How To Book A Taxi In Dubai: A Beginner’s Guide

Taking a taxi in Dubai is an incredibly easy and convenient process. The city is quite compact and the majority of venues, bars and restaurants are located on the same stretch of road. However, this doesn’t mean you can expect a taxi to be readily available at all times of day and night. In fact, getting a cab in the evening, or after dark, can feel like an impossible task for many visitors who aren’t used to dealing with such limited options in their home town. There are two main ways to book a taxi in Dubai: pre-booking with either your hotel or one of several popular taxi services, or flagging one down on the street when you need it most. This article will explain both methods in detail, as well as outlining some alternate transportation options if you are unwilling to wait around for a cab.

How To Book A Taxi In Dubai: Pre-Booking with a Taxi Service

Pre-booking with a taxi service is the easiest way to be sure you have a ride at your disposal. All you need to do is call ahead and book a reservation with the company. The reservation can be for one person or a group, and most companies will ask you to pay a small deposit to confirm the booking. Because most tourists are likely to have heard horror stories about getting ripped off by taxi drivers, many will be hesitant to flag down a cab on the street. By pre-booking, you can avoid any potential problems and ensure you’re getting picked up by the right driver with the right vehicle.

How To Book A Taxi In Dubai: Flagging Down A Taxi On The Street

The majority of visitors to Dubai who want to flag down a taxi on the street will end up at one of two places; Bur Dubai and Deira. These are the locations of Dubai’s main taxi “stops,” which are essentially giant roundabouts where hundreds of cabs wait in a constant circle, constantly picking up and dropping off passengers. At these stops, you’ll find that most drivers are happy to take you wherever you want to go. You’ll also find that many of the drivers here aren’t from Dubai, or even from the UAE. Most of the taxi drivers you’ll meet in Dubai are from other parts of Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The majority of them are friendly and helpful, but you should always be cautious about getting into any unlicensed cab, whether it’s at a taxi stop or not.

Other Transportation Options

As well as taxis, there are a number of other transportation options you might want to consider. Taxis in Dubai aren’t cheap, so if you’re on a budget, these are worth considering as an alternative. Limousines – If you want to travel in style, you can rent a luxury limousine. There are a number of private limousine companies that you can book online, although it’s important to check their reviews to make sure you’re dealing with a reputable company. If you’re traveling with a group of people, a limousine is a great option. Limousine services can be booked by the hour or by the day, but keep in mind that rates vary depending on the time of day. Like taxis, limousine services are significantly more expensive after dark. Sedans – Unlike limousines, which are spacious and comfortable, sedans are smaller cars that can fit two or three passengers comfortably. Sedans are a great option for short trips and are easy to book online. Most companies include airport pickup and drop-off in the price, often with no surge charges or hidden fees. Public Buses – The public bus system in Dubai is comprehensive, so you should be able to get pretty much anywhere in the city for a very low price. However, public buses are often overcrowded, loud and very hot (or cold) depending on the time of year. If you’re on a budget, a bus is a cheap way to travel, but it may not be the most comfortable experience.

Bottom Line

Taking a taxi in Dubai is an incredibly easy and convenient process. The city is quite compact and the majority of venues, bars and restaurants are located on the same stretch of road. However, this doesn’t mean you can expect a taxi to be readily available at all times of day and night. In fact, getting a cab in the evening, or after dark, can feel like an impossible task for many visitors who aren’t used to dealing with such limited options in their home town. There are two main ways to book a taxi in Dubai: pre-booking with either your hotel or one of several popular taxi services, or flagging one down on the street when you need it most.

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