The Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) operates the emirate’s internal bus network, linking the major residential zones with the malls, the corniche, the airport and the hotel cluster on Al Marjan Island. The service launched in 2022 and has expanded into a workable public transport spine for residents without cars. Here is what the network looks like in 2026 and how to use it.
For inter-emirate travel (RAK to Dubai, Sharjah, etc), see our companion guide at 5 ways to travel between RAK and Dubai. This article covers movement inside the emirate only.
The RAK internal bus network at a glance
- Operator: Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA)
- Coverage: Al Hamra, Al Jazirat Al Hamra, Al Mairid, Al Nakheel, Al Dhait, RAK City, RAK International Airport, Al Marjan Island, Mina Al Arab, Khuzam, Al Qusaidat, Al Rams
- Fares: AED 3 to AED 8 per trip depending on route distance
- Payment: RAKBus contactless card (top-up at any major station) or cash on board
- Operating hours: Most routes run 06:00 to 22:30 daily, with reduced frequency on Fridays before noon
- Frequency: 30 to 60 minutes depending on route, more frequent at peak times
Main routes operating in 2026
- Route 1 (Al Nakheel – RAK City – Corniche): the workhorse line, links the residential cluster with the city centre and corniche. 30-minute frequency at peak.
- Route 2 (Al Hamra Village – Al Hamra Mall – Al Marjan Island): serves the southern hotel cluster and the Al Hamra residential community.
- Route 3 (Mina Al Arab – Al Mairid – RAK City): connects Mina Al Arab residences with the city centre.
- Route 4 (RAK International Airport – Manar Mall): the airport shuttle line, primarily for residents heading into the city.
- Route 5 (Al Rams – Al Nakheel): covers the northern residential areas and links them to the mall cluster.
- Route 6 (Al Dhait – Al Nakheel – Al Mairid): serves the central residential corridor.
Routes and timetables are updated seasonally. Always confirm current schedules at the RAKTA app or the published timetables at major bus stations before planning a journey.
Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA)
The government authority operating internal bus and licensing services in RAK.
Switchboard: 901 (UAE government services number)
Website: rakta.rak.ae
Mobile app: RAKTA app on iOS and Google Play
Service area: Ras Al Khaimah emirate
Map: Open in Maps
The RAKBus contactless card
The RAKBus card is the contactless payment card for the internal bus network. It looks similar to Dubai’s Nol card. Card purchase is AED 25 (single load of AED 15 included). Top up at any station or via the RAKTA app. Fares are deducted automatically when you tap on the reader at the front of the bus. Children under five travel free with a card-carrying adult.
- Card price: AED 25 (with AED 15 initial balance)
- Top-up minimum: AED 10
- Top-up locations: RAK International Airport bus station, Manar Mall bus station, RAK Corniche bus station, Al Hamra Mall bus station, and via the RAKTA app
- Refund: unused balance refundable at any RAKTA service centre
WOW-RAK Expert Tip: The RAKBus card also works as a small-purchase contactless payment at a growing number of RAKTA partner outlets at bus stations (coffee, small snacks). Top up enough to cover your weekly commute plus a buffer of AED 30 so you never get caught short at a station that does not accept cash on board.
Major bus stations
- RAK Corniche Station: the main downtown interchange, near Al Qawasim Corniche
- Manar Mall Station: on Al Muntasir Road, serves Routes 1 and 4
- Al Hamra Bus Station: the inter-emirate hub (Dubai-bound coaches also depart here), plus internal connections
- Al Naeem City Centre Station: mall-adjacent, serves Route 1 and 3
- RAK International Airport Station: Route 4 terminus
- Al Marjan Island Boulevard Station: serves Route 2, links the hotel cluster to the mainland
How to use the service
- Buy a RAKBus card at any major station or download the RAKTA app and link a payment method
- Check the timetable for your route on the RAKTA app or at the station
- Wait at the marked bus stop along the route
- Board through the front door and tap your RAKBus card on the reader, or pay cash to the driver
- Tap again when you alight (some routes calculate by distance)
- Top up at the next major station when your balance drops below AED 10
Who the bus service works for
- Residents without cars: the network covers most major residential zones to the malls and the corniche
- Hotel guests on Al Marjan: Route 2 gives you mainland access without a taxi
- Visitors arriving at RAK International Airport: Route 4 connects to Manar Mall, where you can transfer to other routes
- Commuters across the emirate: peak-hour frequency makes commuting between residential zones and the city centre workable
The bus service does not work as well for late-night journeys (most routes stop at 22:30) or for one-off trips to remote areas (Jebel Jais, the desert camps, Khatt). For those, taxis, Careem or Uber remain the better option.
Frequently asked questions
Fares range from AED 3 to AED 8 per trip depending on the route and distance. Most short urban routes within RAK City are AED 3 to AED 5. Longer cross-emirate routes (Al Hamra to Mina Al Arab, for example) sit at AED 6 to AED 8.
Use the RAKBus contactless card (tap on board) or pay cash to the driver. The card costs AED 25 including an initial balance of AED 15, and can be topped up at any major station or via the RAKTA mobile app.
Most routes operate from 06:00 to 22:30 daily. Friday morning service is reduced before 13:00 due to Friday prayers. Confirm current schedules on the RAKTA app or at posted station timetables before travel.
RAKBus cards are sold at all major bus stations including RAK Corniche Station, Manar Mall Station, Al Hamra Bus Station, Al Naeem City Centre Station and RAK International Airport Station. Some service centres also issue cards on the spot.
Yes. Route 4 connects RAK International Airport to Manar Mall in central RAK, where you can transfer to other routes. Frequency varies and not all flight arrivals align with bus departures. For late-night arrivals, a Careem or taxi remains the simpler option.
The bottom line
The RAK internal bus network is now a workable public transport option for most residential zones in the emirate. For daily commuting, the RAKBus card and the RAKTA app combination is the way to go. For occasional trips and out-of-network destinations (Jebel Jais, the desert camps), taxis and ride-hailing remain the better fit.
Routes and fares update periodically. If you spot a change, message us at info@wow-rak.com or Instagram @wow.rak so we can keep this guide current.
