Which is the most economical: Dubai Taxi, Careem or Uber?

Dubai Travel Guide: Affordable Rides with Dubai Taxi, Uber, and Careem

Getting around Dubai is pretty easy, and having a car is super convenient. Taxis are everywhere, making it a normal part of life, whether you need to get to work or just want a hassle-free ride to brunch. You can choose between Careem, Uber, or the regular RTA Taxi for a safe journey. Wondering which won’t cost too much? We’ve checked out Careem, Uber, and regular Dubai taxi to help you pick the affordable option.

Dubai has lots of ways to get around, but this guide breaks down the costs, making it simple for you to pick the right ride, whether you’re exploring the city or treating yourself to a more luxurious trip. It’s your go-to guide for choosing the best and most affordable way to get around in Dubai.

Breakdown of Charges:

1. Starting Fee/Base Fare:
   • This is what the ride costs when you begin, and it changes depending on the time of day.
2. Minimum Fare:
   • The least amount you have to pay for your journey.
3. Cost Per Minute:
   • This charge is for stops along the way or waiting at lights or in traffic.
4. Cost Per Kilometer:
   • The rate for the distance you travel during the ride.
5. Waiting Charges:
   • Both Uber and Careem charge for the time the driver waits before you get in.
   • For Careem, waiting charges start after three minutes.
   • With Uber, charges begin after five minutes, but if you get in right away, there’s no waiting fee.
6. Booking Fee:
   • Only if you pre-book through the app or help center.

Other Things to Know:

• There are extra charges like VAT, tolls, peak rates, and more.
• Let’s see how Careem breaks down its fares to understand it better.

Dubai Taxi Types

Here are the Rates for Dubai Taxi for three different services:

1. Regular Taxi:
   • Starting Fare: AED 5 (6:00 am – 10:00 pm)
   • Minimum Fare: AED 12
   • Additional Cost per Kilometer: AED 1.82
2. Limousine:
   • Starting Fare: AED 11 (6:00 am – 10:00 pm)
   • Minimum Fare: AED 25
   • Additional Cost per Kilometer: AED 2.78
3. Family Taxi:
   • Starting Fare: AED 5 (6:00 am – 10:00 pm)
   • Minimum Fare: AED 12
   • Additional Cost per Kilometer: AED 2.09

The Family Taxi offers a unique option for passengers with its own set of fares. Always check the specific taxi type and its associated rates when choosing transportation in Dubai.

Careem Ride Types:

Details of Careem rates in Dubai:

1. Comfort:
   • Starting Fee (AED 5.4): This is the initial cost when you start a Comfort ride with Careem.
   • Distance Charge (AED 2.72 per KM): For every kilometer traveled during a Comfort ride, an additional charge of AED 2.72 is applied.
   • Time Charge (AED 0.68 per min): This charge is applied for the time spent in the ride, at a rate of AED 0.68 per minute.
   • Minimum Fare (AED 16.5): Regardless of the distance, this is the minimum amount you’ll need to pay for a Comfort ride.
2. Premier:
   • Starting Fee (AED 9): The initial cost for starting a Premier ride with Careem is AED 9.
   • Distance Charge (AED 4.2 per KM): For every kilometer traveled during a Premier ride, an additional charge of AED 4.2 is added.
   • Time Charge (AED 0.83 per min): This charge is applied for the time spent in the ride, at a rate of AED 0.83 per minute.
   • Minimum Fare (AED 60): Similar to Comfort, this is the minimum amount you’ll be charged for a Premier ride.
3. Max:
   • Starting Fee (AED 9): The initial cost for starting a Max ride with Careem is AED 9.
   • Distance Charge (AED 3.78 per KM): For every kilometer traveled during a Max ride, an additional charge of AED 3.78 is applied.
   • Time Charge (AED 0.9 per min): This charge is applied for the time spent in the ride, at a rate of AED 0.9 per minute.
   • Minimum Fare (AED 20): Similar to other types, this is the minimum amount you’ll be charged for a Max ride.

Careem also offers special services:

• Personal Captain: Luxury chauffeur-driven rides with premium service.
• Careem Kids: Cars fitted with a child seat.

Careem’s Hala Taxi Service

In addition to its regular service types, there’s the Hala Taxi option, an RTA cab bookable via Careem, with fares similar to regular taxis plus booking fees. Hala Taxi options include Dubai Taxi, Hala Juniors, and Hala Van.

Hala Taxi Fare Details:

• Starting Fare: 8 AED
• Minimum Ride Fare: 12 AED
• Charges Per Kilometer: 1.91 AED
• Waiting Time (below 16 km/h): 0.50 AED per minute

Keep in mind that these rates might change, so it’s essential to verify with Careem for the most up-to-date fare information.

Uber Ride Types:

Details of Uber rates in Dubai for different ride types

1. Black:

• Starting Fee: AED 10.17
  • This is the initial cost charged when you start a Black ride with Uber.
• Cost Per Kilometer: AED 1.93
  • For every kilometer you travel during a Black ride, an additional charge of AED 1.93 is applied.
• Cost Per Minute: AED 0.81
  • This charge is applied for the time spent in the ride, at a rate of AED 0.81 per minute.
• Minimum Fare: AED 20.34
  • Regardless of the distance traveled, this is the minimum amount you’ll need to pay for a Black ride with Uber.

2. Select:

• Starting Fee: AED 5.40
  • The initial cost for starting a Select ride with Uber is AED 5.40.
• Cost Per Kilometer: AED 2.38
  • For every kilometer traveled during a Select ride, an additional charge of AED 2.38 is added.
• Cost Per Minute: AED 0.20
  • This charge is applied for the time spent in the ride, at a rate of AED 0.20 per minute.
• Minimum Fare: AED 15
  • Similar to Black, this is the minimum amount you’ll be charged for a Select ride, regardless of the distance traveled.

3. UberXL:

• Starting Fee (AED 13.22): The initial cost for starting an UberXL ride is AED 13.22.
• Distance Charge (AED 2.70 per KM): For every kilometer traveled during an UberXL ride, an additional charge of AED 2.70 is applied.
• Time Charge (AED 0.81 per min): This charge is applied for the time spent in the ride, at a rate of AED 0.81 per minute.
• Minimum Fare (AED 25.43): Similar to other types, this is the minimum amount you’ll be charged for an UberXL ride.

These rates may be subject to additional charges such as waiting time, tolls, and potential surcharges. Always check the Uber app for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.

Comparing Costs: Dubai Taxi vs Careem vs Uber

1. Dubai Taxi:

• Cost: AED 20.60
  • This is the estimated fare you would pay for a taxi ride from BurJuman Mall to Dubai Mall.

2. Careem (Economy):

• Cost: AED 33 – 39
  • The estimated fare for a Careem Economy ride from BurJuman Mall to Dubai Mall falls within the range of AED 33 to AED 39.

3. Uber (Economy):

• Cost: AED 35
  • The estimated fare for an Uber Economy ride from BurJuman Mall to Dubai Mall is AED 35.

Comparison:

• Among the three options, Dubai Taxi is the most budget-friendly, with a fare of AED 20.60.
• Careem (Economy) offers a slightly higher range of fares, varying from AED 33 to AED 39.
• Uber (Economy) falls in between, with an estimated fare of AED 35.

It’s important to note that these fares are approximations and may vary based on factors such as traffic conditions, route taken, and any additional charges that may apply. Always check the respective apps for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information before choosing your mode of transportation.

Additional Info:

1. Toll Gate Charges:

• Additional Charge: AED 4 per gate
  • All transportation services may incur extra charges for passing through toll gates. Each toll gate crossed during your journey will add an additional AED 4 to your fare.

2. Value-Added Tax (VAT):

• Charge: 5% of the total fare
  • A 5% VAT is applied to the total fare for all transportation services in Dubai. This includes Dubai Taxi, Uber, and Careem fares.

3. Affordability of Dubai Taxi:

• Note: Dubai Taxi is the most affordable option among taxis, Uber, and Careem.
  • If cost is a significant factor, traditional Dubai Taxis are generally more budget-friendly compared to ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem.

4. Budget-Friendly Option:

• Advice: Taxis are cheaper than Uber or Careem in Dubai if you’re on a budget.
  • For budget-conscious travelers, opting for a traditional Dubai Taxi is a cost-effective choice compared to the relatively higher fares associated with ride-hailing services like Uber or Careem.

These additional details provide valuable insights into potential extra charges, taxes, and the overall affordability of different transportation options in Dubai. Remember to factor in toll gate charges and VAT when calculating the total cost of your journey, and choose the option that best suits your budget and preferences.

While taxis are the most budget-friendly, Uber provides a premium service at a higher cost. Careem offers various options, making it suitable for different preferences. Consider your budget and preferences when choosing your transportation in Dubai.