RTA Taxi Dubai: Apps, Fares, & Tips For RTA Taxi Booking

Planning on using RTA taxi Dubai, you should know a few things in advance.

There are many benefits to taking a cab when traveling in the city. You can book a taxi online or by calling customer service without worrying about traffic or finding parking. Whether you’re going to work or exploring for leisure, taking a cab is one of the most convenient ways to get around town.

Booking an RTA cab is an easy and affordable option. You can choose from a wide range of taxis, like ladies’ taxis, limousines, special needs taxis, and more. Also, they offer various handy services like advance booking, app booking, competitive prices, and more. 

Therefore, in this Dbd guide, we’ll be looking into various methods of RTA taxi booking in Dubai. So, without any further ado, let’s get started.

How to book an RTA taxi in Dubai?

RTA taxis in Dubai can be booked in advance using supported apps and services. To book a taxi, passengers must choose their desired destination and pick-up point. They will then get a price quote and be asked to confirm their booking.

Payment can be made by cash or credit card. RTA taxis can also be booked by calling the toll-free number +97180088088. The booking is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. ^[1]RTA, “About Dubai Taxi, https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/public-transport/taxi/dubaitaxi#:~:text=Dubai%20Taxi%20Corporation%27s,during%20the%20ride.”

S’hail app

Download S’hail: iOS and Android

S’hail is one of the best ways to get around Dubai, saving you time and money. With its clear, user-friendly interface, S’hail shows all the public transport options in Dubai, including taxis, buses, metro, and trams. You can use S’hail as a guest, but we recommend creating an RTA account to benefit from all its features fully.

With S’hail, you can monitor the real-time departure times from your location of RTA taxi. Plus, you can pay for the taxi using your Nol card. So whether you’re going to the airport or a bus station, make sure to use S’hail for the best journey.

RTA Dubai app

Download RTA app: iOS, Android, and AppGallery(Huawei)

The RTA Dubai is a convenient and easy-to-use app for taxi booking in Dubai for residents and tourists. They won the Best Government Service via Mobile Phone ward in the “Transport & Infrastructure Sector” during the “World Government Summit ” 2017. Also voted the “Best App” in the Sheikh Hamdan Awards and winner of the “Best m-Government Award” in 2015 and 2016. ^[2]RTA, “RTA Dubai, https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home/smart-apps/app-details/rta-dubai/rta+dubai#:~:text=%E2%80%A2%20Winner%20at,Centres%20using%20maps”

The app supports Arabic, English, Indian and Russian and provides live chat with RTA agents. It allows you to view your Nol balance, top it up, view your past transactions, and access your taxi trip history. Similarly, you can book a taxi by calling the booking number as a guest or using the booking service in the app if logged in. Overall, the RTA Dubai app is a great way to get around the city and should be downloaded by everyone.<

Types of RTA taxis

Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) taxis are classified into different categories depending on their service level and facilities. They are as follows:

1. Airport Taxi

Dubai Airport taxis are convenient and comfortable vehicles exclusive to arriving visitors to Dubai International Airport. You can also use them to reach other parts of the city; they are a great way to get around Dubai. You can easily book them in terminals 1, 2, and 3 of the airport.

The taxis are spacious and regularly maintained vehicles that are available 24/7. Furthermore, the drivers are trained professionals and will be more than happy to assist you with luggage. Lastly, the RTA taxi fares are highly competitive.

2. Hatta Taxi

Hatta Taxi is a convenient and affordable way to travel between Hatta and Dubai. The service was launched in 2008 for residents and tourists who wanted to travel between the two destinations. You can easily hop into one if your destination is in the route. ^[3]RTA, “Hatta taxi, https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/public-transport/taxi/dubaitaxi#:~:text=Hatta%20taxi,and%20vice%2Dversa.”

Hatta Taxi operates within pre-defined routes from Hatta to Dubai and back to Hatta, with six passengers maximum per trip. There are dedicated stops at Sabkha and Al Aweer, making it easy for passengers to get on and off the taxi.

3. Limousine taxi

Dubai is a modern, cosmopolitan city renowned for its luxury hotels and high-end shopping. Consider using a limousine service to get around in style when planning a trip to Dubai. Regularly maintained luxury vehicles such as Tesla, Lexus and Infiniti are available at competitive rates. 

Professional and well-groomed drivers will be waiting to take you to your destination with a meet and greet at terminals 1, 2 & 3. You can choose from various charging modes, including meter-based, zone-based, and time based, whichever is most convenient. The 24/7 customer care center can also assist with any questions or concerns.^[4]Dubai Taxi, “Limousine, https://www.dubaitaxi.ae/en/Our-Services/Taxi-Rental”

4. Ladies and family taxi

Ladies and Families Taxi is a safe and reliable way to get around Dubai, driven by professional female drivers. They are comfortable and convenient to get around Dubai for women, children, and families.

The spacious taxis are available 24/7, and you can book them in airports, hospitals, and shopping malls. Also, the pink rooftops make the taxis easy to spot. If you’re a concerned female in Dubai, a ladies and family taxi is an ideal option.

5. Ordinary cabs

Dubai general service taxi is a popular mode of transportation for both residents and visitors. The Dubai RTA taxi service is reliable, affordable, and convenient. Customers can reserve a taxi 24 hours in advance, and the dispatch center will assign a driver to pick them up.

The public taxi is recognizable by its red rooftop and is regularly maintained. The cabs are clean and comfortable, and the drivers are professional. You can expect the arrival within 45 minutes or less of booking. If there are any problems with the service, customers can contact the 24/7 support center.

6. Special needs taxi

The ‘Special Wheel for a Special Need’ taxi service provides safe and comfortable transport for people with special needs. The vehicles are modern and highly equipped, and the drivers are professional and highly trained.

The taxis are available at Dubai Airports 1, 2 & 3 and can be reserved in advance via Dispatch Centre. These vehicles can be distinguished by their size, red roof, and universal special needs blue icon logo on doors and back windows. They provide 24/7 service and a safe and comfortable transport solution for people with special needs in the UAE.^[5]Dubai Taxi, “Special needs taxi, https://www.dubaitaxi.ae/en/our-services/special-needs-taxi”

RTA taxi fares

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) sets taxi fares in Dubai. The fare is calculated using a meter, with an initial charge and a charge per kilometer. There is also an additional flat for pick-ups from the airport or locations outside the city center.

However, it is essential to note that taxis are not always available and can be challenging to hail during rush hour. In addition, traffic can be heavy in Dubai, so it is important to factor in travel time when planning your journey. Now, let’s look into different taxi fares.

• Airport taxi: To book an airport taxi, you must pay a flat price of 25 AED for booking. Following that, you’ll be charged around 2 AED per kilometer traveled. ^[6]Dubai taxi, “Airport taxi fare, … Continue reading
• Hatta taxi: This seven-seater vehicle will cost you 25 Dirhams per head. There are no extra charges involved in this cab.
• Limousines: The rental charge starts from 400 AED for 3 hours, 700 AED for 6 hours, or 1200.AED for 12 hours. Additional hours can be added at just 100 Dirhams per hour.^[7]Dubai Taxi, “Limousine, https://www.dubaitaxi.ae/en/Our-Services/Taxi-Rental#:~:text=3%20hours%20at,AED%20per%20hour.” 
• Ladies taxi: First, the meter starts at 25 AED from the airport with 2.22 Dirhams per km. However, within the city, the meter starts at AED 5 AED (6:00 AM to 10:00 PM) and 5.5 AED (10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.). The per km charge is 2.19 AED in both cases. In addition, there is a booking and distribution fee of AED 10 to 12 Dhs.^[8]Dubai taxi, “Ladies taxi, https://www.dubaitaxi.ae/en/Our-Services/Ladies-And-Family-Taxi#:~:text=The%20meter%20starts,booking%20and%20distribution.”
• Ordinary cabs: A regular taxi costs 5 AED between 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM and 5.5 AED between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. The cost is 2.19 AED per km at all times. There is also a booking and distribution fee of AED 10 to 12 Dirhams.^[9]Dubai taxi, “Regular taxi, https://www.dubaitaxi.ae/en/our-services/taxi#:~:text=The%20meter%20starts,booking%20and%20distribution”
• Special taxis: The meter starts at 25 AED for trips from the airport. The meter starts at 5 AED (6:00 AM to 10:00 PM) and 5.5 Dirhams ( 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.) The per kilometer charge is calculated at 2.33 AED. There is an additional charge of 10 to 12 AED in case of booking and distribution.^[10]Dubai taxi, “Special taxis, https://www.dubaitaxi.ae/en/our-services/special-needs-taxi#:~:text=The%20meter%20starts,booking%20and%20distribution.” 

To conclude, taxis in Dubai are a convenient way to get around the city. However, it is important to know the different charges for different types of taxis and the additional fees that may apply.

Difference between RTA taxi, Uber, Careem, and other taxis

There are several differences among taxi service providers in Dubai. Below is a comparison of Dubai RTA taxis with other providers in terms of cost, service, and availability. ^[11]Careem, “Trip fare calculation, https://help.careem.com/hc/en-us/articles/360040568534-Trip-fare-calculation” ^[12]Uber, “Fees, https://help.uber.com/riders/article/wait-time-fees-and-refunds?nodeId=469f1786-1543-4c83-abbf-ddccb7826fc2″

Upfront charges

This fee can vary depending on the company, but it is typically between 10 and 12 AED for RTA taxis. For example, Careem charges per minute, starting 3 minutes after the driver arrives at your pick-up point. On the other hand, Uber starts charging 2 minutes after the driver arrives. 

Per kilometer charge

For regular taxis in Dubai, you can expect to pay an initial charge of 2.19 or 2.33 AED per kilometer. Uber fares depend on the time and day of travel but are generally between 1.5 and 3 Dirhams per kilometer. Careem fares start at 2 AED per kilometer and can go up to 3 AED per kilometer, depending on your chosen service level.

Service levels

RTA offers taxi services like typical passenger cars, limousines, ladies taxis, and more. Uber lets you choose from three levels Select, Balck, and Uber XL. Lastly, Careem offers three classes Economy, Business, and Van.

Additional charges

There are several additional charges that taxis may impose. For example, many airports charge for pickups and drop-offs, and tolls can also cost a trip. In addition, inter-city travel may incur additional charges, depending on the distance involved. All these payments must be made by the traveler while traveling in Dubai.

Related Info

• If you want to book a taxi in Dubai, follow our guide on Dubai taxi fare.
• Traveling to Abu Dhabi, don’t miss our article on how to book taxi in Abu Dhabi.
• Don’t miss our guide on how to book taxi in Dubai, if you’re traveling soon.
• Follow our guide on how to book taxi in Ajman if you’re planning a visit.
• Follow our guide on how to book taxi in Sharjah if you’re planning on traveling to Sharjah.

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FAQs

Final thoughts

RTA taxi is a convenient and affordable way to get around Dubai. They are available 24/7 and can be booked using apps.

In addition, RTA cab accepts various payment methods, including credit cards and online transfers. However, there are additional charges for airport pickups and drop-offs, inter-city travel, and tolls.

We hope this Dbd guide has helped you how to book an RTA taxi in Dubai. Remember to share this article and follow our blog for more information.