Getting from the Airport
Sharjah International Airport is located approximately 15 km from the city center. For travelers arriving at this airport, there is a regular 24/7 shuttle bus service that runs between the airport and the Al Jubail Bus Station. This journey covers a distance of 20 km, and the fare is currently set at 8 dirham, payable in cash.
Public Bus Networks
The city features an extensive public bus system managed by Sharjah Transport and operated by Mowasalat. The network includes both local routes within the city and express routes. Travelers should note that buses with an "E" prefix are reserved exclusively for inter-city travel between Dubai and Sharjah; these are not intended for local trips within Sharjah.
To ride the local bus system, you can pay 8 dirham in cash or 6 dirham if you use a Sayer card. These cards can be purchased directly from the bus driver. If traveling from neighboring Dubai, inter-emirate buses are available and stop at the Al Jubail Bus Station near the Central Souk; these require a Nol card for payment with a price of 12 dirham.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are widely available throughout the city and can transport passengers across emirate borders. For those seeking a traditional taxi, several licensed companies operate in the area. These vehicles feature reflective green plates to make them easy to identify at night. While standard taxis generally offer lower rates than ride-hailing apps, there is a specific surcharge if you choose to take a taxi into Dubai.
Alternatively, visitors can use popular ride-sharing applications such as Uber and Careem for travel within Sharjah or across neighboring emirates. You may also contact the government-sponsored Sharjah taxi service directly to request a vehicle at your location.
Rail and Future Infrastructure
While there is currently no active passenger rail network for local transit, a national railway system known as Etihad Rail is under development. Scheduled to begin in 2026, this project will connect all emirates in the UAE. In Sharjah, the train line is planned to reach the Sharjah University City district.
Walking and Pedestrian Navigation
Navigating Sharjah on foot requires some planning due to the city's infrastructure. A major highway (E11) runs through several neighborhoods near points of interest; this road acts as a significant barrier for pedestrians, as it cannot be crossed at all points. Bridges and underpasses are spaced roughly one kilometer apart, so travelers should account for these distances when walking between local amenities like supermarkets or bus stops.
For those traveling from the neighboring city of Dubai on foot, there is a specific pedestrian overpass located behind the Sahara Centre mall that allows safe crossing of the S115 highway.