Ready to visit Ras Al Khaimah? Find out how you can get here and how to get around below!
Figuring out how to go to Ras Al Khaimah from Dubai, or anywhere else in the UAE, is easy! Ras Al Khaimah is highly accessible to travelers from various Emirates and international locations. If you are an international traveler, you can opt to fly into any of the airports in the UAE and travel to Ras Al Khaimah by road. Here’s a breakdown of travel times and distances from key locations to help you plan your journey:
With an excellent road network, it’s easy to travel throughout Ras Al Khaimah and enjoy all the sights and experiences it has to offer.
Ras Al Khaimah is located in the northernmost part of the UAE and shares its borders with Sharjah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain – which are also a part of the UAE- as well as with the Sultanate of Oman.
You can easily drive from one end of the UAE to the other in 4-5 hours, and many residents and tourists often do day trips to other emirates over the weekend. Here are some of the most popular emirates to visit while in the UAE and how to get there and back from Ras Al Khaimah:
Dubai is known for its luxurious experiences, iconic landmarks, and unique entertainment options. This vibrant city is an easy day trip from Ras Al Khaimah. Here’s how you can plan your travel:
By Car: The most convenient way to get to Dubai is to drive. Take the E11 highway to get to the city. It shouldn’t take you more than 1.5 hours to get there.
By Bus: If you want to use public transportation, there are reliable bus services from Ras Al Khaimah to Dubai. The RAK Transport Authority operates regular services, and the journey usually takes about 2 hours. The bus service operates between 5.30 am and 10.00 pm and will cost you AED 27. You can download the Sayr app from RAKTA if you would like to view bus timings and routes to and from Ras Al Khaimah. Sayr also allows you to easily make bookings and track your ride.
By Taxi: If you want a direct, comfortable route, taxis are available, but they are significantly more expensive than the bus at an approximate fee of AED 250 – 350, depending on where you need to get dropped off. If you are traveling as a small group and don’t have much luggage, a taxi from Ras Al Khaimah to Dubai makes sense.
By Car: You can easily drive down to Ras Al Khaimah from Dubai and get there in 1.5 to 2 hours. The highway to follow is E11.
By Bus: You can get a Dubai to Ras al Khaimah bus from Union Station in Dubai on an hourly basis, with the first service starting at 7.30 am and the last service closing at 11.30 pm. The journey should take about 2-2.5 hours and will cost you AED 30.
By Taxi: If you want a direct, comfortable journey, taxis are a good alternative to the bus – but they are much more expensive at AED 250 – 350 one way, depending on how far your drop-off location is.
Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the UAE and is home to several cultural treasures, like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Abu Dhabi has a more relaxed pace of life while still offering a host of unique experiences, including the world’s fastest roller coaster. Here’s how to get there and back:
By Car: The quickest way to get to Abu Dhabi from Ras Al Khaimah is by car. If the traffic isn’t heavier than usual, you should reach your destination in about 2 to 2.5 hours.
By Bus: The RTA operates bus services from Ras Al Khaimah to Abu Dhabi, typically departing from the Ras Al Khaimah bus station. The journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. The ticket will cost you AED 47, and buses are available only three times a day at 9.00 am, 1.00 pm, and 5.00 pm. So plan your trip accordingly. If you’d like to check bus schedules and routes to and from Ras Al Khaimah, you can download the Sayr app from RAKTA. The app also lets you conveniently book rides, make payments, and track your journey.
By Taxi: If you don’t mind spending a little extra for convenience, you can also choose to travel by taxi. The trip usually takes around 2 to 2.5 hours and will cost you around AED 300 – 450 approximately.
By Car: If you want to save travel time or have the flexibility of stopping as often as you need to, nothing beats the convenience of driving yourself to Ras Al Khaimah. You can expect an average travel time of 2-2.5 hours.
By Bus: Hop on a bus from the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Ras Al Khaimah for an affordable and comfortable journey. It will take you around 2.5 to 3 hours to arrive at your destination. The ticket will cost you AED 35, and the buses operate three times a day at 1.30 pm, 5.30 pm, and 9.30 pm.
By Taxi: While taxis are a little expensive, it makes up for it by offering the convenience of getting to your destination quickly. The 2 to 2.5-hour journey will cost you somewhere in the area of AED 300 to 450.
Sharjah is known for its rich cultural heritage, museums, and traditional Arabic architecture, which makes it a must-visit destination for those who like history and culture.
By Car: Driving to Sharjah is the fastest and most convenient way to get there. It should take you just a little more than an hour to get there.
By Bus: You can take a bus from the Ras Al Khaimah Bus Station to Sharjah between 7.30 am and 9:00 pm. The journey typically takes around 2 hours, depending on traffic, and will cost you AED 27. To explore bus timings and routes to and from Ras Al Khaimah, download the Sayr app from RAKTA. The app also offers easy ride booking, payment options, and live ride tracking.
By Taxi: If you want to travel by car but don’t drive, try a taxi. For AED 200 – 300, you can travel to Sharjah in under 1.5 hours. Taxis offer an easy way to get to your destination without having to deal with multiple stops.
By Car: If you’re driving from Sharjah to Ras Al Khaimah, it’ll take you around 1-1.5 hours, on the E11 highway. Of course, the exact time can vary depending on traffic, but once you are out of city limits it’s usually an easy drive.
By Bus: To get to Ras Al Khaimah, hop on a Sharjah route 115 or 116 bus. Be sure to check the bus schedule, as there is limited service on this route. You can expect a travel time of roughly 2 hours.
By Taxi: If you’d rather skip the driving and the bus, hail a taxi. For just AED 200–300, you can get to Sharjah in under 1.5 hours. It’s a hassle-free ride straight to your destination, with no need to worry about stops along the way.
Al Ain is known as the “Garden City” of the UAE, owing to its lush oases, tree-lined avenues, and beautiful landscaping. You can also explore historical sites and enjoy serene desert landscapes here. Al Ain is approximately 200-220 km away from RAK.
By Car: Driving down to Al Ain from Ras Al Khaimah will take you 2.5-3 hours. You can get there either via E611 (Emirates Road) or E66 (Al Ain – Dubai Road). Make sure you fuel up when you get a chance, as some legs of your travel will be through less populated areas.
By Bus: There is only one direct bus from Ras Al Khaimah to Al Ain, and it operates at 2.00 pm only on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Ensure you check the bus schedule to confirm timings so you can plan your trip well. It will take you 4-5 hours to arrive in Al Ain and the ticket fare is AED 47. Download the Sayr app from RAKTA to conveniently access bus schedules and routes to and from Ras Al Khaimah. With Sayr, you can also book, pay, and track your ride effortlessly.
By Taxi: Hailing a taxi is a good option if budget is not an issue and you want to save on travel time. You can reach Al Ain in 2.5-3 hours by cab, and it will cost you AED 400-600 depending on how far your pick-up point is from your drop-off location.
By Car: If you’re in the mood for a scenic drive, traveling from Al Ain to Ras Al Khaimah offers the perfect opportunity. It will take you 2.5 to 3 hours to drive down, with two great routes to choose from: E611 (Emirates Road), which is the faster option, or E66 (Al Ain – Dubai Road), which offers a more direct path to Al Ain.
By Bus: If you’re considering traveling by bus from Al Ain to Ras Al Khaimah, be sure to plan ahead. There is only one bus trip per day and it operates at 8.00 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The journey takes around 4-5 hours, and the ticket fare is AED 35.
By Taxi: A taxi is a great public transport option if you want to skip the hassle and reach Al Ain quickly. The ride will take about 2.5 to 3 hours, and while it’s more expensive at AED 400-600, it’s a direct and stress-free choice. Perfect if you’re in a rush or just want a more comfortable ride.
Once you arrive, there is so much to see and do. From mountain vistas and desert sunsets to serene beaches and adventure activities, Ras Al Khaimah promises a variety of experiences for every traveler. The Emirate’s excellent connectivity makes getting around easy and convenient. See the Ras Al Khaimah destination map for more details.
If you have a car, you can easily drive down from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah in 1.5 hours by taking the E11 highway. Buses from Union Square are a reliable and affordable option if you are looking for public transport. If you want to avoid stops, you can take a taxi, but they work out to be quite expensive at AED 400 – 500 one way. If you are visiting the UAE on holiday, you can also opt to have your hotel arrange for a private transfer and enjoy door-to-door service.
The travel time from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah is typically 1.5 to 2 hours by car or taxi, depending on traffic. During peak hours (early mornings, late afternoons, and weekends), traffic can be heavier, especially around major intersections and on the E11 highway. Buses usually take 2 to 2.5 hours and follow a set schedule, but they can also be affected by traffic, especially during peak times. If you’re looking for a smoother ride, aim to travel during off-peak hours.
The distance between Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah is approximately 180 kilometers (around 112 miles) by car, depending on the route you choose, and it typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to drive via the E11 highway.
Ras Al Khaimah is approximately 110 kilometers (around 68 miles) from Dubai. The drive usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours via the E11 highway, depending on traffic conditions.
No, Ras Al Khaimah is not in Dubai.
Ras Al Khaimah is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is located to the northeast of Dubai, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) away, and is known for its natural landscapes, beaches, and mountains.
While both emirates are part of the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah has its own government and operates independently of Dubai. It’s a great destination for nature lovers, with attractions like the Jebel Jais mountains and Ras Al Khaimah beaches.
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