For a big city, getting around Dubai using public transport is surprisingly easy and affordable. While the city has an excellent metro, tram, and bus system, getting around via taxis in Dubai is a must if you don’t have your own car. So, if you’re wondering exactly how to book a taxi in Dubai, I’ve got you covered with my complete guide to taxis in Dubai, including 7 popular taxi and ride-hailing apps you should consider downloading.
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Taxis in Dubai: 7 Essential Ride-Hailing Apps
1. Careem (Hala Taxi)
Careem is a must-have Dubai taxi app that prides itself on being “the everything app.” From ordering affordable taxis to getting food and groceries delivered to your door, this app is a lifesaver here in Dubai.
If you’re wondering how to book a taxi in Dubai that’s cheap and easy, Careem is going to be your go-to app. It’s basically the only app I use for taxis in Dubai.
For the most economical option, choose a “Hala Taxi.” This will allow you to enter your pick-up and drop-off location, see the estimated price, and track your driver and journey.
You can also opt for a larger vehicle if you’re traveling with a group and choose your preferred payment method. If you’re looking for cheap taxis in Dubai, booking a Hala Taxi through Careem is your best bet.
Alternately, you can choose the “Rides” option on the Careem app and ride in style in a nicer vehicle, like a Tesla or a Lexus, depending on your preference.
2. Bolt
Bolt is the new kid on the block here in Dubai. The app launched its Dubai taxi app in December 2024 and it’s expected to be another must-have Dubai taxi app. It’s well worth signing up for the app because they’re offering discounted rides to new users following its launch.
If you’re looking for cheap taxis in Dubai, you can book the standard Bolt car. Or, for something a little more premium, you can upgrade to a spacious Comfort car, a high-end Quality car, or a large XL car, which is perfect for groups.
At the time of writing, Bolt’s Dubai app is just a ride-hailing service, but it’s expected to expand its services very soon!
3. Uber
Uber really needs no introduction. But if you’re wondering if Uber is available in Dubai, it absolutely is. When it comes to booking taxis in Dubai, Uber is probably the most popular option, along with Careem.
I personally don’t use Uber because it’s a bit more pricey than Careem. But if you’re looking to ride in luxury, Uber is the best taxi app in Dubai.
You can choose from the fully electric Green vehicles, the newer Comfort cars with extra legroom, the high-end Black cars with top-rated drivers, the premium UberX cars, or the ultra-luxurious Lux cars.
One cool thing about Uber is that you can reserve your car 90 days in advance. So this is a great option if you want a hassle-free way to book a taxi to and from the airport or for a longer drive in the UAE.
4. Dubai Taxi Company
If you just want to hail a taxi off the street, keep your eyes peeled for the red-roofed Dubai Taxi Company (DTC) taxis. You’ll see them everywhere in Dubai, and it’s a cinch to flag one down in the most touristy and popular parts of town.
When it comes to the cheapest taxis in Dubai, this is the way to go. Taxis will always run on a meter, with a base fare of AED 5 during the day and AED 5.5 at night with a rate of AED 2.14 per kilometer.
That being said, if it’s a holiday or there’s a rare rainy day, it can be tough to find available DTC taxis on the street – just something to be taken into consideration. If you can’t flag one down, you can also book these taxis using the DTC app.
5. Yango
Wondering how to book a taxi in Dubai with a dash of style? Well, there are more options than just Uber. After all, this is Dubai!
Yango is another popular Dubai taxi app. With the standard Business option, you’ll be picked up in a Lexus ES. But you can also upgrade to a Premier or Elite vehicle, like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class or BMW 7 Series.
They even have a Kids option with child seats, perfect if you’re trying to get around town with your little one in tow.
6. S’hail
It’s also possible to book taxis via the S’hail app, which is a handy app to have if you plan on also using the metro, tram, and/or bus to get around town.
With this app, you can easily book taxis, luxury vehicles, and car rentals like Udrive, as well as map out your journeys using Dubai’s public transportation options (the app has timetables for everything). Another handy feature of the S’hail app is that you can top up your NOL card, which you’ll use to access the metro, tram, and bus.
7. UDrive
While this isn’t exactly a Dubai taxi app, Udrive is a great alternative to traditional taxis and ride-hailing services. If you’re planning to hit up multiple locations within the same day, getting a Udrive allows you to drive yourself around town while also saving a lot of dirhams along the way.
For me, Udrive is an amazing taxi alternative because you can rent a car for the entire day starting at AED 99 with free fuel, parking, and insurance. Additionally, you can just pay by the minute (starting at AED .70 per minute) and leave the car anywhere in the city before getting another one whenever you want to pick up and go somewhere else!
Do note that you’ll want to register a bit before you plan on using a Udrive for the first time because it can take a couple of hours to get the registration approved. Once you’re approved, you can use the app whenever you’d like.
How much do taxis in Dubai cost?
The price of taxis in Dubai will vary depending on which taxi or ride-hailing app you opt to use. But if you’re looking to book a taxi in Dubai through one of these apps, then the base rates will start at AED12 with a rate of AED2.14 per kilometer.
That being said, rates can fluctuate depending on the time of day and traffic levels, which can be bad in Dubai. It’s also important to note that for taxis at the Dubai International Airport, the base rate will start at AED 25.
Obviously, you’ll pay more when booking cars through ride-hailing apps, depending on the type of vehicle and service you book!
You might also be interested in:
- Getting Around Dubai Using the Metro, Tram & Taxis
- 14 Must-Have Apps in Dubai in 2025
- How to Save Money as a Tourist in Dubai
