Al Ain to Sharjah Bus Time – Route, Schedule & Fare

Travel between Al Ain and Sharjah has never been better, thanks to the UAE's intercity bus network. Efficient and comfortable, the bus from Al Ain to Sharjah is ideal for daily commuters, students, or visitors planning a budget-friendly trip. In this blog, we will discuss all the important things, such as bus timings, the route to follow, fare, travel experience, and practical tips, twenty-four hours a day, covering everything about your Al Ain to Sharjah trip to be as easy as possible.

Overview of the Al Ain to Sharjah Bus Route

The Al Ain to Sharjah bus service is run by the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA). This is the route that departs from the Al Ain Central Bus Station and goes to the Sharjah Al Jubail Bus Station and where the Bus Route 118 has the official name.

It is catching the beautiful desert and the city views of nearly 150 kilometers on this route, which normally takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes with normal traffic. The bus is fully air-conditioned, well-maintained, and equipped with comfortable seating, making it ideal for long intercity trips.

Al Ain to Sharjah Bus Timings (2025 Updated Schedule)

Bus 118 operates at all hours of the day with regular departures. Below is the Al Ain to Sharjah bus time, which has been updated:

The initial bus leaves Al Ain at around 3:45 am, and the very last one departs at around 9:15 pm. Throughout the day, the buses have a frequency rate of approximately every 60 minutes, but the first bus is a bit more frequent.

The return (Sharjah to Al Ain) route has a similar schedule as it follows departures from Al Jubail Bus Station every hour until late evening.

Bus Fare and Ticketing

The one-way fare from Al Ain to Sharjah is AED 33, which is among the cheapest ways to get intercity transport in the UAE.

You can get your tickets directly from the Al Ain Central Bus Station counter or pay through Sayer Card, which is the official travel card system of Sharjah. Make sure your card has enough balance before you board it.

While there is no online booking for this route, it is generally a good idea to reach 10 to 15 minutes before departure to make sure you get a seat, particularly during weekends and public holidays.

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Bus Stops and Stations

Starting Point:

Al Ain Central Bus Station- sitting near the city center, this is the major departure point for all the intercity routes connecting Al Ain with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.

Destination:

Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah- the main public transport hub in Sharjah, located near Rolla Square. From here, travelers can easily find taxis or local buses to other parts of the city, such as Al Majaz, Al Qasba, or Sharjah University City.

Intermediate Stops:

The bus may make limited stops along the highway or designated service areas; nevertheless, it is mainly direct from one city to another.

Duration of the Journey

The average travel time between Al Ain and Sharjah is about 2 hours and 45 minutes travel time, influenced by traffic and road conditions. In the rush hour on weekends or near Sharjah city limits, the trip may take up to 3 hours.

One way to avoid delays is to plan your travel for the early morning or late evening periods.

What to Expect During the Journey?

The buses on the routes are modern and well-equipped for comfort. You can expect the following conveniences:

Air-conditioned Interiors: set at suitable levels for travel in the UAE`s hot climate, there will be no heat problems at any time.

Comfortable Seats: airy seating ideal for longer rides.

Luggage Storage: enough space for small to medium luggage under or above seats.

Smooth Ride: Our highways will mostly be the routes, ensuring steady and comfortable traveling.

Water and light snacks are the only whole foods that you will be allowed to eat; eating large meals on the bus is, however, not advisable. Also, some of the buses have no electric ports for charging, so it is good to have your phone or tablet charged before the trip.

Best Time to Travel

Whether you are commuting for business or leisure, the optimum travel time is early morning from 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM and evening after 7:00 PM. Buses are less crowded, and the traffic conditions are better in general.

Mid-afternoon departures should be avoided, if possible, as road congestion near Sharjah is typically at its peak during that time, especially on weekdays.

Must visit: Muwaileh Bus Terminal Sharjah Route Guide

Travel Tips for Al Ain to Sharjah Bus By

To make your journey smoother, it would be beneficial to follow these few simple travel tips:

Arrive early: Reach the station 10–15 minutes before the departure time to buy your ticket and find a suitable seat.

Carry Essentials: Bring water, light snacks, and a neck pillow for comfort.

Sayer Card Balance Check: Make sure you have enough credit to avoid delays at boarding.

Avoid Peak Hours: Morning (8–10 AM) and evening (5–7 PM) traffic can increase travel time significantly.

Dress Comfortably: Since the bus is air-conditioned, wear light clothing. A scarf or jacket is ideal for cooler temperatures.

Stay Connected: Download maps or entertainment beforehand since Wi-Fi isn’t available.

Alternative Travel Options

If you are looking for an option, you could use your own private car or taxi from Al Ain to Sharjah, but this is considerably more costly:

Taxi Fare: Approximately AED 250–300 for one way.

Car Travel Time: Roughly 2 hours, dependent on traffic.

For budget travelers or daily commuters, the AED 33 bus remains the most economical and dependable choice.

Why Choose the Bus Over Driving?

Bus travel instead of driving has several advantages:

Price-effective: a fraction of the cost of fuel or taxi fare

Environmentally friendly: Reduces carbon emissions and traffic congestion.

Stress-free: You can read or nap while traveling.

Assured Schedule: It is easy to plan due to the hourly departures.

Public transportation in the UAE has advanced greatly, and this intercity link is just one of the many examples showing how it has brought together efficiency and affordability.

Summary Table: Al Ain to Sharjah Bus Information

Final Thoughts

The Al Ain to Sharjah bus service is one of the most convenient, affordable, and comfortable ways to travel between the two emirates. It came with consequent hourly departures, each being air-conditioned and priced at just AED 33, which made it perfect for workers, students, and tourists traveling around the UAE.

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