Posted by Whoever wants to get around Dubai quickly and comfortably should use a taxi or Uber. The road network is excellent, all vehicles are air-conditioned, and prices are surprisingly affordable compared to Europe. In this article, you’ll find everything about taxi prices, Uber alternatives, airport transfers, payment options and useful apps – updated for 2025.
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Taxis in Dubai – safe, affordable and available everywhere
Taxis are the main means of transportation in Dubai. They operate around the clock, wait at almost every metro station and can also be ordered via app or phone. All official taxis are equipped with GPS, taximeter and air conditioning – prices are fixed and transparent.
- Identification: beige cars with a colored roof (depending on operator)
- Authority: RTA (Roads & Transport Authority)
- 24-hour service in all districts
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Taxi prices in Dubai 2025
The fares are regulated city-wide and apply to all providers. There is no bargaining like in other countries – the taximeter is binding.
| Trip | Price (AED) | Approx. Euro |
|---|---|---|
| Base fare (day) | 3 AED | €0.75 |
| Base fare (night, from 22:00) | 3.50 AED | €0.90 |
| Price per km | 1.82 AED | €0.45 |
| Waiting per minute | 0.50 AED | €0.13 |
| Minimum fare | 12 AED | €3.00 |
| Airport surcharge (starting fee) | 25 AED | €6.30 |
Example trips (2025):
- Airport → Burj Khalifa: approx. 60 AED (~€15)
- Dubai Marina → Palm Jumeirah: approx. 35 AED (~€9)
- Bur Dubai → Mall of the Emirates: approx. 40 AED (~€10)
Taxi types in Dubai (roof colors & operators)
The roof color shows which company operates the taxi. Prices are the same everywhere – you can take any taxi without worry.
- Red roof: Dubai Taxi Corporation (state-owned, biggest fleet)
- Yellow roof: Arabia Taxi
- Blue roof: Cars Taxi
- Green roof: National Taxi
- Pink roof: women-only taxis (female drivers)
Pink taxis are popular at airports and malls – they may be used only by women and families.
Payment & tipping
- Payment by cash (Dirham) or card (Visa, MasterCard).
- Always ask for the receipt – useful for lost items.
- Tipping is optional: 2–5 AED (~€0.50–1) is common.
- No rounding necessary, drivers give correct change.
Taxi from Dubai Airport (DXB)
Official airport taxis are located directly outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 – look for the “RTA Taxi” signs. There is a fixed starting fee of 25 AED (~€6.30). The ride to Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa) costs around 50–70 AED (~€13–18) and takes 20–30 minutes.
Avoid private drivers inside the terminal – only licensed taxis may pick up passengers.
Uber & Careem in Dubai
Both Uber and Careem are legal and widely used in Dubai. Careem has belonged to Uber since 2020 but operates through its own app. Both apps are reliable and offer modern cars, fixed prices and cashless payment.
Advantages of Uber & Careem:
- Fixed price in advance (no surprises)
- Payment via app (credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay)
- Vehicle tracking & driver rating
- More comfortable cars (often Lexus, Tesla, SUVs)
Price comparison (2025):
- Uber: Dubai Marina → Burj Khalifa: approx. 70 AED (~€18)
- Careem (Standard): approx. 60 AED (~€15)
- RTA taxi: approx. 55 AED (~€14)
App tip: how to book
- Download the app (**Uber** or **Careem**).
- Enter pickup and destination.
- Select vehicle type (Economy, Business, XL).
- Check price preview and confirm ride.
- Payment processed automatically via app.
Note: Uber cannot pick up directly at the terminal. Pickup is usually at “Parking Area B” – the app shows the exact location.
Rules & behavior in taxis
- Seatbelts required in all seats.
- No eating, drinking or smoking allowed.
- No public affection – also not inside taxis.
- Quiet music, no loud phone calls.
- Complaints or praise: via RTA app (vehicle number on receipt).
Taxi apps in Dubai (overview 2025)
- RTA Dubai App: official authority app; shows taxi locations, prices & metro links.
- Careem App: largest provider (taxi, limousine, delivery).
- Uber App: works just like in Europe.
Alternative: Private transfers & limousine service
If you want more comfort, you can book a private driver or limousine service. Ideal for airport transfers or business trips – often with fixed price, bottled water and Wi-Fi included.
- Advantages: no waiting, fixed price, premium cars
- Airport → Dubai Marina: from €35 (for 3 people)
Taxi or Metro – which is better?
For short distances, taxis are worth it – especially in the heat. The metro is extremely cheap and ideal for long distances along Sheikh Zayed Road.
| Criterion | Taxi | Metro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | from 12 AED | from 3 AED |
| Comfort | high (air-conditioned, door-to-door) | medium (some walking required) |
| Speed | fast, but traffic jams possible | punctual, no traffic jams |
| Availability | 24/7 everywhere | 5:00–1:00, fixed routes |
Conclusion: taxis & Uber are the most convenient option in Dubai
Whether from the airport to the hotel or to the mall – taxis and Uber in Dubai 2025 are safe, clean and affordable. Especially for first-time visitors, they are the easiest way to explore the city stress-free. The metro is a great budget option, but taxis offer maximum flexibility – day and night.
Recommendation: Use Uber or Careem for longer distances, and official RTA taxis for quick short trips. And when arriving at the airport, booking an official transfer in advance can save waiting time.
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