All about public transport in Ras Al Khaimah
With magnificent landscapes and breathtaking coastlines, Ras Al Khaimah has established itself as an exciting travel destination in the UAE. Having essential information at hand regarding public transportation in RAK can help you plan a hassle-free trip to the northern emirate. Public transport in Ras Al Khaimah has been a key focus of the government. Road infrastructure in the region has improved considerably over the last few years, and several safe, reliable and smart transportation options have been introduced by the RAK Transport Authority (RAKTA). Here’s what you need to know about the public transport sector in Ras Al Khaimah.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN RAK
Established in 2008, the RAK Transport Authority (RAKTA) aims to provide an efficient transportation system to residents in line with the best international practices. Advanced and safe transportation options have been introduced in the city, and the authority continuously strives to improve its services.
RAKTA regulates all transportation services in the emirate, including buses, mass transit across the city, taxis, rental buses, tourist transport, commercial transport, maritime transport, school transport, and other passenger transport services.
TAXIS IN RAK
Taxis in RAK, as stated earlier, are regulated by RAKTA. Al Hamra Taxis are metered, air-conditioned vehicles with easy-to-identify cream-coloured roofs. Over 600 Al Hamra Taxis in RAK are operated by well-trained drivers who know the different routes. Al Arabia Taxi is another option for those living in or visiting the city. Presently, almost 500 Al Arabia Taxis are operating in the emirate.
To book Al Hamra or Al Arabia taxi in RAK, you can contact their service centre on 800-1700. Taxis are the most popular mode of public transport in RAK.
Another relatively newer addition to the RAK transport network is the Hala taxi, which you can book via the Careem App.
TAXI FARE IN RAK
Description | Charges |
|---|---|
Description Flag Fall | Charges AED 3 |
Description Flag Fall to other Emirates | Charges AED 10 |
Description Minimum Charge | Charges AED 5 |
Description Waiting in intial 5 minutes | Charges Free |
Description Waiting after 5 minutes | Charges AED 0.50/Min |
Description Every 1 km | Charges AED 1.53 |
AL HAMRA LIMOUSINE SERVICE
The Al Hamra Limousine service is ideal for those searching for comfortable, luxurious transport options in RAK. It has three different categories: Silver, Gold and Platinum. For those looking for comfort and indulgence, this could be the best option to travel within or outside RAK.
BUSES IN RAK
RAKTA INTER-CITY BUSES
RAKTA also operates several intercity buses to assist residents who frequently travel to other emirates.
- RAK Airport to Union Bus Station, Dubai
- RAK Airport to Muwailih Bus Station, Sharjah
- RAK Airport to Mohammed bin Zayed Street, Ajman
- RAK Airport to Al Nakheel (city centre)
For more information, read this quick guide to inter-emirate buses in the UAE.
AL HAMRA BUSES
RAKTA established the Al Hamra Bus service in partnership with a public transportation company as an affordable intercity travel option.
You can use Al Hamra buses to travel to Sharjah, Dubai, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain. The first bus leaves at 05:30 am for Dubai. From 07:30 am onwards, you can find buses leaving for Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain every hour. The last bus for the day is scheduled at 09:00 pm.
Ticket prices of Al Hamra buses from RAK are as follows:
Emirate | Charges |
|---|---|
Emirate Umm Al Quwain | Charges AED 10 |
Emirate Ajman | Charges AED 15 |
Emirate Sharjah | Charges AED 25 |
Emirate Dubai | Charges AED 25 |
CITY BUSES
As per the Ras Al Khaimah vision 2030 and the expansion strategy of RAKTA, an internal bus service was initiated, covering four main routes.
- Red route: Manar Mall to Al Jazeera Al Hamra
- Blue route: Manar Mall to Shaam area
- Green route: Manar Mall to Ras Al Khaimah Airport
- Purple route: Manar Mall to the American University
The cost per ticket is AED 5 to AED 10.
RAK TO OMAN BUS
The Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) has announced the launch of the bus service from Ras Al Khaimah to Musandam in the Sultanate of Oman.
The service starts on the 6th of October. There will be two journeys per day at 03:00 pm and 06:00 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The cost for a one-way ticket is AED 50 and the duration of the journey will be 3 hours. To buy a ticket, you can visit the RAKTA official website, the RAKBUS app or buy it at the bus station.
JEBEL JAIS BUS TOURS
Jebel Jais Bus tours are especially beneficial for tourists. The shuttle bus service runs from RAK City, Al Hamra Area and Al Marjan Island to Jebel Jais. With free Wi-Fi and spacious seating, it makes for a wonderful journey. Every week, a large number of tourists visit the highest mountain peak in the country. AED 20 is the cost of each ticket, which can be bought from Visit Jebel Jais’s official website.
There are many things to do in Jebel Jais, and the journey is definitely worth it.
FAQS ABOUT RAK TRANSPORT
CAN I TRAVEL AROUND IN RAK ON A BUS?
You can travel to the areas mentioned above on a RAKTA bus. If you want to visit an area not covered by bus, taxis are the best choice.
WHAT ACTIVITIES CAN I ENJOY IN DURING MY STAY IN RAK?
Planning a short tour to RAK? Here’s a list of things to do in RAK during a weekend trip.
Public transport in the UAE is designed to serve the needs of the residents. Each emirate has a well-planned network of roads and dedicated authorities to monitor and manage traffic and commute in the emirate. For instance, thousands of people use Abu Dhabi’s public transport network daily. Similarly, public transport in Sharjah provides an effective alternative to personal vehicles. The public transport network in Ajman has also been developed to suit the needs of residents of the emirate.
Keep following MyBayut to learn about life in the UAE.
Cover image credit: RAKTA
