The UAE continually looks for ways to better the lives of its citizens, and the Dubai-Sharjah boat was another move in that regard.The ferry service introduced by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) allows residents of both emirates to easily move between the two and avoid gridlock. With many citizens opting to live in Sharjah, the UAE’s cultural the middle, and work in the nearby emirate of Dubai, the RTA service is useful to locals. MyBayut gives an in-depth primer to this ferry service, including schedules, ticket costs, and information on how to purchase tickets.
After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the popular service returned on August 4, 2023. As a result, you may go by ferry, escape peak hour traffic, and enjoy some peaceful views of both emirates along the route.
About the Dubai to Sharjah Ferry service
This ferry service will transport passengers between the Al Ghubaiba Marine Station in Dubai and the Aquarium Marine Station in Sharjah starting in 2019. It was the first marine transit service to connect Dubai to another emirate. The reopening of this service could help up to 1.3 million travellers.
According to His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, the ferry has not only improved the maritime transportation routes provided by RTA, but it has also helped reduce traffic on the roads by offering commuters with a safe and speedy alternative.
Currently, the RTA Dubai Ferry offers nine boats from eight locations in Dubai, including Al Ghubaiba, Dubai Marina Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, and Water Canal.
Ferry Route
The RTA Dubai Ferry to Sharjah connects the Al Ghubaiba Marine Station on Dubai Creek with the Aquarium Marine Station in the Al Khan area, next to the Sharjah Aquarium. The boat from Sharjah to Dubai takes around 35 minutes to sail between these two stations.
The interdependence of the two stations on the route was carefully examined. The Al Ghubaiba Marine Station is well-connected with RTA Bus and Dubai Metro stations nearby for those who want to go across the city. Meanwhile, there is plenty of parking at the Sharjah Aquarium Marine Centre. A shuttle bus service connects the Aquarium Marine district to Sharjah’s historical district.
Dubai to Sharjah Ferry timings
The RTA’s ferry service from Dubai to Sharjah provides different timetables for weekdays and weekends. MyBayut has provided the timetables for the Dubai-Sharjah ferry service for each of these itineraries. The timings for the Dubai-Sharjah ferry are provided below.
Ferry service from Dubai to Sharjah timings
Monday to Thursday
- There will be two nighttime trips from Sharjah, at 04:45 a.m. and 06:15 p.m. Three evening travels depart from Dubai at 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m.
Friday to Sunday
- From Friday to Sunday, three trips will depart at noon from both Dubai and Sharjah. There are also boat trips from Dubai to Sharjah at 3:00, 5:00, and 8:00 p.m. The timetables from Sharjah are 02:00 pm, 04:00 pm, and 08:00 pm.
Dubai to Sharjah Ferry ticket prices
The RTA ship between Dubai and Sharjah has two ticket categories: Silver Class and Gold Class. Take a look at the ferry fees from Dubai and Sharjah in both of these categories below.
- AED 15 per person (one-way) in Silver Class
- AED 25 per person (one-way) in Gold Class
Children under the age five and People of Determination receive free boat tickets from Dubai and Sharjah.
Commuters can purchase tickets in cash or by credit card from the ticket office at the marine stations. You can also use the Nol card or buy tickets online at the RTA website.
Quick facts about thr RTA Dubai Ferry
- Each RTA Dubai Ferry includes 100 luxurious seats, including 84 Economy seats, 14 Business seats, and 2 People of Determined spots.
- There are bathrooms available for men, women, and handicapped passengers.
- On the ferry, guests can buy food and drinks from a kiosk.
- Commuters may enjoy entertainment on the boat’s LCD displays, as well as Nahaam, a smart tourist guide that provides information on places along the route of the ferry.
- Commuters are able to take the ferry from Al Ghubaiba Marine Station to the Dubai Water Canal, Dubai Marina Mall, and Jumeirah Beach.
- A sightseeing trip from Dubai Marina Mall to Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis Dubai is also offered through Dubai Ferry.
If you anticipate using this route often, you might consider residing near these stations. Consider some of the rental flats in Al Fahidi, which is close to the Al Ghubaiba Marine Station. If you choose to live in Sharjah, there is a large portfolio of flats for rent in Al Khan, which is close to to the Aquarium Marine Station.
That takes us to the end of MyBayut’s guide on the Dubai-Sharjah boat service! Looking for more transport news? Take a look at what Salik Abu Dhabi has to offer.
