DUBAI / TAXI FARES
Dubai taxi fare guide: how a metered fare is built
Dubai taxis are metered, so the fare is only known at the end of the trip. This guide explains the parts that make up a Dubai taxi fare, using the structure published by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and when a pre-booked private transfer with an agreed email quote may suit you better.
- Fixed quote agreed before you travel
- Flight-aware pickup planned around your arrival time
- Meeting point confirmed in writing
- Right vehicle for your passengers and luggage
The Dubai taxi fare formula
The RTA describes a taxi fare as a sum of several parts. Not every part applies to every trip, which is why two journeys of the same length can cost different amounts.
- Base fare (starting fare): charged when the meter starts. It depends on where and how you get the taxi.
- Kilometre charge: a per-km rate set by the RTA, which is reviewed from time to time.
- Waiting time: charged while the taxi is stationary or in very slow traffic.
- Salik: a toll is added each time the route passes a Salik gate.
- Sharjah fee: an extra charge when a Dubai taxi travels into Sharjah.
- Port Rashid and DARB fees: added only if the route enters those areas.
Because the per-km rate and some surcharges change, always check the current figures on the official RTA taxi fare page before you rely on any number, including the ones on this page.
Starting fares: street, app and airport
| How you get the taxi | Published starting fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hailed on the road | From AED 5 by day, AED 5.50 at night | The RTA lists this as the starting fare for regular road pickups |
| Booked through an app (e-hail) | Varies with time of day | Booking fees and minimum fares for app rides follow the RTA app tariff |
| From Dubai airports | AED 20 (standard car) / AED 25 (van) | Applies to airport, family, ladies and People of Determination taxis at DXB and DWC |
| From Port Rashid cruise terminal | AED 25 | Listed in the Dubai Taxi tariff |
Sources: the RTA taxi fare page and the Dubai Taxi airport tariff, checked in October 2026. Figures can change during peak hours, at large events and on New Year’s Eve.
Extra charges travellers often miss
Waiting time is charged at 50 fils per minute according to the RTA, so a slow run through Sheikh Zayed Road traffic adds up. Salik tolls are added on top of the meter whenever the route passes a toll gate. A Dubai taxi going into Sharjah adds AED 20. These charges are legitimate, but they make the final amount harder to predict.
The RTA also notes that Dubai Taxi can take you from Dubai to another emirate, but it does not cover trips that start in another emirate. If you are travelling from Abu Dhabi or Sharjah into Dubai, you need a local taxi from that emirate or a pre-booked car: see our Abu Dhabi to Dubai transfer and Sharjah airport to Dubai transfer pages.
Taxi fare or private transfer?
A metered taxi is often the simplest choice for a short hop in the city. A private transfer works differently: you send the route in advance and receive one quote by email, so the amount is agreed before you travel. This is useful for airport arrivals with luggage, groups who need a larger vehicle, late-night landings and long trips such as Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
For the airport specifically, our Dubai airport taxi or private transfer comparison sets the airport taxi tariff next to a pre-booked car, and the airport transfer cost guide explains what goes into a private quote.
How to ask for a fixed quote
Send the details below to info@belgraviatransfers.com. We reply by email with availability, the suggested vehicle and the price, and the booking is only confirmed once you accept it.
- pickup point: airport and terminal, hotel name or full address
- destination: hotel, building or full address, with the entrance if you know it
- date and time, plus your flight number for airport pickups
- number of passengers and cases, child seats and any accessibility needs
- a return journey, listed as a separate trip with its own date and time
How much is the starting fare for a Dubai taxi?
The RTA lists a starting fare from AED 5 by day and AED 5.50 at night for taxis hailed on the road. Taxis from Dubai airports start at AED 20 for a standard car or AED 25 for a van. Check the RTA website for current figures.
Are Salik tolls included in the taxi fare?
No. Salik tolls are added to the metered fare each time the route passes a toll gate.
Is there an extra charge for a taxi from Dubai to Sharjah?
Yes. Dubai Taxi adds AED 20 when the trip passes into Sharjah.
Can I take a Dubai taxi from Abu Dhabi or Sharjah back to Dubai?
The RTA states that Dubai Taxi does not cover trips that start in another emirate. Use a local taxi from that emirate or pre-book a private transfer.
Is a private transfer cheaper than a taxi?
Not always. A taxi can be cheaper for short trips; a private transfer gives you an agreed price, a pre-arranged pickup and a vehicle chosen for your group and luggage. Ask us for a quote and compare.
Heading to the ship? Our Port Rashid cruise terminal and Dubai Harbour guide explains both cruise ports.
Taxi fares are only part of the cost of a road journey: see Salik tolls in Dubai explained, and compare ride apps in Uber, Careem and taxis in Dubai.
Keep exploring
Plan the rest of your journey
DXB or DWC?Which Dubai airport you are really landing at.Explore
Arrival checklistWhat to have ready before you land.ExploreAl Maktoum (DWC) guideLocation, terminal facts and getting to the city.ExploreMeet and greet at DXBHow your driver meets you in the arrivals hall.Explore
Limousine DubaiAirport, events and wedding car hire.Explore
Corporate transfersMeetings, roadshows and event delegates.Explore
YOUR NEXT JOURNEY
A considered arrival.
A clear next step.
Tell us where you are landing and where you want to go. Include your travel date, flight number, passenger count and luggage so your enquiry starts with the right details.
Send your journey details to Belgravia Transfers. Ask for availability, vehicle suitability, pricing and pickup arrangements for your itinerary.
Your booking is confirmed only when the arrangements have been agreed. Please do not send payment-card details or passport copies by email.
- 1Send your detailsAirport, flight, address, passengers and bags.
- 2Receive your quoteWe reply by email with the vehicle and price.
- 3Travel as agreedMeeting point and pickup confirmed in writing.