A complete guide to booking a taxi in Dubai
When in Dubai, many people prefer to book an RTA taxi for their travel needs. Knowing the different ways you can make an RTA taxi booking can be invaluable, especially when the intended destination does not have a Metro stop 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 what your destination is, the RTA taxi is easy to book and extremely convenient to travel in. The easiest 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 frantically wave at the taxi to make it notice you. Simply head over 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. It includes more than 40 services and is designed to facilitate passengers and drivers alike. You can 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 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 to all 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 even!
The fares applied are the same as any other RTA taxi booking in Dubai. It’s just simpler and faster this way. Not to mention, more tech-forward as all RTA drivers are now equipped with the 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 taxi services in Dubai. Some of the 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. As soon as the system receives your SMS request, the nearest vacant taxi is assigned to you.
CALL THE TAXI RESERVATION CENTRE
The easiest trick in the books for a taxi reservation in Dubai is a phone call. To book a taxi in Dubai, simply call 8008-8088.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE THE RTA TAXI BOOKING FARES?
RTA taxi fares in Dubai are applicable as per the table below. These prices are subject to change over time, as and when RTA deems necessary.
- Airport taxi Serves Dubai International Airport: Operating 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: Starting fare of this service depends on time and location
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 Dubai taxi ride with:
- 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 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 lives easier for the residents and tourists in the city.
There are several options when it comes to public transport in Dubai but taxis are popular amongst locals and tourists. Taxis in Abu Dhabi are also a great option to explore the capital if you’re visiting. Most of the RTA apps in Dubai have introduced greater convenience in the lives of everyday commuters.
Planning a tour to Dubai? Visit MyBayut to read all about the biggest tourists attractions, accommodation options and more.
Interested in booking taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and with 50% discount. Would it be possible
Hi Dennis,
Thanks for writing to us. The 50% discount on RTA taxis is only applicable to normal fares. For inter-emirate commute, you may have to pay the full fare. However, please note that given the ongoing Covid-19 situation, the government has advised people to stay home, unless it’s absolutely necessary to go out.
We hope this helps. Do stay tuned to MyBayut.
Bardubai to Dubai festival city time 9PM
Hi Suhan,
Thanks for writing to us. Please note that given the ongoing Covid-19 situation, public transport in Dubai is suspended from 08:00 pm to 06:00 am everyday, until further notice. We recommend you restrict your essential commute to the day time.
We hope this helps. Do stay tuned to MyBayut.
I need taxi in al khawaneej health center please help me
Hi Bir,
Thanks for writing to us. The easiest way to book an RTA Taxi is to use the S’Hail App. Once you download the app, here’s what you need to do:
– 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
We hope this helps. Do stay tuned to MyBayut.
I have to go to Fujairah how can I book a taxi
Hi Sajjad,
Thanks for writing to us. The easiest way to book an RTA Taxi is to use the S’Hail App. Once you download the app, here’s what you need to do:
– 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
We hope this helps. Do stay tuned to MyBayut.
Can i book a taxi in careem app using the hala people of determination taxi.
Because there no option for normal taxi.
They do have the economy which is way expensive than the normal taxi.
Hi Ann,
Thanks for writing to us. You can book a normal RTA Taxi using the S’Hail App. Once you download the app, here’s what you need to do:
– 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
We hope this helps. Do stay tuned to MyBayut.
hi i want to book taxi for tomorrow 4 person is it possible.?thank you
Hi Emman,
Thanks for writing to us. Given the existing coronavirus prevention measures in place, only 3 people can travel in a taxi/motor vehicle at a time. So, it may not be possible to book a taxi for 4 people.
We hope this helps. Have a nice day!
How can I book a big taxi from alwasl my current location to deira please help me
Hi Reychel,
Thanks for writing to us. The easiest way to book an RTA Taxi is to use the S’Hail App. Once you download the app, here’s what you need to do:
– 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
We hope this helps. Do stay tuned to MyBayut.
I need taxi now from al karama Centre to satwa
Hi Mohamed,
Thanks for writing to us. The easiest way to book an RTA Taxi is to use the S’Hail App. Once you download the app, here’s what you need to do:
– 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
We hope this helps. Do stay tuned to MyBayut.
Can i book taxi dubai to abu dhabi international airport at this situation. ?Need to book date 19 jun..
Hello,
As of now, there is still a travel ban between Abu Dhabi and other emirates. The special permit is only available for employees in vital sectors, patients with chronic diseases who have to visit hospitals and the transportation of necessary goods. We would recommend that you contact RTA on 8009090 for more clarity.
Hope this helps and have a great day!
hi, how can i book a taxi?
Hi Jessie,
Thanks for writing to us. The easiest way to book an RTA Taxi is to use the S’Hail App. Once you download the app, here’s what you need to do:
– 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
We hope this helps. Do stay tuned to MyBayut.
Can I book taxi for Abu Dhabi as I have did my corona test which is negative
Can I book a taxi from Dubai airport for Abu Dhabi ? I am travelling from UK and have COVID negative test.
Hi Nofal,
Thanks for writing to us. It is possible to book a taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi as long as your AlHosn App shows you’re Covid negative. However, please note that the authorities retain the right to deny entry into Abu Dhabi if they don’t see fit.
We hope this helps. Have a nice day!
i need taxi from jumerah golf estate
Hi Wasundra,
Thanks for writing to us. The easiest way to book an RTA Taxi is to use the S’Hail App. Once you download the app, here’s what you need to do:
– 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
We hope this helps. Do stay tuned to MyBayut.