Best Affordable Options to Rent a Car in Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah has become one of the most loved destinations in the UAE, especially for people living in Dubai who want a break from the fast pace of the city. Whether it’s the beautiful beaches, long coastal roads, mountain views, desert landscapes, or the calm and relaxed vibe, RAK has something special to offer. And if you’re planning a trip there, renting a car can make your entire experience much more comfortable and enjoyable.

The good news is that Ras Al Khaimah has many affordable car rental options—some even cheaper than the rates you see in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. For Dubai residents planning a weekend getaway, business visit, or a long stay in RAK, renting a car locally can save money, provide flexibility, and make traveling much easier. Platforms like happydrive.ae make the process even simpler by letting you compare prices, choose the right car, and book online in minutes.

In this detailed blog, I’ll walk you through the best affordable options to rent a car in Ras Al Khaimah, why RAK is a great place to rent a vehicle, and how to make your experience smooth and budget-friendly.

Why Ras Al Khaimah Is a Great Place to Rent a Car

Before getting into the affordable options, it’s important to understand why renting a car in Ras Al Khaimah is such a smart decision—especially if you’re coming from Dubai.

Calm Roads and Beautiful Routes

Unlike Dubai or Sharjah, RAK offers more relaxed driving conditions. The roads are wide, clean, scenic, and perfect for long, peaceful drives. Whether you’re going towards Jebel Jais, the beach, or the city center, the routes are comfortable and enjoyable.

Perfect for Tourists and Weekend Travelers

RAK has become a hotspot for staycations. Hotels, resorts, beaches, and mountain activities attract thousands of Dubai residents every month. Having a rental car makes moving between these places extremely convenient.

Affordable Rentals Compared to Big Cities

Ras Al Khaimah usually offers lower rental prices because the demand and operational costs are lower. This is why many people choose to rent a car in Ras Al Khaimah instead of renting in Dubai and driving all the way.

Easy Access to Attractions

RAK is spread out, and taxis can become expensive if you rely on them for sightseeing. A rental car gives you full control and saves money.

Platforms like happydrive.ae help you find budget-friendly options quickly, which is perfect for last-minute weekend trips.

Best Affordable Options to Rent a Car in Ras Al Khaimah

Below are the most budget-friendly categories of cars you can rent in RAK. These are ideal for Dubai residents looking for comfort without overspending.

1. Economy Cars – The Best Cheap and Reliable Option

Economy cars are the most affordable and practical option for anyone traveling to Ras Al Khaimah. They are fuel-efficient, easy to drive, and perfect for both long-distance highway travel and city driving.

Popular choices include:

Nissan Sunny
Toyota Yaris
Kia Picanto
Hyundai Accent
Mitsubishi Attrage

These cars offer excellent mileage, low rental prices, and comfortable seating for couples or small families. If you’re planning a short RAK trip from Dubai, an economy vehicle is more than enough.

On happydrive.ae, you can find many of these cars at very affordable daily and weekly rates.

2. Compact Hatchbacks – Budget-Friendly and Easy to Park

For travelers who prefer smaller cars that are easy to handle, compact hatchbacks are a great option. They are ideal for solo travelers, couples, or anyone planning to stay within the city areas of RAK.

Popular budget hatchbacks include:

Kia Rio
Hyundai i10
Toyota Aygo

These cars are lightweight, economical, and perfect for exploring RAK’s local markets, beaches, and cafés without worrying about parking.

3. Affordable SUVs – Great for Families and Mountain Trips

Ras Al Khaimah is known for its adventure spots, and many people head to Jebel Jais—the UAE’s highest peak. If you’re planning a mountain trip or traveling with a family, renting a budget-friendly SUV is a smart choice.

Affordable SUV options include:

Nissan Kicks
Hyundai Creta
Kia Sportage (base model)
Renault Duster

These SUVs offer:

Better comfort for long drives
Space for luggage
Stronger performance on hilly routes

Even though SUVs are bigger, you can still find many affordable options on happydrive.ae, especially for weekly or monthly rentals.

4. Cheap Monthly Rentals – Best for Long Stays

Many people who visit Ras Al Khaimah for work, temporary projects, or long vacation stays prefer monthly rentals. Monthly rentals usually offer the biggest savings.

Monthly car rentals include:

Full insurance
Maintenance
Replacement vehicle if needed

The cost per day drops significantly when renting for 30 days or more. This makes monthly rentals ideal for:

New expats moving to RAK
Students
People working short-term in the emirate
Digital nomads staying in UAE temporarily

Platforms like happydrive.ae often provide special discounted rates for monthly plans.

5. Budget Sedans – Comfortable and Cost-Effective

Sedans are a great middle-ground option if you want something more comfortable than an economy hatchback but still affordable.

Popular affordable sedans:

Toyota Corolla
Honda Civic (base models)
Hyundai Elantra
Kia Cerato

These are perfect for:

Longer drives
Family trips
Staying in RAK for a few days
Driving between Dubai and RAK

Sedans offer better stability on highways and smoother rides for extended travel.

6. Long-Term Leasing Options – Great for Residents

If you’re planning to stay in RAK for several months or more, long-term leasing can be a very cost-efficient solution. Instead of buying a car and dealing with registration and insurance, you get everything included in one monthly fee.

Leasing benefits include:

No maintenance costs
No registration or insurance hassle
Fixed monthly payment
Option to switch cars yearly

Using happydrive.ae, you can explore long-term deals easily and compare different cars and packages.

7. Affordable Options for Dubai Travelers Visiting RAK

For Dubai residents planning a short getaway, renting a car in Ras Al Khaimah instead of Dubai can help you save on both rental and fuel costs. Many people simply drive to RAK, pick up their rental car, and start their staycation without any hassle.

It’s especially useful if:

You’re staying in a resort
You don’t want to take your personal car
You want to avoid Dubai’s higher rental rates
You’re going to multiple locations in RAK

With online services like happydrive.ae, you can even book in advance and pick up the car immediately upon arrival.

Tips to Find the Best Affordable Car Rental in Ras Al Khaimah

Renting a car is easy, but finding the best affordable deal requires a little planning. Here are some tips to help you:

1. Book Early

Last-minute bookings can sometimes be expensive. Booking a few days in advance ensures better prices and more choices.

2. Choose the Right Car Category

Select a car that matches your needs—not bigger, not smaller.
If you’re only two people traveling, an economy car will do the job perfectly.

3. Compare Prices Online

Websites like happydrive.ae let you compare multiple cars and choose the most budget-friendly option without visiting different rental offices.

4. Check Weekly and Monthly Rates

Even if you need a car for 4–5 days, sometimes a weekly package is cheaper.

5. Avoid Premium Add-Ons

GPS, additional accessories, and other extras can increase the cost. Use your phone navigation instead.

6. Read the Rental Terms

Check mileage limits, fuel policy, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.

Why Dubai Residents Prefer Renting in Ras Al Khaimah

RAK has become a favorite weekend destination for people living in Dubai. Many choose to rent a car in Ras Al Khaimah instead of driving their own car or renting in Dubai for several reasons:

More affordable rental rates
Less crowded roads
Cheaper fuel usage due to shorter internal distances
Convenient for hotel and resort stays
Easier access to mountain and beach attractions

Dubai residents also love the peaceful driving experience in RAK, especially compared to the city’s traffic.

Places You Can Explore Easily With a Rental Car in RAK

One of the main benefits of renting a car in Ras Al Khaimah is being able to explore all its attractions comfortably. Some must-visit places include:

Jebel Jais
RAK Corniche
Al Marjan Island
RAK National Museum
Al Hamra Marina
Beaches and resorts
Desert camp areas
Cafés, malls, and local restaurants

With your own rental car, you can easily visit multiple spots in a single day without relying on taxis.

How happydrive.ae Makes Renting Easier and More Affordable

One of the easiest ways to find the best affordable options to rent a car in Ras Al Khaimah is by using happydrive.ae. The website offers:

A wide range of cars
Competitive prices
Clear rental terms
Easy document upload
Quick booking
Transparent pricing

Instead of calling different companies or visiting multiple branches, you can compare everything in one place and confirm your booking instantly.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best affordable options to rent a car in Ras Al Khaimah is easier today than ever before. Whether you’re coming from Dubai for a weekend staycation, visiting for business, or planning a long-term stay, RAK offers plenty of cost-effective car rental choices that fit every budget.

From economy cars and compact hatchbacks to affordable SUVs and monthly rentals, you can choose exactly what suits your travel plan. And with platforms like happydrive.ae simplifying the entire process, you can book a car within minutes and enjoy complete convenience.

Ras Al Khaimah has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the UAE, and having your own rental car lets you enjoy every moment of your trip without stress or restrictions. If you’re planning your next visit, renting a car in RAK might just be the smartest and most budget-friendly decision you make.