Dubai Taxi Prices 2025: Airport and City Transportation Guide

Starting Fares: Airport Taxis Are More Expensive

As soon as you get into a taxi in Dubai, the meter starts running. However, it is not the same everywhere.

• If you board from the airport, the starting fare is 25 AED.
• In city locations, this fee is 12 AED.
• If the night tariff is applied, the starting fare can rise to 14 AED.

👉 Airport taxis are generally yellow-orange in color. Do not confuse them with regular city taxis.

Fare Per Kilometer and Traffic Congestion

As of 2025, the average fare per kilometer in Dubai is 2.09 AED. However, waiting fees come into play during traffic congestion: 0.50 AED per minute. Therefore, even in short distances, the meter can reach 30-35 AED.

Uber and Careem Prices: More Comfortable, More Expensive

In Dubai, not only traditional taxis but also Uber and Careem are quite common. However, their prices are generally 20-25% higher.

• The distance from Dubai Marina to Downtown by taxi costs 55-65 AED, while Uber costs 70-85 AED.
• Uber Black and Careem Business are comfortable but costly options.

Due to dynamic pricing (surge) during peak hours, prices significantly increase in the mornings around 08:00 or in the evenings around 18:00.

How Much Will You Pay for Short Distances?

• From Deira to Bur Dubai: 18-22 AED in light traffic
• In heavy traffic: It can go up to 30 AED.

Dubai also has a minimum fare policy. Even if you travel for less than 10 AED, the fare will be rounded up.

How Much Does the Night Tariff Impact?

The night tariff in Dubai applies between 22:00 - 06:00.

• The starting fare increases.
• There is also a small increase in the fare per kilometer.

For example, a night trip from the airport to Palm Jumeirah is 15-20 AED more expensive than during the day.

Methods to Calculate Taxi Fares in Dubai

• RTA Mobile App: You can enter your destination to see the average fare.
• Google Maps: Shows traffic congestion and approximate fare.
• You can also get an idea in advance with the taxi fare chart we prepared at dubaihayalim.com.tr.

Note: There may be a 10-15% difference between the estimated price and the actual price.

Taxi Culture and Tips in Dubai

• Always sit in the back seat.
• It is not well received to converse too much with the driver.
• Tipping is not mandatory, but generally 2-5 AED is left.
• For female passengers alone, there are "Pink Taxis" (pink-topped) with female drivers.

Where Do Tourists Most Often Err?

Taxi fares in Dubai are under government control. However, some tourists confuse private transfer vehicles waiting in front of hotels for taxis. These vehicles do not have a meter, and the price is at the discretion of the driver.

👉 Always ensure that the meter is running. Get into vehicles with plates starting with “TAXI.”

Payment Methods: Cash, Card, QR

As of 2025, all taxis in Dubai support contactless payments:

• Apple Pay, Google Pay, and credit cards are accepted.
• QR code payment is also possible.
• However, as the POS device may malfunction, it’s a good idea to have at least 50 AED in cash.

👉 Foreign currencies (Euro, Dollar) are not accepted.

Dubai Taxi Prices in 2025 Are Transparent but Require Caution

Taking a taxi in Dubai is safe and practical, but fares are dynamic. Airport starting fares, night tariffs, and traffic congestion are the main factors affecting costs. Therefore, checking prices through apps before getting into a taxi eliminates the risk of paying more.

If you're visiting Dubai for the first time: don’t panic, look at the meter, and don’t stress over a few AED.