Rab GTPases are master regulators of membrane traffic. By binding to distinct sets of effector proteins, Rabs catalyse the formation of function-specifying membrane microdomains. They are delivered to membranes by a protein named GDI (guanine-nucleotide-dissociation inhibitor) and are stabilized there after nucleotide exchange by effector binding. In the present mini-review, I discuss what we know about how Rab GTPases are delivered to the correct membrane-bound compartments and how Rab GTPase cascades order Rabs within the secretory and endocytic pathways. Finally, I describe how Rab cascades may establish the distinct compartments of the Golgi complex to permit ordered processing, sorting and secretion of secretory cargoes.