Day trips · Ras Al Khaimah · United Arab Emirates
5 best day trips from Ras Al Khaimah
Where to go when you want a day away from Ras Al Khaimah, and how long it really takes.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: wilhelmtittes, CC BY 3.0
Quick answer
The classic day trip from Ras Al Khaimah is Dubai (About 1 hour 15 minutes–1 hour 30 minutes by car). The closest option is Sharjah, about 75 km away.
Key facts
- Day trips in this guide
- 5
- Closest
- Sharjah (75 km)
- Most popular
- Dubai
Day trips compared
| Destination | Distance | Travel time | How | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 100 km | About 1 hour 15 minutes–1 hour 30 minutes by car | Car, taxi or intercity bus | First-timers, Shopping, Families |
| Sharjah | 75 km | About 1 hour by car | Car, taxi or intercity bus | Culture, Families |
| Fujairah and the east coast | 110 km | About 1 hour 15 minutes by car | Car through the Hajar Mountains | Beach, Families, Culture |
| Musandam (Khasab) | 80 km | About 1 hour 30 minutes plus the border crossing | Car or organised tour via the Tibat border crossing | Couples, Families |
| Abu Dhabi | 250 km | About 2 hours 30 minutes–3 hours by car | Car or organised tour | Culture, First-timers |
The day trips
100 km · About 1 hour 15 minutes–1 hour 30 minutes by car
1.Dubai
The Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, the historic Al Fahidi district and the creek's abra boats are all reachable for a full day. Leave early to avoid traffic on the Emirates Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.
- Getting there
- Car, taxi or intercity bus
- Best for
- First-timers, Shopping, Families
75 km · About 1 hour by car
2.Sharjah
The UAE's cultural capital has the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, the restored Heart of Sharjah heritage district, the Arts Area and the Al Noor Island art garden. It is quieter and more conservative than Dubai.
- Getting there
- Car, taxi or intercity bus
- Best for
- Culture, Families
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110 km · About 1 hour 15 minutes by car
3.Fujairah and the east coast
Across the mountains on the Gulf of Oman coast, the east coast has snorkelling at Snoopy Island near Al Aqah, the small Al Bidya Mosque, considered the oldest surviving mosque in the UAE, and Fujairah Fort. The drive through the mountains is part of the appeal.
- Getting there
- Car through the Hajar Mountains
- Best for
- Beach, Families, Culture
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80 km · About 1 hour 30 minutes plus the border crossing
4.Musandam (Khasab)
Oman's Musandam peninsula has fjord-like inlets (khors) between steep mountains, explored on traditional dhow cruises from Khasab with stops for swimming and snorkelling and frequent dolphin sightings. Check current entry rules on official sources before travelling, as the trip crosses an international border.
- Getting there
- Car or organised tour via the Tibat border crossing
- Best for
- Couples, Families
250 km · About 2 hours 30 minutes–3 hours by car
5.Abu Dhabi
A long day trip to the UAE capital covers the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Watan. It works best as an overnight stay.
- Getting there
- Car or organised tour
- Best for
- Culture, First-timers
Day-trip tips
- Leave early: most trips are more relaxed with a morning departure and a return before dinner.
- Intercity buses connect Ras Al Khaimah with Dubai and Sharjah, and a small number of city routes serve main roads, but services are infrequent for sightseeing.
- For trips over about 225 km, an overnight stay or an organised tour saves a lot of travelling.
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best day trip from Ras Al Khaimah?
Dubai. The Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, the historic Al Fahidi district and the creek's abra boats are all reachable for a full day.
+How long does it take to get from Ras Al Khaimah to Dubai?
About 1 hour 15 minutes–1 hour 30 minutes by car — Car, taxi or intercity bus, about 100 km.
+How long does it take to get from Ras Al Khaimah to Sharjah?
About 1 hour by car — Car, taxi or intercity bus, about 75 km.