Union to Ras Al Khaimah Bus Timings
Traveling by bus from Dubai Union Bus Station to Ras Al Khaimah is a practical option for workers, students, tourists, and anyone looking for a lower-cost alternative to a taxi. The main service is operated by the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) and connects Union with Ras Al Khaimah in around 1 hour 30 minutes.
The route covers important areas including Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah. Depending on the service and destination, passengers may travel toward RAK Bus Station, Ras Al Khaimah Station, or Al Hamra.
Quick Route Overview
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Point | Union Bus Station, Dubai |
| Destination | Ras Al Khaimah |
| Main Operator | RAKTA |
| Approx. Journey Time | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Approx. Distance | 90 km |
| Road Distance | 89.7 km |
| Main Fare Range | AED 22–40 |
| Common Fare Mentioned | AED 27 |
| Frequency | Around hourly / regular intervals |
| Direct Bus | Yes |
| RAKTA Contact | 800-1700 |
Union to Ras Al Khaimah Bus Timings
The main RAKTA service operates at regular intervals, with sources reporting a frequency of approximately 30–60 minutes to hourly. The exact departure can vary, so passengers should check the latest schedule before starting their journey.
Dubai Union to Ras Al Khaimah
| Service Detail | Timing |
|---|---|
| First reported departure | 5:30 AM |
| Other published schedule | 7:30 AM |
| Last reported departure | 9:00 PM |
| Other published schedule | 11:00 PM |
| Frequency | 30–60 minutes / approximately hourly |
| Journey Time | About 1 hour 30 minutes |
The available published schedules show different first and last departure times. This means travelers should not rely on one fixed timetable for every day or service. Checking the current RAKTA schedule before traveling is the safest approach.
Ras Al Khaimah to Union Bus Timings
For the return journey from Ras Al Khaimah toward Dubai Union Bus Station, the published timings include:
| Service Detail | Timing |
|---|---|
| First reported departure | 5:30 AM / 7:30 AM |
| Last reported departure | 10:30 PM |
| Frequency | 30–60 minutes / approximately hourly |
| Journey Time | About 1 hour 30 minutes |
Union to Ras Al Khaimah Bus Route
The journey starts at Union Bus Station in Dubai and heads toward Ras Al Khaimah. The route is associated with several emirates and major locations along the way.
The commonly mentioned route areas and stops include:
- Union Bus Station, Dubai
- Sharjah
- Ajman
- City Centre Ajman
- Umm Al Quwain
- Ras Al Khaimah
- RAK Bus Station / Ras Al Khaimah Station
- Al Hamra
The total distance is approximately 90 km, while the reported road distance is around 89.7 km.
Important Bus Stops
Union Bus Station
Union is the main departure point in Dubai for the RAKTA service. Travelers should reach the bus station before departure rather than arriving at the last minute.
Ajman and City Centre Ajman
Ajman is one of the major areas mentioned along the journey. City Centre Ajman is also identified as a key stop in the route information.
Umm Al Quwain
The route continues through Umm Al Quwain before reaching Ras Al Khaimah.
Ras Al Khaimah Station
The bus reaches the main Ras Al Khaimah bus station, which is identified by different sources as RAK Bus Station or Ras Al Khaimah Station.
Al Hamra
Some route information identifies Al Hamra Bus Station or the Al Hamra area as an important RAK-side destination.
Union to Ras Al Khaimah Bus Fare
The reported fare for traveling between Union and Ras Al Khaimah varies by source and destination. The combined information places the bus fare roughly between AED 22 and AED 40.
One source lists AED 27 for the Dubai-to-RAK journey, while another gives an estimated AED 22–40 range.
| Fare Information | Amount |
|---|---|
| Lowest reported fare | AED 22 |
| Commonly listed fare | AED 27 |
| Reported fare range | AED 22–40 |
| Higher range from route guide | AED 25–35 |
The final amount may depend on the particular service and destination within Ras Al Khaimah.
How Long Does the Bus Take?
The Union-to-Ras Al Khaimah bus journey takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
For comparison, the road distance is around 89.7 km, and driving is reported to take about 57 minutes under suitable traffic conditions. The bus journey takes longer because it follows a scheduled route with stops.
Journey Comparison
| Travel Option | Approx. Time | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| RAKTA Bus | 1 hr 30 min | AED 22–40 |
| Private Car | 57 min | AED 37–53 |
| Taxi | 57 min | AED 330–400 |
Traffic can make actual journey times longer, particularly during busy periods.
RAK Shuttle Bus from Dubai Airport
The Ras Al Khaimah Shuttle Bus is a separate service from the regular Union-to-RAK public bus. It is particularly useful for travelers arriving at Dubai International Airport (DXB).
The shuttle connects Dubai International Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 with Ras Al Khaimah hotels and resorts.
Dubai Airport to Ras Al Khaimah Shuttle Timings
Published information gives the following operating window:
| Direction | First Bus | Last Bus |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai → RAK | 6:00 AM / 7:30 AM | 1:15 AM / 2:30 AM |
| RAK → Dubai | 6:00 AM / 7:30 AM | 1:15 AM / 2:30 AM |
The reported shuttle frequency varies from 30–60 minutes in one route guide to approximately 6 trips per day in each direction in another. Another transport listing reports service approximately every 4 hours.
Shuttle Journey Time and Fare
The airport shuttle takes approximately 45–55 minutes, depending on the destination.
The reported one-way price is approximately AED 29–30, while another source lists an adult fare of AED 30 + VAT.
Children under 12 years are reported as traveling free under the listed shuttle fare information.
RAK Shuttle Stops
The shuttle service serves several hotels, resorts, and accommodation areas in Ras Al Khaimah.
Important destinations mentioned include:
- Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa
- Bin Majid Beach Hotel
- Hilton Garden Inn
- The Cove Rotana Resort
- Al Hamra Convention Center
- Waldorf Astoria
- Jannah Resort & Villas – Ras Al Khaimah
- Bin Majid Beach Resort
- Rixos Bab Al Bahr
- Al Marjan Island Resort & Spa
- Tulip Inn Ras Al Khaimah
- DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island
The airport departure points are:
- Dubai International Airport Terminal 1
- Dubai International Airport Terminal 3
RAKTA Bus vs RAK Shuttle
The two services serve different travel needs.
| Feature | RAKTA Public Bus | RAK Shuttle |
|---|---|---|
| Main Dubai Departure | Union Bus Station | DXB Terminal 1 & 3 |
| Main Purpose | Public intercity travel | Airport/hotel transfers |
| Approx. Journey | 1 hr 30 min | 45–55 min |
| Reported Fare | AED 22–40 | AED 29–30 / AED 30 + VAT |
| Main Destination | RAK Station / Al Hamra | Hotels & resorts |
| Operator/Service | RAKTA | RAK Shuttle |
| Contact | 800-1700 | +971-50-6263-955 |
For passengers starting in central Dubai, the Union-to-RAK public bus is the more relevant option. Travelers arriving at Dubai Airport may find the RAK Shuttle more convenient.
Driving and Taxi Alternatives
A bus is not the only way to travel between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah.
Driving
The reported road distance is approximately 89.7 km, with a driving time of around 57 minutes. Estimated driving costs are listed around AED 37–53, although actual expenses depend on the vehicle and journey.
Taxi
A taxi is considerably more expensive than the bus. The reported taxi estimate is approximately AED 330–400, with another estimate placing it around AED 35–55 in an FAQ context. Since the figures conflict, travelers should confirm the current taxi fare before booking.
Bus Frequency and Weekly Service
Rome2Rio reports approximately 105 buses per week, equivalent to an average of about 15 buses per day if distributed evenly across the week.
The service is described as operating every day, with buses generally running at approximately hourly intervals.
Key Numbers at a Glance
- 105 buses per week
- Around 15 buses per day on average
- Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes journey
- Around 90 km distance
- 89.7 km road distance
- AED 22–40 reported bus fare
- AED 27 commonly listed fare
- 57 minutes reported driving time
- AED 330–400 reported taxi estimate
- 45–55 minutes airport shuttle journey
- AED 29–30 estimated shuttle fare
- 800-1700 RAKTA contact number
RAK Bus App and Trip Planning
The RAKBus App is mentioned as a useful option for planning journeys. It can help passengers with:
- Trip planning
- Planned schedules
- Live tracking
- Live service updates
Using live information is particularly useful when departure times vary or traffic affects the journey.
Traffic and Best Travel Tips
Traffic can affect the actual journey time between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. The reported busy periods are:
- 7:00 AM–9:00 AM
- 5:00 PM–7:00 PM
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) is mentioned as a possible source of delays.
For a smoother trip, passengers should:
- Arrive at Union Bus Station before departure.
- Check the latest timetable before traveling.
- Allow additional time during rush hours.
- Confirm the fare and payment method before boarding.
- Check the destination carefully if traveling beyond the main RAK station.
- Use the RAKBus App where live information is available.
- Airport travelers should confirm the shuttle schedule before relying on a particular departure.
What Can You See in Ras Al Khaimah?
Ras Al Khaimah offers several attractions that can be reached as part of a wider trip.
Jebel Jais
Jebel Jais is one of the major attractions associated with Ras Al Khaimah. The mountain is listed at approximately 1,934 meters in the supplied travel information, and the Jebel Jais Zipline is highlighted as a major attraction.
Dhayah Fort
Dhayah Fort is another attraction mentioned in the route guides and can be included in a Ras Al Khaimah sightseeing plan.
RAK National Museum
The RAK National Museum is also highlighted as a cultural attraction for visitors exploring the emirate.
Beaches and Resorts
The emirate is also associated with beaches, resorts, Al Marjan Island, and hotel destinations served by the RAK Shuttle.
Important Contact Numbers
| Service | Contact |
|---|---|
| RAK Transport Authority | 800-1700 |
| RAK Shuttle | +971-50-6263-955 |
| RAKTA Email | info@rakta.gov.ae |
| RAK Shuttle Email | aksales@orienttransport.ae |
| Additional Shuttle Email | mathew@orienttransport.ae |
FAQs
What is the Union to Ras Al Khaimah bus travel time?
The main bus journey takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
How much is the Union to Ras Al Khaimah bus fare?
Published fares range from approximately AED 22 to AED 40, with AED 27 also listed as a typical Dubai-to-RAK fare.
How far is Union from Ras Al Khaimah?
The distance is approximately 90 km, while the reported road distance is around 89.7 km.
Is there a direct bus from Union to Ras Al Khaimah?
Yes. The RAKTA service is described as a direct bus between Dubai Union Bus Station and Ras Al Khaimah Station.
How often do buses run?
The service is generally described as running every 30–60 minutes or approximately hourly, depending on the published schedule.
What is the RAKTA contact number?
The Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority contact number listed in the supplied sources is 800-1700.
Can I travel from Dubai Airport to Ras Al Khaimah?
Yes. The RAK Shuttle operates between Dubai International Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 and several Ras Al Khaimah hotels and resorts.
How long does the RAK Airport Shuttle take?
The reported journey time is approximately 45–55 minutes.
How much does the RAK Shuttle cost?
The supplied sources report approximately AED 29–30, while another listing gives AED 30 + VAT for adults.
What are the main Ras Al Khaimah attractions?
Popular attractions mentioned in the supplied route guides include Jebel Jais Zipline, Dhayah Fort, RAK National Museum, beaches, resorts, and Al Marjan Island.
Is the bus cheaper than a taxi?
Yes. The supplied figures show a bus fare of around AED 22–40, while the reported taxi estimate is around AED 330–400, making the bus the substantially cheaper option.
Final Summary
The Union to Ras Al Khaimah bus is a budget-friendly intercity travel option with a journey time of around 1 hour 30 minutes and a reported fare range of approximately AED 22–40. The route covers areas such as Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah, with Union Bus Station serving as the main Dubai departure point.
For airport passengers, the separate RAK Shuttle connects DXB Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 with hotels and resorts in RAK in roughly 45–55 minutes. Since published schedules and fares can vary, checking the latest service information before traveling is recommended.
