Getting There & Away: Sharjah

Major Airports

Sharjah International Airport SHJ

This is the main airport for Sharjah. It serves numerous airlines, specifically low-cost carriers like Air Arabia.

Connectivity

Air Arabia, flydubai, IndiGo, Pakistan International Airlines.
Connects to Middle East, India, Pakistan, CIS, North Africa, Europe.
Offers a quicker transit experience.

Dubai International Airport DXB

Located close to Sharjah (approximately 20-30 minutes drive), DXB is a major global hub.

Global Hub

Emirates (hub), flydubai, Qatar Airways, British Airways.
Extensive global connectivity, including direct flights from major hubs.
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is further south.

From Europe

Direct flights to SHJ and DXB from London, Frankfurt, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Moscow.

From North America

Direct flights to DXB from major US cities and Toronto. No direct to SHJ.

From Asia

Extensive direct flights connect to SHJ and DXB from the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and the Far East.

Airport Transfers

From SHJ

Taxis readily available, metered and affordable.
Public buses connect SHJ to city areas.
Car rental companies at the airport.
Approx. 15-30 minutes to most Sharjah locations.

From DXB

Taxis abundant, higher fares to Sharjah.
Careem and Uber operate.
Inter-emirate buses from DXB to Sharjah.
Private transfers for convenience.

Seasonal Flight Prices

Peak Season

Higher during November to March.

Holidays

Higher during Eid, Christmas, New Year.

Summer

Lower fares due to extreme heat (June-August).

Land Transportation

Intercity Buses

Intercity buses connect Sharjah with other emirates.

Routes

Frequent services to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
From Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah.
30-60 minutes to Dubai, 2-2.5 hours to Abu Dhabi.

Self-Driving in UAE

Consider renting a vehicle for more flexibility.

Requirements

Minimum age typically 21-25.
Valid passport and home driving license.
Roads are excellent, multi-lane and well-maintained.

Driving Laws

Drive on the right side of the road.

Regulations

Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited.
Speed limits are strictly enforced by numerous cameras.

Parking & Traffic

Parking is available in most areas.

Considerations

Paid parking zones are common in central areas.
Metered parking or mobile payment apps for payment.
Heavy traffic common during peak hours on inter-emirate highways.

Border Crossings

UAE shares borders with Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Mainly relevant for crossing into Oman (e.g., Hatta-Al Wajajah).
Specific visa arrangements for Oman vary by nationality.

No passenger train services connect Sharjah.
Motorcycle and scooter rentals are less common.
Bicycle sharing programs are limited.

Sea & River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Sharjah has Port Khalid, mainly a cargo port.

Cruise Information

Not a main passenger cruise terminal for large lines.
Most large cruise lines use Dubai's Port Rashid or Dubai Harbour.
No regular passenger ferry services operate.

River Transportation

No significant river transportation options exist.

Leisure Boating

The Corniche and Khalid Lagoon offer leisure boat rides.
These offer scenic tours rather than daily transportation.
Immigration for cruise passengers is streamlined.

Departure Information

Exit Fees

No specific exit fees are levied on passengers departing from Sharjah International Airport (SHJ).

Departure Timing

Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before scheduled departure for international flights.

Airport Facilities

SHJ offers duty-free shopping, dining, lounges, currency exchange, and ATMs.

General Departure Tip

Plan for 3 hours during peak seasons or holidays.

Getting There & Away