How Much Does a Dubai Taxi Charge per Kilometer?

Dubai RTA currently lists the regular taxi kilometer rate at AED 2.19 per km. Your total fare also includes the starting fare and may include waiting charges, tolls, or other applicable fees.

Dubai taxi fare per kilometer

For a regular Dubai taxi, the current meter rate is AED 2.19 per km. This applies to standard taxi services, although fares can vary depending on the service and circumstances of the trip.

The table below shows only the AED 2.19-per-kilometer component. It is not the estimated total taxi fare.

Distance	Distance-only charge
5 km	AED 10.95
10 km	AED 21.90
20 km	AED 43.80
30 km	AED 65.70

*RTA also lists minimum fares of AED 12 for road pickups and AED 13 for e-hail bookings.

How is the total taxi fare calculated?

Dubai taxi fares generally combine several components. RTA describes the calculation as including the base fare, kilometer charge, waiting time, applicable tolls, and certain location-related fees.

For regular road pickups, the starting fare is AED 5 from 6 am to 10 pm and AED 5.50 from 10 pm to 6 am. Authorized e-hail taxi bookings use different starting fares, generally ranging from AED 9 to AED 13 depending on the day and time.

Are there extra taxi charges in Dubai?

Yes. Your final fare can increase because of additional charges such as:

Salik tolls when the taxi passes through a toll gate
AED 20 when traveling into Sharjah
Waiting time is charged at AED 0.50 (50 fils) per minute
Starting fares may change during peak periods, at major event locations, and during special events such as New Year’s Eve.

This means a 10-km journey will not necessarily cost exactly AED 21.90.

Is booking a taxi more expensive?

It can be. Dubai taxis booked through authorized e-hail services may have a different starting fare from taxis hailed directly from the street. RTA's current fare schedule shows e-hail starting fares that vary by day and time, while standard road pickups start from AED 5 or AED 5.50.

Luxury transportation is also more expensive, with RTA stating that luxury transport/e-hail services are at least 30% higher than regular taxi fares.

Tips for saving money on Dubai taxis

For tourists, a few simple habits can help keep transportation costs under control:

Use the Dubai Metro for longer journeys where practical.
Check your route before starting the trip.
Expect additional costs when crossing Salik gates.
Compare the estimated price when booking through an authorized app.
Avoid unnecessary waiting time during your journey.

Plan your Dubai transportation budget

So, how much does a Dubai taxi charge per km? The current standard rate is AED 2.19 per kilometer, but the amount you actually pay depends on the complete fare calculation rather than distance alone.

Before traveling to Dubai, it's also a good idea to check the latest entry requirements and visitor information through UAE Immigration Services. If you are travelling to Dubai from abroad, check your UAE visa requirements and application options before departure.

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