Dubai International Airport to Sharjah is a cross-emirate journey with taxis, ride-hailing, buses and Metro services available at DXB, though the public-transport details here do not specify a full connection to Sharjah.
From the airport, you can choose a direct taxi or ride-hailing pickup, or use Dubai’s public transport for part of the journey and check onward connections with Sharjah RTA.
- DXB has three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.
- Dubai Taxi Company taxis are available around the clock at designated ranks in each terminal.
- Dubai buses require a Nol card; cash is not accepted.
What to expect on the DXB-to-Sharjah journey
Plan the airport pickup first, then choose whether you want a direct car journey or to check public-transport connections before setting off. Dubai International Airport is about a 35-minute drive from Crystal Plaza Hotel, a two-star hotel in Sharjah.
DXB’s three terminals each have designated taxi ranks, while Metro access is available at Terminals 1 and 3. Bus stands are at Arrivals in all three terminals. These are Dubai-side services; for onward bus connections within Sharjah, Sharjah RTA provides links to local and intercity bus schedules.
If you’re arranging a wider trip around the emirate, how to get around Sharjah is also useful context for planning transport after arrival.
Taxi and private-car options
A taxi or ride-hailing pickup is the simplest direct option described for leaving DXB, with official taxi ranks and marked pickup points at the airport.
Dubai Airports identifies Dubai Taxi Company as DXB’s exclusive taxi provider and directs passengers to the official ranks. Follow the taxi signs to the designated pickup area. Uber, Careem and Bolt also operate from airport pickup points marked by signage.
The starting fare for a taxi from DXB is AED 25, with distance-based charges added. This airport starting fare is different from Sharjah RTA’s taxi-meter start for trips to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, which is AED 20; passengers also pay toll-gate charges on those trips.
To arrange a Sharjah RTA taxi, you can pre-book by calling 600525252. Its call center operates around the clock. Fares and charges can change, so check the official site before you go, including Dubai Airports and Sharjah RTA for the services you plan to use.
Public transport and transfer points
DXB’s buses and Metro can get you onto Dubai’s public-transport network, but you’ll need to confirm an onward connection to Sharjah before choosing this option.
Airport buses depart from stands at Arrivals in Terminals 1, 2 and 3. You need a Nol card to ride; cash is not accepted. Cards can be bought or topped up at airport terminals, Metro stations and selected bus stations. Bus frequency varies by route and time of day.
The Metro Red Line serves DXB at Terminals 1 and 3. Red Line passes are sold at ticket offices and vending machines in those terminals. Nol cards are also available, with fares depending on the card type and travel zones. Metro passengers may carry up to two pieces of luggage, including hand luggage.
For journey planning, Dubai Airports directs passengers to RTA’s S’hail app and recommends checking RTA for current Metro timings. Sharjah RTA’s transportation services page links to local and intercity bus schedules, which can help you check the next leg rather than assume a direct airport-to-Sharjah service.
Reaching Crystal Plaza Hotel
For a door-to-door trip, arrange a taxi or ride-hailing pickup at DXB and give the driver the hotel’s name and address. If you prefer public transport, verify the Dubai-to-Sharjah connection and the final leg to your destination before leaving the airport.
Once you’re in Sharjah, the Sharjah city centre visit guide can help with planning time in the city.
FAQs
Are taxis available at Dubai International Airport at all hours?
Yes. Dubai Taxi Company taxis are available 24 hours a day at designated ranks in each terminal.
Can you pay cash for a DXB bus?
No. You need a Nol card to use Dubai buses, and cash is not accepted.
Which DXB terminals have Metro access?
The Dubai Metro Red Line connects to Terminals 1 and 3.
How can you check Sharjah bus connections?
Sharjah RTA provides links to local and intercity bus schedules through its transportation services page.