Traveling from Dubai to Sharjah is something thousands of people do every single day. These two emirates sit right next to each other, making it easy to move between them for work, shopping, or visiting friends and family. If you're new to the UAE or planning your first trip between these cities, you might be wondering about the best way to get there, how long it takes, and what it costs. Don't worry – it's actually quite simple once you know your options.
The good news is that you have plenty of choices for getting from Dubai to Sharjah. You can drive your own car, take a bus, grab a taxi, or even hire a professional driver to take you there. Each option has its own benefits depending on your budget, schedule, and personal preferences. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to make your journey smooth and stress-free.
Understanding the Dubai to Sharjah Route
Distance and Geography
The distance from Dubai to Sharjah is around 25 to 30 kilometers, which is quite short. Since both emirates share a border, traveling between them feels like moving from one nearby area to another. The travel time mainly depends on traffic, the road you choose, and the time of day. On a clear road, you can reach Sharjah in about 20 minutes, but during busy hours, it may take more than an hour.
Many travelers and residents prefer using a car rental company in Dubai for this short journey because it offers comfort, flexibility, and control over travel time. Renting a car is especially helpful if you travel often or want to avoid waiting for taxis or buses.
Main Highways Connecting Both Emirates
Two main highways connect Dubai and Sharjah. The first is Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), which runs along the coast and is usually the smoother option. The second is Al Ittihad Road (E11), which gets busier with traffic, especially during rush hours. Both roads are in excellent condition with clear signs, so you won't get lost easily.
Transportation Options from Dubai to Sharjah
Private Car Travel
If you have your own car, driving gives you complete freedom to leave whenever you want. On a good day with light traffic, you'll reach Sharjah in about 20-30 minutes. But during busy morning hours (7-9 AM) or evening rush (5-8 PM), expect the journey to take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. You'll pay a small toll fee called Salik (AED 4) when crossing certain points, and fuel costs are quite reasonable in the UAE.
Hiring a Safe Driver for Your Journey
Sometimes you just don't want to deal with driving yourself – maybe you're tired, need to make phone calls, or simply want to relax. This is where hiring a safe driver Dubai service becomes really helpful. A professional driver knows all the shortcuts and handles the traffic while you sit back comfortably. This option is perfect for business travelers who want to work during the commute or tourists who aren't familiar with local roads. Many people prefer booking a safe driver Dubai service, especially after landing at the airport or when they have important meetings to attend.
Public Bus Services
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) runs several buses between Dubai and Sharjah throughout the day. Popular routes include E303, E304, and E307, which leave from places like Al Ghubaiba Bus Station and Union Square. A bus ticket costs between AED 5-15, making this the cheapest way to travel if you're watching your budget. The buses are clean, air-conditioned, and reliable.
Taxi and Ride-Sharing Services
Taking a taxi or using apps like Uber and Careem is super convenient because they pick you up right from your doorstep and drop you exactly where you need to go. You'll typically pay between AED 60-100 for the trip, depending on where you start and end. This middle-ground option gives you comfort without needing to own a car.
Best Times to Travel Between Emirates
Avoiding Peak Traffic Hours
Timing really matters when traveling between Dubai and Sharjah. Weekday mornings from 7-9 AM see heavy traffic going from Sharjah to Dubai because many people live in Sharjah but work in Dubai (housing is more affordable there). In the evening from 5-8 PM, the traffic flips – everyone's heading back to Sharjah. Weekends, especially Friday mornings, are usually much quieter and give you the fastest journey times.
Seasonal Considerations
Winter months from November to March bring beautiful weather and lots of tourists, which can mean more cars on the road. Summer months have lighter traffic overall, but the extreme heat makes waiting outside for buses pretty uncomfortable. Plan accordingly based on what matters most to you.
Sharjah to Dubai: The Return Journey
Key Differences in the Reverse Route
The journey from Sharjah to Dubai uses the same highways but feels different depending on when you travel. Morning traffic from Sharjah to Dubai tends to be heavier as commuters head to their Dubai workplaces. Coming back in the evening, you'll face similar congestion. Understanding these patterns helps you plan better and avoid sitting in traffic unnecessarily.
Airport Connections: Sharjah Airport to Dubai
Transportation from Sharjah International Airport
Many travelers fly into Sharjah Airport and need to get to Dubai afterward. Getting from Sharjah Airport to Dubai is straightforward with several options. Taxis wait outside the terminal 24/7 and cost around AED 70-100 to reach central Dubai areas. There's also bus route E400 that connects Sharjah Airport to Dubai at Union Square, though buses run less frequently than other routes. For guaranteed pickup times, especially if you arrive early morning or late at night, pre-booked private transfers work best.
Planning Airport Transfers
Always give yourself extra time for airport transfers, particularly during rush hours. A trip that takes just 25 minutes at midnight could easily need 90 minutes at 7 in the morning. If you can, try scheduling your flights around traffic patterns to make your journey smoother.
Comparing Dubai-Sharjah with Other Emirates Routes
Dubai to Abu Dhabi Travel
The route from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is quite different from Dubai-Sharjah. It covers much more distance – about 140 kilometers – but actually has smoother, more consistent traffic flow along the E11 highway. A Dubai to Abu Dhabi trip typically takes 75-90 minutes and gives you longer stretches of open highway driving with different desert scenery along the way.
Cost Comparison of Transportation Methods
Budget-Friendly Options
Public buses win hands-down for saving money at just AED 5-15 per trip. If you travel regularly, monthly bus passes cost around AED 300-350 and save you even more. This is perfect for daily commuters or anyone traveling on a tight budget.
Mid-Range Solutions
Shared taxis and ride-sharing apps strike a nice balance between cost and convenience at AED 60-100 per journey. If you commute frequently, some ride-sharing services offer subscription plans that reduce your per-trip costs.
Premium Services
Private drivers and luxury car services provide maximum comfort and convenience at AED 150-300 per trip. You get professional chauffeurs, premium vehicles, and personalized service – worth it for special occasions or important business meetings.
Essential Travel Tips for Dubai-Sharjah Journey
Documentation Requirements
Always keep your ID with you when traveling. If you're driving, make sure you have your vehicle registration and insurance papers handy. International visitors need their passport and a valid driving license (either UAE or international) to drive legally.
Navigation Tools
Download offline maps before you start driving in case you lose internet connection. Google Maps and Waze are popular choices that show real-time traffic and suggest alternative routes when there's congestion. These apps are lifesavers when you're unfamiliar with the area.
Safety Considerations
UAE roads are generally very safe and well-maintained, but stay alert, especially during rare rainy weather. Heavy rain can reduce visibility and make roads slippery. Always follow speed limits – there are speed cameras everywhere, and fines arrive quickly if you break the rules.
Cultural and Practical Insights
What Makes Sharjah Unique
Sharjah earned recognition as the "Cultural Capital of the Arab World" thanks to its amazing museums, art galleries, and heritage sites. The emirate follows stricter rules than Dubai regarding alcohol and modest dress, so it's good to be aware of these differences when you visit.
Shopping and Dining Options Along the Route
Several shopping malls and restaurants line the route between Dubai and Sharjah, including Sahara Centre and City Centre Sharjah. These make great rest stops if you need a break during your journey or want to grab a bite to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long does it take to travel from Dubai to Sharjah?
Normally it takes 20-30 minutes when traffic is light, but during morning and evening rush hours, expect 60-90 minutes. Your fastest journey times are usually early morning, late evening, or on weekends.
Q2: What is the cheapest way to travel from Dubai to Sharjah?
Public buses are definitely the cheapest option, costing only AED 5-15 per trip. Routes E303, E304, and E307 run regularly throughout the day and connect various areas in both emirates.
Q3: Do I need to pay tolls when driving from Dubai to Sharjah?
Yes, you'll pass through Salik toll gates that charge AED 4 each time you cross. How many you pass through depends on which route you take through Dubai to reach Sharjah.
Q4: Can I use Dubai metro to reach Sharjah?
The Dubai Metro doesn't go all the way to Sharjah unfortunately. But you can take the metro to Union Station and then catch a bus from there to various places in Sharjah.
Q5: Is it safe to drive from Dubai to Sharjah at night?
Absolutely! The roads are well-lit, regularly patrolled by police, and very safe at any time of day or night. Actually, nighttime often means less traffic, so you might reach your destination faster.
Conclusion
Traveling between Dubai and Sharjah doesn't have to be complicated. Once you know your options, the journey becomes simple and straightforward. If you're on a tight budget, the public bus is your best friend at just AED 5-15. Need more convenience? Taxis and ride-sharing apps pick you up right from your door for around AED 60-100. And if you want to completely relax during the trip without worrying about navigation or traffic, hiring a safe driver Dubai service lets a professional handle everything while you sit back comfortably.
The key is planning your trip around traffic times. Try to avoid weekday rush hours (7-9 AM and 5-8 PM) when possible, and you'll save yourself a lot of time. Both emirates are incredibly well-connected with smooth highways and clear signage. Whether you're commuting daily for work, heading to the airport, or exploring what Sharjah has to offer, there's always a transportation option that matches your needs and budget. Safe travels, and enjoy discovering everything these neighboring emirates have to offer!
