So, you’re in Dubai.
You’ve seen the glittering skyscrapers. You’ve wandered through the souks. You’ve even taken that mandatory selfie in front of the Burj Khalifa.
Now you’re craving something different.
A quick escape. A cultural shift. Something more traditional and less commercial.
Here’s an idea: take a day trip to Sharjah.
And the best way to do that?
Rent a car in dubai. It’s convenient, affordable, and gives you the flexibility to explore Sharjah at your own pace, without relying on buses, taxis, or ride-sharing.
Let’s break down how to make the most out of your road trip.
Why Visit Sharjah from Dubai?
Sharjah is like Dubai’s quieter, more traditional cousin.
While Dubai is all flash and flair, Sharjah offers authentic Emirati culture, stunning Islamic architecture, and a relaxed pace that’s perfect for a one-day escape.
In fact, UNESCO named it the Cultural Capital of the Arab World — and for good reason.
Here’s what makes Sharjah worth the drive:
- The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is world-class.
- Al Qasba is perfect for families and art lovers alike.
- Souq Al Arsah is one of the oldest markets in the UAE.
- You can experience the Heart of Sharjah, a restoration project preserving the city’s heritage.
In other words: it’s the cultural antidote to Dubai’s glitz.
Why Renting a Car is the Smartest Move
Here’s the truth:
Public transport between Dubai and Sharjah exists. But it’s slow, crowded, and limited to fixed schedules.
Taxis? Sure. But they’re expensive, especially if you plan on visiting multiple places in Sharjah.
Now compare that with a rental car:
- Freedom to move wherever and whenever you want.
- More stops along the way (like Al Mamzar Beach or Sharjah Aquarium).
- Comfort, especially if you’re traveling with family or luggage.
- Affordability, especially when split between a group.
Bottom line? A rental car saves you time, money, and headaches.
Best Route: How to Get to Sharjah by Car from Dubai
The fastest way to Sharjah?
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) or Al Ittihad Road (E11).
These are major highways connecting the two emirates. Depending on traffic, the drive takes anywhere from 25 to 45 minutes.
That said, avoid rush hours (7–10 AM and 4–7 PM). Traffic between Dubai and Sharjah can be brutal during peak times.
Want pro-level road trip advice?
Use Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic updates. Some rental cars even come with GPS built-in, which can make your trip smoother.
Documents You’ll Need Before You Drive
You can’t just hop in a car and hit the road.
Before you rent a car in Dubai, make sure you have:
- A valid driving license (UAE license or international driving permit if you’re a tourist).
- Your passport and visa copy.
- A credit card for the security deposit.
- Your Emirates ID (if you’re a resident).
Pro tip: always carry original documents, not just digital copies. Police checks between emirates are rare, but they can happen.
What Kind of Car Should You Rent?
This depends on your travel goals.
Want comfort? Go for a sedan like a Toyota Camry or Nissan Altima.
Planning a family trip? A SUV (like a Nissan X-Trail or Toyota Fortuner) gives you space, safety, and power.
Going solo or as a couple? A compact car will be fuel-efficient and easy to park in Sharjah’s sometimes-tight streets.
And if you want to turn heads in Al Qasba?
Why not go for a luxury car — Dubai is the place to try it.
Where to Stop in Sharjah (Perfect Day Itinerary)
Let’s map out the perfect day trip.
Here’s a Sharjah itinerary optimized for driving:
1. Morning: Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
Start your day with this landmark museum. It’s packed with stunning artifacts, ancient manuscripts, and Islamic calligraphy.
Parking? No problem. There’s plenty.
2. Midday: Lunch at Al Majaz Waterfront
Head to Al Majaz, Sharjah’s top waterfront destination. Choose from cafés, restaurants, and even food trucks — with views of the lagoon.
Need to walk off lunch? The Corniche is right there.
3. Afternoon: Heart of Sharjah and Souq Al Arsah
Explore old-school Sharjah. Walk through restored alleyways, historic buildings, and traditional markets. It’s like stepping back in time.
Park your car and explore on foot. Then swing by Souq Al Arsah, grab some Arabic coffee, and shop for handmade crafts.
4. Evening: Al Qasba and Eye of the Emirates
Finish your day with a ride on the Eye of the Emirates, Sharjah’s version of a Ferris wheel.
Al Qasba is lively at night, with restaurants, light shows, and canals. Grab dinner, relax, and then head back to Dubai.
Hidden Gems to Explore (If You Have Extra Time)
If you’re feeling adventurous and have a few hours to spare, consider:
- Sharjah Desert Park (for wildlife lovers)
- Blue Souq (aka Central Market, for antique shopping)
- Al Noor Island (an artsy garden island with butterfly house)
With your rental car, these spots are just a 10–15 minute drive apart.
That’s the beauty of driving: You can customize your journey on the fly.
Driving Rules to Know Before You Go
Driving between Dubai and Sharjah is easy — if you follow the rules.
Here’s what you need to remember:
- Speed limits are strictly enforced. Expect speed cameras.
- No phone use while driving (unless it’s hands-free).
- Always wear your seatbelt — front and back seats.
- Don’t run red lights. Penalties are steep.
Also, keep an eye out for paid parking zones in Sharjah. Most areas accept coins, cards, or SMS payments via UAE apps.
Fuel Up Before You Leave Sharjah
Before heading back to Dubai, top off your fuel tank.
Why?
Most rental companies require you to return the car with a full tank. If not, they’ll charge you — and their prices are usually higher than the local station.
Look for ENOC or Adnoc stations on your route back.
Final Thoughts: Renting a Car in Dubai for a Sharjah Day Trip is a Game-Changer
Let’s wrap this up.
Taking a day trip to Sharjah is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have while visiting the UAE.
It’s culture-rich. It’s authentic. And it’s just a short drive away.
By choosing to rent a car in Dubai, you unlock total freedom to explore Sharjah on your own terms — from sunrise at the mosque to sunset over the lagoon.
So if you’re tired of the tour buses and want to see the real UAE?
Rent that car. Hit the road. And let Sharjah surprise you.
