Dubai is a city of luxury, convenience, and fast-paced life. Be it a tourist or a resident, moving around this vibrant city is out of the essence. But again, a question arises: should one rent a car or rely on taxis?
This is one of the questions many visitors and even residents commonly ask. At any rate, both options do have advantages, and the best option highly depends on several factors like cost, convenience, and personal preference. This article compares which service is better in Dubai: car rentals or taxis.
1. Cost
Renting a Car
Renting a car in Dubai is not so expensive, especially when you are staying for a longer period of time. The starting daily rental prices are around AED 60-100 for economy cars, while the prices for luxury cars are, well, a lot more expensive.
Besides, the fuel prices in Dubai are quite low in comparison with many countries, so driving around is rather affordable. On the other hand, additional insurance, tolls, and parking costs add up pretty fast.
Taxi
Taxis in Dubai are fairly easy to find and convenient for short-distance trips. The base is about AED 12 plus extra for each kilometer, making them ideal for short rides.
For longer distances or when using more regularly, the fares become somewhat expensive. Regular travel by taxi could be more costly compared to car rentals, especially if one has to travel across various parts of the city.
2. Convenience
Renting a Car
It is far more convenient to have your own rental car. You may travel at your own pace, stop when and where you want, and you never have to wait for a taxi.
If you rent a car, going out of the city to see the desert or one of the other Emirates is easy to do since you can easily get around. Driving in Dubai’s traffic is hectic and finding parking could be very challenging.
Taxi
Taking a taxi is easy in Dubai if you don’t drive. Taxis operate day and night, so it is easy to flag a ride or get some other help through services such as Uber or Careem.
This is a hassle-free way of getting around the city for those who don’t know its roads and don’t want to have anything to do with driving in traffic and searching for a place to park the car.
It has its disadvantage in that if the time is busy or you happen to be in an area where very few people live, then you might have to wait for a taxi.
3. Driving Experience
Renting a Car
The modern and well-maintained roads of Dubai ensure that driving will be a pleasant affair for all those who love to be behind the wheel.
A car rental will give you full exposure to the city’s infrastructure-from the wide highways to the scenic routes.
Driving in Dubai can be intimidating at times, considering the heavy traffic, especially during rush hours. It is, therefore, important that one is careful and abides by the rules of the traffic.
Taxi
Taking also saves you from driving in a city that is not known to you. Professional drivers are conversant with the routes and how to maneuver their way through traffic.
This leaves you with the option of just sitting and enjoying the ride. Taxis are an alternative for those people who do not like driving, or for whom Dubai traffic is a headache.
However, you will not get that feeling of control and flexibility as you would while dealing with a rental car.
4. Freedom & Flexibility
Renting a Car
Car rental gives unequalled freedom and flexibility. You can plan your day unencumbered by public transport timetables or the availability of taxis.
Be it sightseeing, business meetings, or even outer city areas, an on-hand car allows you to go where you please when you please. To such people who have tight or unpredictable schedules, this level of freedom turns out to be invaluable.
Taxi
Whereas with a car rental, you have the convenience but not the freedom, as with renting a car. You are subject to their whims whenever a taxi might be available, and during periods of high demand, you could end up waiting longer than you wish.
It’s also less efficient to take numerous taxis during the course of the day than it is to have your rental car.
5. Comfort
Renting a Car
Renting a car provides a comfortable and private space in which one makes their journeys. You can select a compact or a luxury-class car to suit your comfort needs.
If one travels in their own car, they can adjust the temperature settings, the music, and the seating arrangements to their liking.
It goes without saying that having comfortable means of travel is quite important, especially if the drives are long or one travels with family.
Taxi
The system is such that Dubai taxis are usually clean and comfortable; however, they lack the personal touches that you can enjoy in a rental car.
Though generally more convenient in terms of transportation, not every time will you get the opportunity to regulate the internal environment of the car.
In addition, it can be exhaustive when taking long journeys using taxis, especially if the distance is too long.
6. Duration of Stay
Renting a Car
If you were going to stay in Dubai long enough, the car rentals start getting better and also cheaper. You could commute through the city quite easily in your rental car and make the best of your visit.
They also have discounts on long-term rentals; thus, they can be budget-friendly in case one is planning to stay for weeks or months.
Taxi
Taxis are convenient for shorter stays. If one is just coming for a couple of days or a week, depending on taxis would save them from the many inconveniences of renting, finding parking, and refueling the car.
Taxis are convenient for short-term visitors who do not want the responsibility of keeping a car. If your stay exceeds the week’s limit, you find yourself accumulating a lot of expenses that easily add up.
Conclusion: Which is Better?
Whether to rent a car or take a taxi depends on individual needs and preferences. If one values freedom, flexibility, and the ability to explore at his pace, he’ll have more advantages with car rentals, especially for a longer period of stay.
On the other hand, if ease and freedom from the irritations of driving are key, then taxis might be the best option, especially if you will be visiting for a short time. All in all, it is what you will want most during your time in Dubai.
Also Read: How Can a foreigners rent a car in Dubai?
