# Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)

> Sharjah, AE · 13 km (8.1 mi) east-southeast of Sharjah city centre

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/shj
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/shj.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: SHJ
- **ICAO**: OMSJ
- **Timezone**: Asia/Dubai
- **Runways**: 1
- **Terminals**: 1
- **Passengers**: 13.6M/yr
- **Hub for**: Air Arabia
- **Official site**: https://www.sharjahairport.ae/

## Overview

## Welcome

Think of Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) as the UAE's bustling hub for low-cost carriers, particularly Air Arabia. Located just 13 km east-southeast of Sharjah city center, it serves as a vital connector for South Asian and GCC routes. With this focus, it feels more like a massive bus terminal, packed with budget-conscious travelers and basking in the energy of peak travel waves, especially during overnight departures. Despite a single terminal (T1), its efficient layout promotes swift maneuverability when not overcrowded, making it a top pick for food bargains and rapid connections.

## At a glance

Handling 13.6 million passengers annually, SHJ supports a single runway setup. The airport functions largely as a hub for Air Arabia, with one main terminal that accommodates airlines like Airblue and Air India Express. It's precisely this simplicity that facilitates quicker transit experiences, though crowding is common during peak hours. Services are cost-friendly, appealing to budget travelers looking for a fast, no-frills journey. Be prepared for long lines during the 'worker flight' banks, as check-in and immigration times can stretch past 60 minutes.

## Terminals & layout

The single compact terminal, T1, hosts all facilities, making navigation stress-free, barring the occasional crowd. This setup eliminates complex transit procedures, offering a straightforward experience much like a bus station's, minus the extensive walking you’d find at larger airports. However, expect a modest selection of lounge and retail options due to its size.

### Dining & shopping highlights

For dining, choices range from international fast-food brands like **McDonald's** and **Costa Coffee** to local favorites such as **مقهى كوستا** and **مشيمش**. The landside food court presents a pleasant surprise with pocket-friendly prices, making it a preferred stop for coffee or a snack before takeoff, especially for passengers of no-frills flights. Shopping includes staples like **Sharjah Duty Free**, **Perfume Boutique**, and various pop-up kiosks ensuring last-minute grabs are not overlooked.

## Getting to and from the city

Transportation to and from SHJ is straightforward, with options including budget-friendly public buses (20-30 AED) connecting to Sharjah city, Dubai, and Ajman. Taxis and app-based rides offer alternatives for those less constrained by budget; a metered taxi ride to the downtown area is typical. For those headed to Dubai, the bus is viable but may require a longer travel time.

## Traveller essentials

With limited amenities beyond essential services, carry your own entertainment and power sources. Wi-Fi might not reach desired speeds, particularly when crowd sizes swell. Long queues during South Asian and GCC flight banks mean time management is crucial. In off-peak hours, with lighter passenger flow, you should be past security and at your gate within 30 minutes.

## Lounges

**The Lounge** in T1 offers a touch of comfort at $42.89 for a 3-hour access. Frequent travelers often choose this or the **Business Class Lounge**, particularly if serenity is sought. Note, however, that waiting in these spaces might be a step above the common areas, but amenities remain basic compared to more luxurious Gulf counterparts.

## Insider tips

- **Time**: When Air Arabia flights aren’t beckoning massive crowds, expect curb-to-gate times of about 20-30 minutes. Perfect for a swift and streamlined passage.

- **Avoid**: Weekend nights, particularly Fridays, see surges, especially during major South Asian holidays like Eid, Diwali, or similar festival times.

- **Money**: Opt for the air-conditioned public buses into Sharjah or Dubai. They offer a budget alternative to pricey taxis, especially if rush hour isn’t a factor.

- **Insider**: For a synchronously scheduled ride, keep your phone and ride-hailing application handy when arriving late at night. Knowing fare ranges aids in bypassing potentially stressful taxi haggles.

- **Local**: The meeters-and-greeters area serves as an informal and affordable dining scene; favoured by locals, it’s a wallet-friendly kickoff or end to your journey through SHJ.

## Terminals (1)

- **Main Passenger Terminal** — Air Arabia, Airblue, Air India Express, Air Peace

## Dining (36)

- **Costa Coffee**
- **Dunkin Donuts**
- **Filli Cafe**
- **Fusion Bites**
- **Hot Shay**
- **illy Cafe**
- **Krispy Kreme**
- **McDonald’s**
- **MishMish**
- **Mumbai Spices**
- **Pepper’s**
- **Subway**
- **مكدونالدز** — T1 · Fast Food · American · $
- **مومبي سبايس** — T1 · Restaurant · Indian · $$
- **ووك يور ويي** — T1 · Restaurant · Asian · $$
- **كرسبي كريم** — T1 · Café · American · $
- **بيبرز** — T1 · Café · Snacks · $$
- **مقهى زيتون** — T1 · Café · Middle Eastern · $$
- **مقهى فيلي** — T1 · Café · Middle Eastern · $$
- **مقهى أخبار العالم** — T1 · Café · International · $$
- **تيم هورتنز** — T1 · Café · Canadian · $$
- **هوت شاي** — T1 · Café · Tea · $
- **مقهى كوستا** — T1 · Café · Coffee · $$
- **‏إيلي كافيه** — T1 · Café · Italian · $$
- **ذا كيوسيك** — T1 · Café · Snacks · $
- **ذا هت** — T1 · Café · Snacks · $
- **مشمش** — T1 · Café · Snacks · $
- **دانكن دونتس** — T1 · Café · American · $
- **صب واي** — T1 · Fast Food · American · $
- **فوشون بايتس** — T1 · Fast Food · Asian · $$
- **The Hut**
- **The Kiosk**
- **Tim Hortons**
- **Wok Your Way**
- **World News Cafe**
- **Zaithoon Cafe**

## Lounges (8)

- **Airport Hotel Lounge Area** — Main Terminal, transit passengers with room bookings
- **Business Class Lounge** — T1 · Main Terminal, airline business class and elite · $42.89 for 3 hours (via Marhaba for the same lounge space)
- **First Class Lounge** — Main Terminal, select full‑service carriers
- **Pearl Lounge** — Main Terminal, contract lounge for select airlines
- **Private Meet and Assist Lounge** — Main Terminal, pre‑booked premium service
- **Regency Travel Lounge** — Main Terminal, paid access
- **Staff Lounge** — Main Terminal, crew and airport staff
- **The Lounge** — T1 · Main Terminal, Air Arabia business and eligible passengers · $42.89 for 3 hours

## Shops (15)

- **Bookshop**
- **Currency Exchange Kiosk**
- **Electronics Store**
- **Fashion Accessories Store**
- **Jewellery Corner**
- **Luggage Store**
- **Mobile Phone Shop**
- **Perfume Boutique**
- **Pharmacy**
- **Sharjah Duty Free** — T1
- **Sharjah Duty Free Arrivals** — T1
- **Souvenir Shop**
- **Sweet Shop**
- **Tobacco Shop**
- **Travel Essentials Kiosk**

## Parking (5)

- **Long Term Car Park** — Long stay parking · AED 95 per 24h from first 4:01h onward/day, 16/hr
- **Premium Parking** — Premium covered parking · /day 2 and onwards billed as a flat AED 200 per day/day, 16/hr
- **Short Term Car Park A** — Short stay parking · Day 2 onwards AED 200/day, 16/hr
- **Short Term Car Park B** — Short stay parking · Day 2 onwards AED 200/day, 16/hr
- **Staff Parking Area** — Employee parking · /day 2 and onwards billed as a flat AED 200 per day/day, 16/hr

## Ground transport (10)

- **Air Arabia Shuttle Service** — Shuttle · Varies by route · 20-30 AED · Regular
  Shuttles connect to major cities.
- **Airport Taxi Rank** — Metered taxi
- **Ajman Taxi** — Metered taxi
- **Dubai Taxi** — Metered taxi
- **Private Hotel Shuttle** — Hotel shuttle
- **Ride‑Hailing Pick‑up Zone** — App‑based car
- **Sharjah Airport–Ajman Bus** — Bus
- **Sharjah Airport–Dubai Bus** — Bus
- **Sharjah Airport–Sharjah City Bus** — Bus
- **Sharjah Bus Service** — Bus · Varies by route · 20-30 AED · Regular
  Buses operate 24/7 to major locations.

## Insider tips

- _Time_: When Air Arabia flights aren’t beckoning massive crowds, expect curb-to-gate times of about 20-30 minutes. Perfect for a swift and streamlined passage.
- _Avoid_: Weekend nights, particularly Fridays, see surges, especially during major South Asian holidays like Eid, Diwali, or similar festival times.
- _Money_: Opt for the air-conditioned public buses into Sharjah or Dubai. They offer a budget alternative to pricey taxis, especially if rush hour isn’t a factor.
- _Insider_: For a synchronously scheduled ride, keep your phone and ride-hailing application handy when arriving late at night. Knowing fare ranges aids in bypassing potentially stressful taxi haggles.
- _Local_: The meeters-and-greeters area serves as an informal and affordable dining scene; favoured by locals, it’s a wallet-friendly kickoff or end to your journey through SHJ.