Sharjah is about 30 km from Dubai, and the trip is a realistic day outing by intercity bus or ferry. From Tulip Creek Hotel Apartments, you can plan around RTA connections and choose a heritage or waterfront focus, with Sharjah Aquarium as a stop on the ferry route.
- Distance from Dubai: about 30 km.
- RTA has five operating intercity bus services connecting Dubai and Sharjah.
- The FR5 ferry connects Al Ghubaiba Marine Station with Sharjah Aquarium Marine Station.
- Ferry fares and departure times vary by ticket class and weekday.
Is Sharjah practical as a day trip from Deira?
Yes: Sharjah is close enough to plan as a day trip from Deira, with RTA bus routes and a ferry linking the two emirates. The most useful starting point depends on which Dubai station suits your plans.
Tulip Creek is an aparthotel in Deira, and a room at the aparthotel is described on its rooms page.
How do you get from Dubai to Sharjah?
RTA operates several cross-emirate bus routes, and its FR5 ferry runs between Dubai and Sharjah. Buses do not pick up or drop off passengers within the same emirate on Dubai–Sharjah routes, so board in Dubai and get off in Sharjah.
For the bus, match your Dubai departure point to your destination. E303 runs from Union Station to Al Jubail; E306 links Al Ghubaiba Bus Station with Al Jubail; and E307 connects Deira City Centre with Al Jubail. E307A runs from Abu Hail to Al Jubail, while E315 connects Etisalat Station with Muwaileh.
For help planning the first leg from the airport, the guide to getting from Dubai International Airport to Deira covers the hotel area.
Nol cards can be used only on RTA buses. People of Determination with personal nol cards can travel free on intercity buses.
The ferry is an alternative if Sharjah Aquarium suits your itinerary: FR5 connects Al Ghubaiba Marine Station with Sharjah Aquarium Marine Station. Adult one-way fares are AED 15 for Silver class and AED 25 for Gold class.
Children under 5 and People of Determination travel free. You can pay with a nol Card or buy a ticket at a marine-station kiosk or point-of-sale system.
Choose a heritage or waterfront focus
Choose your main area before setting out, since the bus and ferry serve different arrival points in Sharjah. Al Jubail is the arrival station for several Dubai bus routes, while the ferry arrives at Sharjah Aquarium Marine Station.
If you are travelling from Deira to your departure point, this guide to Deira’s metro, bus and abra connections covers local transport options.
For a heritage-focused outing, take a bus route to Al Jubail and plan around the heritage district. For a waterfront-focused day, the ferry places you at the Aquarium marine station.
Can you add Sharjah Aquarium to the day?
Yes. Sharjah Aquarium Marine Station is the Sharjah end of the FR5 ferry, making the aquarium a straightforward fit with a waterfront-focused route.
Ferry departure times vary by weekday. RTA advises arriving at the station 15 minutes before departure and notes that vessels do not operate during Friday prayer from 13:00 to 14:00. Before choosing the ferry, review RTA’s current FR5 timetable and fare details.
Plan your return and check travel updates
Choose a return service before you leave Dubai, especially if you are relying on the ferry, whose departures vary by weekday. Ferry timings may change, so check the official site before you go.
For bus departure updates, check the bus-station timetable, call the S’hail Call Centre on 600 500 605, or text the bus-stop number to 5223. The timetable page also directs passengers to check the current trip schedule before travelling.
FAQs
Which Dubai bus route goes to Al Jubail in Sharjah?
E303, E306, E307 and E307A all connect Dubai departure points with Al Jubail.
Does the Dubai–Sharjah ferry stop at the aquarium?
Yes. The FR5 ferry connects Al Ghubaiba Marine Station and Sharjah Aquarium Marine Station.
Can I use a nol Card on the Sharjah ferry?
Yes. FR5 tickets can be purchased with a nol Card or at a marine-station kiosk or point-of-sale system.