Dubai: Getting around Dubai is a choice between the ubiquitous “cream-colored” street taxis, the local giant Careem, or the global heavyweight Uber. While they all use the same roads, the price gap for the same journey can be as much as 40%.
Here is the 2025 data-backed breakdown of which service to call.
Which is cheaper in Dubai: Uber, Careem, or a standard Taxi? Compare 2025 fare data, airport surcharges, and wait times. See the price difference for major routes like DXB to Dubai Marina and Downtown to The Palm.
📊 1. The Base Fare Breakdown (2025 Data)
| Feature | Hala Taxi (via Careem) | Uber Select | Careem Comfort |
| Minimum Fare | AED 12.00 | AED 20.00 | AED 20.00 |
| Price per KM | AED 2.19 | AED 3.00 – 4.50 | AED 3.00 – 4.50 |
| Booking Fee | AED 8 (Day) / AED 12 (Peak) | Included in estimate | Included in estimate |
| Wait Time Fee | AED 0.50 / min | AED 1.50 / min | AED 1.50 / min |
📍 2. Price Comparison for Major Routes
Note: Prices are estimates for standard traffic conditions in late 2025.
| Route | Hala Taxi (Standard) | Uber Select / Careem Comfort |
| DXB Airport ➔ Dubai Marina | AED 105 – 125 | AED 155 – 180 |
| Downtown ➔ Palm Jumeirah | AED 55 – 70 | AED 85 – 110 |
| Dubai Marina ➔ Global Village | AED 65 – 80 | AED 95 – 120 |
| Bur Dubai ➔ Dubai Mall | AED 30 – 40 | AED 50 – 65 |
🆚 3. Which One Should You Choose?
Hala Taxi (The Budget King)
Managed through the Careem App, “Hala” allows you to book a standard RTA street taxi.1
- Pros: The cheapest private motorized transport in Dubai. You can see the driver’s location and pay via the app.
- Cons: During peak hours or rain, they are notoriously difficult to book.
- Best For: Daily commutes and budget-conscious sightseeing.
Uber (The Luxury Choice)
In Dubai, Uber does not offer “UberX.” The entry-level is Uber Select, which usually features Lexus ES or Tesla vehicles.
- Pros: Superior car quality, professional drivers, and higher availability during busy times. No “surprise” surcharges as the price is locked in.
- Cons: Generally 30% to 50% more expensive than a standard taxi.
- Best For: Business meetings, date nights, or when you need a guaranteed ride fast.
Careem (The Local Everything App)
Careem offers more variety, from “Hala” (taxis) to “Comfort” (Lexus) and “Executive” (Mercedes).
- Pros: Highly reliable. You can also order food, groceries, and even a “Bike” (scooter) through the same app.2
- Cons: Pricing is almost identical to Uber for the higher-tier cars.
- Best For: Residents and long-term tourists who want one app for all their needs.
⚠️ 4. The “Airport Factor”
When taking a taxi FROM any Dubai airport (DXB/DWC), there is a mandatory starting flag-fall of AED 25.3
- Pro-Tip: If you are on a strict budget, take the Metro from the airport to a nearby station (like Deira City Centre) and call a taxi from there to save that AED 25 surcharge.
💡 2025 Insider Tips
- Salik (Tolls): Every time your ride passes under a “Salik” toll gate (there are 8 in Dubai), AED 4 is automatically added to your final bill.4
- Peak Pricing: Both Uber and Careem use dynamic pricing. During a sandstorm or Friday evening in the Marina, prices can double. Standard Taxis (Hala) do not have surge pricing per km, but their booking fee may increase slightly.
- Street Hailing: You can still “wave down” a taxi on the street. This is often the fastest way to get a ride in busy areas like Deira or Bur Dubai, and you skip the AED 8-12 booking fee.
Relevant Hashtags
#DubaiTaxis #CareemDubai #UberDubai #DubaiTravel2025 #MovingToDubai #DubaiBuzz #TravelHacks
Would you like me to find the current “Promo Codes” for first-time Careem or Uber users in Dubai for December 2025?