Visiting Sharjah

Getting to Sharjah

By air

Sharjah International Airport, 15km east of the city centre, is the hub for budget airline Air Arabia. There are regular flights to places around the Middle East including Amman (Jordan), Bahrain, Beirut (Lebanon), Cairo (Egypt), Istanbul (Turkey), Kuwait and Muscat (Oman). Dubai International Airport, in the neighbouring emirate of Dubai, has many more international connections and is the more popular gateway to Sharjah.

By coach

Sharjah Airport is well served by coach and bus services that are low-cost, reliable and frequent. Services run to and from the airport to key locations within Sharjah and other emirates. Muwasalat’s bright orange buses depart from the airport for the city every 15 minutes.

Muwasalat – routes and timetables

Air Arabia’s fleet of air-conditioned coaches operate to and from the neighbouring emirates. Coaches travel regularly between Sharjah Airport and Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain and Ras al Khaimah.

Airport shuttle routes and timetables

By car

If you’re travelling from Dubai, take Sheikh Rashid Road across Garhoud Bridge and continue into Sharjah on Al Ittihad Road. Taxis from other emirates to Sharjah carry a Dhs20 surcharge. The drive should take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic and where in Dubai you started from. If possible, avoid travelling at peak hours as roads can get very busy.

By boat

Miss the traffic by taking the ferry from Dubai (Al Ghubaiba Marine Station) to Sharjah (Aquarium Marine Station). Taking 35 minutes, the ferry runs from 7am to 7.30pm 42 times a day and costs between Dhs15 and Dhs25.

More info about the Dubai-Sharjah Ferry

Getting around Sharjah

From public transport to cars for hire, getting around Sharjah is safe and easy. Sharjah has a highly developed road network with major multi-lane highways linking other emirates. Taxis are readily available, and there is a local bus network too.

On foot

Although the car is king in getting around Sharjah, walking is a pleasant way to see the emirate, particularly in the cooler winter months. Khalid Lagoon and the Al Majaz Waterfront are popular for walking and jogging, especially in the early hours of the day or late in the evenings. Al Qasba and the corniche of Al Mamzar are also favourite walking areas.

Bus

Coach and bus services in Sharjah are low-cost, reliable and frequent and run between 5.30am and 11.30pm. There are fewer services on Fridays. Mowasalat operates nine bus routes around Sharjah city. Each of the orange buses have reserved seating for women, children and the elderly. A single fare costs Dhs7 and you can pay using cash or a Sayer card (electronic top-up transport card), which can be purchased on board. Buses 14, 15 and 99 link Sharjah airport with the city centre.

Mowasalat's routes and timetables

Taxi

Taxis are metered and can be flagged down or booked by phone (600 52 52 52). Taxis are distinguished by their reflective green plates, making them easier to spot at night. Trips within Sharjah generally cost between Dhs12 and Dhs45. There is an extra charge of Dhs20 for journeys that start from Sharjah International Airport and for trips to and from Dubai.

Ride-hailing services

Uber and Careem are popular alternatives to metered taxis. You can hail a ride using either app, with fares calculated on factors such as distance, demand and wait time.

Car

There are two major series of highways in Sharjah, which are "E" and "S". E represents roads connecting other emirates and S for roads within the emirates. The E 303 is the road between Sharjah and Dubai.

Numerous international and local car-hire firms operate in Sharjah. Prices start at around Dhs200 per day for a small vehicle. Most car-rental agencies ask for a minimum age of 21, plus a valid credit card, driving licence (UAE, GCC or International Driving Licence) and an original passport.

Bike

Cycling happens mostly at the Al Majaz waterfront and Al Qasba, where you can hire bikes, scooters and trikes. Prices range from Dhs20 to Dhs75 for the first 45 minutes.

Find out more about renting a bike from q8byky.com

Boat

Tours are available on traditional Middle Eastern abra boats at the Al Majaz Waterfront, and cruises are a great way to enjoy panoramic views of the Corniche area, especially in the evenings.

More info and prices

Sightseeing bus

A day on the the red ‘hop-on-hop-off’ double decker bus tour allows visitors to take in many of Sharjah’s landmarks and well-known sites. The tour starts at the Al Majaz Waterfront.

Routes, tickets and more info

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