How to Book A Taxi In Dubai – Hassle-Free Guide with Various Options

A Complete Guide to Booking a Taxi in Dubai

Getting a taxi in Dubai is easy and there are different ways to do it. Whether you’re going to the airport, exploring the city, or just need a ride, Dubai’s taxis are there to help.

This guide breaks down the various methods step by step, making it easy for you to get where you need to go.

How to Book a Taxi in Dubai?

Booking an RTA taxi in Dubai is simple, no matter where you’re going. The easiest way is to flag one down on the street, but remember, they only stop at designated areas. These spots are all over the city for pickups and drop-offs.

There are other ways to book too. Let’s check them out.

1. Get a Dubai Taxi from a Taxi Rank
2. Book RTA Taxi Dubai via SMS
3. S’hail App for Online Taxi Booking
4. Book a Taxi through Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) App
5. Book via Careem

Get a Dubai Taxi from a Taxi Rank

You can also get a taxi from designated ranks across Dubai. These are like taxi stations where cabs wait for passengers. You’ll find them at bus stations, metro stations, airports, and malls.

If you don’t see one waiting, you can use the SMS taxi service.

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Book RTA Taxi Dubai via SMS

Booking an RTA taxi in Dubai is incredibly convenient, as you can reserve a cab with just an SMS. This service is provided by the RTA, but it’s important to note that it’s currently available only for Etisalat users.

Here’s how to do it in two simple steps:

1. Start by composing a message. Enter the area number along with the number of the taxi rank.
2. Once you’ve drafted your message, send it to 4774.

Each taxi rank in Dubai has a specific location number that needs to be included in your SMS booking request. Once you’ve sent the message, you’ll receive the taxi details and an RTA taxi booking number. This number helps you identify the assigned taxi.

The RTA’s Distribution and Reservation System is linked with the SMS taxi service. When the system receives your request, it assigns the nearest vacant taxi to you, ensuring a prompt response to your booking.

Alternatively, you can call 8008-8088 to book.

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S’hail App for Online Taxi Booking

S’hail is one of Dubai’s most helpful public transportation apps, making it easy to navigate the emirate. Not only does it allow you to plan trips and manage your Nol, but it also lets you book taxis and provides real-time traffic updates for smoother journeys.

To book a taxi with S’hail:

1. Get the S’hail App from Google Play or Apple Store.
2. Choose the mode of transportation, such as a Dubai Public Taxi.
3. Input your pick-up and drop-off locations.
4. Select the ‘Book a taxi’ option and wait for one to be assigned to you.

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Book a Taxi through Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) App

DTC offers various taxi services, including limousine, Hatta Taxi, and airport taxis. You can book through their app too.

1. You can flag down a DTC taxi in safe areas like hospitals, malls, and metro stations. Look for the red rooftop to identify them easily.
2. Download the S’hail App and follow the steps mentioned earlier to book an RTA taxi in Dubai.
3. Another option is to reserve a DTC taxi by phone. Simply call the Dubai taxi booking contact number at +971-4-208-0808.

DTC public taxis are one of the most affordable commuting options in Dubai, providing convenient and reliable transportation services throughout the city.

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Book via Careem

Hala, a collaboration between RTA and Careem, offers a convenient way to book affordable rides in Dubai. Booking a Hala taxi through the Careem App is straightforward. Here’s how:

1. Get the Careem App from Google Play or Apple Store and create an account.
2. Choose ‘Hala Taxi’ from the list of car types. If you need more than four seats, you can book ‘Hala Vans’.
3. Let the app know where to pick you up.
4. Enter your destination.
5. Decide how you want to pay.
6. Tap to confirm and track your captain.

Hala Taxi Fare

• Starting fare: 8 AED
• Minimum ride fare: 12 AED
• Charges per km: 1.91 AED

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RTA Taxi Booking Fares

Checking RTA taxi fares is easy, especially if you’re using apps like S’hail and Hala. Just enter your pickup and drop-off locations, and you’ll get an estimated amount. However, here are the standard RTA taxi fares:

• Starting Fare (6:00 AM to 10:00 PM): 5 AED
• Starting Fare (10:00 PM to 06:00 AM): 5.5 AED
• Waiting Charges: 30 AED per hour
• Meter Fare: 1.82 AED per km
• Booking and Distribution: 10 AED to 12 AED

Please note:

• Fares vary depending on the service. For example, the starting fare for Airport Taxi in Dubai is 25 AED, while Luxury Taxi starts at 50 AED.
• Salik charges will be added each time the taxi crosses a toll gate.
• Hatta Taxi: AED 25 per person in a 7-seater vehicle.
• Ladies’ Taxi: Starts at AED 6 in the morning, noon, and evening, and AED 7 after 10 pm.
• Ordinary Taxi: Available for all customers within the UAE.
• Special Needs Taxi: Prices vary based on time and location.

Please note that these rates may change over time.

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Different Payment Modes for Dubai Taxi

Paying for your Dubai taxi ride is easy. You can pay through:

• Cash
• NOL Card
• Debit/Credit Card
• Apple Pay
• Samsung Pay

Booking a taxi in Dubai is simple and convenient, thanks to the variety of options available. Whether you prefer a cab on the street, using apps on your phone, or calling a taxi reservation center, there’s a method that suits everyone.

With reliable services like RTA taxis and Hala, getting around the city is hassle-free. Just remember to check the fares beforehand and enjoy your journey in Dubai!

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