In addition to its skyscrapers, shopping areas, and amazing infrastructure, Dubai’s public transportation is another great feature. With so much to see in the city, public transport makes it easy and affordable for residents and visitors to get around. The RTA Taxi is one of Dubai’s safest and most reliable public transport options.
If you want to use this service, here is everything you need to know about booking an RTA taxi in Dubai.
Overview
Taxis in Dubai are a popular way to get around because they are convenient, reliable, and safe. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) manages the city’s large network of taxis, ensuring high-quality service. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about RTA taxi booking in Dubai, including the different types of taxis, how to book one, fare details, and tips for a comfortable ride.
Types of Taxis in Dubai
- Standard Taxis: The most common type of taxis in Dubai. They have a cream colour with a red roof sign and are available 24/7. You can either hail them from the street or book them through a phone call or an app.
- Airport Taxis: These taxis are specifically for Dubai International Airport and come in different sizes to fit passengers and their luggage.
- Ladies and Families Taxis: These taxis have a pink roof and are driven by female drivers. They are meant for women and families.
- Hala Taxis: This is Dubai’s official ride-hailing service, which you can book through the Careem app. They offer the convenience of cashless payments.
- Special Needs Taxis: These taxis are designed for passengers with special needs, providing facilities to ensure accessibility and comfort.
How to Book an RTA Taxi in Dubai?
The simplest way to book a taxi in Dubai is to find one in designated parking lots or areas for picking up and dropping off passengers. Let’s look at the details of booking an RTA taxi in Dubai and learn about the costs.
RTA Taxi Booking with Careem App
Hala, a partnership between RTA and Careem, makes booking an affordable ride quick and easy. Here’s how to book a Hala taxi using the Careem App:
- You can download from Google Play or the Apple Store and create an account.
- From the car types, select ‘Hala Taxi‘. If you need more than four seats, choose ‘Hala Vans‘.
- Confirm your pickup location.
- Choose your destination.
- Select your payment option.
- Tap ‘Yalla’ and track your driver.
S’hail App for Taxi Booking in Dubai Online
The S’hail app is one of Dubai’s most useful public transportation apps. It helps you get around the city quickly and easily. The app lets you plan trips, manage your Nol card, book taxis, and more. It also provides real-time traffic updates to adjust your travel plans as needed.
Here’s how to use the S’hail App to book a taxi:
- Download and register on the app. (available for android and iOS)
- Log in and select ‘Request a Ride.’
- Select your mode of transportation
- Enter your pick-up and drop-off locations and departure time (if required).
- Click ‘Book a taxi‘ and wait for one to be assigned.
Book RTA Taxi in Dubai With an SMS:
Booking an RTA taxi in Dubai is easy and quick using SMS, especially if you are an Etisalat user.
Here’s how it works:
- Write a message with the area number and the taxi rank number. A taxi rank number in the UAE helps you identify where to get a taxi. If there are no taxis at a taxi rank, you can send an SMS with the taxi rank number to 4774 to alert the nearest taxi to come to you. The taxi rank number is usually displayed on a sign or pole at the taxi rank.
Each taxi rank has a specific location number to include in your SMS. After sending the message, you will get the taxi details and a booking number to help you find your assigned taxi.
The RTA’s Distribution and Reservation System is connected to the SMS service. When you send your SMS request, the system immediately assigns you a nearby taxi.
Book A Public Taxi With Dubai Taxi Corporation
The Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) is part of the RTA and offers services like DTC Limousine Service, Airport Taxi, and general Taxi service. You can book these taxis from the official DTC app.
You can book a DTC taxi by street flagging (in safe areas) or going to hospitals, malls, and metro stations. DTC Public Taxi is an affordable option in Dubai, easily recognised by its red rooftop.
How To Book A DTC Public Taxi?
- Download the S’hail App: Download the S’hail App and follow the steps to book an RTA taxi in Dubai.
- Call the Taxi Reservation Centre: You can also book a DTC taxi by calling the Dubai booking number at +971-4-208-0808.
DTC Service Fees And Timings:
It’s easy to check DTC taxi fares. Using the S’hail, you can get an estimated fare by entering your pickup and drop-off locations. Additionally, you can find the taxi fares listed below. However, please note that these fares may change over time.
| Service Type | Base Fare | Per KM Rate |
| RTA Smart Mobile Application (S’hail) | AED 12 | AED 2.21 |
| RTA Partner Mobile Application (Careem) | AED 12 | AED 2.21 |
| Service Type | Daytime Base Fare | Daytime Per KM Rate | Nighttime Base Fare | Nighttime Per KM Rate |
| Street Hail | AED 5 | AED 2.21 | AED 5.5 | AED 2.21 |
| Exclusive Location | AED 5 | AED 2.21 | AED 5.5 | AED 2.21 |
| Day | Time Period | Hours |
| Monday to Thursday | Day | 6 AM – 8 AM, 10 AM – 4 PM |
| Peak Hours | 8 AM – 10 AM, 4 PM – 8 PM | |
| Night | 10 PM – 6 AM | |
| Friday | Day | 6 AM – 8 AM, 10 AM – 4 PM |
| Peak Hours | 8 AM – 10 AM, 4 PM – 12 AM | |
| Night | 12 AM – 6 AM | |
| Saturday and Sunday | Day | 6 AM – 4 PM |
| Peak Hours | 4 PM – 12 AM | |
| Night | 12 AM – 6 AM |
Important Note:
- Fares vary by service. For example, the fare for an Airport Taxi in Dubai starts at 25 AED, while the starting fare for a Luxury Taxi is 50 AED.
- Salik charges will be automatically added to the fare each time the taxi crosses the toll gates.
Final Takeaway:
Dubai has many public transport options, but taxis are very popular with locals and tourists.
Booking a taxi in Dubai is easy, whether you prefer to hail one from the street, book by phone, or use a mobile app. By knowing the different types of taxis, how to book them, and the fare structure, and following the provided tips, you can have a comfortable and efficient taxi experience in this vibrant city.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. How do I contact RTA?
RTA is available 24/7 to provide you with quick and accurate information. Just call 8009090.
Q. How to pick a taxi in Dubai?
You can book a taxi through the Careem App or the S’hail App or simply hail a red-roofed taxi on the streets of Dubai.
