Dubai International Airport (DXB) is a true global transport hub. The flow of people here is enormous: millions of passengers pass through Terminals 1, 2 and 3 every year. Most tourists and business visitors choose to take a taxi.
It’s simple: it’s convenient, there’s no need to figure out transport schemes, and no need to drag suitcases through stations and passageways. Taxis take you right to the door of your hotel or apartment. That’s why Dubai airport taxi services are considered the most popular way to get around immediately after arrival.
Overview of taxis at Dubai Airport
The main taxi operator at the airport is Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC). It is a state-owned company operating under the management of the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority). Its cars are the first ones you will see as soon as you leave the arrivals area.
Features:
- Fixed minimum fare – 25 dirhams (AED). This is more expensive than the usual city starting fare (12 AED), but takes into account the specific nature of the airport.
- 24-hour service – cars are always available, regardless of the time of day. Whether it’s three o’clock in the morning or a public holiday.
- Variety of options – female taxis with pink roofs, cars for people with disabilities, spacious minivans.
Where are the taxi ranks:
- Terminal 1 – opposite the Arrivals Hall;
- Terminal 2 – right at the exit from the arrivals area;
- Terminal 3 – specially designated areas for Emirates passengers.
Don’t get lost: signs inside the airport lead directly to the taxi ranks. They are marked ‘Taxi’.
Taxi fares from Dubai Airport
Now for the most interesting part for any traveller – the cost of the trip:
- pick-up fee – fixed at 25 AED;
- price per kilometre – about 2 dirhams (sometimes 2.19 AED depending on the time);
- traffic jam surcharge – approximately 0.5 AED per minute.
For clarity, here are some approximate prices to popular destinations:
| Destination | Approximate Price (AED) | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa) | 50 – 70 | 15-20 min |
| Dubai Marina | 80 – 100 | 25-35 min |
| Palm Jumeirah | 90 – 120 | 30-40 min |
| Sharjah | 100 – 140 | 40-50 min |
To be honest, the prices are quite reasonable considering the comfort and speed.
Where to find a taxi at Dubai Airport
The first question arriving passengers ask is where to find a car. Everything in Dubai is organised very clearly, but if you are here for the first time, it is worth knowing in advance where to go.
- Terminal 1. This terminal serves many international flights, including budget airlines. Finding a taxi here is the easiest: after passing through passport control and collecting your luggage, follow the signs for ‘Taxi’. The exit leads directly to the parking area, which is located next to the arrivals hall. There are always several dozen cars on duty in the car park, so you almost never have to wait.
- Terminal 2. It is mainly used by regional carriers and charters. It is slightly smaller, but the organisation is the same. After leaving the arrivals area, passengers will immediately see signs and staff who will help direct them to the taxis. The car park is compact, but the flow of cars is constant, so there are no delays either.
- Terminal 3. This is the airport’s largest terminal, serving all Emirates flights. Taxis are located in a separate, spacious area designed to accommodate thousands of passengers per day. For Emirates customers, there are convenient corridors, escalators and even covered walkways to get to the taxi rank. If your flight arrives late at night or early in the morning, taxis are still available: Dubai Taxi Corporation operates around the clock.
In addition, there are signs with the word ‘Taxi’ posted throughout the airport. They are noticeable, with a black and yellow icon, so it is almost impossible to get lost. If necessary, you can ask airport staff – they are used to answering such questions and will show you the way.
Types of airport taxis
Many visitors assume that every taxi in Dubai is identical. In reality, travellers can choose from a variety of options, making it easy to find a vehicle that suits their budget, requirements, or personal taste.
- Standard taxis. This is the most common category. Cars with red roofs and beige bodies are the classic option, suitable for most tourists and business travellers. The cars are new, air-conditioned, equipped with meters and GPS systems.
- Taxis for women. They are easily recognisable by their pink roofs. Only women drive these cars, which makes the trip more comfortable and safer for female passengers, especially if they are travelling alone or with children.
- Limousines and premium class. For those who want to emphasise their status or simply prefer increased comfort, the airport offers limousine taxis. These are not classic stretched limousines, but rather business and executive class cars: Lexus, BMW, Mercedes.
- Minivans and family cars. This option is popular among large groups or families with luggage. The cars are designed for 6-7 passengers, so you can travel as a group and not have to split into two cars.
Thus, as soon as they leave the terminal, passengers have a choice: a quick transfer in a standard car, a comfortable Ladies Taxi, a luxurious limousine or a spacious minivan for the family. Everything is official, safe and available around the clock.
Ways to book
Unlike some other airports, in Dubai it is not necessary to book a transfer in advance to leave. Taxis are always waiting for passengers at the terminals. But for convenience and planning, there are several ways to book a trip:
Parking at the airport
The easiest option. Leave the arrivals hall, find the Taxi signs, go to the counter, and the dispatcher on duty will direct you to an available car. The meter starts running as soon as you get in.
Telephone booking
Dubai Taxi Corporation has a 24-hour call centre. You can book a car in advance by calling 800 88088 and specifying the time and place of pick-up.
Mobile apps
There are more options here.
Careem (a service with the Hala Taxi function – connecting to government taxis through the app).
Uber, where you can choose comfort or premium class.
DTC Smart Taxi – the Dubai Taxi Corporation’s proprietary app, where you can not only call a car but also track its movement.
Through the hotel
Many hotels in Dubai offer a shuttle service for their guests. This is usually a paid service, but sometimes it is included in the room rate. Reservations are made in advance, and the driver will meet you with a sign right in the arrivals hall.
Thus, there is a choice for every taste: from ‘right on the spot’ to a planned order through the app.
Payment methods
For tourists, one of the key aspects to consider is the method of payment.
- Most passengers still use the local currency (dirhams, AED). Drivers accept banknotes and always give a receipt.
- Almost all taxis are equipped with terminals.
- Tourists are increasingly using Apple Pay and Google Pay, especially in standard and premium taxis.
- The NOL Card is a transport card that can be used on the metro and buses, as well as in taxis equipped with terminals. Important: there are no hidden fees. The cost of the trip is calculated strictly according to the meter, and a receipt is issued automatically.
In Dubai, this is organised as flexibly as possible.
Tips for passengers
A few practical recommendations will help make your trip comfortable:
- Check the meter. In official taxis, it is turned on immediately at the start. If for some reason the driver has not done so, remind them.
- Avoid private drivers. At the airport, you may sometimes encounter offers to ‘travel cheaper’. But this is illegal and unsafe. Always choose only official cars.
- During rush hour, it is better to book in advance. For example, on Thursday evenings or before holidays, the flow of passengers is higher. With the Careem or DTC Smart Taxi app, you can avoid unnecessary waiting.
- For women. If you are travelling alone and want to feel more comfortable, choose Ladies Taxi.
- For large groups. If you have suitcases, prams or sports equipment, go straight to the minivan area. This will save you time.
Another life hack: it is sometimes useful to check with the driver in advance for the approximate travel time. Traffic jams do occur in Dubai, especially in the Sheikh Zayed Road area during rush hour.
Alternatives to taxis
Taxis are the most popular way to leave the airport, but they are not the only option.
- Metro. The red metro line runs through terminals 1 and 3. This is convenient if your hotel is near the station. The fare is between 4 and 8.5 AED, depending on the zone. However, the metro does not run 24 hours a day: the first train is at 5–6 a.m., and the last one is around midnight.
- Private transfers. Many companies offer a driver to meet you and take you to your hotel. The price is fixed and depends on the type of car.
- Uber and Careem. As an alternative to traditional taxis, they allow you to choose your car in advance. Sometimes fares are higher during rush hour due to dynamic pricing.
- Car rental. If you plan to travel actively around the emirates, you can rent a car directly at the airport. This is convenient for business trips or family travel, but keep in mind that you need an international driving licence to drive in Dubai.
Thus, passengers have a full range of options: from the cheap metro to a limousine.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about taxis at Dubai Airport
- How much does a taxi cost from Dubai Airport to the city centre?
The minimum fare for a trip from DXB is 25 AED. After that, the meter runs at approximately 2 AED per kilometre. On average, a trip to the city centre (e.g. to Burj Khalifa or Dubai Mall) will cost 50–70 AED and take 15–20 minutes.
- Do taxis operate at Dubai Airport around the clock?
Yes. Official taxi ranks are open 24/7. Even if your flight arrives at night or early in the morning, cars will be waiting at the terminals.
- Can I pay for a taxi by card?
Yes. Most cars are equipped with terminals for accepting bank cards (Visa, MasterCard) and also support Apple Pay and Google Pay. In addition, some cars accept NOL Cards.
- Which is cheaper – Uber or an airport taxi?
It all depends on the time of day. During normal hours, the official Dubai Taxi Corporation fare is usually cheaper. But if there is traffic or high demand in the city, Uber may be more expensive due to dynamic pricing. However, Uber and Careem have their advantages: convenient booking via the app and the ability to choose your level of comfort.
- How long does it take to travel from DXB to Dubai Marina?
Usually 25-35 minutes. The cost ranges from AED 80 to AED 100, depending on traffic. If you arrive during rush hour (e.g. on a weekday evening), allow an extra 10-15 minutes.
- Are there special taxis for women?
Yes, these are called Ladies Taxis. They are pink and driven by female drivers. This is a very popular service for female travellers who want to feel more comfortable, especially if they arrive at night.
- Can I book a taxi in advance?
Yes. You can make a reservation in advance through the Careem and DTC Smart Taxi apps, as well as through the Dubai Taxi Corporation call centre.
- Are there any additional charges?
The main fixed charge is AED 25 for airport pick-ups. Otherwise, the fare is calculated by the meter. There may occasionally be an extra fee when travelling to nearby emirates, such as Sharjah or Ajman, and this surcharge will always be reflected on the receipt.
Conclusion
Taxis at Dubai Airport are perhaps the most reliable and versatile way to start your journey. You can choose any type of taxi: a standard taxi with a red roof, a female-only taxi with a pink roof, a minivan for a family with luggage, or even a limousine for a business meeting. All cars are certified, undergo regular inspections, and the drivers know the city better than any satnav.
Naturally, taxis are not the only option — there are also the metro, private transfers, or rental cars. Still, airport taxis remain the most balanced solution: reasonably priced, available at any hour, reliable, and stress-free.