Dreaming of a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Dubai’s life? Whether you are seeking a beach escape or a family getaway, Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah is the best option. Al Marjan Island, located along the tranquil shores of the Arabian Gulf, is emerging as the UAE’s favourite weekend destination because of its beachfront resorts, pristine beaches and breathtaking sunsets. This guide shows every route to this stunning island, including travel time, transport options, and tips.
Dubai to Al Marjan Island: Travel Options & Routes
There are multiple travel options to reach Al Marjan Island from Dubai. These include:
- Private car: Direct route is E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road) towards Sharjah, then E311 (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road) towards Ras Al Khaimah, and then take exit towards Al Marjan Island.
- Bus and Taxi: Book a bus from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah, then a taxi from RAK to Al Marjan.
- Direct Taxi: From your location to Al Marjan Island
- Private transfer: Pre-booked transfer from Dubai to Al Marjan Island
| Travel method | Estimated time | Cost (AED) | Best for | Comfort level |
| Private car | 1-hour | AED 30-40 (Fuel and tolls) | Families and road adventurers | Very Comfortable |
| Bus and Taxi | 2-2.5 hours | AED 30-50 | Budget travellers and solo tourists | Moderate |
| Direct Taxi | 1-hour | AED 200-250 | Non-drivers and convenience seekers | Very Comfortable |
| Private Transfer | 1-hour | AED 250-400 | Groups and luxury seekers | Luxurious |
Dubai to Al Marjan Island by Car
The approximate distance from Dubai to Al Marjan Island is 90 km. This distance depends on the starting point, as it is 74 km from Dubai International Airport and 120 km from Dubai Marina. Travelling by car is the most convenient and panoramic route to reach Al Marjan Island.
The best routes to reach Al Marjan Island by car are via E311 (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road) or E611 (Emirates Road), heading north and exiting onto Sheikh Mohammed Bin Salem Road. Your journey will include 1-2 Salik toll gates, charged at AED 4 each. As you enter the island, enjoy the golden sunset over the Ras Al Khaimah Bridge, which makes the driving more special.
Here’s the exact driving route:
Get Directions to Al Marjan Island
Bus Travel from Dubai to Al Marjan Island
Dubai to Al Marjan Island by bus is the ideal option for budget travellers or solo adventurers. It takes longer than driving. Here is the step-by-step route:
- Take a bus from the Union Square Bus Station or the Al Hamriya Bus Station
- Arrive at Ras Al Khaimah Bus Station
- Take a local taxi from the station to Al Marjan Island
The total expected time for this journey is about 2.5 hours. It may vary based on the traffic and transfer wait times.
Here’s the fare breakdown for this journey:
- RAKTA bus ticket for one-way AED 25-30
- A local taxi from RAK Bus Station to Al Marjan Island AED 25-35
So, the total fare is around AED 50-60.
The best travel time is midday or evening, as the traffic is heavy during 7 am-9 am and 5 pm-7 pm. Download the RAKBus App to book the bus in advance. Also, visit the official RAKTA website to check bus schedules.
Taxi or Private Transfer from Dubai
Booking a taxi or a private transfer is perfect for those seeking ease, convenience and a direct route to Al Marjan Island from Dubai. The estimated travel time from Dubai to Al Marjan Island is 1 hour. A direct taxi will cost you around AED 200-250, while a private transfer will cost you AED 250-400.
You can use the RTA Taxi, Uber or Careem app to book a taxi online. As Al Marjan Island is located in Ras Al Khaimah, some taxis may require prior approval for cross-emirate travel. Apps like Careem and Uber manage this automatically. The main benefits of taking a taxi or private transfer are door-to-door service, comfort, flexible scheduling and no stress over routes.
How to Navigate to Al Marjan Island Using Google Maps
Navigating to Al Marjan Island is quite easy with the help of Google Maps. Here are the recommended routes:
- From Dubai, either follow E311 (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road) or E611 (Emirates Road), heading north.
- Take an exit on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Salem Road in Ras Al Khaimah.
- Now, follow the signs to reach Al Marjan Island.
Traffic Timings:
- Heavy traffic during early morning (7 am-9 am) and evening (5 pm-7 pm), which may result in delays, particularly at interchanges.
- Consider leaving early Friday mornings or mid-afternoon on Saturday for light traffic.
- Interchanges like E311 and E611 have high traffic during long weekends and holidays, so try to avoid peak timings.
The best time to visit Al Marjan Island is from 10 am to 2 pm and 7 pm to 9 pm. The Golden Hour to travel to Al Marjan Island in summer is around 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, and in winter it is around 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Travelling in this Golden Hour gives you stunning sunset views as you reach the RAK bridge.
Travel Time to Al Marjan Island & Ideal Visiting Times
Planning the right time to travel can make your Al Marjan Island getaway more relaxing and unforgettable. Whether it’s a short break or a weekend, perfect timing helps you avoid traffic jams and enjoy the stunning views.
Below are ideal hours for travelling:
- Early morning (6 am-8 am)
- During Day (10 am-2 pm)
- The evening after 7 pm.
Avoid the rush hours:
- Thursday evening, as it is the start of the UAE weekend
- Holiday weekends
November to March is the best time to visit Al Marjan Island as it offers mild weather, sunny days, and breezy nights, which make it ideal for beach strolls, outdoor dining and water-based activities. Summer months from May to August are quite hot, so it’s best for indoor resort activities and short stays.
Looking for unforgettable views? Visit Al Marjan Island during the golden hour for panoramic views.
Plan Your Day Trip, Weekend Getaways & Explore Local Attractions
At a short drive from Dubai, Al Marjan Island is perfect for a weekend escape. It offers peaceful island vibes with thrilling activities and luxury. Whether you are visiting for a day or a weekend, Al Marjan caters to every traveller’s taste. Below are the top things to do on Al Marjan Island:
- Kayaking and jet skiing near the shore
- Beach strolls
- Beachfront dining where you can enjoy fresh seafood and international cuisine
- Luxury spas and premium resorts
Given below are the top attractions near Al Marjan Island:
- Jebel Jais: It is the UAE’s highest mountain, which offers zip-lining, hiking and breathtaking vistas. It is a 60-minute drive from Al Marjan Island.
- Ras Al Khaimah Public Beaches: Here you can explore calm sandy shores, ideal for leisurely picnics and family gatherings.
Luxury and Budget-Friendly Resorts:
You can choose luxury beach resorts or budget-friendly hotels to stay on or near Al Marjan Island.
- Rixos Bab Al Bahr is a luxury resort which offers amenities like a private beach, pools, a kids’ club and fine dining options.
- Movenpick Resort Al Marjan is a 5-star resort which offers 418 residential units with sea-view balconies, pools and a wellness hub.
- Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island is a 5-star resort that offers pools, a Pirates club, spas and numerous fine dining restaurants.
- Hampton by Hilton is the world’s largest Hampton and offers all-inclusive packages and direct access to the beach. It’s an affordable resort.
- Rove Al Marjan Island boasts stylish modern interiors. It offers a beachfront refreshment truck and a kid-friendly activity zone.
Top Travel Tips for Visiting Al Marjan Island
You should follow these tips to ensure a stress-free and smooth getaway to Al Marjan Island.
- Emirates ID or passport for hotel check-ins and cross-emirate travel
- Swimwear and sunblock
- Book your hotel and resort in advance.
- Use apps like RTA Journey Planner (Dubai) and RAKTA (Ras Al Khaimah) to plan public transport routes, schedules and fares.
- Here are the emergency contact numbers
The Final Thought
Only an hour from Dubai, Al Marjan Island is a relaxing getaway where comforts blend with the waterfront beauty. Whether you are looking for an escape free from the stress of a lengthy journey, Al Marjan Island is the right choice as it offers pristine beaches, thrilling water-based sports, and luxury resorts.
It’s a place where you can relax, rejuvenate and return feeling restored. Visit Al Marjan Island once, and then you’ll discover why it is becoming the UAE’s top weekend escape. Don’t wait, pick your best route, book your accommodation, and enjoy the peaceful island vibes just a short drive from Dubai.
FAQs
How long does it take to reach Al Marjan Island from Dubai?
It takes about 60 minutes by car and 2 to 2.5 hours by bus to reach Al Marjan Island from Dubai.
What is the cheapest way to reach Al Marjan Island from Dubai?
The cheapest way to reach Al Marjan Island is by using a bus. Catch a RAKTA bus from Dubai’s Union Square or Al Hamriya bus station to RAK bus station, then a taxi to Al Marjan Island. It will cost you around AED 50-60.
What is the best time to visit Al Marjan Island?
November to March is the best time to visit Al Marjan Island as the weather is pleasant in these months.
What is the best route to drive from Dubai to Al Marjan Island?
The best routes are via E311 (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road) or E611 (Emirates Road) heading north and exiting onto Sheikh Mohammed Bin Salem Road in Ras Al Khaimah. Then, follow the signs to reach Al Marjan Island.