If you are a resident or a tourist in the UAE, staying updated with transport costs is essential for your budget. In this article, you can learn more about the latest pricing changes and detailed lists. Let’s dive into the details.

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RTA Taxi Fares: The Complete 2026 Updated List and Passenger Guide

Understanding the latest RTA Taxi Fares is crucial for anyone commuting in Dubai, as the authority has moved toward a dynamic pricing model. These changes, effective from late 2025, ensure better vehicle availability during the busiest times of the day.

Updated List for App-Based Bookings (Hala/Careem)

This section details the specific costs you will encounter when using a smartphone application to book your ride.

For those who prefer a Dubai Taxi App Booking, the minimum fare has seen a slight increase to accommodate rising demand and fuel costs.

• Minimum Fare: Increased from AED 12 to AED 13 for all app bookings.
• Distance Rate: Ranges between AED 2.14 and AED 2.33 per kilometer.
• Waiting Fee: Charged at 50 fils per minute when the taxi is stationary.
• Ladies Taxi: Base fare is AED 6 during the day and AED 7 after 10 PM.

Dynamic Pricing during Hala Taxi Peak Hours

Learn how the time of day affects your total fare under the new variable booking fee structure.

The RTA Taxi Fares now vary significantly based on whether you are traveling during rush hour or off peak windows.

• Monday to Thursday Peak: 8:00 AM – 9:59 AM & 4:00 PM – 7:59 PM.
• Weekend Peak: Saturday and Sunday peak applies from 4:00 PM to 9:59 PM.
• Fees during Hala Taxi Peak Hours: A Booking Fee of AED 7.50 is applied on top of the flagfall.
• Night Shift: Between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM, the flagfall increases to AED 5.50.

Dubai Airport Taxi Rates and Special Routes

Specific pricing information for travelers arriving at the airport or those traveling between different Emirates.

While general city travel follows dynamic pricing, specific routes like the airport have fixed base charges.

• Standard Starting Fee: All Dubai Airport Taxi Rates begin with a base fare of AED 25.
• Sharjah Crossing: A flat fee of AED 20 is added to any trip that crosses the border into Sharjah.
• Salik Tolls: Any Salik gate crossed during the journey is added to the final fare automatically.
• Off-Peak App Booking: During regular hours, the Dubai Taxi App Booking fee drops to AED 4.

Managing the Ramadan and Eid Taxi Rush

Important advice for commuters during the busiest religious and public holidays in the UAE.

During the Ramadan and Eid Taxi Rush, demand for transportation reaches its yearly peak, requiring passengers to plan their journeys well in advance.

• Iftar Peak: High demand is recorded between 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM daily during Ramadan.
• Mall Congestion: During the Ramadan and Eid Taxi Rush, Mall areas experience the longest wait times.
• Hala Taxi Peak Hours: These are often extended during public holidays to manage the influx of tourists.
• Advance Booking: It is highly recommended to use the app to schedule rides at least an hour before Taraweeh or Eid events.

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Street-Hailed vs. App-Booked Taxis

A quick comparison to help you choose the most economical way to travel depending on your location.

If you want to save on the minimum charge, flagging a taxi manually on the street might be your best option.

• Street Minimum: The minimum fare for a street hailed taxi remains AED 12.
• Base Fares: AED 5.00 during the day and AED 5.50 during the night (10 PM – 6 AM).
• Booking Convenience: While street hailing is cheaper, a Dubai Taxi App Booking ensures a car reaches your exact doorstep.
• Airport Convenience: Remember that Dubai Airport Taxi Rates remain the same whether you pre-book or take one from the terminal queue.

NOTE: Prices are subject to change. Please always check the official website for the latest updates

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why did the RTA increase the minimum taxi fare? The minimum fare for app bookings was raised to AED 13 to manage high demand and maintain service quality across the city.

2. Is there an extra charge for traveling to Sharjah? Yes, a flat fee of AED 20 is added to the meter whenever a taxi crosses the Dubai-Sharjah border.

3. What are the peak hours for taxis on weekends? On Saturday and Sunday, peak hour pricing (AED 7.50 booking fee) applies from 4:00 PM to 9:59 PM.

4. Can I pay for my Dubai taxi using a Nol card? Yes, all RTA taxis accept Nol cards, credit/debit cards, and mobile payments like Apple Pay.

Conclusion

Staying informed about the latest RTA Taxi Fares allows you to navigate Dubai efficiently without overspending. By choosing between street hailing and app-booking based on the time of day, you can master the city’s transport system with ease.

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