How to Get from Sharjah to Dubai

Sharjah and Dubai are next-door neighbours, two emirates where life never really slows down. Many visitors choose to stay in calmer Sharjah but still want to see all of Dubai's main sights. The two city centres are not far apart, but first-time visitors inevitably ask: what is the easiest, most hassle-free way to get from Sharjah to Dubai?

There are several ways to travel from Sharjah to Dubai, from a budget bus to a taxi or a comfortable pre-booked transfer.

Distance between Sharjah and Dubai

Sharjah and Dubai are very close, so in practice your journey time depends mainly on the type of transport you choose and how busy the roads are. The two cities effectively form one continuous urban area. By road, it is about 16 km from central Sharjah to Deira in Dubai and roughly 27 km to Downtown Dubai. As the crow flies, the cities are around 22 km apart.

Here is roughly how long the journey from Sharjah to Dubai takes:

1. Taxi. 30 to 60 minutes or more. Journey times vary greatly with traffic, especially at rush hour and at the border between the two emirates.
2. Bus. 40 to 80 minutes, depending on traffic and the route you take.
3. Ferry. About 1 hour. This is more of a sightseeing trip than everyday transport. The ferry leaves from Aquarium Marine Station in Sharjah and arrives at Al Ghubaiba Marine Station in Dubai. The fare is around 15 AED. Sailings are cancelled in bad weather.
4. Free shuttle. Some Sharjah hotels offer guests a free shuttle to Dubai Metro stations. Check whether this is available when you book, as the shuttle usually runs to a fixed timetable, most often once or twice a day.

The main challenge on this route is not the distance but the traffic. Many people work in Dubai but live in more affordable Sharjah, so the main highways are regularly congested at rush hour.

Taxi from Sharjah to Dubai

A taxi is the simplest way to get from Sharjah to Dubai. The fare depends on your pick-up and drop-off points, as well as a few other factors:

1. Standard fare. A starting fare of 3–4 AED plus 1.4–1.6 AED per km. That works out at roughly 70–100 AED from central Sharjah to Deira.
2. Some taxi companies add a 20 AED surcharge for crossing from one emirate into another.
3. Airport pick-ups often cost an extra 20 AED too.
4. Road and bridge tolls are added to the fare, and waiting time in traffic is usually charged at 0.5 AED/min.

To keep the fare down, ask the driver to drop you at the Dubai Metro station closest to Sharjah and continue by metro from there. This helps you avoid Dubai's traffic and the canal crossing toll.

The most popular taxi services are Careem and Uber. Careem is usually the cheaper of the two, and it is best to choose licensed taxis.

Bus from Sharjah to Dubai

Getting from Sharjah to Dubai by bus is easy, popular and inexpensive. Most routes leave from Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah's main bus station.

A Nol card is the only way to pay on these buses, as drivers do not accept cash. You can buy and top up the card at Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah. The card costs 25 AED, of which 19 AED is loaded straight onto it as travel credit. You can also use it on the Dubai Metro and other Dubai public transport. The bus fare from Sharjah to Dubai is 10 AED per person per journey.

Buses run frequently, roughly every 15–20 minutes. The journey takes 40 to 60 minutes, but always allow extra time for traffic. The buses are modern and air-conditioned, and many have free Wi-Fi.

There is no direct bus from Sharjah Airport to Dubai. First take bus 99 to Al Jubail Bus Station, then change to one of the routes to Dubai.

Sharjah to Dubai transfer

A transfer from Sharjah to Dubai is a genuinely comfortable way to reach your destination at a fixed price. The driver will meet you with a name sign, help with your luggage and take you straight to your address. A transfer is particularly handy for getting from Sharjah Airport to Dubai.

The price of a transfer depends on the vehicle class and the season. As a guide, prices start at 200 AED for an economy car and 320 AED for business class.

How to book a transfer from Sharjah to Dubai:

1. Enter your trip details. Choose Sharjah or Sharjah Airport (SHJ) as your pick-up point and Dubai or Dubai Airport as your destination, then add the date, time and number of passengers.
2. Choose a vehicle. You will see a list of available cars in different classes, from economy sedans to minivans and minibuses for larger groups.
3. Pay online by bank card to lock in the price.

Once you have booked, you will receive a confirmation email with a voucher and instructions. At the airport, the driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a sign showing your name.

Car rental in Sharjah or Dubai

Car rental in Sharjah or Dubai is a convenient, practical way to get around both cities and the rest of the UAE. You have complete freedom to plan your own route and visit sights further afield.

Rental prices start from $20 a day for an economy car, which puts this option within reach of most travellers. You usually do not need a credit card to rent, and you can also find cars with no deposit. However, depending on the country that issued your licence, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

FAQ

How do I get from Sharjah to Dubai by taxi?

The journey takes 30 to 60 minutes. A taxi from Sharjah to Dubai costs roughly 70–150 AED, but the fare can be higher because of traffic and the surcharge for crossing between emirates. We recommend using the Careem app.

How do I get from Sharjah to Dubai by bus?

The cheapest option is the intercity bus from Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah. The fare is 10 AED, paid with a Nol card. The journey takes 40–80 minutes.

Is there a direct bus from Sharjah Airport to Dubai?

No, there is no direct route. First take a local bus to Al Jubail Bus Station, then change to an intercity bus to Dubai.

How do I get from Sharjah to Dubai by metro?

There is no direct metro link between the two cities. First take a bus to a Dubai Metro station, such as Union Square or Al Ghubaiba, then continue your journey on the Dubai Metro.

How much does a transfer from Sharjah to Dubai cost?

Pre-booked transfers start from 200 AED. The price depends on the vehicle class and the provider. A transfer from Sharjah Airport to Dubai costs more than one from the city centre.

How do I arrange a transfer from Dubai Airport to Sharjah?

Book your transfer online in advance and the driver will meet you at the airport with a name sign. Prices start from 250 AED.