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Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) – Terminals, Transport, Hotels & Guide
Airport Directions
Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) is the third-largest airport in the UAE and a major low-cost gateway for Flystodubai travelers. Located just 15 minutes from Dubai’s border, it is the primary hub for Air Arabia, the Middle East’s first low-cost carrier. For savvy travelers, SHJ is often the “secret weapon” for saving money: you can fly here for a fraction of the cost of DXB and be in Downtown Dubai in under 45 minutes.
This guide is essential for budget-conscious travelers, as many find significantly cheaper flights to Sharjah (via Air Arabia or Indian carriers) and then take a short 20-minute drive into Dubai.
Airport Name
Sharjah International Airport
IATA Code
SHJ
Location
Sharjah International Airport, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Terminals
single, expanding terminal
Distance from Dubai (Deira)
Approximately 10 miles (15 km) – a 20-minute drive
Nearby Areas
University City, Sharjah National Park, and Dubai Deira
Airlines Operating from the Airport
SHJ is the kingdom of budget travel in the region.
- Home Carrier: Air Arabia (Connects to over 170 destinations across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe).
- Indian Carriers: Air India Express, IndiGo, SpiceJet (Massive frequency to Indian cities).
- Other Budget Carriers: Pegasus Airlines (flights to Istanbul), Flynas (Saudi Arabia).
Destinations & Routes
SHJ connects to over 100 destinations, with a heavy focus on the Indian Subcontinent, CIS, and Arab world.
- Flystodubai Connection: Travelers from India, Russia, or Eastern Europe often find SHJ fares are 30-40% cheaper than DXB.
- Popular Routes: Mumbai, Cairo, Istanbul, Moscow, Kochi, and Delhi.
Airport Terminals Information
Sharjah operates from a single, expanding terminal.
- Main Terminal: The airport is undergoing a massive AED 1.2 billion expansion (scheduled for 2026 completion) to separate arrivals and departures completely. Currently, it is a single-building facility.
- Navigation: It is very compact. You can walk from the check-in desk to the boarding gate in less than 10 minutes.
- Facilities: Features a food court, a transit hotel, and the “The Lounge” (accessible to Priority Pass holders).
Airport Facilities & Services
- Wi-Fi: Free “FlySharjah” Wi-Fi is available for 2 hours.
- Alcohol Policy (Crucial): Sharjah is a “Dry Emirate.” Alcohol is not sold in the airport duty-free, and it is not served in the lounges or restaurants. You cannot buy beer or wine here.
- Lounges:
- The Lounge: Open 24/7. Offers hot food, showers, and relaxation areas (No alcohol).
- Smart Gates: SHJ has installed 16 Smart Gates in departures and arrivals, allowing residents and eligible tourists to clear immigration in seconds.
Shopping & Dining at the Airport
- Shopping: Dufry operates the duty-free shops. Selection is good for perfumes, tobacco, and confectionery (Remember: No alcohol).
- Dining:
- Food Court: McDonald’s, Costa Coffee, Mumbai Spices, Chinese House.
- Tim Hortons: Located in Arrivals.
Airport Security & Immigration
- Speed: SHJ is efficient, but queues can build up during the late-night “peak bank” of flights to India.
- Baggage: Air Arabia has strict hand luggage weight limits (usually 10kg). They will weigh your bag at the gate.
- Immigration: E-Gates are fully operational for faster processing.
SHJ Flight Information
General flight data for travelers using Flys to Dubai.
Feature | Details |
Main Carrier | Air Arabia (Budget) |
Distance to Dubai | ~15 km (Very Close) |
Alcohol Policy | Strictly Dry (No Alcohol) |
Peak Traffic | Evening/Night (South Asian flights) |
Dubai Arrival Airports
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Most LGW flights (including Emirates) arrive at DXB, offering fast immigration, Dubai Metro access, and short transfer times to hotels.
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
Some budget or charter flights may arrive at DWC, located further from central Dubai.
Transport: Getting from SHJ to Dubai
Since many Flys to Dubai users land here to visit Dubai, transport is key.
- Air Arabia Coach: Air Arabia operates dedicated air-conditioned coaches from SHJ to Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Dubai.
- Cost: AED 20 (approx.).
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
- Public Bus (RTA/Mowasalat):
- Route 113: Connects SHJ to Rashidiya Metro Station (Dubai Red Line).
- Route E307: Connects Sharjah to Deira City Centre (Dubai).
- Taxi: A taxi from SHJ to Deira/Dubai Airport area costs approx. AED 80 – AED 100. To Downtown Dubai/Burj Khalifa, expect AED 120 – AED 150. Note: There is an airport flag-fall surcharge of AED 20.
- Car Rental: All major agencies (Hertz, Avis, Budget) are located in the Arrivals hall.
Parking Information
- Arrivals/Departures Parking: Located directly in front of the terminal building.
- Rates: AED 150 for the first 24 hours (Subject to change with new expansion).
- Payment: Machines accept cash and cards inside the terminal.
Hotels Near the Airport
- Sharjah Airport Transit Hotel: Located inside the airport (airside). Perfect for long layovers if you don’t have a visa.
- Centro Sharjah by Rotana: Located just outside the airport grounds (5 mins shuttle). Stylish business hotel with a pool.
- Sharjah International Airport Hotel: A simple budget option nearby.
Tips for Travelers
- The “Dry” Warning: If you want to buy Duty-Free alcohol to drink in your Dubai hotel room, you must buy it at your departure airport (e.g., London, Manchester) before you fly. You cannot buy it at SHJ on arrival.
- Traffic Alert: Traffic between Sharjah and Dubai is notorious during rush hour (6:30 AM – 9:00 AM towards Dubai; 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM towards Sharjah). Plan your taxi ride accordingly!
- Currency: Taxi drivers prefer cash (AED), though many now take cards. Have 100 Dirhams ready just in case.
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Questions & Answer
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No. Sharjah is a dry emirate. No alcohol is sold or served anywhere in the airport.
It will cost approximately AED 120 – AED 140 ($35 USD), including the AED 20 airport surcharge.
Flights to Sharjah (SHJ) are often significantly cheaper than flights to Dubai (DXB), but you must factor in the AED 100+ taxi fare to get to Dubai.
SHJ lies 13 km southeast of Sharjah city centre and about 15–20 km from Dubai, accessible via major roads like E11 (Sheikh Muhammad Bin Zayed Road).
SHJ operates from one main passenger terminal covering 125,000 sqm, handling both arrivals and departures with efficient navigation.
Taxis queue 24/7 outside arrivals (20–30 min to Dubai); buses connect to Sharjah and Dubai Metro stations.
Wheelchair assistance, ramps, accessible toilets, and priority services are available; request via airline.
