By Mohammed Rashad Hussain, Managing PartnerPublished 3 min read
How far is Ras Al Khaimah from Dubai, and which road is fastest?
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is the northernmost of the main emirates, about 100 to 130 km from Dubai depending on where you start. From Downtown Dubai the usual route is the E311 Emirates Road north, then the E611 into Ras Al Khaimah city. Light-traffic driving takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
| Destination in RAK | Extra time beyond RAK city |
|---|---|
| RAK city and Al Nakheel | none |
| Al Marjan Island | about 15 to 20 minutes |
| Al Hamra | about 15 to 20 minutes |
The coastal E11 is an alternative that passes Ajman and Umm Al Quwain, but it is usually slower. The road travel from Dubai overview compares the main corridors.
Is there a bus from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah?
Yes, intercity buses connect Dubai with Ras Al Khaimah and take about 2 hours. Check the current operator, station, timetable and fare in the RTA app or on rta.ae, and with the Ras Al Khaimah transport authority, because services are adjusted from time to time.
A bus drops you at a station in RAK city. Resorts on Al Marjan Island or at Al Hamra then need a taxi or a pre-booked car.
Taxi and private car options
A metered taxi on this route carries an inter-emirate surcharge, and the fare depends on the company. You also need a taxi willing to take a one-way long trip, which is not always quick to find at a resort.
A private car is pre-booked, goes door to door from your hotel or the airport, and waits if you arrive on a delayed flight. See our intercity transfers for how Assure quotes and what the car and driver provide. Families and groups can use vans and minibuses available through our partner network, subject to availability.
Getting to Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra and the beach resorts
Al Marjan Island is a man-made island group linked to the coast by a causeway, with the Hajar mountains behind. Al Hamra is a waterfront village and marina area at the southern edge of RAK, the first stop for many visitors coming from Dubai.
Give your driver the exact resort name and gate. Large resorts have several entrances, and the right one saves a long loop.
Driving on to Jebel Jais: road, time and weather closures
Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, is about 45 minutes beyond RAK city on a switchback mountain road. Weather can close or restrict the road, particularly in cloud, fog or rain, so check Visit Ras Al Khaimah and local police notices on the day.
Our Jebel Jais guide covers the road, viewpoints and activities, and the Ras Al Khaimah and Jebel Jais tour packages the day with a driver. For other things to do in town, see places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah.
Ras Al Khaimah to Dubai for a flight at DXB or DWC
Allow about 1 hour 30 minutes to Dubai International (DXB) in light traffic, plus the usual time to check in. Leave earlier on Thursday and Friday afternoons, when traffic builds toward Dubai. Our airport transfers page lists the terminals Assure serves.
Heading on to the east coast afterwards? Read the Dubai to Fujairah guide. Crossing to Oman by sea? See Dibba or Khasab.
Photos in this guide
The Ras Al Khaimah seafront with palm-lined promenade and the Gulf beyondTashmetova808 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Rooftops and minarets of Ras Al Khaimah with the Hajar mountains behindVincent Eisfeld / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Aerial rendering of the Al Marjan Island group off the Ras Al Khaimah coastalmarjanisland.com / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
The mountain road towards Jebel Jais curving between Hajar rock walls at sunsetTashmetova808 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
