Lifestyle

RAK Bus Station 2026: Timetables, Routes, Fares & Everything You Need to Know

Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) starts an internal bus service

Al Hamra Bus Station is RAK’s main RAKTA terminal – located in Al Dhait, NOT in Al Hamra Village. Full guide to RAK bus timings, routes and fares 2026.

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Updated April 2026

This is the complete guide to getting around Ras Al Khaimah by bus – whether you are travelling from RAK to Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah, using the local city bus network, or looking for timings at the Al Hamra or Al Nakheel stops. All current RAKTA intercity and city bus routes covered, with 2026 fares and booking details.

Where is RAK Bus Station? The Al Hamra Name Confusion Explained

If you have been searching for Al Hamra Bus Station and expected it to be in Al Hamra Village or near Al Hamra Mall – you are not alone. This confuses a lot of people.

Al Hamra Bus Station is the official name of RAK’s main central bus terminal – but it is not located in Al Hamra. It sits in the Al Dhait area, on Sheikh Muhammad Bin Salem Road, directly opposite The Cove Rotana Resort, close to RAK Police Headquarters.

Here is how to think about the three different locations people confuse:

NameWhat it isWhere
Al Hamra Bus StationRAK’s main RAKTA bus terminal – all intercity routes depart from hereAl Dhait area, opposite The Cove Rotana, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Salem Road
Al Hamra Mall stopAn informal pickup point on the Dubai intercity routeAl Hamra Village area, near Al Hamra Mall – NOT the main station
Al NakheelThe area sometimes used interchangeably with the stationAdjacent to Al Dhait, near RAKTA headquarters

If you are getting a bus to Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah – go to Al Hamra Bus Station in Al Dhait, opposite The Cove Rotana. That is your departure point.

If you live in Al Hamra Village or near the resorts – you can board the Dubai-bound bus at the informal Al Hamra Mall stop instead of travelling to the main station first.

📍 Al Hamra Bus Station address: Sheikh Muhammad Bin Salem Road, Al Dhait, Ras Al Khaimah – opposite The Cove Rotana Resort. RAKTA helpline: 800-1700

AT A GLANCE

OperatorRAKTA (Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority)
RAK Bus StationAl Nakheel area, Ras Al Khaimah – main intercity terminal
RAK to DubaiAED 27 direct | AED 27 via Sharjah & Ajman | Every 1-1.5 hrs | 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM
RAK to Abu DhabiAED 47 | Fri, Sat & Sun only | 10:00 AM & 3:00 PM
RAK to SharjahAED 27 | 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Every 1.5 hrs
City buses (internal)AED 5-10 | Red, Blue, Green, Purple lines from Al Nakheel
RAK to MusandamAED 50 | Fri, Sat & Sun | 8:00 AM & 6:00 PM
RAKTA contact800-1700 | rakta.gov.ae | RAK Sayr app for booking
PaymentE-Saqr card or cash | Nol card NOT accepted on intercity routes

RAK Bus Station – Location & What to Expect

The main RAK bus station is located in the Al Nakheel area of Ras Al Khaimah city centre. This is where all intercity RAKTA buses depart and arrive. It is a clean, modern terminal with covered waiting areas, ticket counters, and basic facilities.

Ras Al Khaimah Bus Station Exterior Photo

Getting to RAK Bus Station

  • Located in Al Nakheel, central RAK – accessible by city bus or taxi
  • The Al Hamra Mall stop is an alternative pickup point on the Dubai route, popular with residents in the southern part of the emirate
  • Taxis from RAK hotels to the bus station typically cost AED 15-25 depending on distance
  • RAKTA helpline: 800-1700

WOW-RAK Expert Tip:  If you live in Al Hamra or the southern part of RAK, you can board the Dubai-bound bus at Al Hamra Mall rather than travelling all the way to Al Nakheel bus station first.

RAK to Dubai Bus – Timings & Fares 2026

The most popular route. RAKTA operates direct buses and buses via Sharjah and Ajman between RAK and Dubai Union Bus Station. Journey time is approximately 1.5-2 hours direct, longer via Sharjah.

RAK to Dubai Schedule

RouteFirst BusLast BusFrequencyFare
RAK to Dubai (Direct)5:30 AM7:00 PMEvery 1-1.5 hrsAED 27
RAK to Dubai (via Sharjah & Ajman)8:00 AM9:00 PMEvery 1.5 hrsAED 27
RAK to Dubai (via Sharjah & Ajman – late)8:00 PM9:00 PM2 departuresAED 27

Dubai to RAK Schedule

RouteFirst BusLast BusFrequencyFare
Dubai Union Station to RAK7:30 AM11:00 PMEvery 1-1.5 hrsAED 20
Dubai Airport (T1 & T3) to RAK – RAK ShuttleEvery 4 hrs3 dailyAED 30 + VAT

WOW-RAK Expert TipDubai Union Bus Station is the main intercity terminal in Dubai. It is adjacent to Union Metro Station on the Red and Green lines – making onward connections easy across Dubai.

Stops on the RAK to Dubai Route

  • RAK Bus Station (Al Nakheel) – departure point
  • Al Hamra Mall – popular stop in southern RAK
  • Sharjah (via Sharjah & Ajman route only)
  • Ajman (via Sharjah & Ajman route only)
  • Umm Al Quwain (via Sharjah & Ajman route only)
  • Dubai Union Bus Station – final destination

Payment

  • E-Saqr card (RAKTA’s smart card – recommended)
  • Cash – exact change preferred
  • Nol card: NOT accepted on RAK intercity routes
  • No online booking for RAKTA buses – purchase at the station or on board
RAK Bus between UAE and Musandam: All you need to know

RAK to Abu Dhabi Bus – Timings & Fares 2026

The Abu Dhabi route runs on weekends only. It is direct and takes approximately 2.5-3 hours.

DirectionDaysTimingsFare
RAK to Abu DhabiFri, Sat & Sun10:00 AM and 3:00 PMAED 47
Abu Dhabi to RAKFri, Sat & Sun2:30 PM and 7:30 PMAED 35

WOW-RAK Expert TipThe Abu Dhabi service is weekend-only. If you need to travel on a weekday, take the RAK to Dubai bus first and then connect to Abu Dhabi from Union Bus Station.

RAK to Sharjah & Ajman Bus – Timings & Fares 2026

RouteOperating HoursFrequencyFare
RAK to Sharjah7:00 AM – 9:00 PMEvery 1.5 hrsAED 27
Sharjah to RAKDailyRegular serviceCheck at station
RAK to Ajman5:30 AM – 9:00 PMEvery 1.5-2 hrsAED 27
Ajman to RAK7:00 AM – 9:00 PMRegular serviceAED 25

RAK City Buses – Internal Routes 2026

RAKTA operates four colour-coded city bus routes within Ras Al Khaimah. All depart from Al Nakheel bus station and cost AED 5-10 per trip.

City Bus Routes

LineRouteOperating HoursFare
Red LineAl Nakheel to Al Jazirah Al Hamra6:00 AM – 10:00 PMAED 5-8
Blue LineAl Nakheel to Sha’am area6:00 AM – 10:15 PMAED 5-10
Green LineAl Nakheel to RAK Airport6:00 AM – 10:00 PMAED 5-8
Purple LineAurak to Manar Mall6:00 AM – 10:00 PMAED 5-8

Buses run every 1 to 1.5 hours on all city routes. On weekends the last bus is slightly later – up to 10:00 PM versus 9:00 PM on weekdays.

Al Hamra Bus Stop

Al Hamra Mall serves as a major stop on both the Red Line city bus and the intercity Dubai route. It is the most convenient boarding point for residents of Al Hamra Village, Al Hamra Fort Hotel area, and the surrounding communities.

  • Al Hamra to Al Nakheel (city bus): every 1-1.5 hours from 6:00 AM
  • Al Hamra to Dubai (intercity): board the RAKTA intercity bus at Al Hamra Mall stop
  • Al Hamra to Nakheel bus timing: first bus 6:00 AM, last bus approx. 10:00 PM
Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) starts an internal bus service

RAK to Musandam Bus

RAKTA operates an international bus service between RAK and Musandam, Oman. This is a separate service from the Dubai-Muscat Al Khanjry route.

DetailInfo
Days of operationFriday, Saturday and Sunday only
Departure times8:00 AM and 6:00 PM
FareAED 50 one-way
OperatorRAKTA

For the Dubai to Muscat (Al Khanjry) bus, see our dedicated guide: Dubai to Muscat Bus 2026 – Timings, Prices & How to Book.

RAK Shuttle Bus – Dubai Airport to RAK

The RAK Shuttle is a separate premium service connecting Dubai International Airport directly to Ras Al Khaimah. Ideal for visitors arriving by air who want to reach RAK without going via Dubai city centre.

  • Route: Dubai Airport Terminal 1 & Terminal 3 to Ras Al Khaimah
  • Frequency: Buses depart every 4 hours
  • Fare: AED 30 + VAT
  • Journey time: Approx. 45-50 minutes
  • Contact: +971 50 626 3955

WOW-RAK Expert TipThe RAK Shuttle drops passengers at key points in RAK rather than just the bus station – useful if you are heading to Al Hamra or Marjan Island area hotels.

How to Pay & Book RAKTA Buses

E-Saqr Card

RAKTA’s smart travel card works like Dubai’s Nol card but is specific to RAK transport. Top it up at RAKTA offices or select outlets. Three card types are available: standard, special needs, and student.

RAK Sayr App

RAKTA’s official app for planning trips, checking schedules, and booking tickets digitally. Available on iOS and Android. Search ‘RAK Sayr’ or ‘RAKTA’ in your app store.

Cash

Cash is accepted on all routes. Carry exact change where possible – drivers may not always have change available. For intercity routes, tickets are often purchased at the station counter before boarding.

More RAK Travel Guides

Is There Food Near Al Hamra Bus Station?

One thing worth knowing before you travel – there are no cafes, restaurants or convenience stores within walking distance of Al Hamra Bus Station. The station itself has basic facilities but no food outlets on site or nearby on foot.

What to do:

  • Buy food and water before you arrive at the station
  • The nearest options are a short taxi or drive away – Al Hamra Mall has a full food court and supermarket approximately 10 minutes by car
  • For early morning buses (5:30 AM, 6:00 AM departures) there will be nothing open nearby anyway – plan ahead
  • On longer intercity journeys to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the bus does not make food stops

☕ No food or drinks available at or near the bus station. Stock up before you arrive – especially for early morning departures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fare from RAK to Dubai by bus?

AED 27 on the RAKTA intercity bus from RAK bus station to Dubai Union Bus Station. The RAK Shuttle from Dubai Airport to RAK costs AED 30 + VAT.

How long does the RAK to Dubai bus take?

Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours on the direct route. The route via Sharjah and Ajman takes longer – typically 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic.

What time is the first bus from RAK to Dubai?

The first direct bus from RAK to Dubai departs at 5:30 AM. The last bus on the direct route is at 7:00 PM. Via Sharjah, buses run until 9:00 PM.

Where is RAK bus station?

The main RAK bus station is in the Al Nakheel area of Ras Al Khaimah city. Al Hamra Mall is an alternative stop on the Dubai intercity route, convenient for residents in the south of the emirate.

What are the Al Hamra bus timings?

Al Hamra is served by the Red Line city bus between Al Nakheel and Al Jazirah Al Hamra, running from 6:00 AM to approximately 10:00 PM every 1-1.5 hours. It is also a stop on the intercity RAKTA bus to Dubai.

Can I use my Nol card on the RAK bus?

No. Nol cards are not accepted on RAKTA intercity routes. Use the E-Saqr card or cash. Some sources suggest Nol cards work on certain services but RAKTA’s official position is that E-Saqr is the correct card for RAK buses.

Is there a bus from RAK to Abu Dhabi?

Yes, but weekends only. RAKTA operates buses from RAK to Abu Dhabi on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM for AED 47. The return from Abu Dhabi is at 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM for AED 35.

Is there a bus from Sharjah to RAK?

Yes. Buses run between Sharjah and RAK daily. From RAK to Sharjah the service runs 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM every 1.5 hours at AED 27. Check RAKTA or the RAK Sayr app for the return timings.

How do I contact RAKTA?

RAKTA helpline: 800-1700. Website: rakta.gov.ae. App: RAK Sayr (iOS and Android).

Is there a direct bus from RAK to Muscat?

No direct RAK-Muscat bus exists. For Dubai to Muscat, Al Khanjry Transport runs three daily buses. See our full guide: Dubai to Muscat Bus 2026. For RAK to Musandam specifically, RAKTA runs a bus on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM for AED 50.

Is there food or a cafe at Al Hamra Bus Station?

No. There are no cafes, restaurants or convenience stores at or within walking distance of the station. Buy food and water before you arrive – especially important for early morning departures like the 5:30 AM bus. The nearest food options are at Al Hamra Mall, approximately 10 minutes by car.

Is Al Hamra Bus Station the same as Al Nakheel bus station?

They refer to the same terminal. Al Hamra Bus Station is the official RAKTA name. Some older sources and guides call it Al Nakheel due to its proximity to that district. When in doubt, search “Al Hamra Bus Station RAK” on Google Maps – it will take you to the right place.

Timetables and fares are accurate as of April 2026. RAKTA adjusts timings during Ramadan and public holidays – always verify current times at rakta.gov.ae or call 800-1700 before travelling.

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