Dubai to Sharjah Ferry – How Does it Work?

Where to Catch the Dubai to Sharjah Ferry

Managed by the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) in Dubai, the Dubai terminal is situated at Al Ghubaiba Marine Station in Dubai, which is adjacent to the Al Ghubaiba Metro and bus station, a large transportation hub in Bur Dubai.

Your journey from Dubai to Sharjah will take approximately 35 minutes and will take you to Aquarium Marine Station in Sharjah.

If you’re catching the ferry in reverse from Sharjah to Dubai, there is a comfortable air-conditioned waiting area and parking spaces. We await news of a shuttle returning between the city’s cultural district and ferry stations.

When Does the Ferry to Sharjah Operate

Operating times for the Dubai to Sharjah Ferry (route FR5) are:

• Monday to Thursday: 7:45 AM, 4:00 PM, 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM
• Friday to Sunday: 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM

To catch the ferry in reverse Sharjah to Dubai, operating hours are:

• Monday to Thursday: 7:00 AM, 8:30 AM, 4:45 PM and 6:15 PM
• Friday to Sunday: 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM

For the latest information, contact the RTA directly at 800 9090 or see the timetables here.

Tickets for the ferry can be purchased from the ticket office with cash, credit card, or NOL card. There is a differential pricing for the “Silver” (regular) class and “Gold” first class.

• Silver AED 15
• Gold AED 25
• Children under 6 are Free
• People of Determination are Free

Is Gold worth it? Gold-class ticket holders not only get more space on the ferry, but they can also use the outside deck for the best views; it’s up to you, really. For a once-in-a-lifetime type trip to Dubai, why not spoil yourselves for a couple of dollars more? For regular commuters, especially in summer, you’ll be just fine in the main Silver cabin.

There is also a nol top-up machine on the Sharjah side, or you can use cash/card for a ticket to board the ferry back; the fares are the same for your return journey. (They don’t seem to sell a return ticket; you have to pay for a separate ticket in each direction).

What to expect on board the Dubai to Sharjah Ferry

Unlike the small wooden abras you see floating along the Dubai Creek, this is a sleek, modern ferry service.

The comfortable seating can handle up to 84 passengers in Silver Class and 14 passengers in Gold Class (separated by opaque glass walls). There are bathrooms on board, free Wi-Fi, and a refreshments stall. And the boat is, of course, fully airconditioned for year-round comfort.

Your ferry journey takes you past the Al Shindagha Museum and historic district and the historic areas of Dubai Creek, which have been in existence for over 150 years. You’ll pass by the Waterfront Market area and Mamzar Park in Dubai before crossing into the Aquarium Station in Sharjah.

Things to do in Sharjah

Sharjah makes for a wonderful day trip from Dubai, particularly if you are interested in Islamic culture and history. We have a detailed guide to the best Museums in Sharjah here.

The ferry is close to Sharjah Aquarium, which is highly acclaimed and a popular site for families to visit.

Heading beyond the waterfront, you may find it easier to catch a taxi to complete your journey to other sites, we have been unable to confirm t this stage if the promised shuttle service is currently running as at late 2023.

Our complete day trip guide to Sharjah is coming soon!

More Transport Advice in Dubai

Dubai has definitely become a sprawling urban metropolis in the Middle East, but the good news is that there is a growing public transport network to help keep you connected around the city and to the other emirate of the United Arab Emirates. You may like to read next: