Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, offers several public commute options to its residents and tourists. Among the many available options, taxis are an excellent way to commute with comfort and privacy. The capital city offers many types of taxi services suitable for different kinds of commuters. Additionally, taxi services in Abu Dhabi offer several platforms for booking and fare payments.
Taxi Services in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi taxi services are overseen by the Centre for Regulation of Transport by Hire Cars (TransAD). This centre, in collaboration with the Emirates Driving Company, ensures that the public transportation system in the capital is safe, well-managed and easily accessible.
Furthermore, TransAD has made it mandatory for all new drivers to attend a comprehensive orientation course and pass an assessment test before they can take their taxi out on the roads.
The Abu Dhabi taxi fleet comprises 6,390 vehicles. 85% of taxis operate in Abu Dhabi city, whereas about 25% of them operate in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
Types of Taxis in Abu Dhabi
Taxis in Abu Dhabi are among the most comfortable and commonly used modes of commuting. Therefore, an extensive fleet of taxis can be spotted in the city. Moreover, qualified taxi drivers operate these public taxis.
A number of authorised taxi companies in Abu Dhabi operate different types of metered taxis. Aside from standard street taxis, the Abu Dhabi taxi fleet includes Family taxis, Airport taxis and taxis for People of Determination (PoD).
Here is a brief about two specific types of Abu Dhabi taxis.
Public Taxi
These are the most common type of taxi in Abu Dhabi. Public taxis have a yellow roof light. They are available throughout the city and can be hailed from the street or booked in advance.
Family Taxi
Taxi services in Abu Dhabi include a fleet of Family taxis driven by women. This category of the public commute was initiated in 2010 by TransAD and 182 family taxis have been added to the fleet. These taxis are dedicated to transporting families only, passengers and children (under 10 years). The roof light of family taxis is white.
Taxi for People of Determination
Taxis for People of Determination in Abu Dhabi have a yellow roof colour. They are designed for people with disabilities and are equipped with wheelchair ramps and other accessibility features. The fleet comprises 21 taxis designated for People of Determination.
Besides the aforementioned types, there are several purpose-specific taxis in the emirate. These include the following:
Airport Taxi
Airport taxis in Abu Dhabi were introduced to provide a hassle-free and comfortable journey from the airport to any place in the capital city. The airport taxi fleet comprises 222 taxis. The airport taxis in Abu Dhabi are black in colour with a black roof light.
They can be hailed anytime from Abu Dhabi International Airport. Moreover, airport taxis can be booked from anywhere in the city to commute to the airport, but you need to book them through the mobile app or by calling the Abu Dhabi Taxi number.
Vito Airport Taxi
Luxury airport taxis, also called Vito Airport Taxis, are available outside Terminals 1 and 3 Arrival halls. The Vito Airport Taxis boasts the exclusive Mercedes-Benz Vito. The 6-seater airport taxi is ideal for large families or groups. It features advanced GPS, space for baggage, multi-lingual drivers and an online tracking system.
Pink Taxi Abu Dhabi
In Abu Dhabi, pink taxis operated by female drivers are available exclusively for women, families and children under the age of 10.
Authorised Taxi Companies in Abu Dhabi
The fleet of taxis in Abu Dhabi is operated by several authorised taxi companies. These companies have metered taxis running on the roads of the city, following the guidelines and standards of the TransAD.
The authorised companies to provide taxi services in Abu Dhabi include:
- Al Arabia Taxi
- Al Ghazal Taxis
- Cars Taxi
- Emirates Taxi
- National Taxi
- National Transport
- National Transport Company
- Tawasul Transport
Taxi Stands in Abu Dhabi
You can locate a taxi in Abu Dhabi across the city. Dedicated taxi stands are usually present outside all the prime shopping places, airports, hotels, medical facilities, recreational centres and bus terminals. You can hail a taxi from any of such Abu Dhabi taxi stands and commute anywhere in the city.
Besides, you can request a taxi from your current location through the Abu Dhabi taxi booking number or via the Abu Dhabi Taxi mobile app. All the bookings are exclusively monitored to ensure each passenger’s requests are fulfilled.
Booking a Taxi in Abu Dhabi
Here is a brief Abu Dhabi taxi booking guide for your assistance:
Abu Dhabi Taxi Number – Booking via Call
Booking a taxi in Abu Dhabi is quite simple. If you can’t find a taxi near your location, you can call the Abu Dhabi taxi number for a booking. A customer service representative will assist you and the taxi will reach your location at a specified time.
The Abu Dhabi Taxi booking number is 600-535353.
Moreover, you may also book an Abu Dhabi taxi from outside the UAE by calling +971 2 4186 000.
Abu Dhabi Taxi Booking via Mobile Application
You can easily book a taxi on the go through the Abu Dhabi Taxi mobile application (iOS | Android). This app was launched by TransAD Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) (now called Abu Dhabi Mobility) to facilitate residents and tourists equally. Taxis booked via the app arrive in more or less 10 minutes after you have made a request.
The Abu Dhabi taxi app also has other taxi-related features. For instance, you can contact the 24/7 support team, track your booked taxi’s location, cancel a booking, maintain a history of rides, provide feedback, navigate to other places in Abu Dhabi and book a taxi from there to other destinations within the city.
ABU DHABI TAXI BOOKING VIA DARBI
You can also book a taxi via Darbi Abu Dhabi official website or by simply downloading their app on your smartphone to avail the service.
This app can also be used to calculate the fare from your location to the destination. Here is how you can avail Abu Dhabi taxi service using the Darbi app:
- Log in to the DARBI website or the mobile app
- Go to Book a Taxi from the menu
- Select Book Now
- Enter your name, gender and mobile number to get the code
- Enter the code you received on your mobile number
- Enter the location by typing or using the pin to select from the map
- Click Book
Taxi Fares in Abu Dhabi
The metered taxis in the capital city help you and authorised taxi companies to keep track of fare rates, location-wise. Here we have detailed the Abu Dhabi taxi fare for different taxi types.
Public Taxi Fares
Day time – 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM | Night time – 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM | |
|---|---|---|
| FlagFall | Day time – 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM 5.00 | Night time – 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM 5.50 |
| Every 1 Km | Day time – 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM 1.82 | Night time – 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM 1.82 |
| Every minute of waiting | Day time – 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM 0.50 | Night time – 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM 0.50 |
| Minimum trip fare | Day time – 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM 12 | Night time – 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM 12 |
| Booking Fees | Day time – 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM 4.00 | Night time – 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM 5.00 |
Airport Taxi Fares
Day time – 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM | Night time – 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM | |
|---|---|---|
| FlagFall | Day time – 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM 20.00 | Night time – 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM 20.00 |
| Every 1 Km | Day time – 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM 1.82 | Night time – 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM 1.82 |
| Every minute of waiting | Day time – 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM 0.50 | Night time – 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM 0.50 |
| Booking Fees | Day time – 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM 4.00 | Night time – 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM 5.00 |
Vito Airport Taxi Fares
Day time – 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM | Night time – 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM | |
|---|---|---|
| FlagFall from Airport | Day time – 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM 20.00 | Night time – 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM 20.00 |
| Every 1 Km | Day time – 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM 1.82 | Night time – 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM 1.82 |
| Every minute of waiting | Day time – 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM 0.50 | Night time – 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM 0.50 |
| Booking Fees | Day time – 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM 4.00 | Night time – 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM 5.00 |
Note: Please note that the listed fares are subject to change.
The UAE Ministry of Social Affairs issues discount cards under certain terms and conditions. People with this card can avail of around 25% to 50% discount on taxi fare.
Moreover, the Ministry of Community Development issues an E-card for People of Determination and elderly residents. With this card, they can avail of discounts on taxi fares. Besides, given the driving facilities for People of Determination in the UAE, they may opt to buy their own car and drive across the city.
Abu Dhabi Taxi Fare Payment
Taxi passengers can pay for the ride in:
- Cash
- Apple Pay
- Samsung Pay
- PayBy
- Online using credit cards via Abu Dhabi Taxi mobile application
Intercity Travelling via Taxis in Abu Dhabi
Those who wish to travel to the neighbouring cities can hail a taxi from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. If you plan to commute via taxi from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, it will take around 1 hour and 13 minutes.
The taxi services in Abu Dhabi offer intercity travelling options that are catered by authorised taxi companies in the city. Besides, you can choose to travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai via public bus.
Rights and Responsibilities of Taxi Passengers
TransAD consistently makes efforts to provide a smooth ride to all of its passengers. Therefore, passengers are given the right to view the taxi metre, check the driver’s photo ID card, decide the route, keep the air conditioner off or on, refuse to pay tips to drivers and refuse multiple hiring.
Similarly, passengers also have some responsibilities, such as:
- Wear a seat belt during the journey.
- Avoid smoking, drinking, eating and littering in the taxi.
- Children under 12 months must be in a child seat.
- Do not ask the driver to stop at unsafe locations or against the law.
- Pay the complete fare as well as booking and toll fees (if applicable).
FAQs
What types of taxis are available in Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi offers several types of taxis, including Public (Silver) Taxis, Family taxis (often driven by women and designed for families), Airport taxis with extra luggage space, Pink taxis exclusively for women and children and taxis for People of Determination equipped for passengers with disabilities.
Is there an Abu Dhabi Taxi Booking App?
Yes, Abu Dhabi has an official Abu Dhabi Taxi app that allows users to book taxis quickly and conveniently using GPS location, track their ride in real-time, cancel bookings, and save favourite locations.
Are taxis in Abu Dhabi Metered?
Yes, taxis in Abu Dhabi are metered, with fares calculated based on distance travelled, waiting time and other applicable parameters to ensure fair pricing. The Dubai to Abu Dhabi taxi sharing service is also a viable option for people travelling between the two emirates.
Public transport in Abu Dhabi makes it easier to get around and taxis are an important part of that network. However, if you wish to explore the Emirate in your own car, you can buy a car in the emirate. Browse through these new cars for sale in Abu Dhabi and explore the options.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information related to public transport in other emirates and driving rules.
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