Travelling from Dubai to Sharjah by car? The journey can take around 25–40 minutes in light traffic, but during busy hours, it may take more than an hour. The distance is relatively short, yet choosing the wrong departure time can leave you stuck on the road.
Whether you are going to work, meeting friends or returning home after an event, planning your journey makes a real difference.
The key is knowing which route to take, when to leave and what your journey might cost.
In this guide, we will explain the Dubai to Sharjah distance, driving time, best routes, traffic patterns and the cost of hiring a professional safe driver Dubai. You will also find practical tips to make your journey easier.
Dubai to Sharjah by Car: Quick Travel Overview
Here is a quick overview of what to expect when driving between the two emirates.
| Travel Details | Dubai to Sharjah by Car |
| Driving distance | Approximately 20–40 km for many common journeys |
| Travel time without heavy traffic | Around 25–40 minutes |
| Travel time during rush hour | Often 60–90 minutes or longer |
| Main highways | E11, E311 and E611 |
| Best time to leave | Generally 10 AM–3 PM or after 9 PM |
| Busiest hours towards Sharjah | Usually 4 PM–8 PM on working days |
| Professional driver cost | AED 160 one way |
| Fuel cost | Varies based on fuel prices and vehicle efficiency. |
| Salik charges | Depends on the gates crossed and travel time |
Actual travel time and distance depend on your pickup point, destination and road conditions.
How Far Is Sharjah from Dubai by Car?
The Dubai to Sharjah distance by road varies because both cities cover large areas. Many common journeys are approximately 20–40 kilometres, but trips from distant Dubai neighbourhoods can be longer.
For example, Deira is much closer to Sharjah than Dubai Marina. Similarly, driving to Al Nahda in Sharjah is different from travelling to University City.
Dubai and Sharjah are neighbouring emirates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). There are no immigration checkpoints between them, making road travel convenient for residents and visitors.
Dubai to Sharjah Distance from Popular Locations
To understand the distance better, here are some estimated driving ranges.
| Starting Location | Destination | Approximate Distance |
| Deira | Al Majaz, Sharjah | 15–20 km |
| Dubai International Airport (DXB) | Al Majaz, Sharjah | 15–25 km |
| Downtown Dubai | Al Majaz, Sharjah | 25–35 km |
| Business Bay | Al Majaz, Sharjah | 25–35 km |
| Al Barsha | Al Majaz, Sharjah | 30–40 km |
| Dubai Marina | Al Majaz, Sharjah | 35–45 km |
These are broad estimates for planning, not individually verified live map measurements. Your chosen entrance, exit and route may change the distance.
If you are visiting a particular location, use its complete address rather than searching only for Sharjah. This small step can prevent unnecessary driving, especially around busy junctions.
How Long Does It Take to Drive from Dubai to Sharjah?
The Dubai to Sharjah driving time is typically around 25–40 minutes for many shorter journeys when traffic is light. During peak commuting periods, the same trip may take 60–90 minutes or longer.
Traffic is the main reason journey times vary so much.
Two drivers leaving from the same location can experience very different journeys simply because they travel at different times.
Dubai to Sharjah Driving Time Without Traffic
When roads are relatively clear, travelling between the two cities is straightforward. You can usually maintain a steadier pace on the main highways, with fewer delays near intersections and exits.
For shorter routes, a 25–40-minute journey is a reasonable planning estimate. However, longer trips from Dubai’s southern neighbourhoods may take more time. Late evenings and some midday periods often provide better driving conditions.
If you have an appointment, check both the estimated arrival time and the parking situation at your destination.
Dubai to Sharjah Travel Time During Rush Hour
The evening commute can turn a short drive into a tiring journey. Many people work in Dubai and live in Sharjah. As offices close, large numbers of vehicles move towards the Dubai–Sharjah border.
This creates heavy Dubai to Sharjah traffic, particularly along E11 and E311.
For example, on October 7, 2026, Gulf News reported slow-moving evening traffic on both highways. Congestion was particularly noticeable near the border and on approaches to central Sharjah. These reports show why a journey that normally takes around half an hour may take considerably longer during busy periods.
If you are travelling for an important event, allow extra time rather than relying on the shortest possible journey estimate.
Factors That Affect Driving Time
Several things can increase or reduce the time you spend on the road.
- Pickup location: Starting in Deira may involve a shorter drive than leaving from Dubai Marina.
- Destination: Al Nahda, Al Majaz, and University City require different routes.
- Road accidents: An incident can quickly create long queues.
- School traffic: Local roads can become busy during school arrival and dismissal times.
- Weather: Rain and fog can reduce visibility and require slower driving.
- Roadworks: Temporary diversions may affect your usual route.
Your arrival time is easier to predict when you consider these factors before setting off.
Best Driving Routes from Dubai to Sharjah
Choosing the best route from Dubai to Sharjah by car depends on your starting location, destination and current road conditions.
The three main highways to consider are Al Ittihad Road (E11), Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) and Emirates Road (E611).
1. Al Ittihad Road (E11) – Best for Central Sharjah
Al Ittihad Road (E11) is a direct option for motorists travelling from eastern Dubai towards central Sharjah. It is particularly convenient for people starting near Deira or Al Qusais and heading towards:
- Al Nahda
- Al Taawun
- Al Khan
- Central Sharjah
Main advantage: Direct access to several central Sharjah neighbourhoods.
Main drawback: Heavy traffic can develop near the Dubai–Sharjah border, especially during evening rush hour.
If you are heading towards Al Majaz or nearby areas, E11 may be convenient, but always compare its estimated journey time with alternative highways.
2. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) – Best for Inland Sharjah
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) is another major connection between Dubai and Sharjah. It can be particularly useful when travelling towards:
- Muwaileh
- University City
- Sharjah Industrial Areas
- Areas near Sharjah International Airport
Main advantage: Convenient access to inland Sharjah without travelling through some central neighbourhoods.
Main drawback: Congestion can develop near major interchanges and during peak commuting periods.
E311 may be a practical choice for longer cross-city journeys, although it is not automatically faster than E11.
3. Emirates Road (E611) – An Alternative During Heavy Traffic
Emirates Road (E611) runs farther inland and provides another option for travelling towards outer Sharjah and the northern emirates. It may be worth considering when E11 and E311 are heavily congested.
A Gulf News traffic update published on September 30, 2026 reported that parts of E611 were moving more freely than the other two highways during the evening commute. However, this was a specific traffic observation rather than a guarantee that E611 will always be faster.
- Main advantage: A possible alternative to congested city approaches.
- Main drawback: The longer distance may cancel out any time saved, particularly if your destination is central Sharjah.
Which Dubai to Sharjah Route Should You Choose?
Here is a simple comparison.
| Highway | Best Suited For | Main Advantage | Main Drawback |
| E11 | Al Nahda, Al Taawun and central Sharjah | Direct connection | Heavy commuter traffic |
| E311 | Muwaileh, University City and industrial areas | Inland access | Congested interchanges |
| E611 | Outer Sharjah and northern emirates | Alternative during congestion | Longer distance |
- Practical tip: Check your navigation app immediately before departure. Compare the total journey time, including the final few kilometres near your destination, rather than choosing a road based on distance alone.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Driver to Drive from Dubai to Sharjah?
Hiring a professional driver from Dubai to Sharjah costs AED 160 one way with Safer Driver Dubai. This service is designed for people who want someone else to drive their own vehicle.
Unlike a taxi, an expert driver comes to your pickup location and drives you and your car to the agreed destination.
Dubai to Sharjah Safe Driver Cost
| Service Details | Information |
| Service provider | Safer Driver Dubai |
| Route | Dubai to Sharjah |
| One-way driver rate | AED 160 |
| Vehicle used | Your own car |
A private driver can be particularly helpful when you are returning from a late-night event, feeling tired after work or simply prefer not to drive.
What About Fuel and Salik Charges?
Because a personal driver uses your own vehicle, it is useful to understand the journey’s running costs.
For example, let’s assume:
- Driving distance: 30 km
- Car fuel consumption: 8 litres per 100 km
- Petrol type: Special 95
- Fuel price: AED 4.28 per litre in October 2026
The calculation is:
- 30 ÷ 100 × 8 × 4.28 = AED 10.27
So, this example journey would use approximately AED 10.27 in petrol, excluding traffic-related changes in consumption. Your actual cost depends on your car’s efficiency, road conditions and distance travelled.
Salik is another possible expense. From June 1, 2026, a 5% VAT applies to paid Salik crossings.
Under the standard variable toll schedule, this means:
| Toll Period | Charge Per Paid Crossing Including VAT |
| Peak period | AED 6.30 |
| Off-peak period | AED 4.20 |
| Standard overnight free period | AED 0 |
Special schedules and exemptions may apply. Check the official Salik tariff page for applicable times and public-holiday arrangements.
What Is the Best Time to Drive from Dubai to Sharjah?
The best time to drive from Dubai to Sharjah is generally between 10 AM and 3 PM or after 9 PM, when traffic may be lighter than during the busiest commuting periods. These are useful planning windows, not guaranteed traffic-free hours.
The day of the week, weather, events and your destination can all affect road conditions.
Best Time to Travel on Weekdays
If your schedule is flexible, a midday journey is often a good option. By around 10 AM, much of the morning commuting activity has passed. Meanwhile, the evening rush usually has not started.
This makes midday a practical option for:
- Family visits.
- Business appointments.
- Shopping.
- Personal errands.
- Leisure trips.
If you prefer travelling late, journeys after 9 PM can also be more manageable on many routes. However, always check live conditions because accidents or roadworks can create delays at any time.
Dubai to Sharjah Peak Traffic Hours to Avoid
The Dubai to Sharjah peak traffic hours commonly occur from 4 PM to 8 PM on working days, when many commuters head towards Sharjah.
The morning pattern is different. Traffic is often heavy in the opposite direction as residents travel from Sharjah towards workplaces in Dubai.
Here is a general guide for Sharjah-bound journeys.
| Departure Time | Typical Traffic Conditions |
| Before 6:30 AM | Often lighter |
| 7 AM–9 AM | Variable; busy near some junctions |
| 10 AM–3 PM | Generally more manageable |
| 4 PM–8 PM | Often heavily congested |
| 8 PM–9 PM | May still be busy |
| After 9 PM | Often lighter |
If you cannot avoid the evening rush, focus on leaving with enough time rather than trying to make up delays by driving faster.
Dubai to Sharjah Traffic: How to Avoid Delays
Want to spend less time in traffic? A few simple decisions can make your Dubai to Sharjah road journey much easier.
1. Check traffic before you leave
Use Google Maps or Waze to compare available routes. Don’t rely entirely on the route you used yesterday.
2. Look beyond the highway
The main road may be moving well while the exit near your destination is crowded. Check the final part of the journey too.
3. Avoid changing routes unnecessarily
Switching roads repeatedly can increase travel time. Only take an alternative when it offers a meaningful advantage.
4. Plan stops before the journey
If you need fuel, food or other essentials, consider handling them before entering a busy highway.
5. Stay informed about road conditions
Keep an eye on official traffic announcements, road diversions and weather warnings.
6. Consider professional driving assistance
Some journeys are simply easier when you are not behind the wheel. If you are travelling after a tiring workday or a social event, a private chauffeur in Dubai can take care of driving your car while you relax.
Important Tips for Driving from Dubai to Sharjah
A comfortable journey is not only about reaching your destination quickly. Safe driving habits matter just as much. Here are a few important things to remember.
Follow road speed limits
Always obey the speed limits shown on road signs. Different sections and exits may have different limits.
Keep enough distance between vehicles
Traffic can slow suddenly near busy interchanges. Maintaining a safe gap gives you more time to react.
Move into the correct lane early
Avoid last-minute lane changes when approaching highway exits. These movements can be dangerous on busy roads.
Check your vehicle before travelling
Make sure your tyres, brakes, lights and fuel level are suitable for the journey.
Use navigation safely
Set your destination before driving. Use voice guidance instead of handling your phone on the road.
Be careful during fog and rain
Poor visibility can make driving more difficult. Reduce speed when necessary and follow official weather and road safety advice.
Plan your arrival
Busy areas such as Al Majaz and Al Khan may require extra time to find suitable parking. Check local parking signs, charges and restrictions.
Don’t drive when you are exhausted
If you are struggling to stay alert, don’t force yourself to continue driving. Arrange a safe alternative.
These simple precautions can make a big difference, especially during a busy journey between the two emirates.
Final Thoughts
Travelling from Dubai to Sharjah by car can be simple when you choose the right route and departure time.
The distance is relatively short, but busy roads can make the journey much longer than expected. Checking traffic before leaving and allowing extra travel time can help you enjoy a more comfortable trip.
For central Sharjah, E11 may offer a direct connection. For inland areas, E311 can be more practical. E611 is worth considering when an outer route provides a clear advantage.
And if you’d prefer not to drive yourself, Safer Driver Dubai can help. Our reliable drivers can take you to Sharjah in your own vehicle, at only AED 160. Request a quote.
FAQs
How Many Kilometres Is Dubai to Sharjah by Road?
The Dubai to Sharjah road distance is approximately 20–40 km for many common journeys. The exact distance depends on your starting location, destination and chosen highway.
How Long Does Dubai to Sharjah Take by Car?
The Dubai to Sharjah travel time is generally 25–40 minutes in light traffic. During busy commuting periods, the drive may take 60–90 minutes or longer.
What Is the Fastest Route from Dubai to Sharjah?
Al Ittihad Road (E11) is often a direct route to central Sharjah. However, E311 or E611 may be quicker depending on your destination and traffic conditions. Check live navigation before leaving.
Can I Drive from Dubai to Sharjah Without Paying Salik?
Yes, you can drive from Dubai to Sharjah without paying Salik by choosing a route that avoids toll gates. The available options depend on your pickup location and destination.
What Time Is Traffic Worst from Dubai to Sharjah?
Dubai to Sharjah traffic is often heaviest between 4 PM and 8 PM on working days. This is when many commuters return to Sharjah after finishing work in Dubai.
