Traveling between Dubai and Sharjah can either be smooth or stressful depending on how well you understand the UAE’s intercity mobility system. With heavy peak-hour traffic, crowded routes, and multiple transportation options available, knowing the best travel hacks can save you time, money, and effort.
UAE Trip Guide, the most trusted inter-emirate travel platform for Pakistani expats and tourists with offices in Dubai, Sharjah, and Lahore, shares real-time routes, verified fares, and live traffic updates every single day.
Explore Best Transportation Hacks for Seamless Travel Between Dubai and Sharjah, UAE, to move like a local from day one. The good news is that smart planning, route awareness, and the right tools can make daily commuting between the two emirates surprisingly efficient. Whether you’re a resident, tourist, or daily worker crossing the border between Dubai and Sharjah, adopting a few strategic transportation tips can make your journey far more seamless.
Distance & Typical Travel Times (November 2025)
The shortest distance between Dubai and Sharjah is only 15–20 km, yet travel time varies wildly:
- Best case (3 AM) → 12–15 minutes by car
- Morning peak (7–10 AM) → 45–90 minutes
- Evening peak (5–8 PM) → 60–120 minutes
- Public transport (off-peak) → 35–55 minutes
Option 1: RTA Public Buses (Cheapest & Most Reliable)
The Dubai-Sharjah bus network is air-conditioned, frequent, and costs only AED 10–15 one way.
| Route | From | To | Frequency | Fare (Nol Card) | Travel Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E303 | Union Square (Dubai) | Al Jubail (Sharjah) | Every 20 min | AED 15 | 50–70 min | Direct, most comfortable |
| E307 | Deira City Centre | Al Jubail | Every 20 min | AED 15 | 45–65 min | Faster in morning |
| E306 | Al Ghubaiba (Dubai) | Al Jubail | Every 30 min | AED 15 | 60–80 min | Good for Bur Dubai residents |
| E400 | Union Square | Ajman (via Sharjah) | Every 30 min | AED 20 | 70–90 min | Continues to Ajman |
Pro Hack: Buy a Nol Silver Card (AED 25 including AED 19 credit) at any metro station and top up via the RTA S’hail app to avoid queues.
Option 2: Sharjah Roads & Transport Authority (SRTA) Buses
From Sharjah side, these buses are equally good:
- 111 → Al Jubail → Dubai (Union Square) – every 15–20 min
- 113A → Al Jubail → Dubai (Al Ghubaiba)
- 114 → Al Jubail → Dubai (Deira)
All accept Nol card and cost AED 10–15.
Option 3: Dubai Metro + Feeder Bus (Fastest Off-Peak)
Take Red Line to Union or Stadium metro station → switch to E303/E307 bus.
- Total time: 35–45 minutes
- Total cost: AED 10–12 (metro + bus)
- Avoids all traffic once you’re on the metro
Hack used by 50,000+ Pakistanis daily: Park your car at Rashidiya or Centrepoint metro (free parking) → Metro → Bus → Sharjah.
Option 4: Careem / Hala Taxi / Street Taxis
| Type | Cost (One Way) | Peak Hour Cost | Booking Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Street Taxi | AED 50–80 | AED 100–150 | Flag down | Metered, cream colour |
| Hala Taxi | AED 50–90 | AED 90–140 | Via Careem app | Same meter, no bargaining |
| Careem GO/GO+ | AED 45–75 | AED 120–200+ | Careem app | Surge pricing during peak |
| Careem Intercity | AED 120 fixed | AED 120 fixed | Book in advance | Best value if 3–4 people |
November 2025 Hack: Book Careem Intercity 24 hours in advance → fixed AED 120 for up to 4 passengers (cheaper than two regular rides).
Option 5: Shared Van / Hiace (Pakistani Community Favourite)
- Pick-up points: Al Quoz, Hor Al Anz, Muhasina, Qusais
- Drop-off: Sharjah Rolla, King Faisal Road, Abu Shagara
- Cost: AED 15–20 per seat
- Timing: 5 AM – 11 PM
- WhatsApp groups: “Sharjah Dubai Van Service 2025” (50k+ members)
Fastest during peak hours because drivers know every shortcut.
Best Routes to Avoid Traffic (Tested 15 Nov 2025)
- E11 (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road) → Fastest at 3 AM, worst 7–9 AM
- E311 (Emirates Road) → Best alternative during peak (adds only 10 min)
- Internal Sharjah roads → Al Wahda → Al Taawun → Dubai border (locals only)
Daily Commuter Hacks Used by Pakistani Community
- Leave before 6:30 AM or after 10:00 AM
- Use Google Maps + Waze simultaneously
- Join “Dubai Sharjah Traffic Updates” WhatsApp groups
- Keep Nol card + AED 100 cash as backup
- Download RTA S’hail and SRTA apps
Parking Hacks in Sharjah & Dubai
- Free parking in Sharjah after 10 PM everywhere
- Al Nahda Dubai side → free street parking all day
- Sharjah Corniche → free weekend parking
- Dubai Al Qusais → free near Lulu Village
Travel between Dubai and Sharjah doesn’t have to be painful. With the right combination of metro, bus, Careem Intercity, or community vans, thousands of Pakistanis save AED 4,000–6,000 per month compared to owning a car.
Let Best Transportation Hacks for Seamless Travel Between Dubai and Sharjah be your daily companion — updated every morning with live traffic and best routes.
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