Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) – Terminals, Transport, Hotels & Guide
Airport Directions
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) is the gateway to the UAE’s northernmost emirate. While much smaller than DXB, it is rapidly growing as a hub for budget and charter flights. For Flystodubai travelers, RKT is a fantastic stress-free alternative. You can land here, clear immigration in 10 minutes, grab duty-free (yes, including alcohol!), and be on a shuttle bus to Dubai before you would have even reached passport control at a larger airport.
This guide is essential because RKT is becoming a major “secret” entry point for smart travelers. It offers some of the cheapest flights from India and Pakistan (via Air India Express and IndiGo) and Europe (via charters), with a relaxed arrival experience just an hour from Dubai.
Airport Name
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport
IATA Code
RKT
Location
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, Digdaga Road, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Terminals
two passenger terminal buildings
Distance from Dubai Airport (DXB)
Approximately 62 miles (100 km) – a 1 hour 15 minute drive
Nearby Areas
Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra Village, and Jebel Jais.
Airlines Operating from the Airport
RKT is a stronghold for budget travel to the subcontinent and holiday charters from Europe.
- Home Carrier: Air Arabia (Operates a dedicated hub here with flights to Cairo, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Kozhikode).
- Indian Carriers: Air India Express and IndiGo (Direct flights to Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kozhikode, and Lucknow).
- Charter Airlines: Smartwings, Centrum Air, and Ural Airlines (Seasonal winter flights from Europe and Russia).
Destinations & Routes
RKT connects to over 40 destinations.
- Flystodubai Connection: This is a top choice for travelers from India and Pakistan. Fares to RKT can be 20-30% cheaper than flying into DXB or SHJ.
- Popular Routes: Mumbai, Kozhikode, Cairo, Moscow, and Prague (seasonal).
Airport Terminals Information
RKT operates from two passenger terminal buildings, but for the traveler, it feels like a single, easy-to-navigate complex.
- Terminal 1: Generally handles scheduled international flights (like Air Arabia and IndiGo).
- Terminal 2: Often used for seasonal charters and workforce flights, but passengers usually process through the main arrival hall regardless.
- Navigation: The airport is small. You can walk from the plane to the taxi stand in under 10 minutes.
Airport Facilities & Services
- Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.
- Lounges:
- Business Lounge: A quiet space with refreshments and Wi-Fi. Access is often included for business class or can be paid for (~AED 100).
- Dining:
- Costa Coffee: Located in Arrivals and Departures.
- The Hangar: A restaurant serving hot meals.
- Smoking: There are designated smoking rooms airside (after security).
Shopping & Dining at the Airport
- Duty Free: RAK Duty Free is surprisingly good. It sells perfumes, electronics, confectionery, and alcohol.
- Alcohol Sales: Unlike Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah is not You can buy beer, wine, and spirits in the Arrivals Duty Free shop to take to your hotel.
Airport Security & Immigration
- Speed: RKT is famous for its “10-minute” clearance. Queues are rarely long.
- Smart Gates: E-Gates are available for UAE residents and eligible visa-on-arrival tourists.
- Baggage: Baggage claim is almost immediate due to the small size of the facility.
RKT Flight Information
General flight data for travelers using Flys to Dubai.
Feature | Details |
Main Carrier | Air Arabia (Budget) |
Distance to Dubai | ~100 km (1h 15m) |
Alcohol Policy | Permitted (Sold in Duty Free) |
Crowd Level | Very Low (Fast Processing) |
Dubai Arrival Airports
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Most flights (including Emirates) arrive at DXB, offering fast immigration, Dubai Metro access, and short transfer times to hotels.
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
Some budget or charter flights may arrive at DWC, located further from central Dubai.
Transport: Getting from RKT to Dubai
This is the most critical part for travelers using RKT to reach Dubai.
- RAK Shuttle Bus (Official): Connects RKT to Dubai International Airport (Terminal 1 & 3) and major RAK hotels.
- Cost: AED 30–40.
- Frequency: timed with major flight arrivals (check the RAK Shuttle website/app).
- Al Hamra Bus (Public Transport): The RAKTA red bus runs from Ras Al Khaimah to Union Metro Station in Dubai.
- Cost: AED 27.
- Note: You may need to take a taxi from the airport to the Al Hamra Bus Station or RAK Bus Station first to catch this.
- Taxi: A direct taxi to Dubai is convenient but costly. Expect to pay AED 250 – AED 350 ($70–$95 USD).
- Car Rental: Highly recommended. The drive to Dubai via Emirates Road (E611) is a straight, empty highway with a speed limit of 120-140 km/h.
Parking Information
- Car Park: Extensive surface parking located directly in front of the terminal.
- Rates: Very affordable compared to Dubai. Approx AED 10 per hour or AED 80–100 per day.
- Free Drop-Off: You can drop off right at the terminal curb for free.
Hotels Near the Airport
- Hilton Garden Inn Ras Al Khaimah: Located 15 minutes away in the city near the creek.
- Citymax Hotel Ras Al Khaimah: A budget-friendly option about 20 minutes from the airport.
- The Cove Rotana Resort: A luxury option on the beach, approx. 20-25 minutes drive.
- Note: There are no hotels at the airport terminal itself.
Tips for Travelers
- The “Cheaper Ticket” Math: If you save $100 flying to RKT but pay $90 for a taxi to Dubai, it might not be worth it. However, if you rent a car or take the shuttle bus ($10), the savings are massive.
- Duty Free Alcohol: If you are staying in RAK or Dubai, buy your alcohol here on arrival. It is cheaper than MMI/African Eastern shops in the city and saves you the hassle of a license.
- Visa Check: Ensure your visa allows entry at any UAE airport (most standard tourist visas do).
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Questions & Answer
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Yes, the RAK Shuttle connects the airport to Dubai (DXB Airport area). Alternatively, you can take a taxi to the RAK Bus Station and take the public bus to Union Metro Station for AED 27.
Yes, Uber and Careem operate in RAK, but availability can sometimes be lower than in Dubai. Local Al Hamra Taxis are always available at the curb.
It is a smooth 1 hour 15 minute drive on the Emirates Road (E611). Traffic is usually very light until you hit the Dubai border.
Key carriers include Air Arabia, Flydubai, and seasonal operators connecting to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Russia.
Facilities include duty-free shops, restaurants, VIP terminal/lounges, prayer rooms, medical services, ATMs, currency exchange, and free Wi-Fi.
Taxis, hotel shuttles, and intercity buses connect to the city centre (20–30 minutes) and Dubai.