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Airport Transportation

Sharjah International Airport

Also known as: Sharjah Airport, SHJ Airport.

SHJ · OMSJ · Sharjah

Airport facts

Name
Sharjah International Airport
IATA code
SHJ
ICAO code
OMSJ
City
Sharjah
Country
United Arab Emirates
Coordinates
25.3292, 55.5161
Time zone
Asia/Dubai
Terminals
One passenger terminal for all scheduled arrivals and departures

About Sharjah International Airport

Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) is the international airport of Sharjah, in the United Arab Emirates, and also serves travelers heading to nearby Dubai and Ajman. It is the home base of Air Arabia, which flies from Sharjah to the Gulf, the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia, Africa, Turkey and Europe. Other airlines link Sharjah with India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Kenya and Ethiopia, among them Air India Express, IndiGo, airblue, Fly Jinnah, Qatar Airways and EgyptAir.

All scheduled flights use one passenger terminal, with arrivals and departures in the same complex.

The airport lies about 13 km east-southeast of Sharjah city, on the road toward Al Dhaid, and about 15 km from central Dubai. The drive into Dubai can take around 15 minutes in light traffic but much longer at rush hour, when the roads between the two emirates are busy.

From the airport, travelers head into Sharjah to Al Majaz, Al Qasba, the Corniche and the Heart of Sharjah, north to Ajman, and west to Dubai, especially Deira, Al Nahda and Al Qusais near the Sharjah border.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

Sharjah Airport Authority

Passengers per year

About 19.48 million in 2025

Runway

One runway, 4,060 m long

Main airline

Air Arabia (home base)

Opened

1 January 1977, replacing the earlier airfield closer to Sharjah city

Arrival tips for Sharjah International Airport

After you leave the aircraft, follow the Arrivals signs to immigration. GCC citizens enter without a visa, citizens of a number of countries receive a visa on arrival, and others need a visa issued before travel; your passport must be valid for at least six months. Smart gates are available for eligible passengers.

Collect your bags in the baggage claim hall, then pass through customs into the arrivals area. Currency exchange counters and ATMs are inside the terminal, as are car rental desks, which are open around the clock. Sharjah Taxi stands are close to the arrivals exit, and Mowasalat buses link the airport with Sharjah city. Use the official taxi stand or a pre-arranged pickup rather than accepting rides offered inside the hall.

The UAE is on Gulf Standard Time (UTC+4) all year, the currency is the UAE dirham (AED), and summers are very hot and humid.

Ground transportation

Taxis and pre-booked transfers work around the clock, while buses suit light travelers heading into Sharjah city.

  • Taxi from Sharjah airport

    Sharjah Taxi runs 24 hours from stands near the arrivals exit, and all airport taxis are metered, with an airport surcharge. The drive into Dubai can take around 15 minutes in light traffic and much longer at rush hour.

  • Mowasalat bus to Sharjah city

    Routes 14, 15, 88 and 99 link the airport with Al Sharq, Al Rolla and Al Jubail bus stations and University City; route 99 runs overnight. Buses are slower and less convenient with large bags.

  • Air Arabia coach to Dubai

    Air Arabia runs coaches between the airport and Al Ghurair Centre in Deira, Dubai, with a few departures a day, and pre-booked coaches to other emirates. Check the timetable before you land.

  • Car rental

    Local and international rental companies have desks in the terminal, open 24 hours.

  • Private transfer

    Pre-booked drivers meet passengers in the arrivals area after customs and drive directly to hotels and homes in Sharjah, Ajman or Dubai. This suits families and groups with luggage.

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Terminals

Passenger Terminal

Handles all scheduled passenger flights, arrivals and departures. Air Arabia and every other airline at Sharjah use this terminal.

Airlines and destinations

The passenger airlines at Sharjah International Airport.

Air Arabia Passenger Terminal

Almaty, Bangkok, Cairo, Colombo, Delhi, Istanbul, Jeddah, Kathmandu, Kuala Lumpur, London (Gatwick), Mumbai, Nairobi, Riyadh, Tbilisi, Vienna, and more

Airline guide

Air Cairo Passenger Terminal

Cairo, Assiut (seasonal)

Air India Express Passenger Terminal

Amritsar, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Delhi, Indore, Jaipur, Kannur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mumbai, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Varanasi, Vijayawada

airblue Passenger Terminal

Islamabad, Lahore, Multan

AJet Passenger Terminal

Istanbul (Sabiha Gokcen)

Biman Bangladesh Airlines Passenger Terminal

Chattogram, Sylhet

EgyptAir Passenger Terminal

Cairo

Ethiopian Airlines Passenger Terminal

Addis Ababa

Fly Jinnah Passenger Terminal

Islamabad, Lahore

IndiGo Passenger Terminal

Amritsar, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram

Jordan Aviation Passenger Terminal

Amman

Kenya Airways Passenger Terminal

Nairobi

Nile Air Passenger Terminal

Cairo

Pakistan International Airlines Passenger Terminal

Peshawar, Sialkot

Pegasus Airlines Passenger Terminal

Istanbul

Qatar Airways Passenger Terminal

Doha

Royal Jordanian Passenger Terminal

Amman

SalamAir Passenger Terminal

Muscat

SpiceJet Passenger Terminal

Ahmedabad

US-Bangla Airlines Passenger Terminal

Dhaka

Facilities

  • Currency exchange and ATMs

    Exchange counters and ATMs are located throughout the terminal, on both the arrivals and departures sides.

  • Duty free

    Duty-free shops on the departures side, after check-in and passport control.

  • Food court

    A 24-hour food court with international fast-food and coffee outlets.

  • Wi-Fi

    Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal building.

  • Transit hotel

    A 16-room transit hotel near the departure gates, for stays from a few hours to overnight.

  • Baby care

    Baby care rooms in the arrival and departure halls.

  • Kids' play area

    A children's play area on the departures side.

  • Prayer rooms

    Prayer rooms are available in the terminal.

  • Medical center

    A medical center inside the terminal.

  • Car rental

    Local and international car rental desks in the terminal, open 24 hours.

  • Lost and found

    Items lost inside the terminal can be reported to airport staff and the lost and found office; luggage lost on a flight is reported to the airline.

Airport lounges

  • Al Diyafa Lounge

    At the main entrance of the departure area. Open to paying passengers and to eligible airline and package guests; it can be booked in advance and is open 24 hours.

  • The Lounge

    A second lounge on the departures side, open 24 hours, with entry for a fee unless included with your ticket; it can be booked in advance.

Accessibility and passenger assistance

  • Requesting assistance

    Hala Services, the airport's assistance team, helps passengers with reduced mobility, older travelers and unaccompanied children from check-in to boarding. Request it through your airline when you book, or through the airport's Hala Services.

  • Reduced mobility

    Wheelchair assistance is available in the terminal, and Sharjah Taxi offers vehicles for passengers with limited mobility.

  • Hearing and visual support

    Customer service staff at the airport are trained in sign language for passengers with hearing impairments.

  • Accessible parking

    Free accessible parking bays, marked with the wheelchair symbol, are at the main entrance of the arrivals and departures areas.

Parking

Short-term parking

Pay-by-the-hour parking next to the terminal, with drop-off parking outside the arrivals and departures areas. Payment booths accept cash, cards and contactless payment.

Long-term parking

Secure long-term parking for stays of up to 30 days, signposted on the approach to the airport.

Parking for People of Determination

Accessible bays at the main entrance of the arrivals and departures areas; two hours are free when validated at customer service.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Sharjah airport from Dubai?

Sharjah International Airport is about 15 km from central Dubai. In light traffic the drive can take around 15 minutes, but at rush hour on the roads between Sharjah and Dubai it can take up to two hours, so allow plenty of time. Many travelers flying Air Arabia land at Sharjah and stay in Dubai, especially in Deira, Al Nahda and the areas close to the Sharjah border.

How far is Sharjah International Airport from Sharjah city center?

The airport is about 13 km east-southeast of Sharjah city, outside the built-up center on the road toward Al Dhaid. Travel time to Al Majaz, Al Qasba, the Corniche or the Heart of Sharjah depends on traffic, which is heaviest at weekday rush hours. Taxis, Mowasalat buses and pre-booked transfers all link the terminal with the city.

Is Sharjah Airport the same as Dubai International Airport?

No. Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) is in the emirate of Sharjah, while Dubai International Airport (DXB) is a separate airport in Dubai, about 15 km away. Both serve travelers heading to Dubai and Sharjah, but they have different airlines, terminals and ground transport. Check that your ticket shows the code SHJ before you plan your pickup.

How many terminals does Sharjah airport have?

Sharjah International Airport has one passenger terminal, used by every scheduled airline for both arrivals and departures. Arriving passengers clear immigration, collect their bags and pass through customs in the same building before reaching the arrivals area. Because there is only one terminal, you never need to change buildings when you connect between flights at Sharjah.

Which airlines fly to Sharjah International Airport?

Air Arabia is based at Sharjah and flies from here to the Gulf, the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia, Africa, Turkey and Europe. Other airlines include Air India Express, IndiGo, SpiceJet, airblue, Fly Jinnah, Pakistan International Airlines, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines, Qatar Airways, SalamAir, Royal Jordanian, EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Pegasus Airlines and AJet.

How do I get a taxi at Sharjah airport?

Sharjah Taxi serves the airport 24 hours a day, with stands close to the arrivals exit. All airport taxis are metered, and a surcharge applies to rides that start at the airport. Taxis adapted for passengers with limited mobility can also be requested. Use the official taxi stand rather than accepting rides offered inside the terminal.

Is there a bus from Sharjah airport to the city?

Yes. Mowasalat runs public buses between the airport and Sharjah city. Route 14 links the airport with Al Sharq bus station, route 15 with Al Rolla via University City, route 88 runs between Al Rolla and Al Saja'a via the airport, and route 99 connects Al Jubail bus station with the airport overnight. Buses are slower and less convenient with large bags.

Can I take a bus from Sharjah airport to Dubai?

Air Arabia operates coaches between Sharjah Airport and Al Ghurair Centre in Deira, Dubai, with a limited number of departures each day, and also serves other emirates by pre-booked coach. Check the current timetable with Air Arabia before you fly. For other times, most travelers going to Dubai use a taxi or a pre-booked transfer.

Do I need a visa to enter the UAE through Sharjah?

It depends on your nationality. GCC citizens do not need a visa, citizens of a number of countries receive a visa on arrival, and others must apply for a visa before traveling. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you enter the UAE. Check the current rules with the UAE authorities or your airline before you fly.

Are there lounges at Sharjah International Airport?

Yes. Sharjah Airport has the Al Diyafa Lounge, at the main entrance of the departure area, and The Lounge, both on the departures side. The lounges are open around the clock and charge for entry, unless access comes with your airline ticket or travel package, and they can be booked in advance. A transit hotel with 16 rooms sits near the departure gates.

Is there free Wi-Fi at Sharjah airport?

Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal building at Sharjah International Airport. The terminal also has currency exchange counters and ATMs, a 24-hour food court, duty-free shops, a kids' play area, baby care rooms, prayer rooms and a medical center, and car rental desks are open around the clock in the arrivals area.

Who operates Sharjah airport and how busy is it?

Sharjah International Airport is run by the Sharjah Airport Authority and is the home base of Air Arabia. It handled about 19.48 million passengers in 2025, up 13.9 percent on 2024, with 116,657 aircraft movements. The airport has one runway, 4,060 m long, and opened on 1 January 1977, replacing the earlier airfield closer to the city.

Is Sharjah Airport being expanded?

Yes. The Sharjah Airport Authority is carrying out an expansion program that includes a new passenger terminal building and a central facilities station. The project aims to raise the airport's capacity to about 25 million passengers a year, with mid-2027 given as the target. Until then, all flights continue to use the current terminal.

What time zone and currency does Sharjah use?

Sharjah is on Gulf Standard Time, UTC+4, all year, with no daylight saving time, the same as Dubai and the rest of the UAE. The currency is the UAE dirham (AED), and you can change money or withdraw cash at exchange counters and ATMs in the terminal. Summers are very hot and humid, so plan for high temperatures from June to September.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

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