Al Ain to Sharjah Bus Timings: Your Simple Guide for a Smooth Ride
Have you ever found yourself being pulled in different directions on an excursion? One minute you are enjoying Al Ain’s lush gardens and historical forts, and the next you are wandering through Sharjah’s colorful souks and waterfront walkways. With little stress or money spent on taxis or difficult ride-sharing services, you can travel across the UAE’s green heart and cultural hub. The speedy 118 bus gets you comfortably from one end of the desert to your destination, without needing to worry about transferring to a different mode of transportation. All you need to know to safely get on that bus are the hours, stops, and tickets, hacks, etc., to make the day as seamless and trouble-free as possible!
Table of Contents
- Why Ride the 118 Bus from Al Ain to Sharjah?
- Detailed Bus Schedule and Frequencies
- Route Map and Key Stops
- Ticket Prices and Payment Options
- Practical Tips for a Trouble-Free Ride
- Return Journey: Sharjah to Al Ain Timings
- Conclusion
Why Travel by Bus 118 from Al Ain to Sharjah?
The 118 bus is by far the best link between the two emirates, which is sponsored by the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA). It skips the traffic-jammed E22 highway by taking steady lanes, and at 33 AED one way, it is much better than transporting materials by car – no gas, no parking, and no wear and tear on your car.
It is also a favorite among daily commuters due to the consistent schedule, ideal for work shifts, and weekend travelers stand for a seat before traveling out.
All the buses travel air-conditioned, and up-to-date, with Wi-Fi and charging slots for your devices to utilize during the 2-hour-45-minute ride so that you can be productive, listening to a podcast or maybe people-watching. Additionally, when you reach Sharjah, the bus leaves you at central places, so it is easy to connect to your next ride. In a nation that has traffic on the roads all the time, this route does offer a nice and peaceful refuge, with date palms giving way to the Dubai skyline.
Detailed Bus Schedule and Frequencies
Timings remain constant throughout the year, with no significant changes for weekends or holidays, although double-check the SRTA app for occasional adjustments. The service starts early birds and finishes late owls, catering to most daily requirements.
Here’s a brief summary of departures from Al Ain Central Bus Station:
Time Slot Frequency Sample Departures (AM/PM)
3:45 AM – 6:00 AM Every 45 minutes 3:45, 4:30, 5:15, 5:45
6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Every 60 minutes 6:00, 7:00, ., 10:00, 11:00
Last bus departs at 11:00 PM sharp. Figure the entire ride will take around 2 hours and 45 minutes, give or take traffic. Rush hours, 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM, have buses fill quickly, so try off-peak if possible. The timing works flawlessly with Al Ain’s peaceful mornings and Sharjah’s evening rush, allowing passengers to wind down in the morning or relax afterward.
Route Map and Key Stops
The 118 takes a straight route on E95 and E22, skirting the rim of the Empty Quarter before bending into the urban grid of Sharjah. No detours equal fewer surprises, but the stops make pragmatic spots for pickups and fast breaks.
Major halts are:
- Al Ain Central Bus Station: First point, full of ticket booths and cafes.
- King Faisal Street: Picked up by residents from residential areas and malls.
- Ittihad Safeer Mall: Convenient for consumers or last-minute purchases.
- Ittihad Park: Green break in the midst of the suburbs.
- Al Wahda Street: Connects to local feeders in the suburbs.
- Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah: Terminal point, connected to city lines such as 1 and 99 for easy jumps to souks or the corniche.
Visualize the route: It begins flat and fertile in Al Ain, then extends out over open sands, ending through Sharjah’s industrial periphery to the center. Total distance is approximately 150 km, buses stopping only for getting on, no official rest stops, but water and snacks on board make things comfortable.
Ticket Prices and Payment Options
A single ticket runs 33 AED, covering the full ride end-to-end. Kids under 5 go free, and seniors snag discounts via SRTA’s loyalty cards. No round-trip deals yet, but buying multiples through the app shaves off small fees.
Payments stay modern:
- Nol Card: Tap and go, load up at stations or via app for seamless rides.
- Cash or Card at Kiosks: Available at both terminals for walk-ups.
- SRTA App: Reserve in advance, track live, and pay online to avoid lines.
Refunds? Occasionally, but if seats become available, up to 30 minutes before departure. Prices are fixed until 2025, but inflation rumors make an annual glance at revision worth it.
Practical Tips for a Hassle-Free Ride
Arrive 10-15 minutes ahead of time; buses are punctual, but seats disappear in a rush. Travel light: Overhead compartments accommodate standard bags, but strollers or large suitcases require the front compartment. Water bottles and earphones convert the roar of the engine into white noise.
Weather is a factor, as well. Hot summer days translate into guzzling water, and infrequent rains can push delays by 10-20 minutes. Use the SRTA app for live tracking; it buzzes notifications on updates. Front seats provide improved views for families, and WiFi streams maps in case detours invite side trips.
Accessibility is on point: ramps and priority seating ensure it is inclusive, with attendants ready to assist with questions. If COVID is ever on mind, masks remain voluntary, but sanitizers line all buses.
Return Journey: Al Ain to Sharjah Timings
The return side is identical to the outbound, preserving round-trip symmetry. From Al Jubail Bus Station:
Time Slot Frequency Example Departures (AM/PM)
3:45 AM – 6:00 AM Every 45 minutes 3:45, 4:30, 5:15, 5:45
6.00 AM – 11:00 PM
Every 60 minutes
6:00, 7: 00,., 10:00, 11:00.
Same 33 AED fare, same stops in reverse. It completes the loop just right, returning to Al Ain in the early morning or late evening. Pro tip: Coordinate returns with Sharjah evening markets for a day-long expedition without overnight accommodations.
Conclusion
The 118 bus jumps from the soothing heat of Al Ain to the high-energy thrill of Sharjah seems so smooth and convenient. When you identify a bus service that offers transparent timings, reasonable fares, and a direct route, it seamlessly integrates with busy schedules or unplanned escapades. You will just have to pick up that timetable, tap that Nol card, and allow the road to unfold, wherever your fantasy takes you.
