A complete guide to booking a taxi in Dubai

• Taxi Rank
• RTA Dubai App
• S’hail
• DTC App
• SMS or Phone Call
• Careem
• FAQs

In Dubai, many people prefer to book an RTA taxi for their travel needs. Knowing the different ways you can make Dubai taxi booking can be invaluable, especially when the intended destination does not have a metro or bus station nearby. This guide runs through the various processes in a step-by-step, user-friendly way.

HOW TO BOOK A TAXI IN DUBAI

Regardless of your destination, the RTA taxi is easy to book. The simplest way to get a taxi in Dubai is to flag one on the street, but this only works as long as it’s one of the specified areas for a taxi to stop for pickup. Most taxis would only stop at the dedicated areas across the city where taxis can pick up and drop off passengers.

There are other ways to book an RTA taxi in Dubai. Let’s look at each in detail. 

GET A DUBAI TAXI FROM A TAXI RANK

This is as good as hailing a cab on the street. Of course, you don’t need to wave at the taxi to make it notice you. Head to the nearest taxi rank and get a cab from there. Taxi ranks are designated spots for taxi pick-up and drop-off across Dubai.

You can find taxi ranks in Dubai everywhere, including bus stations, metro stations, airport terminals and shopping malls. In most cases, you’ll find multiple taxis waiting for customers at the rank. However, in case you don’t find one waiting, use the SMS taxi service.

RTA DUBAI APP

RTA Dubai App is an award-winning interactive application that is ideal for booking Dubai taxis. It includes more than 40 services and is designed to facilitate passengers and drivers alike.

You can easily book a taxi in Dubai online through this app.

RTA’S S’HAIL APP FOR ONLINE TAXI BOOKING IN DUBAI

If you’re wondering how to book an RTA taxi online in Dubai, S’hail – one of the top-rated public transport apps in Dubai, is just what you need. This RTA taxi booking app is your one-stop solution for public transportation-related woes.

To book a taxi in Dubai using the S’hail app, here’s what you need to do:

• Download and register on the app
• Log in and select ‘Request a Ride’ 
• Choose your mode of transportation – the Dubai public taxi
• Enter your pick-up and drop-off locations and departure time (where required)
• Click ‘Book a taxi’ and wait till one is assigned to you

It wouldn’t take long and it’s absolutely convenient. You can use the same app to book a seat on the bus or a particular route on the Dubai Metro!

The fares applied are like any other RTA taxi booking in Dubai. It’s just simpler and faster this way. The method is more tech-forward, as all RTA drivers are now equipped with maps and directions to your pickup and dropoff locations.

BOOK A TAXI THROUGH DUBAI TAXI CORPORATION (DTC) APP

The Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) is a subsidiary of the RTA that offers several Dubai taxi booking services. Some services include DTC Limousine Service, Hatta Taxi, Airport Taxi and general Taxi service. You can also use the app to book a taxi in Dubai.

BOOK A TAXI THROUGH SMS OR PHONE CALL

SMS TAXI SERVICE

This RTA taxi booking option is only available for taxi ranks. Here’s what you have to do:

• Draft a message with the number of the taxi rank you’re at
• Send it to 4774

You will receive an RTA taxi booking number and the taxi details in an SMS, which can be used to identify the taxi assigned to you. The SMS taxi service in Dubai is connected to the taxi reservation and distribution system. When the system receives your SMS request, you are assigned the nearest vacant taxi.

CALL THE TAXI RESERVATION CENTRE 

The easiest trick for booking a taxi in Dubai is to call 8008-8088.

BOOK CAB IN DUBAI VIA CAREEM

You can book a Dubai taxi using Careem. The service lets you choose from car types such as Hala Taxi, Premier or Hala Max. To book a Careem, follow the steps below.

• Download the Careem app from Google Play or Apple Store
• Open the app and create an account using your mobile number or email address
• Allow the app to access your location or manually enter your pickup address
• Enter the destination you wish to go to
• Choose your car type and confirm the booking

FAQS ABOUT DUBAI TAXI BOOKING

WHAT ARE THE RTA TAXI BOOKING FARES?

RTA Dubai taxi rates in Dubai are as follows.

• Airport Taxi at Dubai International Airport: Operates at an opening fare of AED 25 and an extra fare of AED 2.19 per 1 km.
• Hatta Taxi: The fare of Hatta Taxi is set at AED 25 per person in the 7-seater vehicle.
• Ladies’Taxi: The opening fare is AED 6 in the morning, noon and evening and AED 7 after 10.00 pm.
• Ordinary Taxi cabs from the Airport: The service is offered to all customers who wish to use DTC Taxi within UAE.
• Special Needs Taxi: The starting fare of this service depends on time and location.

Please note that these prices are subject to change over time, as and when RTA deems necessary.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT PAYMENT MODES FOR DUBAI TAXI? 

All taxis in Dubai are now installed with Point of Sale (POS) devices. This means paying for your taxi travel is a whole lot easier. You can pay for a Dubai taxi ride with the following:

• Cash
• NOL Card
• Debit/credit card
• Apple Pay
• Samsung Pay

CAN I BOOK A TAXI IN ABU DHABI ONLINE?

Yes, you can. You can use the TransAD app to book a taxi in Abu Dhabi online.

With that, we wrap up this post on how to book an RTA taxi in Dubai. Getting a public taxi in Dubai is never a problem. The RTA and the Dubai government are always looking for ways to make life easier for the city’s residents and tourists.

There are several options for public transport in Dubai but taxis are popular amongst locals and tourists. Taxis in Abu Dhabi are also a great option for exploring the capital city. Most RTA apps in Dubai have introduced greater convenience in the lives of everyday commuters.

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