When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Sharjah?
You will likely find cheap flights to Sharjah during the summer months (May to September), as that time of year is the low season. Before you travel, take into account that temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius in the summer, which can make it very difficult to sightsee and enjoy the city. Ramadan takes place from 15 May to 14 June in 2018, which may restrict your food options in the city. It is best to travel during the peak season (October to April) for more comfortable weather.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Sharjah?
To get cheap flights to Sharjah in the peak season, book at least three months in advance of your travel dates. You may find some bargains if you keep your travel dates flexible. Occasionally, some airlines may also offer deals on last-minute flights for this time of year.
Flying to Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
SHJ is the base for the budget airline Air Arabia. It is located about 13 kilometres from the city centre. In 2016, more than 11 million passengers passed through Sharjah International Airport.
Passengers from the United Kingdom (UK) have a number of options when travelling to Sharjah. There are no direct flights to Sharjah from the UK, but indirect routes from most UK airports are available. Airlines that offer Sharjah flights include Air Arabia, EgyptAir, Jet Airways and Air India. Indirect flights to Sharjah will have stopovers in cities, such as Cairo or Istanbul. It may be necessary for you to change airlines during your stopover, but this is not always the case.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
Sharjah International Airport has one passenger terminal. There are many passenger amenities at SHJ, including multiple currency exchange centres and ATMs, a supervised children’s play area, prayer rooms and business and VIP lounges. There are also plenty of places to buy food and drinks or if you’d like to do some shopping, duty-free stores are easy to find. Smoking is not allowed, although there are designated smoking rooms located within the airport. The airport also has computer and free Wi-Fi facilities.
Getting to the City from Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Visitors to Sharjah have several options for transport to the city centre. The company Mowasalat provides coaches to and from the city every 15 minutes. The airline Air Arabia also provides coach services between Sharjah International Airport and other cities in the country. Taxis are also available outside the terminal; the taxis run on a meter, but they can also be booked in advance. Visitors also have the option of hiring a car with 11 companies to choose from at the airport.
Why Visit Sharjah?
Declared the Cultural Capital of the Arab World by UNESCO in 1998 and 2014, Sharjah doesn’t dazzle in quite the same way as its more populous and famous neighbour, Dubai, but it, nevertheless, shouldn’t be overlooked. As the third-largest city in the UAE, visitors can soak up Islamic culture at its many heritage buildings and museums, such as the country’s oldest market, Souq al-Arsah, or enjoy an afternoon at the Museum of Islamic Civilisation.
The centre of Sharjah is easily accessible on foot. Within a few hours, you can take in multiple art centres, souks and excellent museums. After you’ve dipped your toes into the cultural side of Sharjah, you can spend some time in nature; relax on a beach or head out into the desert to explore. Dubai is also just a 30-minute taxi ride away from the centre of Sharjah if you want to experience its world-famous glitz and glamour.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
British citizens will receive a visitor’s visa upon arrival in the UAE, which is valid for 30 days. Your passport will need to be valid for a minimum period of six months from your date of entry into the UAE. Some medicines available in the UK are considered a controlled substance in the UAE, so if you take any medication, consult the UAE’s Ministry of Health website for advice prior to your trip. The currency in the UAE is the dirham. While it is recommended that you have some with you when you arrive, there are many ATMs and currency exchanges available.
