When you come to Dubai, you can travel around the city in public transport or taxi. Alternatively, you can get a car for rent. In this article, we'll compare the available options with their pros and cons.
Taxi in Dubai
Taxis in Dubai are easily available. However, at the peak of the tourist season, you might need to wait for them longer than usual. To get one, you can use an app, make a phone call, or flag a car down in the street. The most popular taxi apps are Careem, Uber, Hala, Arabia Taxi, and DTC Smart Taxi.
The basic taxi fee is AED 12.00. The standard per-kilometre rate is AED 2.14. For standing and waiting time, you'll be charged AED 30.00 per hour.
Taxi pros:
- Intuitive apps
- Reliable drivers
Taxi cons:
- Need to wait
- Lack of opportunity to leave your things in the car and come back to them
Public Transport in Dubai
The public transport system in the city consists of:
- Buses. There are over 1,500 of them. Their itineraries cover around 90% of urban areas. Both the buses and the bus stops are air-conditioned.
- Metro. It was launched in 2009, so it's new, safe, and comfortable.
- Tram. There are 11 tram stations in Dubai, linked to their metro counterparts. You can avoid traffic jams without using the subway.
- Several types of water transport. Their target audience is predominantly tourists who want to admire the urban landscapes from the water.
It's not always possible to pay for public transport in Dubai with cash. It would be smarter to get a NOL card, which is compatible with various means of transportation. The cost of one ride normally falls within the range of AED 3 to AED 10, depending on the type of card and the city zones that you cover.
Public transport pros:
- Well-developed network of itineraries
- Frequent and regular service
Public transport cons:
- Lack of opportunity to travel in style
- Limited freedom of movement
Car Rental in Dubai
Renting a car in Dubai grants you more freedom and comfort. The local roads are maintained in a perfect state and there are road signs in English. You'll enjoy your trip to the max.
Cost of Renting a Car in Dubai
It's possible to get a budget-friendly vehicle for AED 105 per day. If you want a supercar, be ready to pay around AED 3,600 per day. Weekly and monthly deals tend to be more lucrative than their daily counterparts.
What Are the Hidden Costs When Renting a Car in Dubai?
When you hire car, you should keep the following possible surcharges in mind:
- 5% VAT
- Fee of up to 7% for using your credit card
- Security deposit
- Surcharge for exceeding the daily mileage
- Surcharge for driving outside the allowed areas
- Insurance
- Pick-up and drop-off services
- Chauffeur assistance
The terms can vary from one rental agency to another. For instance, we insure our fleet ourselves. To avoid the credit card fee, you can pay us with cash or Bitcoin. We offer free pick-up and drop-off services. It's not always necessary to leave a security deposit.
Why Renting a Car is Better and Easier
With a rental car, you can travel wherever you wish at any time of the day. There will be enough space for all your family or company as well as luggage. You can choose a vehicle of any style and color, from a luxury car to a compact sedan.
Hiring an auto can be more cost-efficient than using a taxi. There are car rental options for any budget. You'll appreciate our reasonable prices and flexible terms.