Sharjah International Airport
A functional and budget-friendly airport serving regional routes, known for its compact design and affordability.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Less crowded, smoother process
Sharjah International Airport
Best Time
Less crowded, smoother process
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A functional and budget-friendly airport serving regional routes, known for its compact design and affordability.
"A convenient and efficient airport, especially for regional travel, clean, organized, and surprisingly quick to get through."
✈️ Pack Light for Bus Transfers
Many flights use bus transfers. Lighter luggage makes boarding and disembarking quicker and easier.
⏰ Allow Extra Time
While compact, SHJ can get congested. Factor in extra time for check-in and security, especially during peak travel periods.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Efficient Transit Experience
Throughout the airport
Despite its age, SHJ is praised for its compact layout, making transit surprisingly quick and manageable. Security is often right at the gate for jet-bridged flights.
Budget-Friendly Food Court
Food Court Area
Enjoy a range of dining options at prices lower than many other international airports. A good spot to refuel without breaking the bank.
The Lounge Sharjah
Departure Area
A comfortable escape from the airport bustle, offering a more relaxed atmosphere for passengers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Sharjah Airport's Compactness
Alcohol-Free Environment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✈️ Pack Light for Bus Transfers
Many flights use bus transfers. Lighter luggage makes boarding and disembarking quicker and easier.
⏰ Allow Extra Time
While compact, SHJ can get congested. Factor in extra time for check-in and security, especially during peak travel periods.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring a reusable water bottle to refill after security. Staying hydrated is key during travel.
📱 Download Offline Maps
If exploring nearby Sharjah during a layover, download offline maps as Wi-Fi can be spotty.
Tips
from all over the internet
✈️ Pack Light for Bus Transfers
Many flights use bus transfers. Lighter luggage makes boarding and disembarking quicker and easier.
⏰ Allow Extra Time
While compact, SHJ can get congested. Factor in extra time for check-in and security, especially during peak travel periods.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring a reusable water bottle to refill after security. Staying hydrated is key during travel.
📱 Download Offline Maps
If exploring nearby Sharjah during a layover, download offline maps as Wi-Fi can be spotty.
🚫 No Alcohol Here
Remember Sharjah is a dry emirate. No alcohol is available at the airport or within the city.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) is recognized for its efficiency and affordability, particularly for regional travel. While it lacks the luxury of larger hubs and can be congested, its cleanliness, compact design, and budget-friendly amenities like the food court and transit hotel are frequently praised. Travelers appreciate the straightforward experience, though some find the constant announcements disruptive.
"Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) offers a no-frills travel experience, contrasting with more luxurious regional hubs. It's an older facility, often feeling congested, particularly at peak times, which can lead to longer queues for check-in and security.
Despite its age and busyness, SHJ is commendably clean. While it lacks extensive luxury amenities, it provides essential services like duty-free shopping and a food court. It primarily serves as a functional gateway for budget airlines, offering efficient (though crowded) passage, especially for regional travel. Expect a straightforward, busy, but clean airport experience."
Bishal Upadhyaya
"The airport is compact, a bit congested but very well managed. It feels like it is due for expansion. The transit experience here was excellent due to its compactness however. Once you arrive, if your gate is one of those with jet bridges you quickly reach them and security control takes place right at gate. For some other further gates, it is like other airports where a single security control applies to all.
The number of jet bridges is limited (5-6). Rest all must board and disembark via bus which doesn't take too much time either due to compact size of airport.
The food court has limited options but the prices are lower compared to what i have experienced at other airports. The duty free shop is not too big and has essentials. A pharmacy exists too.
The transit hotel is a big plus, as its cost effective and easily reacheable without having to pass through immigration. Cannot comment on checkin process and immigration as i arrived and departed as transit passenger.
The only bad thing here is constant announcements all the time. Why do they need to announce over loudspeaker for every departure and its gate? Limited use of loud speaker would be better as it's too annoy to constantly hear those announcements.
Overall nothing bad to say about airport. Definitely wouldn't mind transiting here again."
Faisal Masud
"A convenient and efficient airport, especially for regional travel. Sharjah International Airport may not be the most modern or luxurious, but it’s clean, organized, and surprisingly quick to get through. I found check-in and security to be smooth, and the staff were polite and helpful."
boniya baby
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus from Al Jubail bus station in Sharjah to Ibn Battuta bus station in Dubai for approximately 15 AED. Taxis are also available but will be more expensive. The journey can take around 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.
Yes, taxis are readily available outside the arrivals terminal. They are metered and a convenient option for reaching your destination within Sharjah or other emirates.
Yes, you can travel between Sharjah and Abu Dhabi by bus or taxi. Buses are a budget-friendly option, though the journey is longer. Taxis offer a faster but more costly alternative.
Public buses operate from Sharjah Airport to various parts of the city and other emirates. Check local schedules for routes and timings.
Yes, Sharjah International Airport is well-connected by road. Major highways provide easy access for private vehicles and rental cars.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is always recommended to book flights in advance, especially if you are flying with budget carriers like Air Arabia, which is a major airline at SHJ.
Sharjah International Airport operates 24/7, catering to a wide range of flight schedules. However, services like shops and restaurants may have specific operating hours.
Standard airport entry requirements apply, including valid travel documents (passport, visa if required) and boarding passes for departing passengers. Security checks are mandatory.
While it's best to book flights in advance, some airline counters might offer ticket sales or modifications. However, options are limited, and pre-booking is highly advised.
Yes, Sharjah International Airport has a transit hotel that is cost-effective and accessible without passing through immigration, making it a convenient option for long layovers.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
SHJ offers essential amenities including duty-free shopping, a food court with limited but affordable options, a pharmacy, and restrooms. Some gates have jet bridges, while others require bus transfers.
Sharjah Airport can feel congested, especially during peak travel times. Its compact nature means queues can form quickly at check-in and security.
The food court offers a variety of choices at lower prices compared to other airports. Options are limited but sufficient for a quick meal.
Information on free Wi-Fi availability can vary. It's advisable to check with airport information desks upon arrival or consider purchasing a local SIM card for consistent connectivity.
Yes, 'The Lounge Sharjah' offers a more comfortable and quiet environment for passengers looking to relax before their flight.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, plane spotting is possible at Sharjah Airport. The airport is home to Air Arabia and sees a variety of aircraft.
Look for vantage points near the terminals or designated spotting areas. The unique boarding ramps at SHJ can also make for interesting shots.
Standard airport regulations apply. Avoid photographing sensitive areas like security checkpoints or restricted zones. Always be mindful of other passengers' privacy.
Yes, capturing aircraft boarding, especially the unique ramps, is popular among aviation enthusiasts.
Sharjah Airport is a hub for Air Arabia, so you'll see many Airbus A320 family aircraft. You might also spot other regional and cargo planes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
✈️ Transit Passengers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Sharjah Airport: A Traveler's Guide
One of the defining characteristics of SHJ is its limited number of jet bridges (around 5-6). Consequently, a significant number of passengers will experience bus boarding and disembarking, a process that is generally efficient due to the airport's size.
It's crucial to remember that Sharjah is the only alcohol-free emirate in the UAE. This policy extends to the airport, so don't expect to find any bars or alcoholic beverages for sale.
Budget Travel Hacks for Sharjah Airport and Beyond
When it comes to dining within the airport, the food court offers a more economical choice compared to other major hubs. While the variety might be limited, the prices are significantly lower, allowing travelers to save money on meals.
For those with long layovers, the transit hotel at SHJ is a valuable resource. It provides a comfortable and affordable resting place without the need to clear immigration, which can save time and money.
Aviation Enthusiast's Guide to Sharjah Airport
+1 Aviation enthusiasts will appreciate the airport's unique features, such as the rare aircraft boarding ramps that facilitate faster passenger movement. These ramps, along with the general airport operations, provide interesting photographic subjects. While SHJ might not be a massive international hub with a vast array of airlines, its role as a base for Air Arabia and its strategic location make it a point of interest for spotting regional and cargo aircraft.
+2 The airport's compact nature can also offer good vantage points for photography, allowing enthusiasts to capture aircraft in various stages of operation. Remember to adhere to standard airport photography guidelines, avoiding restricted areas and respecting passenger privacy. For those interested in the operational side, SHJ's efficiency, despite its age and occasional congestion, is noteworthy. The airport's management ensures a smooth flow of operations, especially for its primary airline, Air Arabia.
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