🏙️ 1. Introduction
Sharjah, the cultural heart of the UAE, is not only known for its heritage and art museums but also for its well-organized and ever-evolving public transport system. Among its key pillars, Sharjah Bus Routes form the lifeline that connects its bustling city center with suburban neighborhoods, industrial zones, and major landmarks.
With continuous modernization under the Sharjah Roads & Transport Authority (SRTA), 2025 brings new updates to Sharjah Bus Routes — improved schedules, cleaner buses, better accessibility, and smart travel integration with apps and Sayer cards. Whether you’re a resident commuting daily from Rolla to Muwailah or a visitor traveling from Sahara Centre to Al Majaz, this complete 2025 guide will help you travel like a local.
By the end of this guide, you’ll understand every key route, fare, timing, and tip related to Sharjah Bus Routes, helping you navigate the city affordably and confidently.
🧭 2. Sharjah’s Public Transport Network & System Overview
The SRTA (Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority) manages the city’s public transportation system, ensuring that all Sharjah Bus Routes operate efficiently, safely, and punctually. The fleet is primarily run by Mowasalat, the public transport operator of Sharjah, which has modernized its buses to meet international safety and environmental standards.
✳️ Key Facts (2025):
- Average fare: AED 8 (cash) or AED 6 with Sayer Card.
- Service hours: from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, depending on route.
- Clean-energy initiative: Introduction of low-emission and hybrid buses to meet the UAE’s 2030 Green Goals.
- Air-conditioned stops: Many Sharjah Bus Routes now feature shaded or air-conditioned waiting stations.
- Bus stops are equipped with digital boards showing real-time bus arrival data.
The city’s transport system integrates with nearby emirates like Dubai, Ajman, and Fujairah, offering smooth intercity connectivity. This alignment means passengers can switch between SRTA and RTA networks easily using similar route systems and transfer points like Al Jubail Bus Station.
🚏 3. Major Sharjah Bus Routes (2025 Update)
Sharjah’s urban and inter-district bus lines are organized numerically, each designed to connect specific neighborhoods, malls, industrial areas, and transport hubs. Below is an updated 2025 snapshot of the main Sharjah Bus Routes operating daily.
🚍 3.1 Route 1 – Rolla Terminal ↔ Sahara Centre
This popular Sharjah Bus Route links Rolla Terminal to Sahara Centre through Jubail, King Faisal Street, Al Wahda, and Al Nahda. It’s the go-to route for shoppers and residents heading toward the Dubai border.
- Timings: 06:10 AM – 11:00 PM
- Frequency: Every 10–12 minutes
- Highlights: Connects major malls and city centers
🏢 3.2 Route 3 – Rolla Terminal ↔ Safari Mall
Another high-demand service, this route connects residential and commercial hubs like Al Khan and Maliha Road.
- Stops: King Faisal St, Al Khan, Industrial Area 2, Safari Mall
- Ideal for: Employees and students traveling daily
- Frequency: Every 15 minutes during peak hours
🌅 3.3 Route 7 – Rolla ↔ Sahara Mall via Corniche
Among the most scenic Sharjah Bus Routes, Route 7 passes by Sharjah Aquarium, Al Majaz Waterfront, and Expo Centre.
- Perfect for tourists exploring Corniche landmarks
- Frequency: Every 15–20 minutes
- Notable Stops: Aquarium, Al Taawun, Expo Centre
🛍️ 3.4 Route 8 / Route 9 – Rolla ↔ Sahara Mall
Short-distance loops connecting Rolla and Sahara Mall via Al Wahda and Nahda.
- Frequency: 15–20 minutes
- Purpose: Ideal for quick intra-city trips
✈️ 3.5 Route 14 & 14X – Rolla ↔ Sharjah Airport / Muwailah
Route 14 connects Rolla to Sharjah Airport, while 14X extends to Muwailah. These routes are vital for air travelers and students attending University City.
- Frequency: Every 20–25 minutes
- Fare: AED 8 (cash), AED 6 (Sayer)
- Stops: Airport Rd, Industrial Area 5, University City
🎓 3.6 Route 15 – Rolla ↔ University City
This route primarily serves students and university staff commuting between Rolla and University City.
- Frequency: 30 minutes
- Stops: Al Wahda St, University Rd, Airport vicinity
🏭 3.7 Route 77 – Muwailah ↔ Al Saja’a
This suburban Sharjah Bus Route connects workers and residents to industrial zones, offering affordable transport for long commutes.
- Frequency: Every 20–25 minutes
- Main Stops: Muwailah Terminal, Emirates Rd, Al Saja’a
🚛 3.8 Route 88 & 88X – Rolla ↔ Al Saja’a via Airport
Route 88 is one of the longest Sharjah Bus Routes, connecting Rolla with Al Saja’a. The 88X express version minimizes stops and reduces travel time by up to 25%.
🕓 3.9 Route 99 – Jubail ↔ Sharjah Airport
A crucial service for airport travelers operating until late night hours.
- Stops: Rolla, Zahra, Dhaid Rd
- Best For: Travelers connecting to flights
🕒 4. Bus Timings & Service Frequency
🗓️ Weekdays (Saturday–Thursday):
Most Sharjah Bus Routes start between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM, with final trips around 10:30–11:00 PM. Peak hours are 7:00–9:00 AM and 4:30–7:30 PM.
🌙 Weekends (Friday):
Weekend operations begin slightly later (around 7:00 AM) with reduced frequency on some routes.
🧩 Frequency Breakdown:
- Core routes (1, 3, 7): Every 10–15 minutes
- Secondary routes (8, 9, 77): Every 15–25 minutes
- Extended/Express (14X, 88X): Every 25–30 minutes
Passengers can track real-time arrival via the Sharjah Bus Routes App, available on Android and iOS, ensuring they don’t miss buses due to traffic fluctuations.
💳 5. Fares, Sayer Card, and Payment Options
The SRTA has simplified fare payment for Sharjah Bus Routes through the Sayer Card, offering discounted fares and seamless boarding.
🪙 Fare Structure (2025):
| Payment Type | Fare per Trip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cash | AED 8 | Pay directly to driver |
| Sayer Card | AED 6 | Tap-in/out system |
The Sayer Card can be purchased and recharged at:
- Rolla Terminal, Jubail Bus Station, Sahara Centre, and select kiosks.
- Online top-ups via SRTA or Mowasalat portals.
💡 Advantages:
- 25% cheaper than cash.
- Faster entry/exit.
- Compatible with future metro and tram systems under development.
🧍♂️ 6. How to Ride the Sharjah Bus Routes
Taking buses in Sharjah is straightforward once you understand the system. Here’s a complete step-by-step breakdown:
- Plan Ahead: Use Google Maps or the “Sharjah Bus Routes” mobile app to find the right bus number and stop.
- Arrive Early: Buses often follow a fixed schedule but may depart slightly early from terminals.
- Tap-In / Pay Cash: Tap your Sayer Card when boarding, or pay the driver in cash.
- Track Your Route: LED displays inside modern buses show next stops and route direction.
- Tap-Out When Leaving: This ensures accurate fare deduction.
- Respect Local Etiquette: Priority seating for women, seniors, and disabled passengers.
- Check Return Timings: Most routes are two-way; check the return schedule before your trip.
In 2025, the SRTA introduced more QR-enabled bus stops, allowing riders to scan codes for instant route details and live tracking — a major leap in digital transport transformation.
🔁 7. Intercity & Express Connections
Sharjah Bus Routes are not limited to city travel — intercity services link the emirate with nearby destinations efficiently.
🚉 Sharjah to Dubai Routes:
- E303 & E303A: Al Jubail ↔ Union Square (Deira, Dubai)
- E307 & E307A: Al Jubail ↔ Abu Hail Metro / Deira City Centre
- E315: Sharjah ↔ Rashidiya Metro (Dubai Airport area)
All routes offer connections every 20–30 minutes and accept Nol & Sayer card combinations in select cases.
🚌 Sharjah to Ajman & Umm Al Quwain:
Short intercity links via Al Jubail operate daily with fares starting at AED 10–15.
🌍 Sharjah to Muscat (Oman):
A special long-distance service connects Sharjah to Muscat, operating twice daily and crossing via Khatmat Malaha border post.
These expansions complement the local Sharjah Bus Routes, turning Sharjah into a regional transport hub.
✅ 8. Tips, Rider Etiquette & Safety
🌟 Tips for First-Time Riders:
- Use Sayer Cards for convenience.
- Keep coins for backup.
- Always check the digital signboards for correct route direction.
- Save the SRTA hotline (600 525252) for assistance.
🛡️ Safety & Comfort:
- All buses have CCTV and GPS monitoring.
- Designated sections for families and women.
- Modern buses are air-conditioned and wheelchair-accessible.
🧠 Pro Tip:
If you’re new to Sharjah, start with Route 1 or 7 — these lines pass many popular landmarks, giving you a city overview while costing less than AED 8.
🌿 9. Future Plans & Sustainability Goals
Sharjah aims to transform its Bus Routes into a sustainable, eco-friendly network by 2030.
Key 2025–2030 Initiatives:
- Integration with the proposed Sharjah Metro project.
- Electrification of 25% of city buses by 2027.
- AI-driven scheduling and predictive arrival systems.
- Expansion of bus stops in newly developed zones like Tilal City, Rahmaniya, and Aljada.
These improvements aim to make Sharjah Bus Routes not just a transport system, but an environmentally responsible and technologically advanced network connecting every part of the emirate.
🏁 10. Conclusion
In 2025, Sharjah Bus Routes represent more than public transport — they embody Sharjah’s vision of connectivity, sustainability, and accessibility. From affordable fares and well-connected routes to green buses and digital innovation, the SRTA continues to lead by example in the UAE’s transport modernization.
Whether you’re heading to work in Industrial Area 5, attending university in Muwailah, shopping at Sahara Centre, or catching a flight from Sharjah International Airport, the Sharjah Bus Routes system ensures you reach safely, comfortably, and on time.
For the latest route updates and live schedules, visit SRTA’s official website or download the Sharjah Bus Routes App.