A great trip isn’t just about where you’re going—it’s about how you get there. The journey itself can be as wonderful as the destination when you’re on a road trip or a bus ride passing through gorgeous scenery.
This is particularly true when you embark on a journey from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah. The roads heading to this emirate are surrounded by beautiful views that you’ll love every minute of your trip to the region’s top adventure hub.
How to Get to Ras Al Khaimah From Dubai
There are several ways to get to and explore the best places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah by road. Here’s a look at these options:
1. Private Car or Rental
If you own a car or want to rent one, go on a road trip to Ras Al Khaimah. With this option, you can take in the scenic desert landscapes while enjoying a leisurely drive on well-paved highways.
You and your group are free to do anything during the journey. You can play your favorite tunes, enjoy snacks and refreshments, and stretch your legs at your chosen stopovers. You can also easily go around the emirate to explore the different outdoor activities when you have your ride.
If no one in your group has a license to drive in the UAE or no one wants to be the designated driver, you can rent a car with a chauffeur so everyone can relax and enjoy the journey.
If you’re bringing your car, take the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) and go north to Ras Al Khaimah. When you take this route, you can arrive at your destination within an hour and 15 minutes.
Another road you can take is Emirates Road (E611). The travel time on this route is around an hour and 25 minutes.
2. Bus
The Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA), in cooperation with Al Hamra, provides bus services to Ras Al Khaimah from the Dubai Union Bus Station. The earliest trip from Dubai starts at 7.30 a.m. and the latest at 11 p.m. You can reach Ras Al Khaimah in less than two hours with this option.
This transportation service also has daily buses running from Ras Al Khaimah to Dubai.
You can also board the RAK bus shuttle service, which you’ll find at the Dubai International Airport Terminal 1 (DXB T1) and 3 (DXB T3). Their trip schedule starts at 6:00 in the morning daily.
The total travel time for this bus shuttle service is around an hour.
Both services are overseen by the Ras Al Khaimah government, which means their buses are well-maintained and reliable. As such, you can expect a safe, smooth, and comfortable ride to your destination.
You can check intercity bus schedules and city bus routes on Sayr, RAKTA’s new app. Use it to plan your trip by entering a starting point and destination.
You can also use the app to track routes and book intercity bus tickets.
3. Taxi
If you’re traveling with a small group and want more privacy, take a taxi from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah.
Most taxis have Wi-Fi, so you can start sharing posts of your trip on Instagram while on the road.
But how much is a taxi from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah? The total fare will depend on your location but will likely fall between AED 200 and AED 250.
The typical travel time by taxi is around an hour. However, your trip can take longer if you’re coming from certain starting points, such as Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and the Dubai South area.
To book a cab from Al Arabia Taxi that will take you to Ras Al Khaimah, call 800-1700.
4. Ride-Hailing Service
If you and your companions can’t fit into a sedan or want a bigger vehicle, opt for a ride-hailing service.
Use Careem to book a vehicle that suits your group size and preference. Although this option is more expensive than taking a taxi, it’s still more affordable than hiring a rental with a driver.
You can also use Sayr to choose a vehicle type and book it to take you to Ras Al Khaimah. This app allows you to track the vehicle in real time and make online payments.
These options ensure you have a safe and pleasant journey to Ras Al Khaimah and enjoy a great holiday with your partner, family, friends, or even alone.
The Perfect Ras Al Khaimah Itinerary
Now that you know how to get to Ras Al Khaimah from Dubai, it’s time to create an itinerary for your getaway here. Below are the top destinations that deserve a spot on your must-visit places:
1. Jebel Jais
The Jebel Jais mountain is Ras Al Khaimah’s most popular destination. Plan on spending a day or more here to enjoy these adventures and experiences:
- Jais Flight (the world’s longest zipline adventure)
- Jais Sky Tour
- Jais Via Ferrata
- Jais Ropes Course
- Jais Hiking
- Bear Grylls Explorers Camp
Jebel Jais boasts some of the best restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah, which include 1484 by Puro, the highest restaurant in the UAE, and Muse Café.
2. Dhayah Fort
The Dhayah hilltop fort, dating back to the Late Bronze Age (1600–1300 BC), is one of the most historically significant places in the UAE. It is currently on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
3. Al Rams
Al Rams boasts one of the most picturesque and relaxing beaches in Ras Al Khaimah: Al Rams Beach. The area is only accessible via a 4×4 vehicle, making the trip and destination more exciting.
While in the area, take a stroll on the equally peaceful and stunning Al Rams Corniche.
You can also take a fascinating tour of Suwaidi Pearls Farm to learn about the country’s pearl fishing heritage.
4. Bedouin Oasis Camp
Experience the Bedouin lifestyle at the Bedouin Oasis Camp.
Enjoy camel rides, sandboarding, and henna painting before settling by the campfire for live music and belly dance performances. You’ll also feast on delicious traditional barbecue and Emirati dishes.
5. Manar Mall
Find time to shop at Manar Mall, one of Ras Al Khaimah’s biggest malls, with over 120 shops and dozens of dining options. It is also home to Tridom, the UAE’s largest covered play area and indoor adventure park, and a stunning waterfront promenade.
Other places worth including in your itinerary are:
- Al Qawasim Corniche
- Flamingo Beach
- Mohammed Bin Salem Mosque
- Saqr Park
- Camp 1770
Don’t worry if you can’t squeeze all these places into your itinerary; the different travel options ensure you can return to Ras Al Khaimah anytime and complete everything on your bucket list.
Visit our Travel Information page to plan the perfect holiday in Ras Al Khaimah.
