Car Rental in Ras Al Khaimah: All You Need to Know Before You Go

Planning a trip to Ras Al Khaimah? Be sure to plan not only your activities but also how you’ll get to the destinations you intend to visit during your stay.

Because it is affordable, public transport is a good way to get around the northernmost part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). But if you’re used to the convenience of driving your vehicle, you might want to consider getting a car rental in Ras Al Khaimah.

In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Ras Al Khaimah car rental, including the major routes and highways, parking and driving conditions, and the different types of vehicles you can rent. You’ll also learn some helpful tips to make your trip even more enjoyable.

Getting Around Ras Al Khaimah

While Ras Al Khaimah is indeed a quiet place, it is neither secluded nor inaccessible. In fact, several modes of transportation are available in the emirate, not to mention it’s well-connected to Dubai and the rest of the UAE via major highways.

Here’s some key information about your transportation options, the roads, and the overall conditions of driving a rental car in Ras Al Khaimah.

Modes of Transportation

Public transport is easily accessible in Ras Al Khaimah. Renting a car is convenient, of course, but it pays to know other alternatives just in case:

Buses

Public buses are managed by Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA). Here’s a quick summary of the routes of all available bus lines taken from the RAKTA website:

• Red Line: From Al Nakheel to Al Jazirah Al Hamra and vice versa
• Blue Line: Al Nakheel to Sha’am area and vice versa
• Green Line: Al Nakheel to RAK Airport and vice versa
• Purple Line: AURAK to Manar Mall and vice versa

All buses operate daily, between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., except for the purple line, which only runs from 9:30 to 7 p.m. Tickets start at AED 8 per trip.

Taxis

There are around 600 taxis in Ras Al Khaimah, all air-conditioned and equipped with smart meters and AI cameras. You can book one at any time of the day by calling 800-1700 or using ride-hailing services. Ladies’ taxis are also available to provide safe trips exclusively for women.

Major Routes and Highways

The E11 motorway is the largest major road in Ras Al Khaimah, connecting the northernmost emirate to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain. It runs along the Persian Gulf coast, offering scenic views of the ocean and the key centers in each emirate it runs through.

Generally, speed limits run between 100 and 120 kilometers per hour. However, this may vary depending on where you are, so watch out for road signs to ensure you don’t exceed the limit.

Need more information? This Ras Al Khaimah travel information guide contains distances and travel times for getting to the northernmost UAE emirate.

Driving and Parking Conditions

You must be over 21 to rent and drive a car in Ras Al Khaimah. If you’re from outside the UAE, make sure you have your driving license or an international driving permit (IDP).

The roads are in excellent condition and easy to navigate, especially in the city. Here are a few things you need to remember when driving in Ras Al Khaimah:

• Drive within speed limits (40 to 80 kph in cities and up to 120 kph on highways).
• Follow road signs.
• Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.
• Mobile phones must be hands-free only.

It also helps to schedule your trips around traffic, with peak hours between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and in the evening.

Plenty of parking is available in Ras Al Khaimah, including pay-to-park car parks and metered parking bays. Hotels are also likely to have free parking for their guests.

Pro Tip: Never park illegally, as this comes with steep penalties. The same goes for underpaying the correct parking fees.

Ras Al Khaimah Car Rental: The Requirements Checklist

Before taking out a car rental, make sure you have:

✔ Valid driving credentials (national license for GCC residents or an IDP for drivers from other countries)

✔ Passport and visa

✔ Credit card (required by most car rental companies)

You must also be 21 years of age to rent a car in Ras Al Khaimah, but some car rental companies may raise the minimum age to 25 for luxury vehicles.

Types of Rental Cars in Ras Al Khaimah

Vehicle leasing companies offer a variety of car models, each falling under one of the following categories:

Economy

Car models under this category are budget-friendly choices that are great for city driving. Most also have excellent fuel economy, especially for short trips and solo travel.

Perfect for: Budget-conscious travelers

SUV

SUVs are vehicles that can handle rough terrain, such as the desert. They are also spacious in cargo and seating space, making them excellent for families and traveling groups.

Perfect for: Off-roading and family trips

Luxury

Luxury car rental in Ras Al Khaimah is ideal for special occasions and making a statement. These vehicles for rent are usually from popular brands like Mercedes or BMW and offer state-of-the-art features, sophistication, and comfort.

Perfect for: Special occasions

Insider Tips When Renting a Car

Here’s how you can get the best experience with rental cars in Ras Al Khaimah:

Learn the Language

If it’s your first time renting a vehicle, you may find rental terms confusing. To make things easier for you, here are some of the most commonly used terms you need to know:

• Daily Rate: How much you must pay for each day of renting the vehicle, including or excluding tax.
• Mileage Cap: The maximum number of miles you can drive without incurring extra fees.
• Late Fees: Additional charges if you return the vehicle later than the agreed date.

Consider Insurance

While not mandatory, getting car rental insurance can help you in case unexpected situations arise. Here are some options you can look at for your trip to Ras Al Khaimah:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Covers repairs in case of accidental damage to the rental car.
• Third-Party Liability: Covers repairs should you accidentally damage someone else’s vehicle.
• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Covers medical and other expenses in case of injury during an accident.

Maximize Your Rental Car

What’s the point of renting a car if you’re only going to stay at a resort or hotel?

Since you’re investing in this mode of transport, you have complete control (versus public transport), so be sure to visit the following tourist attractions in Ras Al Khaimah:

Jebel Jais

• Jebel Jais is located in the northwestern part of the Hajar mountain range
• It features the longest zipline adventure in the world, the Jais Flight.
• It is also well-known for hiking trails that offer various difficulty levels, from easy walks to challenging treks.

Dhayah Fort

• Dhayah Fort is the highest hilltop fort in the UAE, perched amidst the arid mountains of Al Rams.
• It is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List and the only hill fort still standing, dating back to the late Bronze Age.
• It is widely known for its amazing views of the verdant lands filled with palm trees and the sea.

Suwaidi Pearl Farm

• Located in Al Rams, Suwaidi Pearls is a reflection and celebration of one of the UAE’s most treasured traditions: pearl fishing.
• It was opened to honor pearl fisherfolk and their almost-extinct tradition.
• The Suwaidi Pearls Farm Tour immerses guests in the tradition, hearing tales of courage from fisherfolk, witnessing innovative pearl farming techniques, and even opening oysters to find beautiful Arabian pearls hidden within.

Ras Al Khaimah Unlocked

Car rentals in Ras Al Khaimah can help you unlock the emirate’s hidden gems, from Jebel Jais’ heights to Dhayah Fort’s historic vistas.

With well-maintained roads and diverse vehicle options, you can curate a travel experience you’ll surely enjoy. Just remember to check the driving requirements and consider insurance to maximize your freedom to explore this captivating region at your own pace.