush hour if you want to save time!
- Dedicated stations: Conveniently located in front of malls and luxury hotels. Perfect for groups or families with luggage.
Did you know? Some cabs offer chauffeur-driven day trips. Ideal for exploring Palm Jumeirah or Old Dubai without stress. Rates are often negotiable, so don't hesitate to compare them with Uber offers!
Choosing the right vehicle for your needs
Travelling in a group or with children? Opt for the 7-seater minivans, available via the RTA Dubai app. For a more stylish trip to your hotel, Tesla Model S cars are a must for high-tech enthusiasts. Expect to pay around 20% more than a conventional cab.
By the way, most 4-5 star hotels offer their own shuttle service. Ask about it when you book: it can be cheaper than a traditional cab for repeated trips between the hotel and the malls.
A final word of advice: always carry some cash. Even if cards are accepted in 90% of vehicles, having cash on hand avoids unpleasant surprises on impromptu excursions!
Rates and costs: transparency
How is a cab journey calculated in Dubai? The system combines a pick-up charge and a cost per kilometer. The final amount is displayed on a meter that starts as soon as you get on board. The basic fare depends both on the area you're in and the time of day? In concrete terms, each kilometer you travel will cost you around €0.45 (AED 1.82). A price that remains competitive with services such as Uber, especially for short trips around town.
What about surprises on the bill? First of all, there are the usual extras: airport (AED 25), telephone reservations and toll booths. Good to know: some hotels offer a transport service with extra charges, especially for night excursions. Between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., the minimum fare often doubles - a crucial tip if you're planning late-night outings to the Mall of the Emirates. For bulky luggage, it's best to plan ahead: although rare, additional charges may apply, depending on the vehicle. Finally, don't forget that apps like Uber sometimes offer more stable estimates than traditional cabs, especially around tourist areas.
Booking methods and practices
Choose your travel app
Which app should you use to get around Dubai? Between Uber, Careem and local app RTA Dubai, each option has its advantages. For a traveler, the choice often depends on the journey: a trip into town to reach your hotel or an excursion to the Mall of Emirates? International apps like Uber remain popular for their simplicity, especially if you're already used to using them. As for RTA Dubai, it provides access not only to traditional cabs, but also to the metro - handy for avoiding rush-hour traffic jams.
How to estimate the cost of a journey? Good news: most apps display the fare in AED before confirmation. A good way to compare prices between Uber and local alternatives. Another tip: ride-sharing. Ideal if you're staying in a hotel with a group or if you're visiting Dubai with several people. It cuts the cost in half or thirds, especially for long journeys to the airport or big malls.
Tips for smart booking
When to reserve your vehicle? It all depends on your schedule. On weekdays, it's best to avoid departures between 7:30am-9:30am and 5pm-7pm. Uber fares often increase during these periods. For a late-day flight, always allow a margin - delays do happen, even in Dubai!
Here are our tried-and-tested tips for optimizing your bookings:
- Anticipate key journeys: reserve your vehicle for the airport the day before departure. Downtown hotels are often overcrowded at check-out time.
- Compare options: An Uber Comfort costs around 20% more than a standard vehicle. For a 10-minute ride to the mall, it may not be worth it.
- Check the method of payment: Some drivers prefer cash for small amounts. Always carry dirhams with you.
- Adapt the vehicle to your needs: A trip between airports with luggage? Choose a spacious sedan rather than an economy car.
With these tips, you'll have more control over your transportation budget during your trip. And if a driver ever cancels, don't panic: Uber and Careem usually offer a replacement in less than 5 minutes.
Stress-free payment
Credit card accepted? Yes, in most cases. But beware: some local cabs don't have terminals. It's best to ask before you leave, especially if you plan to pay with a foreign card. For short journeys (under AED 20), prefer cash - you'll avoid bank charges.
Need a receipt? On Uber, it arrives directly by e-mail. With conventional cabs, remember to ask the driver for it. A crucial detail if your hotel requires proof of business travel.
Final tip: even if Dubai is high-tech, always keep AED 100 to 200 in cash. Between tolls, tips and the unexpected, it can save the day!
Safety and regulations
Are drivers trained in Dubai? The answer is yes! They are required to have strict skills and regular health checks. Did you know that those who work for Uber or partner hotels also undergo specific training? In particular, they learn how to assist disabled people, including wheelchair users. Good to know: all cars, whether cabs or private vehicles, are equipped with surveillance cameras. This makes it possible to check driver behavior and compliance with standards.
Problems during your trip? Keep Dubai Taxi (04-2080888) and RTA contact details to hand. What's more, if your journey from the Mall of Emirates to your hotel poses a problem with an Uber driver, report it directly via the app. Paradoxically, many people are unaware that in Dubai, even for a simple airport ride (departure or arrival), you can demand proof of fare. We remind you that the excursions organized by the hotels systematically use controlled vehicles - an additional insurance policy for your journeys around the city. Finally, remember that every complaint triggers an investigation, so don't hesitate!
Alternatives and complements
Connected public transport
How can you get the most out of your trip to Dubai? Cleverly combine Uber, metro and bus thanks to multi-modal stations. To manage your travel budget, check fares in AED and compare available options. Did you know that Uber rides are often cheaper than local private companies? Reservations can be made via the DTC or Careem app, which is handy for organizing your journey to hotels or the Dubai Mall. The official app becomes a real travel companion, especially for getting to the airport in the middle of the night.
Are there combined passes? The Nol card remains the most flexible means of payment, accepted on the metro and buses. For trips in private vehicles, payment is generally made in AED by credit card - a useful tip for excursions far from the city center. Note that some hotels offer Uber credits to their guests - it's worth asking!
Chauffeur-driven rentals
When should you choose this service? Compare prices in AED with a standard Uber ride. Chauffeur-driven rentals are particularly useful for special events, such as weddings at the Burj Al Arab or dinners at the Palm Jumeirah. Some people also prefer this means of transport to visit several malls during the day without worrying about parking.
Need a VIP transfer? Several companies offer Mercedes E-Class cars with bilingual drivers. Perfect for an airport departure in style or a road-trip to Abu Dhabi. The hourly rate often includes bottled water and Wi-Fi, handy on long journeys.
Green at heart? Good news: hybrid vehicles are now available in premium fleets. An option that's gaining in popularity, especially for city-center errands.
Premium services
What luxury options are available? Limousines are still the stars for major events, but some service providers even offer panoramic rooftop cabins. Ideal for admiring skyscrapers while sipping an Arabica coffee.
The must-have? Packages including an English-speaking guide and photo stops at hotspots such as the Dubai Mall or the Burj Khalifa. Some drivers become real travel advisors, sharing their secret addresses between journeys. A service that really changes the urban experience!
Taking a cab in Dubai is pretty straightforward: spot the colors of the vehicles, download the relevant app and keep an eye on the fares. A word of advice: plan your journeys in advance to make the most of the city. Is that all? Well, almost! Your stay here deserves stress-free travel - so why wait to start exploring?
FAQ
-
How expensive is a cab in Dubai?
Cabs in Dubai are generally considered affordable, especially when compared to the cost of living and cab fares in other major cities. The cost includes an initial pick-up and a fee per kilometer traveled.
On average, a cab ride in Dubai costs between 10 and 20 euros, but you should also take into account toll charges, which may be added to the fare. It is advisable to check that the meter is running. -
How much does an Uber ride in Dubai cost?
The price of an Uber ride in Dubai varies according to several factors, including the type of vehicle, the time of day and the distance traveled. To get an estimate of the cost, we recommend opening the Uber app and entering the destination.
Uber X and Green are presented as the most affordable options. The Uber app allows you to compare prices before booking a ride, which can help you find the best available fare. -
How do I pay for cabs in Dubai?
In Dubai, you can pay for your cab fare in a number of ways: in cash (accepted in all cabs), by credit card (most cabs are equipped with terminals), or via online booking applications such as Uber and Careem.
Some cabs accept the Nol Card, a Dubai-specific alternative. Check that the cab is equipped with a Nol Card reader before starting your journey. -
How can I call a cab in Dubai?
There are several ways to hail a cab in Dubai: hailing a cab on the street, going to cab ranks (near shopping malls, hotels, airport), or booking by phone by contacting the Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC).
Several mobile applications allow you to book a cab, such as Uber, Careem or RTA Smart Taxi. There are also Ladies cabs, reserved for women and driven by women.
