As of 2026, the minimum taxi fare in Dubai has officially been updated by the
Roads and Transport Authority
(RTA).

According to the latest fare structure:

• Minimum taxi fare (street hail): AED 12
• Minimum taxi fare (app booking – Careem / Uber / Hala): AED 13

This means even if you travel a very short distance in Dubai, you will still be required to pay at least AED 12 if you hail a taxi from the road and AED 13 if you book it through a mobile application.

Previously, the minimum fare for app-based taxi booking was AED 12, but after the latest update introduced in November 2025, the RTA increased the minimum fare to AED 13 for e-hailing services, which is now applicable across Dubai in 2026.

Base Fare of Taxi in Dubai (2026)

Taxi fares in Dubai begin with a base charge, commonly known as the “flagfall rate.”

Daytime Taxi Base Fare

From 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, the taxi meter starts from:

• AED 5.00

Night-Time Taxi Base Fare

From 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, the base fare increases slightly to:

• AED 5.50

These starting fares apply when you hail a taxi directly from the street.

Dubai Airport Taxi Minimum Fare (2026)

If your taxi journey begins from
Dubai International Airport
you will be charged a higher minimum starting fare.

Airport Taxi Starting Fare

• Starting Fare: AED 25
• Per KM Rate: Approx AED 2.14 – AED 2.33

Airport taxi fares are higher due to the premium pickup location, baggage assistance, and availability of taxis 24/7 at airport terminals.

Taxi Fare Per Kilometer in Dubai (2026)

Once your trip begins, the taxi meter continues to calculate the fare based on:

Distance Travelled

• Taxi Fare Per KM: AED 2.19 (average)

However, this rate may fluctuate slightly between AED 2.14 to AED 2.26 depending on fuel prices set by the RTA each month.

Waiting Charges in Dubai Taxi

If your taxi is stationary due to traffic or waiting at signals, an additional fee will be added.

Waiting Time Charges

• AED 0.50 per minute

This is especially important during peak hours when traffic congestion may impact travel time.

Additional Taxi Charges in Dubai

Apart from the minimum taxi fare in Dubai, passengers may also need to pay:

Salik Toll Charges

Dubai operates an electronic toll system called
Salik

• AED 4 is added for each toll gate crossed

This toll amount is automatically added to your taxi fare if your journey passes through toll gates such as Sheikh Zayed Road.

Estimated Taxi Cost in Dubai (2026)

Here is an approximate cost breakdown:

These fares may vary depending on traffic conditions, peak hours, and toll gates crossed during your journey.

Why Understanding Minimum Taxi Fare in Dubai is Important for Property Buyers

If you are planning to relocate or invest in Dubai real estate, understanding transportation costs such as the minimum taxi fare in Dubai is essential. Areas with good public transport connectivity often have lower commuting costs, making them ideal for residential investment.

For instance, communities located near metro stations or business hubs can significantly reduce your reliance on taxis, thereby saving monthly travel expenses.

This is why investors working with Regent Elite Properties always consider transportation accessibility before finalizing property investments in Dubai.

FAQs About Minimum Taxi Fare in Dubai

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