All about the Dubai to Sharjah ferry service
The UAE is constantly looking to improve life for its residents and the Dubai to Sharjah ferry was another step towards that. Residents of both emirates can easily commute between the two emirates and avoid traffic using the ferry service launched by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). With many residents choosing to live in the cultural capital of the UAE, Sharjah and work in the neighbouring emirate of Dubai, the RTA service is beneficial for the residents. MyBayut provides a complete guide to this ferry service including timings, ticket prices and how to purchase tickets.
After a 3-year suspension due to the pandemic, the popular service resumed on 4th August 2023. So, you can travel via the ferry, avoid peak hour traffic and enjoy some serene views of both emirates along the way.
About the Dubai to Sharjah Ferry Service
In 2019, RTA launched this ferry service that will transport commuters between the Al Ghubaiba Marine Station in Dubai and the Aquarium Marine Station in Sharjah. It was the first marine transit service to be launched between Dubai and another emirate. As many as an estimated 1.3M passengers can benefit from the resumption of this service.
The ferry has not only added to the marine transport routes provided by RTA but also helped reduce traffic on the roads by giving commuters a safe and quick alternative, according to His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA.
The RTA Dubai Ferry currently has nine ferries operating from eight stations in Dubai, including Al Ghubaiba, Dubai Marina Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road and Water Canal.
FERRY ROUTE
The RTA Dubai Ferry to Sharjah operates between Al Ghubaiba Marine Station located on Dubai Creek to the Aquarium Marine Station, which is located next to the Sharjah Aquarium in the Al Khan area. The travel time between these two stations via the Sharjah to Dubai ferry is around 35 minutes, one way.
Both stations on the route were carefully chosen for their connectivity. The Al Ghubaiba Marine Station is well-connected with RTA Bus and Dubai Metro stations nearby, for those who want to get to other parts of the city. Meanwhile, the Aquarium Marine Station in Sharjah has plenty of parking facilities. Additionally, a shuttle bus service from the heritage district in the heart of Sharjah connects to the Aquarium Marine Station.
DUBAI TO SHARJAH FERRY TIMINGS
The Dubai to Sharjah ferry service by RTA has different timings for the weekdays and the weekend. MyBayut has listed the Dubai-Sharjah ferry service timings for each of these schedules. Take a look below for the Dubai-Sharjah ferry timings
FERRY SERVICE FROM DUBAI TO SHARJAH TIMINGS
MONDAY TO THURSDAY
- Two morning trips from Sharjah at 07:00 am and 08:30 am. One morning trip from Dubai at 07:45 am.
- Two evening trips from Sharjah at 04:45 am and 06:15 pm. Three evening trips from Dubai at 04:00 pm, 05:00 pm and 07:00 pm.
FRIDAY TO SUNDAY
- From Friday to Sunday, three trips will start from both Dubai and Sharjah at noon. Furthermore, you can travel via the ferry from Dubai to Sharjah at 03:00 pm, 05:00 pm and 08:00 pm. Whereas, from Sharjah, the timings are 02:00 pm, 04:00 pm and 08:00 pm.
DUBAI TO SHARJAH FERRY TICKET PRICES
There are two categories of tickets for the RTA ferry between Dubai and Sharjah: Silver Class and Gold Class. Take a look below at the Dubai-Sharjah ferry prices for both these categories
- Silver Class: AED 15 per person (one-way)
- Gold Class: AED 25 per person (one-way)
The Dubai Sharjah ferry tickets are free for children under the age of 5 years and People of Determination.
Commuters can purchase tickets from the ticket office at the marine stations via cash or credit card. One can also use the Nol card or purchase tickets via the RTA website.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE RTA DUBAI FERRY
- Each RTA Dubai Ferry has 100 comfortable seats with 84 Economy seats, 14 Business seats and 2 spaces for People of Determination
- There are restroom facilities on board for men, women and disabled travellers
- There is a kiosk on the ferry where passengers can buy snacks and drinks.
- Commuters can enjoy entertainment on LCD screens on the ferry, as well as Nahaam, a smart tourist guide that provides information about attractions on the ferry’s route.
- From the Al Ghubaiba Marine Station, commuters can also ride the ferry to the Dubai Water Canal, Dubai Marina Mall and Jumeirah Beach
- Dubai Ferry also has a sightseeing tour from Dubai Marina Mall to Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis Dubai
If you see yourself being a frequent user of this route, you should consider living close to these stations. Take a look at some of the rental apartments in Al Fahidi, which is a short distance from the Al Ghubaiba Marine Station. Alternatively, if you want to live in Sharjah, there is a wide portfolio of flats in Al Khan for tenants to choose from, which is close to the Aquarium Marine Station.
And that concludes MyBayut’s guide to the Dubai-Sharjah ferry service! Looking for more transport-related updates? Take a look at all you can expect from Salik Abu Dhabi. Or read up on MyBayut’s comprehensive guide to the Dubai Salik Toll, which covers everything from opening a Salik account to how to avoid Salik toll gates. And subscribe to MyBayut to stay updated on life in the UAE.
Used ferry first time today shj to Dubai. Great service alhamdulilah
Hi Hawwa,
We’re glad to hear your experience on the Dubai to Sharjah ferry was good! Please subscribe to MyBayut for more articles such as this on life in the UAE.
Loved your detailed info.
Thank you for the feedback!
What time on Friday is the last ferry from SJH to Dubai?
7:30 pm ??
Hi Tarun,
The last ferry from Aquarium Marine Station in Sharjah is at 09:00 pm on Fridays, as per the updated schedule provided by RTA.
Thank you!
Hi,,
Theres any online booking??
Hi Tom,
There is no online booking for the Dubai-Sharjah ferry currently. You can purchase tickets for the Dubai-Sharjah ferry at the marine stations, and pay via cash or credit/debit card.
All the best!
Appreciated the e details. Willing to have a ride from sharja to dubai
Thank you for the feedback! We hope you enjoy your ride on the Dubai-Sharjah ferry.
How to book tickets and from where
Hi Abdullah,
You can purchase tickets for the Dubai-Sharjah ferry at the marine stations, and pay via cash or credit/debit card. The Dubai-Sharjah ferry ticket prices are AED 15 for Silver Class (one-way) and AED 25 for Gold Class (one-way). Kids under the age of 5 years and People of Determination can ride for free.
All the best!
ferry service Sharjah to Dubai is open now for public?
Hi Johnson,
No, the Dubai to Sharjah ferry is currently not operational as part of the COVID-19 precautionary measures, according to RTA.
Thank you!
I read all but didn’t mention or highlighted if the service is active as it was suspended due to COVID 19
Hi Akhtar,
The Dubai to Sharjah ferry is still not operational as a precautionary measure against COVID-19. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for any other queries you may have.
Thank you!