Sharjah

Overview

Sharjah, Dubai's neighboring emirate to the north, serves as major employment and residential destination for workers commuting from Dubai. Multiple intercity bus routes connect Dubai and Sharjah providing affordable transportation for daily commuters, business travelers, and visitors exploring the neighboring emirate.

Intercity Commuting Pattern

Sharjah hosts numerous manufacturing facilities, commercial establishments, and residential communities. Thousands of workers commute daily from Dubai residential areas to Sharjah employment, making Sharjah the most frequent intercity commuting destination from Dubai.

Passenger Demographics & Traffic Patterns

Daily Commuters

Primary demographic—workers employed in Sharjah commuting from Dubai residential areas. Heavy morning arrivals (5:30-8:30 AM) as workers head to Sharjah employment. Evening return traffic (4:00-6:30 PM) equally concentrated.

Business Travelers

Those conducting inter-emirate business operations.

Family Visitors

Relatives visiting across emirates.

Shopping-Focused

Those accessing Sharjah retail and commercial establishments.

Routes & Operating Hours

E303 Route (Union Square to Al Jubail)

• Operating Hours: 5:30 AM - 11:00 PM
• Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes
• Journey Time: 45-60 minutes depending on traffic
• Fare: Approximately AED 12-15 (Nol Card)

E306 Route (Al Ghubaiba to Al Jubail)

• Operating Hours: 6:00 AM - 11:30 PM
• Frequency: Every 30 minutes
• Fare: Approximately AED 12-15

E307 Route (Deira City Centre to Al Jubail)

Multiple routing options enabling flexible commuting

E307A Route (Abu Hail to Al Jubail)

Alternative routing from northern Dubai locations

E308 Route (Stadium to Al Jubail) - New Route (May 2025)

Latest addition to Sharjah intercity service with frequency every 20-30 minutes, enabling expanded commuting options

Commuter Experience

Morning Sharjah-bound buses are crowded with workers but run frequently ensuring timely departure. Standing-room-only conditions during peaks (6:00-8:00 AM) are typical. However, consistent frequency accommodates worker volume. The 45-60 minute journey involves city traffic navigation but is predictable and reliable.

Cost Efficiency vs. Alternatives

• Bus: AED 12-15 daily (approximately AED 240-300 monthly)
• Taxi: AED 60-100 per trip (approximately AED 1,200-2,000 monthly)
• Ride-Sharing: AED 50-80 per trip (approximately AED 1,000-1,600 monthly)
• Personal Vehicle: Fuel, parking, maintenance (AED 2,000-4,000+ monthly)

For Sharjah commuters, buses represent 80-90% savings compared to alternatives, making it economically essential for most workers.