Dubai taxi fares have been updated with a dynamic pricing model for all app-based bookings. The new structure applies to Careem (Hala), S’hail, Bolt, Zed, and the DTC Smart App. While Dubai taxi fares for street-hail rides remain unchanged, app users will notice price variations depending on peak and off-peak hours.
This policy supports Dubai’s smart mobility goals and ensures pricing becomes more transparent and responsive to real-time demand.
Dubai Taxi Fares for App Bookings: What Has Changed?
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced new Dubai taxi fares to balance passenger demand and driver availability. Here’s a breakdown of the revised system:
Updated Fare Structure
| Category | Old | New |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Fare | Dh12 | Dh13 |
| Booking Fee | Dh10–12 flat | Dh4.00–7.50 (time-based) |
| Flagfall (Base Fare) | Unchanged | Dh5 peak / Dh5.50 night |
The major change is dynamic booking fee pricing — no more fixed charges.
Dubai Taxi Fares Time Slots (Monday–Thursday)
Peak Hours (Higher Fees)
- 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Off-Peak Hours (Lower Fees)
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Night Hours
- 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM
Dubai Taxi Fares: Friday Peak Times
- 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Midnight)
The aim is to encourage more drivers and maintain availability during high-demand periods.
What is Dynamic Pricing in Dubai Taxi Fares?
Dynamic pricing adjusts taxi booking fees based on demand:
- More drivers online during rush hours
- Fairer pricing late at night or off-peak
- Transparent fare calculation following global ride-hailing standards
Passengers booking through apps will notice cheaper prices at quiet times and slightly higher charges during rush hours.
Street-Hail Dubai Taxi Fares (No Change)
If you stop a taxi directly on the road, Dubai taxi fares remain the same:
- Base Fare:
- Dh5 (Day: 6 AM–10 PM)
- Dh5.50 (Night: 10 PM–6 AM)
- Minimum Fare: Dh12
- Per-km Rate: Dh2.14–Dh2.26 (varies monthly with fuel prices)
Riders who want fixed pricing can still choose street-hail taxis.
Airport Taxi Fares in Dubai
Traveling from Dubai International Airport (DXB) has premium pricing:
- Flagfall: Dh25
- Per-km: Dh2.14–Dh2.33
- Minimum fares higher than regular taxis
These Dubai taxi fares help manage the heavy airport demand.
Special Event Dubai Taxi Fares
Rides starting from:
- Expo City Dubai
- Dubai World Trade Centre
- Global Village
…may have higher starting fares (Dh20–Dh25) due to crowd demand and traffic restrictions.
Additional Standard Charges
| Charge Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Salik Toll (each gate) | Dh4 |
| Waiting Time | Dh0.50 per minute |
| Monthly Fuel-Based Fare Changes | Applied by RTA |
Example: A 20 km trip from DXB to Dubai Marina with 1–2 Salik tolls usually costs Dh60–Dh70, depending on time and traffic.
Why the Dubai Taxi Fares Update Was Introduced
RTA made these changes to:
- Support smart transportation decisions through data
- Balance available taxis during rush hours
- Offer fair booking costs when demand is low
- Improve rider experience and transparency
Dubai taxi fares now adapt to how the city actually moves.
What Riders Should Expect
| Rider Type | Impact |
|---|---|
| App Users | Dynamic pricing (can be cheaper or costlier) |
| Street-Hail Riders | No change at all |
If you want a predictable cost — hail a taxi from the street.
If you want convenience — use apps but expect variable fares.
Final Thoughts
Dubai taxi fares have shifted toward a global-standard dynamic fare model. App users will benefit from improved availability and clear pricing, especially during off-peak hours. Meanwhile, street-hail passengers continue to enjoy stable rates with no policy change.
As Dubai grows, this updated fare system ensures that transportation remains efficient, smart, and user-oriented.
