How to get from Dubai to Sharjah

How to get from Dubai to Sharjah is straightforward once you choose between low-cost intercity buses, taxis/e-hailing, private transfers, or self-drive depending on your budget, luggage, and time of day (traffic is the biggest variable on this route).

At A Glance (Dubai to Sharjah)

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest/Most Convenient: Taxi / Ride-hailing if you want door-to-door travel and you are moving outside the heaviest commute windows.
• Cheapest/Most Economical: Direct intercity bus (RTA/SRTA) using a nol card/top-up and a main bus terminal in Dubai.
• Most Flexible Schedule: Self-drive rental car if you need multiple stops in Sharjah (museum, waterfront, university area, etc.).
• Best for Airport Arrivals/Groups: Private transfer when you want a fixed pickup and luggage support.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Check live conditions first: Dubai–Sharjah travel times can swing a lot during weekday rush hours; verify timing in the RTA Journey Planner or S’hail app.
• For buses: Keep extra balance on your nol card and allow queue time at major stations like Union, Al Ghubaiba, Deira City Centre, Abu Hail, or Centrepoint/Rashidiya (route-dependent).
• For taxis/e-hailing: Expect higher fares in heavy traffic; Sharjah crossing/surcharge and Salik may apply. Hala (via Careem), Careem, and Uber are the common app options.
• For private transfers: Confirm whether waiting time, airport parking, and tolls are included before paying.
• For self-drive: Factor in parking availability at your Sharjah destination and peak-hour congestion on the corridor.
• Luggage/day trip tip: If you are checking out of a hotel and making a day visit first, use luggage storage in Dubai before taking the bus.

🚌 Option #1 — Direct Bus (Most Popular, Good Value)

Low cost Frequent on major corridors Traffic-sensitive

• Overview: The easiest budget option is a direct Dubai–Sharjah intercity bus from a major Dubai bus station to key Sharjah terminals/areas (commonly Al Jubail and other route endpoints depending on line).
• How to book (with price): Usually no advance booking needed for standard rides; tap in with nol card. Ballpark fare is commonly AED 10–15 one-way depending on route/service updates. Check route/stop timing on the RTA timetable and SRTA intercity bus schedule.
• Typical routes travelers use: Services commonly include Dubai departures such as Union, Al Ghubaiba, Deira City Centre, Abu Hail, and Centrepoint/Rashidiya to Sharjah destinations (route coverage can change, so confirm same-day in-app).
• Pros: Cheapest and straightforward. Cons: Can be crowded and much slower during commute peaks; you may still need a short taxi in Sharjah after arrival.

Step-by-step: Direct bus

1. Open the RTA Journey Planner or S’hail app and search your exact Dubai pickup area to your Sharjah destination.
2. Choose the intercity bus route with the best departure point (for example Union / Al Ghubaiba / Deira City Centre / Abu Hail / Centrepoint depending on where you are).
3. Top up your nol card before boarding (metro stations and many bus stations have top-up points).
4. Arrive 10–20 minutes early during busy periods and queue at the correct bay/platform.
5. Tap in, ride to the Sharjah stop/terminal, then continue by local taxi/ride-hailing if needed for the last mile.

Getting to the main embarking points (Dubai bus stations)

• Union Bus Station / Union area: Easy via Dubai Metro (Red/Green line interchange area) plus short walk; good for central Deira/Bur Dubai stays.
• Al Ghubaiba Bus Station: Reach by Green Line (Al Ghubaiba Metro) or taxi; handy if you are in Bur Dubai/Al Fahidi.
• Deira City Centre Bus Station: Reach via Red Line (City Centre Deira Metro) and walk to bus bays.
• Abu Hail Bus Station: Best by Green Line or short taxi from north Dubai neighborhoods.
• Centrepoint (Rashidiya) area: Useful for eastern Dubai/airport-side access and some Sharjah-bound services.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚕 Option #2 — Taxi / Ride-hailing (Door-to-Door, Fastest for Many)

Door-to-door Late-night friendly Can get expensive in traffic

• Overview: Best if you want the least hassle, are traveling with family, or need a direct ride to a hotel/home in Sharjah.
• How to book (with price): Street-hail a Dubai taxi or book via Hala/Careem/Uber. A common one-way range is AED 60–150+ depending on distance, time, and congestion. Dubai taxi fares can include an extra charge for passing through Sharjah and possible Salik tolls.
• Official fare guidance: See Dubai taxi fare information on the RTA taxi fare page and related service details on RTA service details.
• Ride-hailing alternatives: Hala (inside Careem), Careem, and Uber are widely used in Dubai and available for many Sharjah trips. For fixed-price pre-booked airport/city pickups, compare Welcome Pickups and GetTransfer.
• Pros: Direct, comfortable, no transfers. Cons: Fare can jump due to traffic and surcharges.

Step-by-step: Taxi / ride-hailing

1. Set your exact Sharjah destination (hotel, museum, office, district) in Careem/Uber, or tell a taxi driver the destination and landmark.
2. If using an app, compare estimated prices and pickup times across Hala/Careem/Uber before confirming.
3. Travel outside peak commute hours when possible to cut travel time and fare.
4. Keep some cash/card backup in case your preferred payment method fails or app pairing drops.

Getting to the main embarking points (any Dubai pickup point)

• From hotels/malls: Ask for the official taxi rank if available; this can be quicker than app pickup in busy zones.
• From metro stations: Use designated taxi queues outside major stations (Union, BurJuman, Centrepoint, etc.).
• From Dubai airports: Taxi ranks are easy to use; if you prefer a named driver and meet-and-greet, pre-book a Dubai transfer.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚗 Option #3 — Self-Drive Rental Car (Flexible Stops, Good for Small Groups)

Flexible Good for 2–4 travelers Parking + traffic planning needed

• Overview: Useful if Sharjah is one stop on a wider UAE day trip or you want to visit multiple places (Al Noor area, museums, university city, beaches) without relying on transfers.
• How to book (with price): Compare short-term rentals on Booking.com Car Rentals or Trip.com Car Hire. Total cost depends on rental duration, insurance, fuel, parking, and Salik charges.
• Driving notes: Route choice depends heavily on where you start/end (Deira vs Marina vs Airport area can change everything). Avoid the heaviest commute windows if possible.
• Pros: Best flexibility, easy for multiple stops and luggage. Cons: Stressful in peak traffic and parking may take time in busy zones.

Step-by-step: Self-drive rental car

1. Book a car with pickup close to your hotel/airport and confirm mileage, deposit, and insurance coverage.
2. Set your Sharjah destination in Google Maps or another navigation app before departure.
3. Check for expected congestion and choose departure time strategically (earlier morning or after peak can save a lot of time).
4. Carry a payment method for parking/tolls and confirm fuel return policy before heading back.

Getting to the main embarking points (rental pickup locations in Dubai)

• Airport pickups (DXB): Convenient for arrivals and short UAE trips, but airport fees may be higher than city locations.
• City pickups (Downtown/Deira/Marina): Often cheaper and easier if you are already staying in Dubai.
• Motorbike/scooter option: Not typical for this intercity route, but if you specifically want two-wheel rentals, compare availability on BikesBooking (check license/insurance rules carefully).
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #4 — Private Transfer (Pre-Booked, Fixed Pickup)

Easy with luggage Meet-and-greet options Higher cost

• Overview: Best for airport-to-hotel transfers, groups, business travelers, or anyone arriving at odd hours who wants a confirmed driver.
• How to book (with price): Pre-book via Welcome Pickups Dubai or request quotes on GetTransfer Sharjah. Typical city-to-city pricing is often AED 120–300+ per vehicle, depending on vehicle size and timing.
• Alternative for shorter waits: If your plans are flexible, compare a live e-hail (Hala/Careem/Uber) at the same moment; sometimes it is cheaper than pre-booking.
• Pros: Fixed pickup, easy communication, good for groups. Cons: Usually costs more than taxi or bus.

Step-by-step: Private transfer

1. Enter your exact pickup and drop-off addresses (include hotel name, terminal, and district).
2. Confirm passenger count, luggage count, and vehicle size before payment.
3. Check whether waiting time, parking, tolls, and Sharjah surcharge are included.
4. Save the driver contact and meeting point details (especially for airport pickups).

Getting to the main embarking points (pickup points for private transfers)

• Hotels/apartments: Ask reception/security for the exact pickup gate to avoid delays in busy complexes.
• Dubai airports: Follow the transfer provider’s meeting instructions (kerbside pickup vs meet-and-greet inside arrivals).
• Cruise/port or major venues: Share a landmark pin and your live location if the area is crowded.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Dubai to Sharjah)

What is the cheapest way to get from Dubai to Sharjah?
The direct intercity bus is usually the cheapest and most practical option for most travelers.

What is the fastest way to travel?
The taxi / ride-hailing option is often fastest door-to-door, but only if traffic is not severe.

How long does the trip usually take?
Anywhere from about 25 minutes to well over 90 minutes depending on your starting point in Dubai, destination in Sharjah, and traffic.

Do I need a nol card for the bus?
Yes, for Dubai RTA buses you should expect to use a nol card and keep enough balance before boarding.

Which bus station should I choose in Dubai?
Choose the station closest to you (Union, Al Ghubaiba, Deira City Centre, Abu Hail, Centrepoint/Rashidiya, etc.) and confirm the route in the RTA planner on the day of travel.

Are taxis available late at night?
Yes, taxis and e-hailing are widely available, though pickup times and pricing can vary by area and hour.

Is a private transfer worth it?
It is worth it for airport arrivals, families, groups, and travelers with lots of luggage who want a fixed pickup and less hassle.

Can I do Sharjah as a day trip from Dubai?
Yes, very easily. If you need to leave bags behind first, use Dubai luggage storage and return to Dubai later by bus or taxi.

This guide was researched and written by Jacob, and it was last updated on August 20, 2026. 0 people found this post useful.

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