Ras Al Khaimah is about 110 kilometres north of Dubai International Airport, a journey through Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain. There's no train, so your choices are a taxi, a ride-hailing app, the intercity bus or a private transfer, and the right one depends on your luggage, your group size and what time you land. This guide compares all four on real cost and journey time.
Quick answer: By car, Dubai Airport to Ras Al Khaimah takes 75 to 105 minutes in normal traffic. A taxi costs roughly AED 250 to 350. A private transfer from AED 500 per vehicle is the easiest option, especially for families and groups. The intercity bus costs AED 30 from Dubai's Union Station, but with the Metro ride from the airport, the whole journey takes 2.5 to 3 hours.
- DistanceAbout 110 km
- Drive time75–105 minutes
- TaxiRoughly AED 250–350
- Private transferFrom AED 500 per vehicle
- BusAED 30, about 2.5–3 hours
- TrainNot to Ras Al Khaimah
Last updated: 10 October 2026. Taxi and app fares vary with traffic, time of day and your exact destination in Ras Al Khaimah, so treat them as estimates. Check bus times with the operator before you travel.
Distance and journey time from Dubai Airport to Ras Al Khaimah
The drive is about 110 kilometres north through Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain, usually on the E311 (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road) or the E611. Traffic around Sharjah is what makes the journey time vary.
| When you travel | Typical drive time |
|---|---|
| Early morning or late night | About 75 minutes |
| Daytime, normal traffic | 75–105 minutes |
| Weekday evenings and Friday afternoons | Add up to 30 minutes |
Journey times are to central Ras Al Khaimah and Al Marjan Island. Jebel Jais and resorts further north take a little longer.
Dubai Airport to Ras Al Khaimah: all options compared
| Option | Cost | Total time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | From AED 500 per vehicle | 75–105 min | Families, groups, late arrivals |
| Airport taxi | Roughly AED 250–350 | 75–105 min, plus queue | Couples, small groups |
| Careem or Uber | Varies with demand | 75–105 min | Off-peak arrivals |
| Metro + intercity bus | About AED 30 plus the Metro fare | 2.5–3 hours | Solo travellers on a budget |
Option 1: Private transfer
On a long route like this, a private transfer takes away the most stress. Your driver meets you inside arrivals with a name board, tracks your flight so a delay doesn't cost you extra, and takes you straight to your hotel door. The price is fixed before you fly, so traffic in Sharjah doesn't change what you pay.
Our DXB to Ras Al Khaimah transfer starts from AED 500 per vehicle. It includes meet and greet, 60 minutes of free waiting from touchdown, flight tracking, tolls and fuel, bottled water, and child seats on request. It covers Al Marjan Island, RAK city and the Corniche, Al Hamra, Mina Al Arab and Jebel Jais, and cancellation is free up to 48 hours before pickup.
DXB to Ras Al Khaimah private transfer, from AED 500
Book the transferOption 2: Taxi
Dubai airport taxis will take you to Ras Al Khaimah, and you'll find them outside every terminal. Expect roughly AED 250 to 350 on the meter, depending on traffic and exactly where you're going. Airport taxis start with a higher flag-fall fare than street taxis, and the meter keeps running in slow traffic.
It's a reasonable option for one or two people with normal luggage. For a family of four with suitcases, a standard taxi gets tight, and two taxis cost more than one private van.
Option 3: Careem or Uber
Both apps work from DXB's designated pick-up areas and can take you to Ras Al Khaimah. Off-peak prices can be similar to a taxi. During surges, which often coincide with busy arrival times and weekend evenings, they can cost more than a fixed-price private transfer, so compare before you book.
Option 4: Metro and intercity bus
This is the cheapest way, but it's the slowest and the least practical with luggage:
- Take the Dubai Metro Red Line from the Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 station to Union station. You'll need a Nol card. Terminal 2 has no Metro station.
- Take the intercity bus from Union Bus Station to Ras Al Khaimah. The fare from Dubai is AED 30, and buses run from about 7:30am to 11:30pm.
- Take a local taxi from the Ras Al Khaimah bus station to your hotel.
The bus itself takes around two hours, as some services stop in Sharjah and Ajman. With the Metro ride and connections, allow 2.5 to 3 hours in total. Tickets can be booked through the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority's apps, and schedules can change, so check before you travel.
If you land after about 10pm, the bus usually isn't an option, because you won't reach Union station in time for the last departure. A taxi or a pre-booked transfer is the realistic choice.
Best option by group size
Bus or taxi
The bus is cheapest if you have time. A taxi saves around 1.5 hours.
Taxi or transfer
Similar cost, but a transfer means a fixed price and someone waiting for you.
Private transfer
One vehicle with room for the bags, and child seats on request.
Van transfer
By far the cheapest per person, and everyone travels together.
Where are you staying in Ras Al Khaimah?
Ras Al Khaimah is spread out, so your exact destination affects the journey:
- Al Marjan Island: the most popular area for beach resorts, and the most common destination from the airport.
- Al Hamra and Mina Al Arab: resort areas a little south of the city, along the coast.
- RAK city and the Corniche: the old town and the main city centre.
- Jebel Jais: the UAE's highest mountain area, which takes longer to reach because of the mountain road.
Always give your exact hotel name when booking, not just "Ras Al Khaimah".
Tips and the return trip
- Leave Ras Al Khaimah at least 3.5 to 4 hours before an international flight from DXB, to allow for the drive and check-in queues.
- Book your return transfer at the same time as your arrival one.
- Choose the vehicle by your number of bags, not just the number of passengers.
- Request child seats when booking. They can't be arranged at the kerb.
- Arriving at Al Maktoum International (DWC)? That's a different route. Our Al Maktoum airport transfer covers it, and you can ask us about onward travel to Ras Al Khaimah.
Spending a few days in Dubai first? Our DXB airport transfer covers hotels across Dubai, and our complete Dubai airport transfer guide compares every option.
Book your Ras Al Khaimah airport transfer
Meet and greet in arrivals, flight tracking, 60 minutes of free waiting and a fixed price, with free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup.
Dubai Airport to Ras Al Khaimah FAQs
How far is Ras Al Khaimah from Dubai Airport?
About 110 kilometres by road. The drive takes 75 to 105 minutes in normal traffic.
How much is a taxi from Dubai Airport to Ras Al Khaimah?
Roughly AED 250 to 350 on the meter, depending on traffic and your exact destination.
Is there a bus from Dubai Airport to Ras Al Khaimah?
Not directly from the airport. Take the Metro from Terminal 1 or 3 to Union station, then the intercity bus to Ras Al Khaimah, which costs AED 30. Allow 2.5 to 3 hours in total.
What is the best way to get from DXB to Ras Al Khaimah?
For most travellers with luggage, a private transfer. It has a fixed price, a driver waiting in arrivals and door-to-door service. Solo travellers on a budget can use the Metro and bus.
Is there a train to Ras Al Khaimah?
No. Etihad Rail's passenger trains, which began running in 2026, don't currently serve Ras Al Khaimah, so the options are road only.
How early should I leave Ras Al Khaimah for my flight from DXB?
At least 3.5 to 4 hours before an international departure, to allow for the drive and check-in.
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