All the ways you can travel from Dubai to RAK
One of the most fascinating aspects of the UAE is that each emirate has something unique to offer. The relatively smaller emirates like Ras Al Khaimah might not be as busy as Dubai or Abu Dhabi, but they do have lots of activities for tourists and UAE residents who enjoy historic attractions and outdoor adventures. In recent years, the inter-emirate transport network in the UAE has also improved considerably. So, one can go to RAK from Dubai in a comfortable manner at a relatively low cost. These services aren’t just useful for tourism; they are also used by people who have to commute from RAK to Dubai for work.
How to go to RAK from Dubai?
Whether you are visiting Dubai or have been settled in the emirate for a long time, it’s a great idea to visit RAK and explore the historical sites such as Al Qasimi Palace and Wadi Al Bih. Those planning a staycation are also in luck as RAK has a number of excellent beach resorts including the well-known Waldorf Astoria, a particular favourite amongst tourists.
But how can you go to RAK from Dubai and vice versa? Thanks to the robust transport network in the country, there are multiple modes of transport to go to RAK from Dubai.
RAK to Dubai Bus Services
‘How can I go to Ras Al Khaimah from Dubai by bus?’ This is a commonly asked question, especially by those who are keen on cheaper modes of public transport to commute within the country. You can choose from two different Dubai to RAK bus services. Here’s an overview to give you a better idea about the fares, routes and timings.
RAK Shuttle Bus Service
RAK Shuttle service is a convenient option for getting to RAK from Dubai. This service was started a little over two years ago by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. These shuttles to RAK run from Dubai International Airport Terminal 1 (DXB T1) and 3 (DXB T3).
The total travel time is around an hour. Another feature of their services is that you get free WIFI in the bus to make your journey more enjoyable. The cost of a one-way ticket is AED 20.
RAK Shuttle Bus Service Schedule
DXB T1 | DXB T3 |
|---|---|
DXB T1 06:00 am | DXB T3 06:15 am |
DXB T1 08:00 am | DXB T3 08:15 am |
DXB T1 10:00 am | DXB T3 10:15 am |
DXB T1 11:00 am | DXB T3 11:15 am |
DXB T1 01:00 am | DXB T3 12:15 am |
DXB T1 NA | DXB T3 01:15 am |
The shuttle service provides drop-offs to major hotels in RAK. The list includes:
- Al Marjan Island Resort
- DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island
- Rixos Bab Al Bahr
- Bin Majid Beach resort
- Hilton Al Hamra Beach and Golf Resort
- Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach
- Waldorf Astoria
- Jannah Resort and Villas
- The Cove Rotana Resort
- Bin Majid Beach Hotel
- Hilton Garden Inn
- Tulip Inn Ras Al Khaimah
- Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa
Due to the current circumstances, there might be service disruptions. If you have any questions regarding the service, contact the RAK Shuttle helpline at +971-50-626-3955.
Al Hamra Bus
The Al Hamra Bus service is ideal for intercity travel as it is a cheaper option. You only have to pay AED 25 as the one-way fare to reach your destination in less than two hours.
People looking to travel from RAK to Dubai can start their journey as early as 05:30 am. The second bus leaves at 07:30 am. From 08:30 am to 09:00 pm, Al Hamra Bus leaves every hour. The final destination on this route is the Union Metro Station in Dubai.
If you are going to RAK from Dubai, the first Al Hamra Bus leaves at 08:00 am. Similarly, there is a bus departing from Union Metro Station every hour and a half until 09:30 pm.
Al Hamra Bus service managed by the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority in partnership with Arabia Holdings. It is perfect for people living in villas or apartments in Al Rigga or surrounding areas. For any queries related to the Al Hamra Bus service, call 800-1700.
Travel from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah by Private Car
Travelling to RAK from Dubai by a personal car is another relatively cheap method of commuting between the emirates. Bear in mind though that you have to cover a distance of 130 km via Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road/E311. The (approximate) fuel cost will be around AED 40, making this a fairly inexpensive way to travel between Dubai and Ras al Khaimah. If you find driving a bit taxing, you can also opt for a rent-a-car service with a driver. This will, of course, be more expensive.
Travel from Dubai to RAK by Taxi
This is perhaps the most comfortable way to travel to RAK from Dubai. Depending on your location, it will cost you between AED 200 to AED 250. Here’s how to book an RTA taxi in Dubai.
The duration and cost of your taxi journey from Dubai to RAK will depend on your starting point. Your travel time is likely to be a little over an hour if you are travelling from the older parts of Dubai.
To travel from RAK to Dubai, you can to book an Al Arabia Taxi by contacting the relevant authorities on 800-1700.
Another option is to use the online cab services like Careem and Uber. The fare might be higher than an RTA or Al Arabia taxi. Some hotels in RAK also offer transfers to the Dubai International Airport free of cost. This service usually will be part of your hotel package, so when making a booking, you can inquire about the pick-up and drop-off service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the quickest way to go to RAK from Dubai?
Using a personal vehicle is the fastest way to get to RAK. You will have to cover a distance of around 130 km and the travel time would be a little over an hour.
What will be the cheapest way to travel between RAK and Dubai?
Using the inter-city bus service (Al Hamra Bus) is the cheapest way to frequently commute between the two emirates. The ticket costs AED 25 (one-way). A taxi to Ras Al Khaimah from Dubai will generally cost you upwards of AED 200.
How long is the bus journey from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah?
The bus journey would take about two hours.
This brings us to the end of all the different travel options that you can use to get to RAK from Dubai. You could choose a method that suits your needs best. Residents of the capital city can also easily travel to RAK by using the Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah bus service. Like other inter-city buses, this service is also one of the cheaper options to travel to the northern emirate. Similarly, other routes like Abu Dhabi to Dubai are also used by thousands of commuters each year. If you are planning to travel to Fujairah, read our guide to learn about Dubai to Fujairah timings and more.
Whether you are a tourist or a resident, the wise thing to do would be to take advantage of the well-managed transport network in the UAE and explore this glorious country.
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