Planning your transportation in Abu Dhabi? This comprehensive guide covers all the ways to book a taxi in Abu Dhabi, from traditional street hailing to modern app-based services. Whether you’re a resident or tourist, we’ll help you navigate the city’s taxi system efficiently.
Quick Overview: 5 Ways to Book Taxi in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi offers multiple convenient options for taxi booking:
- Official Abu Dhabi Taxi App – Government-regulated service
- Phone Booking (TransAD Hotline) – Call 600-535-353
- Street Hailing – Flag down silver taxis with yellow roof signs
- Ride-Hailing Apps – Careem, Uber, and Yango
- Hotel/Airport Taxi Stands – Pre-arranged pickup points
Official Abu Dhabi Taxi Booking Methods
1. Abu Dhabi Taxi App (Recommended)
The official Abu Dhabi Taxi app is the most reliable way to book government-regulated taxis in the emirate.
Key Features:
- GPS-based location tracking
- Available 24/7 throughout Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
- Real-time driver tracking
- Multiple payment options (cash and card)
- Available in Arabic and English
- Direct connection to licensed silver taxi fleet
How to Book:
- Download the Abu Dhabi Taxi app (iOS/Android)
- Enter your pickup location or use GPS
- Select your destination
- Choose vehicle type (standard or wheelchair accessible)
- Confirm booking and track your driver
Download: Available on App Store and Google Play Store
2. TransAD Phone Booking Service
For those who prefer phone booking, Abu Dhabi’s transport authority offers 24/7 telephone service.
Contact Details:
- Phone Number: 600-535-353
- Service Hours: 24/7
- Languages: Arabic and English
- Average Response Time: 10-15 minutes
Booking Process:
- Call 600-535-353
- Provide your current location
- Specify destination address
- Confirm pickup time
- Receive confirmation and taxi details
Popular Ride-Hailing Apps in Abu Dhabi
1. Careem – Most Popular Choice
Careem is the most widely used ride-hailing app in the UAE and offers comprehensive taxi booking services in Abu Dhabi.
Service Options:
- Careem Go (Economy rides)
- Careem Plus (Premium vehicles)
- Careem Business (Corporate bookings)
- Careem Kids (Family-friendly with car seats)
Features:
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Multiple payment methods
- Loyalty rewards program
- 24/7 customer support
- Available in multiple languages
2. Uber Abu Dhabi
Uber offers taxi booking services with a base fare of AED 4 and minimum fare of AED 15 for select vehicles in Abu Dhabi.
Service Types:
- UberX (Standard rides)
- Uber Comfort (Premium experience)
- Uber Black (Luxury vehicles)
3. Yango – Newest Addition
Abu Dhabi recently launched a new taxi booking service through the Yango app, with over 1,500 registered taxis available across the emirate.
Key Benefits:
- Cost-effective pricing
- Available in multiple languages
- Integration with official Abu Dhabi taxi fleet
- User-friendly interface
- Competitive rates
Street Hailing Traditional Taxis
Abu Dhabi street taxis are easily recognizable by their silver livery and yellow roof signs, making them simple to identify and flag down.
How to Hail a Street Taxi:
- Look for silver cars with yellow roof taxi signs
- Wave your hand to signal the driver
- Check that the meter is running
- Communicate your destination clearly
- Pay by cash or card (most taxis accept both)
Taxi Identification:
- Color Scheme: Silver body with yellow roof sign
- License Display: Clearly visible taxi license
- Meter: Digital fare display
- Driver ID: Visible driver identification
Abu Dhabi Taxi Fare Structure 2025
Understanding taxi fares helps you budget for transportation in Abu Dhabi:
Base Rates:
- Minimum Fare: AED 5
- Flag Down Fee: AED 3
- Per Kilometer: AED 1.82 (day) / AED 2.03 (night)
- Waiting Time: AED 0.50 per minute
- Airport Surcharge: AED 20
Peak Hour Pricing:
- Standard rates apply during most hours
- Some app-based services may apply surge pricing during high-demand periods
- Airport pickups include additional surcharge
Airport Taxi Booking in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) offers multiple taxi booking options:
Departure Options:
- Official Airport Taxis: Available at designated taxi stands
- Pre-booked Transfers: Hotel or private car services
- Ride-Hailing Apps: Careem, Uber, and Yango pickup zones
- Abu Dhabi Taxi App: GPS-based booking from terminal
Typical Journey Times:
- Airport to Abu Dhabi city center: 45-60 minutes
- Airport to Dubai: 90-120 minutes
- Airport to Yas Island: 15-20 minutes
Specialty Taxi Services
Wheelchair Accessible Taxis
Abu Dhabi provides wheelchair-accessible taxi services through:
- Abu Dhabi Taxi app (select accessibility option)
- TransAD phone booking (specify requirements)
- Advance booking recommended
Women-Only Taxi Service
Some providers offer female driver services upon request:
- Available through phone booking
- Advance notice required
- Popular among female travelers
Corporate Taxi Booking
Business travelers can access:
- Careem Business accounts
- Corporate billing options
- Regular pickup scheduling
- Receipt management systems
Payment Methods for Abu Dhabi Taxis
Accepted Payment Options:
- Cash: UAE Dirhams (AED)
- Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
- Debit Cards: Most UAE bank cards accepted
- Digital Payments: Through ride-hailing apps
- Contactless: NFC-enabled cards and mobile payments
Tips for Booking Taxis in Abu Dhabi
For First-Time Visitors:
- Download multiple apps for backup options
- Save TransAD number (600-535-353) in your phone
- Learn basic Arabic phrases for destination names
- Keep cash handy as backup payment method
- Allow extra time during peak hours and events
Money-Saving Tips:
- Compare app prices before booking
- Use official Abu Dhabi taxis for government-regulated rates
- Avoid surge pricing by booking during off-peak hours
- Share rides when traveling in groups
- Book in advance for airport transfers
Safety Recommendations:
- Verify driver identity and vehicle details
- Share trip details with someone you trust
- Check taxi license and meter functionality
- Sit in back seat when traveling alone
- Keep emergency contacts readily available
Alternative Transportation Options
While taxis are convenient, Abu Dhabi offers other transport alternatives:
Public Transportation:
- Abu Dhabi Bus Service: Extensive route network
- Inter-city Bus: Connections to Dubai and other emirates
- Water Taxi: Ferry services to select destinations
Car Rental Services:
- International Brands: Hertz, Avis, Budget
- Local Companies: Various UAE-based providers
- Short-term Rentals: Hourly and daily options
Common Taxi Booking Challenges and Solutions
Challenge 1: Language Barriers
Solution: Use GPS coordinates or landmark names, download translation apps, or book through English-language apps
Challenge 2: Peak Hour Delays
Solution: Book in advance, allow extra travel time, or consider alternative pickup locations
Challenge 3: Payment Issues
Solution: Carry multiple payment methods, ensure sufficient cash, or use cashless app-based services
Challenge 4: Finding Pickup Locations
Solution: Use specific landmark descriptions, share GPS coordinates, or meet at hotel/mall entrances
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the most reliable way to book a taxi in Abu Dhabi?
A: The official Abu Dhabi Taxi app offers the most reliable government-regulated service, while Careem provides the widest coverage.
Q: How much does a typical taxi ride cost in Abu Dhabi?
A: Taxi fares start at AED 5, with per-kilometer charges and waiting time fees applied.
Q: Can I book a taxi for airport transfers?
A: Yes, all major booking methods support airport transfers, with dedicated pickup zones available at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Q: Are Abu Dhabi taxis available 24/7?
A: Yes, both official Abu Dhabi taxis and major ride-hailing apps operate 24/7 throughout the emirate.
Q: Do taxi drivers speak English?
A: Many taxi drivers speak fluent English, and apps provide multilingual support for communication.
Conclusion
Booking a taxi in Abu Dhabi is straightforward with multiple convenient options available. Whether you prefer the reliability of official Abu Dhabi taxis through their app and phone service (600-535-353), or the convenience of ride-hailing apps like Careem, Uber, and Yango, you’ll find suitable transportation throughout the emirate.
For the best experience, we recommend downloading the Abu Dhabi Taxi app for government-regulated service, keeping the TransAD phone number saved for backup, and having multiple payment methods available. With proper planning and these booking methods, navigating Abu Dhabi’s transportation system becomes simple and efficient.
Remember to allow extra time during peak hours, verify driver and vehicle details for safety, and take advantage of the multilingual support available through various booking platforms. Whether you’re visiting Abu Dhabi for business or leisure, these taxi booking options ensure reliable transportation throughout your stay.