How to Reach Sharjah Airport from Dubai – Travel Guide
Learn how to reach Sharjah Airport from Dubai by car, bus, or taxi with practical tips on travel time, routes, and local transport options.
Sharjah Airport is located in the emirate of Sharjah, just northeast of Dubai. It serves as a major hub for regional and international flights, especially for budget airlines. Many travelers flying from Dubai prefer Sharjah Airport due to its competitive fares and convenient connections.
This guide explains the main ways to travel from Dubai to Sharjah Airport. You will learn about different transport options, travel times, costs, and useful tips to make your journey smooth and stress-free.
Getting from Dubai to Sharjah Airport – Main Options
Car / Taxi
Traveling by car or taxi is the most popular and flexible way to reach Sharjah Airport from Dubai. It offers door-to-door service and is suitable for travelers with luggage or tight schedules.
The distance between central Dubai and Sharjah Airport is about 25 to 30 kilometers, typically taking 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic, especially during peak hours.
Taxis are available throughout Dubai, with fares ranging from AED 70 to AED 110 to Sharjah Airport; using apps like Careem or Uber can provide upfront pricing and cashless payment.
Driving yourself is straightforward via E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road) or E311 (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road), but be aware of tolls (Salik) and possible heavy traffic during morning and evening rush hours.
Parking at Sharjah Airport is available with short-term and long-term options; check parking fees and availability in advance if you plan to leave your car.
During weekends or holidays, traffic to Sharjah can be heavier, so allow extra travel time and consider leaving earlier to avoid stress.
Bus
Public buses offer a budget-friendly option but are less convenient for travelers with heavy luggage or tight schedules. They are suitable for those familiar with local transport and looking to save money.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) operates bus routes connecting Dubai to Sharjah, such as routes E303 and E306, which stop near Sharjah Airport.
The bus journey can take 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic, with fares generally under AED 10, making it an economical choice.
Buses depart from major Dubai bus stations like Al Ghubaiba Bus Station and Union Square, which are accessible via Dubai Metro and local taxis.
Bus frequency varies, with more buses during peak hours; check the RTA website or app for updated schedules to avoid long waits.
Be prepared for crowded buses during rush hours and carry small change or a Nol card for fare payment; luggage space is limited on buses.
Flight
There are no flights between Dubai and Sharjah as they are neighboring emirates. Traveling by air is not applicable for this route.
Step-by-Step Travel Plan
This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers moving from Dubai to Sharjah Airport. It focuses on simplicity and practical tips to avoid common issues.
Decide your transport mode based on budget and time: taxi for speed and comfort, bus for economy.
If taking a taxi, book through Careem or Uber apps to get fixed fares and avoid language barriers with drivers.
For bus travel, purchase a Nol card in advance and check the latest bus timings on the RTA app to plan your departure.
Leave Dubai at least 2 hours before your flight departure to accommodate traffic delays and airport check-in procedures.
Upon arrival at Sharjah Airport, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs for onward travel to your final destination.
Practical Travel Tips
Always carry a charged mobile phone with local SIM or internet access to book taxis or check bus schedules in real time.
Drink bottled water and avoid street food during travel to prevent stomach issues, especially in hot weather.
Book your taxi or bus tickets in advance during weekends or holidays to avoid last-minute hassles and higher fares.
Use prepaid taxi counters at Sharjah Airport to avoid overcharging; app-based cabs like Careem and Uber are widely accepted.
Pack light if using public buses, as luggage space is limited and buses can be crowded during peak hours.
During summer months, travel early morning or late evening to avoid extreme heat and traffic congestion.
Best Time & Travel Conditions
Traffic between Dubai and Sharjah can be heavy during weekdays, especially morning and evening rush hours. Weather conditions like summer heat and occasional fog in winter may affect travel comfort.
Planning your trip outside peak traffic hours and avoiding major holidays can make your journey smoother and less stressful.
Avoid traveling during weekday rush hours (7–10 AM and 5–8 PM) when roads are busiest and delays are common.
Summer months (June to September) bring high temperatures; travel early or late in the day to avoid heat exhaustion.
During winter mornings, fog may reduce visibility on highways; allow extra travel time for safety.
Public holidays and weekends see increased traffic to Sharjah, so plan accordingly and book transport in advance.
Arrival at Sharjah Airport & What to Expect
Sharjah Airport is well-equipped with modern facilities and clear signage. Upon arrival, you will find prepaid taxi counters and designated areas for app-based cabs outside the terminal.
Local transport options include taxis and car rentals. Nearby hotels and popular areas like Al Majaz and Rolla are easily accessible by taxi. Public transport options from the airport are limited, so pre-booked taxis or ride apps are recommended for onward travel.
Conclusion
Traveling from Dubai to Sharjah Airport is straightforward with several options to suit different budgets and schedules. Taking a taxi or car is the fastest and most convenient way, especially if you have luggage or tight flight timings. Public buses offer a cheaper alternative but require more planning and time.
Plan your journey by considering traffic patterns, booking transport in advance, and allowing extra time during peak hours or holidays. With these tips, you can confidently reach Sharjah Airport from Dubai without stress and enjoy a smooth start to your trip.