Ras Al Khaimah is made for exploring. Between its laid-back beaches, historic villages, desert dunes and mountain peaks, you’ll need a convenient way to get around. And taxis are one of the easiest ways to do that.
If you’re wondering how to book a taxi in Ras Al Khaimah, most rides are now just a few taps away, with metered cabs ready to pick you up from your hotel, the mall, or your favorite sunset spot.
As the official tourism authority for the emirate, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) works closely with local transport providers. We put together this guide to offer that local insight so you can quickly compare apps, booking options, fares, payment methods, and safety tips in one place.
Key Takeaways
- Visitors can book taxis in Ras Al Khaimah via mobile apps such as Careem (Hala) and Sayr by RAKTA.
- Other travel options include calling the official taxi hotline, hailing a cab on the street or at a taxi rank, or asking your hotel to arrange a ride.
- Typical fares are regulated by RAKTA, with clear day, night and long-distance rates.
- You can pay by cash, card, or digital wallet, with the best cashless options available in the apps.
- RAKTA taxis use meters, tracking and cameras, with ladies-only options for added comfort and security.
Taxi Apps in Ras Al Khaimah: The Easiest Way to Get Around
If you like the idea of tapping a button and having a metered taxi pull up within minutes, Ras Al Khaimah has you covered. The emirate’s smart transport system is built around official, RAKTA-regulated taxis, which you can now book through two main Ras Al Khaimah taxi apps: Careem (Hala RAKTA Taxi) and Sayr by RAKTA.
Both apps connect you to licensed taxis with regulated fares, real-time tracking and digital payment options, making them ideal for getting to popular places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah.
Below, you’ll find a quick guide to each app: what it does, key features, how to book, and when it’s the best app choice to use.
Careem
Careem is a popular ride-hailing “super app” across the region. In Ras Al Khaimah, it’s the way you book Hala RAKTA Taxis, the official, metered cabs operated under the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA).
Through the Careem app, you can select Hala RAKTA Taxi, see your route and estimated time of arrival and fare before you confirm, and track your driver on the map.
Key features:
- Pay by cash, card or in-app wallet, depending on what’s available on your trip.
- 24/7 availability with average pickup times of just a few minutes in many areas, based on RAKTA’s smart taxi indicators.
How to book a taxi in Ras Al Khaimah using Careem (Hala):
- Step 1: Download the Careem app from the App Store or Google Play and open it.
- Step 2: Create your account by entering a working mobile number, confirming the SMS code, and adding your name and password.
- Step 3: Set your pickup location in Ras Al Khaimah (use your current location or drop a pin on the map).
- Step 4: Choose “Hala Taxi” or “Hala RAKTA Taxi” as your ride type, then enter your destination.
- Step 5: Review the estimated fare and arrival time, then tap to confirm your booking.
- Step 6: Track your taxi in real time and, once you arrive, pay in cash or via the payment method saved in your app.
When to Use:
Use Careem in Ras Al Khaimah if you’re already comfortable with the app from Dubai or other emirates, or if you like seeing live fare estimates and driver details before every ride.
Sayr
Sayr by RAKTA is Ras Al Khaimah’s own integrated mobility app. Developed by the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA), it’s an all-in-one platform where you can plan journeys, check bus routes and times, buy intercity bus tickets, and book taxis directly from your phone.
The app lets you enter your starting point and destination, then shows you the best options across different modes of transport (including RAKTA taxis) with real-time schedules and route information. You can also pay securely in the app using cards and other supported digital payment methods.
Key features:
- The journey planner lets you enter your start and end points to see suggested routes and modes, including taxi availability.
- Pay using different payment options, including online card payments, to reduce your need for cash.
How to book a taxi in Ras Al Khaimah using Sayr:
- Step 1: Download Sayr by RAKTA from the App Store or Google Play on your smartphone.
- Step 2: Create your profile, agree to the terms, and allow the app to access your location so it can find nearby services.
- Step 3: From the home screen, select the Taxi or Book a Taxi option.
- Step 4: Confirm your pickup point (use your current location or select it on the map) and enter your destination in Ras Al Khaimah or another emirate.
- Step 5: Review the suggested route and any displayed fare estimate, then select your preferred vehicle type if available.
- Step 6: Confirm the booking, watch your taxi’s approach in real time, and pay using the in-app payment method or any other accepted option shown on screen.
When to Use:
Sayr is especially useful if you’re combining taxis with buses during your stay or if you want one app that’s built specifically around Ras Al Khaimah’s transport network. It’s a practical way to move between key locations in the emirate without juggling multiple apps or paper tickets.
Other Cab-Hailing Options
Taxi apps make getting around Ras Al Khaimah very straightforward, but they’re not the only way to book a ride. If you don’t feel like using your phone, don’t have mobile data, or simply prefer talking to someone, you can still rely on call centers, street taxis and your hotel to help you move between the emirate’s beaches, city areas and attractions.
Call the Ras Al Khaimah Taxi Number
If you’d rather speak to someone directly, you can call the official Ras Al Khaimah taxi number: 800 1700. This is the RAKTA taxi hotline we shared in our travel information guide.
In addition to the phone line, Hala RAKTA Taxi also accepts bookings via WhatsApp on 800-HALATAXI (800-4252-8294). Simply send a “Hi” to start your request, and a taxi will be dispatched to your location.
You’ll also see plenty of official RAKTA taxis around Ras Al Khaimah, especially in busy areas. RAKTA taxis operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round, and are equipped with smart meters and in-vehicle cameras linked to a central control center to ensure fares are transparent and journeys are secure.
To recognize an official taxi in Ras Al Khaimah, look for:
- RAKTA or Al Hamra Taxi branding on the vehicle.
- A roof sign indicating whether the cab is available.
- A visible meter inside the car showing the starting fare and distance-based charge.
You’ll usually find taxis waiting at:
- Major malls and shopping centers
- Beach resorts and city hotels
- Bus stations and central areas
- Popular attractions and waterfront areas
When you get in, confirm your destination and ensure the meter is running so your fare is calculated according to the official RAKTA tariff. UAE taxis use meters with strictly regulated fares, helping keep pricing consistent and predictable for visitors.
Book Through Your Hotel or Resort
Most hotels and resorts in Ras Al Khaimah can help you organize transport, from standard RAKTA taxis to private car transfers for airport runs or longer journeys. Many properties explicitly offer airport transfer services or can arrange cars on request for a surcharge.
Booking through your hotel or resort can be ideal when:
- You’re arriving late at night or very early in the morning and want a confirmed pickup.
- You’re traveling as a family or in a larger group and would prefer a bigger vehicle or multiple seats booked together.
- You’d like a fixed-rate private transfer to or from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, Dubai, or other emirates, instead of relying solely on the meter for long-distance trips.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning a big day out to spots like Jebel Jais and want guaranteed return transport, asking your hotel to help you pre-book a taxi or private transfer can add a useful layer of reassurance to your plans.
Taxi Fares, Payments and Safety in Ras Al Khaimah
In Ras Al Khaimah, taxi fares are regulated by RAKTA, so whether you book via an app, hail one on the street, or ask your hotel to call a cab, you’ll generally pay the same metered rates, with separate pricing only for private transfers and pre-booked limo-style services.
Fares
Standard taxis in Ras Al Khaimah use a meter with a day start fare of around AED 4, a night start fare of AED 5, a minimum fare of AED 6, a per-kilometer rate of roughly AED 1.8 to 1.9, and a small service fee per trip.
For longer journeys, exact prices depend on traffic and route. But if you really want to know how much a taxi is from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah, these approximate one-way ranges are a good guide for both the City of Gold and the UAE capital:
- Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah: Typically runs between AED 200 and 500, depending on the pickup point, time of day and car type.
- Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah: For a 240-kilometer drive, expect around AED 400 to 600 in a metered taxi or private car.
If you’re landing at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, you may use the following estimates to plan your travel budget:
- To Jebel Jais: Taxis for the 90-kilometer mountain drive often go for about AED 350 to 450 one way.
- To Dhayah Fort: With roughly 37 km between the airport and the fort, a metered taxi will typically cost AED 80 to 120, depending on traffic and waiting time.
- To Al Jazeera Al Hamra: The heritage village sits about 20 to 25 km from central Ras Al Khaimah, so a typical metered fare from or via the airport is often in the AED 60 to 100 range.
If you’re planning a day of things to do in Ras Al Khaimah across any of these destinations, it’s worth checking live estimates in Careem or Sayr, or asking your hotel for a fixed quote for a return or full-day transfer.
Modes of Payment
Most taxis in Ras Al Khaimah still accept AED cash as standard, but app-booked rides also support card payments and digital wallets. You can also store a payment method once and simply confirm which one to use at the end of each trip.
For street-hailed taxis, card terminals are becoming more common, but availability can vary by vehicle. If you’re relying on cashless payments, booking through an app is the safest way to guarantee you can pay by credit card or in-app wallet rather than carrying larger amounts of cash.
Safety
RAKTA-regulated taxis are fitted with meters, GPS tracking and in-vehicle cameras, and drivers are licensed under emirate-wide standards, which helps keep journeys safe and predictable for solo travelers, women and families alike.
Women who prefer female drivers can request ladies-only taxis where available, or use app-based bookings to share trip details and arrival times with friends and family. Families heading to mountain or desert adventures should always request appropriate vehicle sizes and make their own child-seat arrangements where needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Careem or Sayr cheaper in Ras Al Khaimah?
Both Careem and Sayr connect you to official RAKTA-metered taxis, so base fares are broadly the same. Any difference usually comes from booking fees, promos or the specific service you choose (standard taxi vs. private car), rather than from the app itself.
Does the Sayr app work without a UAE phone number?
The Sayr app lets you register using either an email address or a mobile number, according to recent guides and app store descriptions, so a UAE number isn’t strictly required. However, you’ll still need a number or email you can access for verification and trip notifications.
Is Uber available in Ras Al Khaimah?
If you’re looking for Uber in Ras Al Khaimah, the latest information suggests the global app does not operate standard ride-hailing services inside the emirate. You may see inter-emirate trips from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, but for local rides in Ras Al Khaimah, visitors typically use Careem, Sayr and RAKTA-regulated cabs instead.
Ready to Explore Ras Al Khaimah by Taxi?
With a couple of taxi apps on your phone and a few backup options in mind, getting around Ras Al Khaimah becomes the easy part of your trip. Use taxis to link beaches, historic villages, desert escapes and mountain viewpoints and spend more time exploring, less time worrying about logistics.
