Dubai is synonymous with luxury and excellence. This emirate city of the UAE is well-known for its classy buildings, marvelous architecture, magnificent entertainment avenues, an array of adventurous activities, deeply ingrained cultural heritage, and so much more. But sometimes Dubai can become overwhelming, and you would want to spend time in a place that is more calming and relaxing. Ras Al Khaimah is the perfect place for this. Located in the northern part of the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah is known for its raw beauty and plenty of adventurous activities. But before you plan your itinerary or choose a Ras Al Khaimah tour package, you need to know the best ways to travel between the two cities.
How to Travel from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah and Back?
Traveling from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah is quite breezy. The distance between the two emirates is around 116 kilometers. It takes anywhere between 1.5 hours to 2 hours to reach from one emirate to the other. The best part is that there are multiple ways to travel between the two. The one you choose will depend on your requirements and budget. Let’s look at the different ways to travel between Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai.
Bus
The most cost-friendly way to travel between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah is by public bus. This public transportation service is offered by Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) in association with Al Hamra. Buses are available in both cities and are safe as well as comfortable. The buses from Dubai start from Dubai Union Station and end at Al Hamra Bus Station in RAK. The bus travels through Umm Al Quwain. The first bus from Dubai starts at 7 in the morning and the last bus is at 11 PM.
The bus from Ras Al Khaimah begins at 5.30 in the morning and continues till 9 at night. While there are a few direct buses from Ras Al Khaimah, some of them travel through Sharjah and Ajman. To book your seat, you can download the RAKBus app, one of the best travel applications every tourist should have. With this app, you can check the schedule, book your bus tickets, and choose your seats as well.
Cost: AED 20 (one-way ticket)
Shuttle
If you want to add a bit of luxury to your travel from Dubai to RAK without spending too much, a shuttle would be a good option. The luxury shuttle bus begins at Dubai Airport and stops at multiple locations in Ras Al Khaimah. This is one of the most popular ways that UAE residents residing in Ras Al Khaimah travel to the city when they arrive at the Dubai International Airport.
However, the shuttle is not just for residents. Even tourists can use it. In fact, the shuttles offer stops at different hotels and other spots in the emirate city, including Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa, Bin Majid Beach Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn, Jannah Resort & Villas, Rixos Bab Al Bahr, The Cove Rotana Resort, Al Hamra Convention Centre, Bin Majid Beach Resort, Marjan Island Resort & Spa, Double Tree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, etc. These shuttles are not only comfortable and luxurious but also offer complimentary water bottles, free Wi-Fi, and maps. The shuttle service starts at Dubai Airport at 4 in the morning.
One may also find private travel agencies providing shuttle services for a convenient transit. One such company is Rayna Tours. For booking/enquiry, you can contact +971-56-5481-752.
Cost: AED 40
Taxi
One of the most convenient ways to travel from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah and back is by taxi. Taxis are the best way of transferring from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah if you are in a hurry and do not mind spending money. If you are traveling from Dubai Airport to Ras Al Khaimah or vice versa, you can book a taxi inside the airport itself. In case you want to hire a taxi from any other part of the city, there are multiple ways to do it.
If you are traveling from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah, you can book a taxi through the Hala e-service by Careem App, Uber, or Yango. In case you are traveling from Ras Al Khaimah to Dubai, you can book through Arabia taxi service. Taxis are also easily available at the important attractions of both cities. But not all taxis would agree to travel to a different city. So, pre-booking is always a good idea. The advantage of getting a taxi is that you get door-to-door service, which is quite convenient, especially if you are traveling with luggage.
Cost: AED 200 to AED 300 (or more – depending on the area you are visiting)
Rent a Car or Private Vehicle
Renting a car will make more sense if you want to explore the emirate cities on your own. For instance, if you have decided not to opt for one of the Dubai travel packages and make your own itinerary, getting a rental car from Ras Al Khaimah would be a better option. Similarly, if you want to visit Jebel Jais (the highest mountain in RAK) from Dubai, driving in your rental car would be easier and more convenient.
If you do not want to drive, you can also hire a private vehicle which comes with a professional driver. This way, you can enjoy the ride without bothering about knowing the traffic rules and roads of the UAE. There are many car rental companies and even travel companies that offer rental cars and private vehicles on hire. An advantage of a rental car is that you have the freedom of driving at your pace and stopping whenever you want to. The downside is that renting a car or private vehicle is expensive.
Cost: AED 515 (approximately)
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Featured Airways
While it may seem ridiculous to travel by airways for such a short distance, this is also an option if you are short on time and if money is not a concern. The flight time is around 30-40 minutes. It is possible to book a private charter, helicopter, or a seaplane from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah and back. While it is the fastest and the most luxurious way to travel, it has several cons. The first is that it is extremely expensive. Second, air transfers are very limited and are not readily available, in comparison to other modes of transportation. Traveling by air from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah and back would require booking the helicopter, charter, or seaplane well in advance.
Cost: AED 1200 (and more)
Conclusion
So, you see, there are plenty of options when it comes to traveling from Ras Al Khaimah to Dubai and back. You can choose one of them as per your budget, speed, convenience, and travel style.
Frequently Asked Questions:Â
What is the distance between Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai?
What is the cheapest way to travel between Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai?
Do taxis accept credit card payments?
Is it safe to drive between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, especially at night?
What are the things to keep in mind while driving between Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai?
- If you are traveling during the weekend, remember that it is going to be busy and you can expect a lot of traffic.
- If you are renting a car and planning to drive on your own, you must carry your driving license. If you are a resident, you must carry your Emirates ID. In case you are a tourist, do not forget to take your passport with you. Make sure all the documents for the car are present in the vehicle.
- Ensure that you follow the speed limits on the highway as well as within the city. Refrain from speeding.
- Make sure that there is enough fuel in your vehicle. If not, plan your fuel breaks in advance, especially if you are driving at night.
- Keep yourself hydrated. Take breaks when needed.
