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✨ Updated for 2026

🚕 Dubai Taxi Fare Calculator

Calculate RTA taxi fares with current rates, smart route estimation, and all surcharges for 2026

Current RTA Rates (2026): Flag Drop: 5 AED (day) | Per KM: 2.26 AED | Waiting: 0.30 AED/min | Minimum fare: 12 AED
💡 Route not in database. Please enter distance and waiting time manually below for accurate calculation.

How is Dubai Taxi Fare Calculated in 2026?

Dubai's RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) regulated taxi fares are structured to ensure fair pricing. Our calculator helps you estimate costs with smart route calculation for major locations.

  • Flag Drop (Flag Fall): 5 AED - charged when you start the trip
  • Per Kilometer Rate: 2.26 AED - charged for distance traveled
  • Waiting Time: 0.30 AED per minute - charged when taxi is idle
  • Airport Surcharge: Additional charges at DXB and DWC
  • Night tariff: the flag drop rises to 5.50 AED between 10 PM and 6 AM (the per-km rate does not change)

Current RTA Taxi Rates (2026)

Charge Type Amount Details
Flag Drop 5 AED Initial charge for starting trip
Per KM 2.26 AED For each kilometer traveled
Waiting Charge 0.30 AED/min Per minute of waiting
Night Surcharge 5.50 AED 10 PM to 6 AM (night flag drop)
Airport Pickup 5-20 AED DXB and DWC surcharge

Dubai Taxi Routes & Fares

Route Distance Est. Duration Approx. Fare
DXB to Dubai Mall ~25 KM 25-35 min 70-80 AED
DXB to Burj Khalifa ~30 KM 30-40 min 75-85 AED
Dubai Marina to Downtown ~18 KM 20-30 min 50-60 AED
DXB to Dubai Marina ~35 KM 35-45 min 85-95 AED
Downtown to Palm Jumeirah ~25 KM 25-35 min 65-75 AED

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a taxi from Dubai Airport (DXB) to Dubai Mall? ▼
A taxi from DXB to Dubai Mall typically costs between 70-80 AED, covering approximately 25-30 km with an estimated travel time of 25-35 minutes depending on traffic. Between 10 PM and 6 AM the flag drop is 5.50 AED instead of 5 AED.
How much is a taxi from Dubai Airport to Burj Khalifa? ▼
A taxi from DXB to Burj Khalifa costs approximately 75-85 AED for about 30 km, with an estimated travel time of 30-40 minutes. This includes the airport pickup tariff and the distance charge. Between 10 PM and 6 AM the flag drop is 5.50 AED rather than 5 AED.
How much is a taxi from Dubai Marina to Downtown Dubai? ▼
A taxi from Dubai Marina to Downtown Dubai costs around 50-60 AED for approximately 18 km, with a travel time of 20-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Regular surcharges apply during peak hours.
How is Dubai taxi fare calculated? ▼
Dubai taxi fares are calculated using: Flag Drop (5 AED) + Distance (2.26 AED per km) + Waiting Time (0.30 AED per minute), with a minimum fare of 12 AED. The flag drop is 5.50 AED between 10 PM and 6 AM, and 25 AED for a pickup at DXB or DWC. There is no percentage night surcharge.
What is the Dubai taxi flag fall charge? ▼
The Dubai taxi flag fall (initial charge) is 5 AED as per 2026 RTA rates. This is charged automatically when you enter the taxi, regardless of the distance or time. After the flag fall, charges are based on distance traveled and waiting time.
Are Dubai taxis cheaper than Uber in 2026? ▼
Dubai taxis and Uber/Careem have competitive pricing. RTA taxis have fixed rates (5 AED flag + 2.26 AED/km), while ride-sharing apps have variable pricing based on demand. At night a taxi charges a slightly higher flag drop (5.50 AED instead of 5 AED) rather than a percentage surcharge, while apps may apply surge pricing. Use our calculator to compare fares for your route.
What are airport taxi charges in Dubai? ▼
Airport taxi charges include: Base fare + distance charge + surcharge (5-20 AED depending on airport). DXB (Dubai International) typically adds 10 AED, while DWC (Al Maktoum) may add 15-20 AED. Our 2026 calculator includes these in the total estimate.

Tips for Saving on Taxi Fares in Dubai

  • Use ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem for competitive pricing
  • The night flag drop (10 PM – 6 AM) adds only 0.50 AED, so timing matters far less than route length
  • Book in advance through apps for better rates
  • Share rides when available for cost reduction
  • Use the Nol Card for discounts on some routes
  • The day flag drop (6 AM – 10 PM) is 5 AED against 5.50 AED at night — a small difference on any trip

Dubai Transportation Alternatives

  • Dubai Metro: Cheapest option for long distances (1-2 AED per trip)
  • Bus: Affordable for various routes (1.50-3.50 AED)
  • Ride-Sharing (Uber/Careem): Competitive rates with surge pricing
  • Private Taxi: Fixed contracts for regular trips
  • Walking: Free for short distances in malls and neighborhoods

Rates used on this page

Street-hail tariff: flag drop AED 5 by day and AED 5.50 between 22:00 and 06:00; AED 2.26 per kilometre; AED 0.30 per minute of waiting; minimum fare AED 12. A pickup at Dubai International (DXB) or Al Maktoum (DWC) starts at AED 25. Booking through an app such as S’hail or Careem uses a different starting fare.

Published by the Roads and Transport Authority. Last checked 5 October 2026. Fares are estimates for planning; the meter in the vehicle is what you pay. This site is not affiliated with the RTA or Dubai Taxi.

How this calculator works

The Dubai Taxi Fare Calculator is an educational estimate tool. It applies published fee schedules, typical market ranges, or commonly used formulas so you can plan before you spend. Results are not an official quotation from any UAE government authority, bank, utility, or taxi operator.

What you should verify

Who this page helps

Residents, new arrivals, visitors, and freelancers across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the wider UAE use these calculators to budget transport, utilities, housing, and work-related costs. Pair this page with the related tools below for a fuller UAE cost picture.

Sources and updates

We review public rate tables periodically and note major policy changes when we find them. Because authorities can revise fees without notice, always double-check before making a financial or travel decision. Last editorial review: August 2026.

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