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Sharjah International Airport

Affordable gateway to the UAE

Airport in United Arab Emirates

Sharjah (14 km)

86 destinations

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Sharjah International Airport serves as a key gateway in the United Arab Emirates. Located just north of Sharjah city, it handles both passenger flights and cargo operations with efficiency. The terminal provides basic amenities including ticket counters, baggage claim areas and waiting zones for travelers. As one of three main airports serving Dubai’s metropolitan area, it connects regional destinations while supporting trade routes across Asia and beyond. The airport maintains standard security procedures and offers limited dining options inside the main concourse.

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Sharjah Airport Summary

Sharjah International Airport is an airport near Sharjah in United Arab Emirates. It currently offers regular passenger service to 86 destinations operated by 19 airlines.

Top airlines

Air Arabia (G9)

771 flights per week

Air India Express (IX)

78 flights per week

Qatar Airways (QR)

49 flights per week

Top destinations

DOH Doha

CAI Cairo

AMM Amman

Cheapest destinations

DMM Dammam

MCT Muscat

BAH Bahrain

Best destinations

FCO Rome

LGW London

VIE Vienna

United Arab Emirates – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type G Type G: Read about power adapters
Currency:	UAE Dirham (AED) £1 ≈ AED 4.89
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 Cashless payment is widely accepted in urban areas, including cards and mobile wallets. Rural areas may rely more on cash. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary but not mandatory in the UAE. Restaurants often include service charges, but leaving 10-15% for good service is common. Small tips for taxi drivers, hotel staff, and delivery services are appreciated.
Public drinking:	Public drinking of alcohol is illegal. Alcohol consumption is restricted to licensed venues.
Public smoking:	Smoking is banned in most indoor public areas, though designated smoking zones are available.

Eid al-Fitr (Varies)	A time for family gatherings; expect closures during festivities.
National Day (December)	Celebrations include parades and fireworks across the country.
Eid al-Adha (Varies)	Similar closures and family celebrations, with special events in cities.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 999 (Police), 998 (Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Careem, Uber, RTA Dubai
Other:	The UAE is famous for luxury shopping, modern architecture, and diverse cuisines. Dress modestly in public and adhere to local customs to avoid issues.

Sharjah International Airport is situated about 15 kilometers from Sharjah city center and functions as a major hub particularly for budget airlines and cargo flights. The airport has undergone several expansions to cope with increasing passenger volumes, now serving over 8 million passengers annually.

The airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options, including duty-free stores, cafés and fast food outlets. Despite its size, the airport maintains efficient passenger flow, though some visitors noted limited lounge availability compared to larger neighboring airports.

Travelers should be cautious of potential traffic congestion to and from Dubai, especially during peak hours, as many transit through Dubai for onward connections. The airport primarily supports budget-conscious travelers and cargo operations, which means it lacks some luxury amenities found in larger airports.

Sharjah itself is rich in cultural heritage, featuring museums, souks and beautiful coastline, making the airport a practical entry point for exploring a more traditional side of the UAE.

Helpful tips for Sharjah International Airport

Arrive two hours early for security and customs clearance.
Use the free airport Wi‑Fi to check flight status, but verify updates on airline apps for accuracy.
Locate the currency exchange counters near the arrivals hall; rates are better than those in tourist areas outside the terminal.
Sharjah International Airport offers a dedicated lounge for UAE nationals and frequent flyers, providing complimentary refreshments and quiet workspaces.

Available airport lounges

First Class Lounge

Located in the international terminal, this lounge offers premium amenities such as complimentary snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi, and business areas. Access is for business/first class passengers and premium cardholders.

Marhaba Lounge

Open to all passengers for a fee or via memberships, Marhaba Lounge offers refreshments, Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and friendly service. It provides a relaxing environment away from busy terminals, including shower facilities and workstations.

Where to stay near Sharjah International Airport

Hotels near Sharjah city center cater well to budget and mid-range travelers, with a selection of international chains and local boutique options. Staying near the airport is convenient but limited in variety, so most visitors prefer the city for accommodation.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Ajman

8.3

Alain Hotel Ajman

7.8

Crown Palace Hotel and Suites Ajman

ONYX HOTEL APARTMENTS

7.5

Sharjah International Airport Hotel

6.5

Verona Resorts

6.7

Nest Hotel Aljada Sharjah

9.3

Explore more accommodations

How to get from Sharjah Airport to popular destinations

To Sharjah City Center:
Located about 15 km away, the city centre can be reached by taxis and ride-share cars, which take about 20 minutes depending on traffic and cost around AED 30 – 50 (£6.11 – 10.18).

To Dubai:
Dubai is approximately 25 km from the airport. Frequent taxis and shuttle services connect the airport with Dubai’s major districts, taking 30-45 minutes. Metro access requires transfers as there is no direct metro line to Sharjah Airport; existing bus routes cover connections but can be time consuming.

To Ajman:
Ajman lies about 19 km north and is reachable by taxi or regional bus services. Taxi fares are roughly AED 40 – 60 (£8.14 – 12.21) with journeys lasting around 25 minutes, giving easy access to this smaller emirate.