Sharjah Airport Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Sharjah, one of the seven emirates of the UAE, is served by one primary international airport located conveniently close to its city center. While most international visitors to the region arrive via Dubai International Airport (DXB), Sharjah International Airport plays a crucial role as a hub for low-cost travel and cargo, offering an alternative gateway to the northern Emirates and Dubai itself.

This guide details Sharjah International Airport (SHJ), including terminal information, ground transportation, and practical advice for travelers using this airport to access Sharjah, Dubai, and the wider Northern Emirates.

Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)

Overview: Sharjah International Airport is the third busiest airport in the UAE and serves as the main hub for Air Arabia, the Middle East’s first and largest low-cost carrier. Located just 13 km (8 miles) southeast of Sharjah City centre and approximately 25 km (15 miles) from downtown Dubai, it offers a more compact and often less congested alternative to Dubai’s mega-hubs. The airport handles a significant volume of passenger traffic to destinations across the Middle East, Indian subcontinent, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Terminals:

• Terminal 1: The original main terminal building, which has been significantly expanded and modernized. It handles all international arrivals and departures.
• Terminal 2: Primarily handles cargo operations and executive flights.

The airport is relatively small and easy to navigate, with short walking distances from check-in to gates. All passenger services are consolidated in Terminal 1.

Getting to and from SHJ Airport:

• Taxi (Official Airport Taxis):
  The most straightforward and common option. Metered taxis are available 24/7 directly outside the arrivals hall. The fare to central Sharjah (e.g, Al Majaz) is approximately AED 25-40. A trip to central Dubai (e.g., Deira, Bur Dubai) costs AED 70-100 and takes 25-45 minutes depending on traffic, especially at the Sharjah-Dubai border. Taxis to Abu Dhabi are very expensive (AED 350-450+).
• Ride-hailing (Uber, Careem):
  Widely used and reliable. Designated pickup points are well-signposted outside the terminal. Often similar in price to official taxis, sometimes offering promotional fares.
• Car Rental:
  Several international and local rental companies (Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, etc.) have desks in the arrivals hall. Renting a car is a good option if you plan to explore multiple emirates, but be aware of traffic congestion and Salik (road toll) charges in Dubai.
• Public Bus (SRTA & Intercity):
  The most affordable but least convenient option, especially with luggage.
  • Local Sharjah Buses: Route 99 connects the airport to Al Jubail Bus Station in central Sharjah. Fare: AED 5-8.
  • Intercity Bus to Dubai: Take a local bus or taxi to Al Jubail Bus Station, then take an RTA bus (e.g., E303, E306) to Union Square or Bur Dubai in Dubai. Total travel time can exceed 90 minutes.
• Private Transfer:
  Can be pre-booked online or arranged by hotels for a fixed fare.

Best for: Passengers flying with Air Arabia, budget-conscious travelers, visitors staying in Sharjah or the northern parts of Dubai (Deira, Al Qusais), and cargo operations.

Comparison with Dubai International Airport (DXB)

While not an airport in Sharjah, understanding the choice between SHJ and DXB is essential:

• Distance to Dubai: SHJ is actually closer to central Dubai (~25km) than DXB’s Terminal 1/3 (~30km). However, the journey from SHJ involves crossing the often-congested Sharjah-Dubai border.
• Airlines & Destinations: DXB is a global mega-hub with hundreds of airlines and destinations worldwide. SHJ is dominated by Air Arabia, serving a focused network of budget destinations.
• Cost: Fares from SHJ on Air Arabia are often significantly cheaper than comparable routes from DXB, but ground transport costs to/from Dubai may offset some savings.
• Experience: SHJ is generally quicker for check-in, security, and baggage claim due to its smaller size.

Which Airport Should You Choose? SHJ vs. DXB

Choose Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) if:

• Your itinerary is served by Air Arabia and the fare savings are substantial.
• Your final destination is Sharjah or the Northern Emirates (Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah).
• You are staying in northern Dubai (Deira, Bur Dubai) and don’t mind potential border traffic.
• You prefer a potentially faster, less crowded airport experience.

Choose Dubai International Airport (DXB) if:

• You are flying with a full-service or non-Air Arabia airline.
• Your destination is not served from SHJ.
• You are staying in southern or western Dubai (Marina, JBR, Downtown, Sheikh Zayed Road areas), as DXB is much more convenient.
• You require extensive flight connections or premium lounge facilities.

Transportation to Key Destinations from SHJ

Approximate Taxi/Rideshare Fares & Times:

• To Sharjah City Centre/Al Majaz: 15-20 mins | AED 25-40
• To Dubai Deira/Union Square: 25-45 mins | AED 70-90
• To Dubai Downtown/Burj Khalifa: 35-60 mins | AED 90-120
• To Dubai Marina/JBR: 45-75 mins | AED 120-160
• To Abu Dhabi City: 90-120 mins | AED 350-450+
• To Ajman City: 20-30 mins | AED 40-60
• To Ras Al Khaimah City: 60-80 mins | AED 180-250

Important Traffic Note: The commute between Sharjah and Dubai is infamous for heavy traffic, particularly during morning (7-10 AM) and evening (5-9 PM) rush hours, and on Sunday evenings as residents return to Dubai. The border crossing can add significant delays. Always build in extra time if you have a flight to catch from SHJ.

Practical Tips for Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)

• Currency: UAE Dirham (AED). ATMs and currency exchange counters are available in the arrivals hall.
• Language: Arabic is official, but English is widely spoken by airport and transport staff.
• Visa: Ensure you understand the UAE’s visa requirements. Many nationalities receive a free visa on arrival, but rules can change. Passengers transiting through SHJ on Air Arabia may be eligible for a special transit visa if connecting within certain timeframes.
• Air Arabia Specifics: This is a strict low-cost carrier. Check baggage allowances and fees carefully. Online check-in is encouraged. The “SkyCafe” onboard is cashless (cards only).
• Prayer Rooms: Well-maintained prayer rooms (Musallah) are available throughout the terminal.
• Wi-Fi: Free limited Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.
• Smoking: Designated smoking rooms are available inside the terminal.

Border Crossing Note: When traveling by road from SHJ to Dubai, you are moving between two different emirates, but there is no formal immigration or passport control. The delay is purely due to traffic volume at the checkpoints which monitor Salik tags and vehicle registration.

Bottom line: Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) is a viable, cost-effective gateway, especially for travelers flying Air Arabia to destinations in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. For destinations in Sharjah or northern Dubai, it can be very convenient. However, always factor in the cost and potential delay of ground transport to Dubai, and compare total trip cost and time against flying into Dubai International (DXB). For most other travel, DXB will offer more options and greater convenience.