Sharjah International Airport

Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) is the third-busiest airport in the United Arab Emirates, located 13 km east-southeast of Sharjah city center and just 15 km from Dubai. The airport serves as the main hub for Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa's first and largest low-cost carrier, making it a popular budget alternative to nearby Dubai International Airport (DXB).

The airport has a single passenger terminal with two levels - arrivals on the ground floor and departures on the first floor. The layout is straightforward and easy to navigate, with arrival and departure formalities typically completed within 20 minutes. The terminal features fast-track check-in and security options for both economy and business passengers.

Why fly from Sharjah instead of Dubai?

• Significantly cheaper fares on Air Arabia to destinations across Asia, Middle East, and Europe
• Smaller, less crowded terminal with faster processing times
• Easy access from Dubai (20-30 minutes by taxi)
• Often lower-priced accommodation in Sharjah compared to Dubai

Air Arabia operates approximately 170 destinations across Asia, Europe, and Africa from its network of hubs. From Sharjah alone, you can fly direct to over 90 destinations in 40 countries, including popular routes to India, Pakistan, Iran, Egypt, Turkey, and a growing European network reaching Vienna, Munich, Athens, Milan Bergamo, Prague, Krakow, and Warsaw.

UAE Area Airports

The UAE has four major airports within easy driving distance of each other. Understanding your options is essential for finding the best fares and planning connections.

Dubai International (DXB) - 18 km southwest

• Emirates and flydubai hub
• UAE's busiest airport with extensive international connections
• Metro connected to Dubai city center
• Best for: Emirates connections, premium travel, metro access to Dubai

Al Maktoum / Dubai World Central (DWC) - 63 km southwest

• Dubai's second airport near Expo City
• Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and charter flights
• Limited transit options - taxi/Uber only
• Best for: Cheap Wizz Air fares to Europe

Abu Dhabi (AUH) - 134 km southwest

• Etihad Airways hub
• Major international airport
• Best for: Etihad connections, travel to Abu Dhabi

Connecting between SHJ and DXB:

Method	Time	Cost	Notes
Taxi	20-40 min	AED 75-120 (~$20-33 USD)	Fastest, traffic dependent
Air Arabia Shuttle	60 min	AED 20 (~$5 USD)	To/from Al Ghurair Centre Dubai
Uber/Careem	20-40 min	AED 60-100 (~$16-27 USD)	Slightly cheaper than taxi

Minimum connection time (SHJ to DXB): Allow 4-5 hours between flights at different airports. This accounts for immigration, baggage claim, ground transport, and check-in. UAE traffic can be unpredictable, especially during rush hours (7-9am, 5-8pm).

Pro tip: If booking separate tickets on Air Arabia (SHJ) and Emirates (DXB), book your Emirates flight with at least 5 hours buffer. Better yet, fly during off-peak hours (mid-morning or late evening) when traffic is lighter.

Sharjah Airport is located 13 km from Sharjah city center and 15 km from Dubai's Deira district. Travel times vary significantly based on traffic:

• Sharjah City Center: 15-25 minutes
• Dubai Deira (Al Ghurair Centre): 20-40 minutes
• Dubai Downtown (Burj Khalifa): 35-60 minutes
• Dubai Marina: 45-75 minutes
• Abu Dhabi: 90-150 minutes

There is no metro or rail connection to Sharjah Airport. Taxi, rideshare, or bus are your options.

Taxis are available 24/7 directly outside the arrivals hall. Fares are metered with a AED 20 airport surcharge added to all trips originating from the airport.

Typical taxi fares from SHJ:

• Sharjah City Center: AED 40-60 (~$11-16 USD)
• Dubai Deira: AED 75-100 (~$20-27 USD)
• Dubai Downtown: AED 100-150 (~$27-41 USD)
• Dubai Airport (DXB): AED 75-120 (~$20-33 USD)

Uber and Careem both operate at Sharjah Airport. Follow signs to the designated rideshare pickup area outside arrivals. Fares are typically 10-20% lower than metered taxis for the same journey.

Luggage that fits in the trunk is transported free on taxis. All taxis accept card payments.

Air Arabia Shuttle Bus

Air Arabia operates a shuttle bus between Sharjah Airport and Al Ghurair Centre in Dubai's Deira district.

• Fare: AED 20 (~$5 USD) one-way
• Journey time: Approximately 60 minutes
• From airport: 8:00am - 11:30pm
• To airport: 10:30am - 11:30pm
• Tickets: Purchase at the Air Arabia kiosk at the airport

The shuttle schedule aligns with Air Arabia flight arrivals/departures, so wait times can vary - sometimes up to several hours between buses. Best for budget travelers with flexible timing.

Public Bus (RTA)

There is no direct public bus from Sharjah Airport to Dubai. The most practical route requires multiple transfers:

1. Take Bus 116 from Sharjah Airport Bus Terminal
2. Transfer at Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah
3. Connect to Dubai-bound bus to Deira City Centre
4. Use Dubai Metro from Deira City Centre station

Total journey time: 1.5-2 hours, approximately AED 15-20 (~$4-5 USD). Not recommended if you have luggage or limited time.

Sharjah Airport offers secure parking facilities within walking distance of the terminal.

Parking Rates

Duration	Rate
1 hour	AED 16 (~$4 USD)
2 hours	AED 27 (~$7 USD)
3 hours	AED 37 (~$10 USD)
4 hours	AED 48 (~$13 USD)
Daily (after 4 hours)	AED 95 (~$26 USD)
Long-term (per day)	AED 85-95 (~$23-26 USD)

Important: Parking beyond 30 days incurs a AED 2,000 fine. Lost tickets carry a AED 200 penalty.

Pre-booking: Reserve parking online at mawgif.com/shjbooking for guaranteed spots and easier payment.

Payment is accepted via QR code scan on parking tickets, with Visa, MasterCard, and Apple Pay options.

Sharjah Airport's dining options are centered around a main food court serving local and international cuisine from breakfast through dinner.

Food Court

The food court includes:

• McDonald's - Fast food staple
• Costa Coffee - Coffee and light snacks
• Various local cafes - Arabic and international options

For a quick bite before a flight, there are several grab-and-go options throughout the terminal.

The Lounge (Premium Dining)

The Lounge offers all-day dining with a more extensive menu:

• 24-hour service: Light bites, snacks, hot and cold beverages
• Breakfast buffet: 2:00am - 11:30am
• Lunch buffet: 12:00pm - 5:00pm
• Dinner buffet: 5:30pm - 1:30am

Access via lounge membership, day pass, or airline status.

The dining options at SHJ are more limited than at Dubai's mega-airports. For longer layovers, eat in the city before arriving or access The Lounge for better selection.

Free unlimited WiFi is available throughout Sharjah Airport.

• Network name: Fly-Fi
• Registration: Not required
• Speed: Suitable for browsing and video calls

Simply select "Fly-Fi" from available networks and wait for the connection. No time limits or data caps. The service is provided through a partnership between Sharjah Airport Authority and Etisalat.

SIM cards are available from both UAE carriers at Sharjah Airport. Both stores are open 24/7.

Etisalat

Two locations:

• Baggage hall: Near luggage belt 4, after customs
• Arrivals hall: Larger store on the right side after exiting sliding doors

Tourist Plans:

Price	Data	Calls	Validity
AED 49 (~$13 USD)	2 GB	30 min	28 days
AED 79 (~$22 USD)	4 GB	30 min	28 days
AED 125 (~$34 USD)	6 GB	120 min	28 days
AED 200 (~$54 USD)	22.5 GB	525 min	28 days

du

Located in the departures hall - you'll need to exit arrivals and enter departures to access it.

Tourist Plans:

Price	Data	Calls	Validity
AED 49 (~$13 USD)	2 GB	30 min worldwide	28 days
AED 139 (~$38 USD)	10 GB	30 min worldwide	28 days

Virgin Mobile

A small Virgin Mobile store in the arrivals area offers higher data packages at higher prices.

Requirements: Bring your passport - ID is required for SIM registration in the UAE. Activation is immediate.

eSIM option: Both carriers offer eSIM for compatible devices if you prefer a digital solution.

ATMs are located in both arrivals and departures halls, available 24 hours.

ATM operators: Emirates Islamic, Dubai Islamic Bank, Sharjah Islamic Bank, Banque Misr

Currency: UAE Dirhams (AED), pegged to USD at 3.67 AED = $1 USD

All ATMs accept international bank cards and major credit cards. Choose to be charged in AED (not your home currency) for better exchange rates.

Currency Exchange

Currency exchange counters are available in arrivals, departures, and transit lounges.

• Travelex: Over 60 currencies available
• Operating hours: Extended hours, including late night
• Tax-free refunds: Available at Travelex counters

Airport exchange rates include a markup of 5-10%. For better rates, use ATMs or exchange money in the city at Al-Ansari Exchange or Wallstreet Exchange.

The UAE is highly card-friendly - credit and debit cards are accepted at most shops, restaurants, and services.

Sharjah Airport's duty-free shopping is managed by Avolta (formerly Dufry), spanning approximately 1,800 square meters of retail space.

Duty-Free Highlights

• Main Duty-Free Shop: Arrivals and departures - largest selection of tax-free products
• Hudson: Convenience items, snacks, travel essentials
• Victoria's Secret: Beauty and fragrance products
• Last Minute Shop: Departures terminal

Luxury Brands

The renovated duty-free area features global brands including:

• Fragrances: Tom Ford, Dior, Gucci, Calvin Klein, Givenchy
• Cosmetics: Clinique, Clarins, L'Oreal Paris, Shiseido
• Jewelry & Watches: Pandora, Swatch (via Rivoli)
• Spirits: Johnnie Walker, Chivas, Hennessy, Dom Perignon, Veuve Clicquot

Local Products

Rooh Al Arabeyyah is a dedicated section for local Emirati and Arabic goods - dates, sweets, perfumes, and traditional items make excellent gifts.

Exclusive Offers

Sharjah Duty Free offers some products and promotions not found at other UAE airports. Check for exclusives before purchasing at Dubai's larger shops.

Sharjah Airport offers two main lounges, both located airside on the first level (departures) and open 24 hours.

The Lounge

The newly renovated premium lounge accommodates over 232 guests and is centrally located in the terminal.

Features:

• Comfortable seating with quiet zone for relaxation
• Superfast WiFi
• All-day dining with buffet service at meal times
• Interactive kids play area
• Showers available

Access:

• Priority Pass members
• Diners Club members
• Day pass purchase (approximately AED 200-250 / ~$55-68 USD)
• Air Arabia Business Class passengers

First Class Lounge

A more exclusive space for premium travelers.

Access:

• Priority Pass (check current eligibility)
• First Class passengers on partner airlines
• Day pass purchase

Both lounges offer a significant upgrade over the limited food court options, especially for long layovers or early morning departures.

In-Terminal Hotel

Sharjah Airport Transit Hotel is located inside security, ideal for transit passengers with long layovers or delayed flights.

Room options:

• Deluxe Rooms: 16 rooms available
• Executive POD Rooms: 24 pods for shorter rest periods
• Shared Dormitories: 50 male and 44 female beds with shared washroom facilities

Features: Onsite cafe, free high-speed WiFi. Book at the transfer desk, through your airline, or via travel agency.

Airport-Adjacent Hotels

Sharjah International Airport Hotel - Directly opposite the airport entrance, simple air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms. Rooms from AED 150/night (~$41 USD).

Centro Sharjah - Adjacent to the airport, modern hotel with pool. 15 minutes to city center. Rooms from AED 200/night (~$54 USD).

Novotel Sharjah Expo Center - 24-hour airport shuttle, outdoor pool, fitness facilities. Rooms from AED 250/night (~$68 USD).

Dubai Hotels with Airport Shuttle

For travelers continuing to Dubai, several hotels offer Sharjah Airport pickup:

• DoubleTree by Hilton Sharjah Waterfront - Complimentary beach shuttle, highly rated (9.2)
• Ewan Ajman Suites Hotel - Under 12 miles from SHJ, outdoor pool

Sharjah is the cultural capital of the UAE, recognized by UNESCO as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World (1998) and Capital of Islamic Culture (2014). It offers a different experience from glitzy Dubai - more traditional, conservative, and focused on arts and heritage.

Must-See Attractions

Cultural Sites (15-25 minutes from airport):

• Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization - Comprehensive exhibits on Islamic history and culture, located at Al Majarrah waterfront
• Al Hisn Sharjah Fort - Restored 1820 fort in the Al Shuwaiheen area, now a museum
• Heritage Museum - Artifacts showcasing traditional Emirati domestic life

Waterfront & Parks:

• Al Majaz Waterfront - 231,000 sq ft entertainment area overlooking Khaled Lagoon, featuring the Sharjah Musical Fountain (best at night)
• Al Noor Island - Butterfly House with 500+ butterflies from 20+ species
• Flag Island - Home to the world's 7th tallest flagpole, beautiful gardens

Family Activities:

• Al Montazah Parks - UAE's oldest adventure park (since 1979), split into Pearls Kingdom water park and Island of Legends theme park
• Sharjah Discovery Centre - Interactive science exhibits for children ages 3-12
• The Rain Room - Interactive art installation where you walk through rain without getting wet

Shopping

• Blue Souk (Central Market) - Iconic 1970s market with blue tiles, 400+ shops selling antiques, gold, textiles, and carpets

Beaches

• Al Khan Beach - Popular spot near Sharjah Aquarium and Maritime Museum
• Al Mamzar Beach Park - Expansive palm-lined beach on the Dubai/Sharjah border

Day Trip to Dubai

Dubai's attractions are easily accessible from Sharjah:

• Burj Khalifa & Dubai Mall: 35-60 minutes by taxi
• Gold Souk (Deira): 20-40 minutes by taxi
• Dubai Frame: 30-50 minutes by taxi

Practical Tips

• Weather: Visit December-March for pleasant temperatures (20-25C). May-September is extremely hot (40-50C).
• Dress Code: Sharjah is more conservative than Dubai - dress modestly, especially at cultural sites and malls.
• Alcohol: Sharjah is a dry emirate - alcohol is not sold or served anywhere in the city. For drinks, head to Dubai's licensed hotels and restaurants.
• Public Behavior: Public displays of affection and loud behavior are frowned upon.
• Friday: Many businesses close for Friday prayers (12-2pm). Plan accordingly.
• Currency: AED, pegged to USD. Cards widely accepted.

For travelers with 4-6 hours to spare, the Sharjah Heritage Area (Museum of Islamic Civilization, Al Hisn Fort, Heritage Museum) is walkable and offers an excellent cultural immersion experience before your flight.