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Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Sharjah Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
Quick Links
Its the most PATHETIC airport I have ever seen in my life. Airports in India are much better. – Ted
SHJ Airport Hotels
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Sharjah International Airport.
What to Expect
The small, outdated terminal at Sharjah Airport (code: SHJ) handles Middle Eastern and Asian traffic. Travellers report crowded areas, dirty bathrooms, poor customer service, and no comfortable seating. Facilities include a variety of local and Western eateries (all are 24 hours!) as well as duty-free and retail shops. Free WiFi helps pass the time. Economy class passengers can pay to enter an airport lounge that has showers.
Sleeping in Sharjah Airport
Many travellers have spent the night here, but they sure aren’t happy about it. Seats have armrests and are made of hard plastic, so most sleepers wind up on the uncarpeted floor. A sleeping bag or travel mat is handy. Consider paying for a room or staying in the city center. For uninterrupted sleep, an Airport Transit Hotel rents day and overnight rooms. Other hotels are located within walking distance. See our Airport Hotels section below for more info.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Sharjah Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Cots
The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Sharjah Airport:
- Airport Transit Hotel – Located inside the terminal, this hotel offers 13 rooms (private and shared). Amenities include 24-hour room service, doctor-on-call, and laundry service. Rooms include a minibar, safe, hair dryer, and satellite TV.
Rates start at AED 110 (1 to 6 hours), AED 500 for day use (up to 12 hours), and AED 720 for an overnight stay with breakfast. Day use without a meal is AED 280 (up to 6 hours). Shared accommodation starts at AED 300 per person per night. » Check Rates - Centro Sharjah – Located adjacent to the terminal, within walking distance. No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
- Sharjah International Airport Hotel – Located opposite the international terminal, within walking distance. No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels in Sharjah, search for deals and read traveller reviews.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
If you are an economy class traveller, you can enter this lounge at Sharjah Airport through a lounge membership program.
- First & Business Class Lounge – Location: Airside, 1st Floor, Transit Area. Showers are available. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Pay at Door • Lounge membership programs.
- The Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Departures. Showers are available. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door (AED 157.50) • Prepaid lounge passes • Membership programs.
Drinking Water
A reader tells us there are many water fountains and bottle refill stations near the food court. (July 2024)
Food & Drinks
Food options are available throughout the terminal, including Cafe Med • Chinese House Restaurant • Chocolix • Costa Coffee • Dunkin’ Donuts • Krispy Kreme • London Dairy • McDonald’s • Mumbai Spices • On the Wood • Subway • Urrzza • World News Cafe.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
Mobile Charging
A reader tells us, “There are power outlets under the seats just before security for gates 1-3. Also there are charging stations at the Hudson cafe near the food court.” (October 2025)
Showers
Freshen up before your flight. Showers are available in the lounge. [ see Airport Lounges above ]
WiFi/Internet
Free WiFi is available at the Sharjah Airport.
Security & Safety
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
More Airport Information
Note: Locations, hours, and rates may change. Information is provided for general reference only.
- ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs are available landside and airside. Machines are operated by multiple banks. Fees may apply; check your bank’s fee schedule and withdrawal limits before travelling internationally.
- Baby Care Facilities – Nursing rooms are available throughout the terminal.
- Banking Services – Emirates NBD has a branch on the 1st floor of the Main Dome.
- Business Centre – Phone, fax, and internet services are available. Location: Airside.
- Children’s Play Area – A supervised play area is available airside.
- Currency Exchange – Exchange services are available throughout departures and transit areas. Salim Exchange also has a location in Arrivals.
- Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available airside. Additional retail shops are located throughout the terminal.
- Information Desk – Information desks are available for passenger assistance.
- Luggage Trolleys – Available free of charge.
- Medical Services – Emergency medical services are available landside in the Main Dome (24 hours).
- Pharmacy – Pharmacies and Pharmashop vending machines are available throughout the terminal.
- Prayer Rooms and Mosque – Prayer rooms with separate facilities for men and women are available in the transit area and Departures (ground floor). Mosques are located near the East and West cargo terminals.
- Smoking Rooms – Designated smoking rooms are located throughout the terminal.
- Telephones – Public phones are available. Free local calls (within Sharjah) may be offered; international calls require payment.
- Travel Agencies – A SATA Travel Agency is located in the main terminal.
Buses
Muwasalat offers coach bus connections to Sharjah (3 different routes). Buses depart approximately every 15 minutes. At the time of this update, a one-way adult ticket costs 8 AED. For fares, routes and schedules, visit the Muwasalat website.
Air Arabia offers its passengers comfortable coach bus service. Check with the airline.
Car Rentals
The following companies have an office in Sharjah airport: Arizoona Group • Auto Lease • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Emirates Car Rental • Europcar • Hertz • Maximum Rent a Car • Sayara • Sixt • Thrifty.
Hotel Shuttles
See also Airport Hotels above.
Taxis
Taxis are available 24 hours at the taxi stands outside each terminal’s arrivals area. Note: All taxi trips leaving the airport have an additional charge of AED 20.
Last updated: 2026-03-26
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.