Home » Layover Guide » Sharjah Layover Guide (SHJ)

Sharjah Layover Guide (SHJ)

What are you looking for in SHJ?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Sharjah Airport (SHJ) is an international airport located in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. It’s situated about 13 km (8 miles) from downtown Sharjah. The airport officially opened in 1977. Sharjah is the third-largest city in the UAE and is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene. It’s also recognized for its family-friendly atmosphere, historic sites, and diverse range of leisure and educational attractions.

Can you leave Sharjah Airport (SHJ) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can leave Tunis–Carthage Airport during a layover once you clear immigration. Most travelers require a Tunisian visa, although citizens of visa-exempt countries (EU, UK, US, Canada) may stay visa-free for up to ninety days. Ensure you carefully meet entry rules and hold valid travel documents before exiting the airport. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Sharjah Art Museum Discover modern and contemporary art from regional and international artists across rotating exhibitions in beautifully restored heritage buildings; more info at sharjahmuseums.ae (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min or Bus F18 to Central Bus Station + 5 min walk)
• Al Qasba Stroll along the picturesque canal, ride the Eye of the Emirates Ferris wheel, enjoy waterfront cafés and art installations in this vibrant leisure destination. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 15 min or Bus E700 to Al Qasba stop)
• Central Souq (Blue Souk) Browse over 600 shops under blue-tiled domes for gold, textiles, antiques and souvenirs in one of the Emirates’ most iconic markets. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min or Bus F18 to Central Bus Station + 10 min walk)
• Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization Explore over 5,000 artifacts showcasing Islamic art, manuscripts, scientific instruments and jewellery in a stunning riverside complex. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min or Bus F18 to Al Buhaira Corniche stop + 5 min walk)
• Al Noor Mosque Admire exquisite Ottoman-inspired architecture on a guided tour of one of Sharjah’s most beautiful mosques; booking via official site. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi 15 min)
• Al Majaz Waterfront Enjoy a leisurely walk around lagoons, splash in dancing fountains, rent paddleboats or relax at cafés with panoramic creek views. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 15 min or Bus F18 to Al Majaz stop)
• Sharjah Aquarium & Maritime Museum Marvel at Arabian Gulf marine life in interactive exhibits, then learn about maritime heritage and pearl diving traditions. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi 25 min or Bus F18 to King Faisal Mosque stop + 10 min walk)
• Heart of Sharjah (Heritage Area) Wander restored 18th-century houses, artisan workshops and museums to experience Emirati history and culture in this UNESCO-listed zone. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 15 min or Bus E600 to Heart of Sharjah stop)

Things to Do in Sharjah Airport (SHJ)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Sharjah Airport features two pay-per-use lounges—Plaza Premium and Marhaba—both offering comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi, shower facilities, charging stations and flight-information displays. Located airside in the departure halls, they provide quiet zones, workstations and newspapers, ideal for rest or business before your flight. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
A Holiday Inn Express sits directly above the terminal, offering soundproof rooms, 24-hour check-in, complimentary breakfast and free Wi-Fi from roughly AED 200 per night. Nearby Premier Inn Sharjah Airport provides airport shuttle service, fitness facilities and meeting rooms. Both hotels cater to short overnight stays with convenient access to departures. view all or book an airport hotel online

.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Sharjah Airport lacks dedicated sleep pods but offers designated rest zones with reclining loungers, dimmed lighting and quiet corners near gates. Complimentary Wi-Fi covers all seating areas. Shower facilities are available in both men’s and women’s restrooms. For better rest, travelers often use eye masks, travel pillows and earplugs.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout all terminals; simply connect to “Sharjah Airport Free WiFi” and complete a one-time SMS or social-login registration. Speeds are sufficient for browsing, streaming and video calls. Coverage includes lounges, gates, retail areas and food courts. No password resets are required after initial login.

SIM/eSIM Card: Upon arrival, find Etisalat and du kiosks in the baggage claim area offering prepaid SIM cards from AED 50, including data, local minutes and SMS. eSIM activation is available via Etisalat’s online portal with instant digital delivery. Both require passport registration. Top-ups can be done at airport kiosks or via operator apps. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Sharjah Airport taxis (white vehicles) operate 24/7 from outside the Arrivals hall. Fares start at AED 3 plus AED 1 per kilometer, with a small airport surcharge. Typical ride to the city center costs AED 20–30. Payment by cash or card; female-driven taxis can be requested. Popular ride-hail apps also serve the airport.

Train: Sharjah Airport is not directly served by rail. The nearest station is Sharjah Railway Station, about 12 km away. Passengers can take a taxi or bus to connect with the Etihad Rail network. A variety of shuttle and private transfer options facilitate access to rail services. (more info)

Bus: City bus routes F100 and K2 stop at Sharjah Airport, linking to Al Jubail Bus Station and central Sharjah. Services run every 30 minutes from roughly 06:00–22:00, with fares starting at AED 2. Tickets may be purchased on board via Nol card or cash. Buses are air-conditioned and wheelchair-accessible. (more info)

Shuttle: Free hotel shuttles operated by nearby hotels circulate between Sharjah Airport and major accommodations along Airport Road and industrial zones. Look for individual hotel counters in the Arrivals hall to reserve spots. Most shuttles run every 20–30 minutes. Private airport shuttle services to Dubai and other Emirates are also available for a fee.

Car rentals: Arrivals hall hosts desks for major rental firms—Avis, Hertz, Budget, Europcar and others. Services include 24-hour pick-up and drop-off, a range from compact cars to SUVs, collision damage waiver options and roadside assistance. Requirements: UAE driver’s license or International Driving Permit, passport and credit card deposit. Daily rates start around AED 120. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Terminal 1 features a multi-storey garage offering short-term parking at AED 4/hour and long-term spaces at AED 35/day. Valet parking is available near the main entrance. Disabled-access spots are clearly marked close to entry points. Payments accepted via kiosks, credit card or mobile app. 24/7 security surveillance and lighting ensure safety.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Sharjah Airport does not provide on-site luggage storage or lockers. Travelers seeking secure baggage holding can use services at Al Jubail Bus Station or arrange temporary storage through nearby hotels’ concierge desks. Alternatively, third-party providers in central Sharjah offer hourly or daily luggage storage. Consider lightweight padlocks for added security. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Sharjah Airport (SHJ) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks