Ras Al Khaimah International Airport serves the northern emirate of the same name, among the emerging destinations of the UAE for nature tourism and adventure.
It is the access point to Jebel Jais, the country's highest peak, home to the world's longest zipline, and to less crowded beaches compared to Dubai.
How to get to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to RKT
Parking near Ras Al Khaimah International Airport
In front of the terminal there is a small car park for passengers.
The rates are generally lower compared to Dubai.
How to get to Ras Al Khaimah from RKT
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport
Some car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, useful for exploring Jebel Jais and the mountain zones.
Basic documents are driving license, passport and credit card, plus IDP in most cases.
Hotels near Ras Al Khaimah International Airport
Al Nakheel and city centre
About 20 km and up to 40 minutes by car from the airport, depending on traffic.
Best for: Business trips and those who want to stay close to the centre and the canal, without the surcharge of the beach resorts.
- 1.5 km from the centre of Ras Al Khaimah, with a canal view
- More moderate prices than the coastal resorts
- No private beach: the sea requires moving towards Al Marjan or Al Hamra
- An office and residential area, little evening life outside the hotel
Mina Al Arab, Al Hamra and Al Marjan Island
About 20-35 minutes from the airport depending on the property; Mina Al Arab, Al Hamra and Al Marjan are linked to each other in 10 minutes along the same coastal strip.
Best for: Those who want the sea and the big chain resorts, the emirate's real tourist speciality.
- The UAE's first overwater villas, alongside five-star resorts from several international brands
- Private beaches extending up to 750 metres, designed both for families and for exclusive stays
- A coastal strip designed for car or taxi: little to do on foot outside the resorts
- In high season, traffic on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Salem Road between the various islands can lengthen transfers
Recommended hotels
- Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort On a private peninsula with mangroves and views of the Hajar mountains: 174 keys including the UAE's first overwater villas, with an infinity pool and six restaurants. View availability
- The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach Only 32 rooms, all with a private pool and furnished patio, Egyptian cotton sheets and bathrooms with a separate tub: the most exclusive boutique hotel on the coastal strip. View availability
- Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island 515 rooms with sea or island views, an infinity pool and a 750-metre private beach: the most affordable international-brand option on the Al Marjan strip. View availability
Al Wadi Desert
About 23 km and 25 minutes from the airport: less than the coastal strip, despite the feeling of isolation.
Best for: Those looking for a desert stay rather than a beach one, while remaining surprisingly close to the airport.
- The property in this guide closest to the airport, despite seeming the most remote
- A private nature reserve with gazelles and oryx, inside a state park
- No beach: those wanting the sea must move towards Al Marjan or Al Hamra
- Deliberate isolation: there are no restaurants or shops nearby outside the resort
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is modest in size, consistent with its role as an emerging hub for nature tourism.
It is good practice to arrive 2.5 hours in advance for flights.
Map of Ras Al Khaimah International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. What is Jebel Jais?
The highest peak in the United Arab Emirates, home to the world's longest zipline and mountain hiking trails, reachable by car from Ras Al Khaimah airport.
Q. Is Ras Al Khaimah less crowded than Dubai?
Yes, it's among the country's emerging destinations for nature and adventure tourism, with beaches generally less crowded than Dubai's.
Q. How do you get around from Ras Al Khaimah airport?
Public transport is limited: most visitors get around by taxi or organised transfer, especially to reach Jebel Jais.
Q. Is it true that Ras Al Khaimah will open the first legal casino in the Emirates?
Yes, the Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort, under construction on the artificial island of Al Marjan, will house the country's first licensed casino: a project that is already attracting a different kind of tourism from the nature-based one linked to Jebel Jais.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
