Al Ain to Sharjah Bus Timing today You probably need to go straight to the point – the following will be useful for you: Route 118, operated by the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA), operates every day between Al Ain and Sharjah. The earliest bus departs at 3:45 AM, and the last bus goes at 11:00 PM. The travel time is 2 hours 45 minutes with the distance of 151 km. Finally, the fare is AED 33.
Al Ain to Sharjah Bus Route Map Live
Timetable of Route 118 (Earliest Bus, Latest Bus & Frequency)
Timing of the First Bus from Al Ain
The earliest bus departure time from Al Ain Central Bus Station is 3:45 AM. In case you need to leave Al Ain early, this bus is for you. Some people use this bus in order to reach their workplace before the working day starts.
Timing of the Last Bus from Al Ain
Despite being late, there are a couple of alternatives. The latest bus departs at 11:00 PM, allowing reaching Sharjah no matter what time of the day it is.
Al Ain to Sharjah Bus Timings Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Bus Number | 118 |
| Route | Al Ain to Sharjah |
| Operator | Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) |
| First Bus | 3:45 AM |
| Last Bus | 11:00 PM |
| Service Days | Monday to Sunday |
| Ticket Price | AED 33 (One Way) |
| Travel Time | Approximately 2 Hours 45 Minutes |
| Distance Covered | Approximately 151 km |
| Departure Station | Al Ain Central Bus Station |
| Arrival Station | Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah |
Al Ain to Sharjah Bus Timing today

Al Ain to Sharjah Bus Weekly Schedule
| Departure (Al Ain) | Arrival (Sharjah) |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | 8:30 AM |
| 7:00 AM | 9:30 AM |
| 8:00 AM | 10:30 AM |
| 9:00 AM | 11:30 AM |
| 9:45 AM | 12:15 PM |
| 10:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| 11:15 AM | 1:45 PM |
| 12:00 PM | 2:30 PM |
| 12:45 PM | 3:15 PM |
| 1:30 PM | 4:00 PM |
| 2:15 PM | 4:45 PM |
| 3:00 PM | 5:30 PM |
| 3:45 PM | 6:15 PM |
| 4:30 PM | 7:00 PM |
| 5:15 PM | 7:45 PM |
| 6:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 6:45 PM | 9:15 PM |
| 7:30 PM | 10:00 PM |
| 8:15 PM | 10:45 PM |
| 9:00 PM | 11:30 PM |
| 10:00 PM | 12:30 AM (next day) |
| 11:00 PM | 1:30 AM (next day) |
| 12:00 AM | 2:30 AM (next day) |
How Often Do Buses Depart?
Contrary to many city loop services, Route 118 operates according to the fixed timetable and doesn’t depart frequently. Thus, we highly recommend checking the live schedule via an app or the station counter.
Weekdays vs Weekend Timing Differences
The good news is that there are no changes according to the day of the week as this route operates 7 days a week. However, SRTA may sometimes change the timing due to public holidays or peak periods. Thus, it is necessary to check the schedule carefully if you travel on Fridays, long weekends, or national holidays.
Consider that weather, road works, traffic, or any SRTA Service Notice may affect the timing, so consider the schedule given above as the general one, and check the timing of the particular day of your travel through the SRTA app or Moovit transit tracker.
Route 118 Map & Stops Explained
Route 118 includes six stops between Al Ain and Sharjah:
- Al Ain Central Bus Station
- King Faisal Street
- Ittihad Safeer Mall Shop
- Ittihad Park
- Al Wahda Street
- Al Jubail Bus Station (Sharjah)
Where to Board in Al Ain
Your boarding point will be Al Ain Central Bus Station as this point is the hub for intercity services.
Where to Board in Sharjah
At the end of the journey, you need to board at Al Jubail Bus Station, which is the main hub of Sharjah. From there, you may connect to local Sharjah buses and RTA intercity services such as E303 to Dubai.
How Long Does It Take To Travel from Al Ain to Sharjah by Bus?
Prepare to spend about 2 hours 45 minutes during this journey, covering 151 km. So, you will have quite much time to spend, which should be considered before your journey.
What Factors May Affect Travel Time
There are several factors which may make your journey longer:
Traffic at peak hours near urban areas of the route
- Road works and diversions on the highway;
- Weather conditions such as dust storm or heavy rain;
- Additional time spent at stops during busy periods.
- If you are in a hurry, allow yourself some extra minutes – 20–30 in case of Route 118.
Bus vs Driving vs Taxi – Which One is Faster and Cheaper?
Both driving and taking a taxi will allow saving some time, but you will need to pay much more than using the bus service. Instead of driving, you may opt for the bus.
Cost of the Ticket from Al Ain to Sharjah (Route 118)
The price of a one-way ticket is AED 33.
How to Pay
To ride on SRTA and RTA intercity services, you need to pay the fare with a smart card such as NOL or Sayer. Before traveling, make sure that your card is charged as there may be some difficulties to buy a ticket at the station.
How Much Will a Round-Trip Cost?
In case you plan to make a round-trip, you need to consider that you will need two tickets and the cost of the round trip will be AED 66. Additionally, you may charge your smart card with some extra balance as you may need to connect to another transport service after arriving.
Is There a Direct Bus from Al Ain to Sharjah?
Yes, there is. Some old articles on the Internet say that you need to make a transfer somewhere during your journey. But the truth is that Route 118 operates as a direct service between Al Ain Central Bus Station and Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah, and there are no transfers. In case you saw any contradicting information on the web, trust the current timetable provided by SRTA: board the bus once in Al Ain, and you will reach Sharjah.
Alternatives to the Bus – What Are the Fastest Ones?
There are also some other variants to travel from Al Ain to Sharjah, including:
Taxi – roughly AED 250–300, faster than the bus as the passenger doesn’t need to follow the schedule but more expensive;
Ridesharing – competitive prices, especially if you are interested in carpooling services, and also flexible regarding timing;
Private car hire – AED 300–500 for chauffeur-driven service – rather comfortable variant in case you prefer comfort and privacy;
Car rental – AED 100–250 per day (fuel is excluded);
So, you may choose anything which fits you best.
Tips for a Comfortable Bus Journey from Al Ain to Sharjah
There are some tricks which will help you to have a comfortable journey:
- Reach the bus station at least 10–15 minutes before the departure;
- Take your water, headphones, or a book as this is a long journey;
- Check the live schedule of the bus in advance through the SRTA app or Moovit;
- Make sure you have enough money on your NOL or Sayer cards or small cash, in case of accepting it;
- Travel off-peak in order to avoid peak-hour traffic.
Who Uses This Bus Route?
Route 118 is used to provide an invaluable service to the users of this route. Commuters use this route for commuting to work or studies, and also some use it for their families. Jobseekers also appreciate this service as they are able to attend their interviews in time without spending much money on taxis.
RTA Customer Care Number of Sharjah
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Sharjah RTA Helpline Number | 600 525252, +971 6 5580097 |
| Sharjah RTA Helpline Email | info@srta.gov.ae |
| Sharjah RTA Address | P.O. Box No. 30330, Sharjah, UAE |
| Authority Name | Sharjah Roads & Transport Authority |
Conclusion
Route 118 is the most convenient and fast way to travel from Al Ain to Sharjah – it operates 365 days a year from 3:45 AM to 11:00 PM, covering 151 km in about 2 hours 45 minutes, for the fare of AED 33. Nevertheless, there may be some changes in the schedule according to live conditions, and it is recommended to check the live timetable through the SRTA app. Don’t forget this page when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first departure of the Al Ain to Sharjah bus?
The first bus of Route 118 departs from Al Ain Central Bus Station at 3:45 AM daily.
How much does the Al Ain to Sharjah bus ticket cost?
One-way ticket costs AED 33.
How long does it take to travel from Al Ain to Sharjah by bus?
The travel takes approximately 2 hours 45 minutes covering about 151 km.
Do I need to transfer when traveling from Al Ain to Sharjah by bus?
Route 118 operates as a direct service – you need to board at Al Ain Central Bus Station and then reach Sharjah without making transfers.
What is the last bus from Al Ain to Sharjah at night?
The last bus departs at 11:00 PM daily.

