Al Ain to Sharjah Bus Timing: Route 118 Guide

The SRTA Bus Route 118 connects Al Ain Central Bus Station to Sharjah’s Al Jubail Bus Station. The first bus departs at 6:30 AM, and the last bus leaves at 9:30 PM. Buses run roughly every 90 minutes, and the one-way ticket price is 30 AED.

Plan Your Trip: Route 118 Bus

• Check the Fare: The one-way trip costs 30 AED.
• Get Your Sayer Card: You must use an SRTA Sayer card to pay. Dubai’s Nol card and Abu Dhabi’s Hafilat card are not accepted on this route.
• Review the Return: Plan your trip back by checking the Sharjah to Al Ain bus schedule from Al Jubail Station.

SRTA Bus 118: Al Ain to Sharjah Bus Timing

Navigating between Al Ain and Sharjah is straightforward with the dedicated intercity bus service. Route 118 is the primary public transport link, managed by the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA).

This route is essential for residents, professionals, and tourists looking for an affordable and reliable way to travel between the two emirates.

Daily operating hours

The service runs seven days a week, including public holidays, ensuring consistent travel options.

The first bus from Al Ain Central Bus Station departs in the morning at 6:30 AM. The final bus of the day leaves at 9:30 PM.

Frequency of buses

The bus frequency is designed to manage peak and off-peak travel times.

According to SRTA’s published schedule, there are 11 departures a day from Al Ain Central Bus Station.

Buses leave roughly every 90 minutes between 6:30 AM and 9:30 PM, and the trip takes about 3 hours.

Complete schedule summary

Here is a quick-reference table for the Al Ain to Sharjah bus timing.

Service Window	Frequency	First Bus	Last Bus
All day	Every 90 minutes	6:30 AM	9:30 PM

Note: Timings are subject to change based on traffic conditions and official announcements. It’s always wise to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes early.

Fare and Payment: Ticket Price and Sayer Card

The bus service is not only reliable but also highly economical for intercity travel.

How much does the bus cost?

As of 2026, a one-way ticket for the Al Ain to Sharjah bus (Route 118) costs 30 AED.

This flat fare applies to the entire journey, regardless of which stop you disembark at between Al Ain and Sharjah.

How to pay for your ticket?

You cannot pay for this journey with cash, a Dubai Nol card, or an Abu Dhabi Hafilat card. Payment is made exclusively using the SRTA Sayer card.

Step 1: Purchase a Sayer Card

If you don’t have one, you must first purchase a Sayer card. These are available at the Al Ain Central Bus Station ticket counter.

Step 2: Top-Up Your Card

Ensure your Sayer card has a balance of at least 30 AED before you board. You can top up your card at the station’s ticket office or at SRTA Sayer card vending machines.

Step 3: Tap to Pay

Tap your Sayer card on the card reader located at the entrance of the bus when you board. You do not need to tap out when you disembark.

What is a Sayer card?

The Sayer card is SRTA’s smart electronic payment card used for all public transport services within and departing from Sharjah.

It functions just like the Nol and Hafilat cards, storing your travel credit electronically. It is essential for anyone using Sharjah’s intercity bus network.

Route 118 Journey Details and Main Stops

The route is a direct connection, designed for efficiency with a few key stops along the way.

Total travel time

The estimated journey time from Al Ain to Sharjah is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours.

This duration can vary significantly based on traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours in the morning and evening.

Departure: Al Ain Central Bus Station

Your journey begins at the Al Ain Central Bus Station. This is the main hub for all intercity and city bus services in Al Ain, operated by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of Abu Dhabi.

Be sure to locate the specific departure bay for the SRTA Route 118 to Sharjah.

Key stops on the way

Route 118 is an intercity express, so it has limited stops to ensure a faster journey. The main stops after departing Al Ain are:

1. Al Ain Central Bus Station
2. King Faisal Street
3. Ittihad Safeer Mall Shop
4. Ittihad Park
5. Al Wahda Street
6. Al Jubail Bus Station (Final Destination)

Arrival: Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah

The bus terminates at the Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah. This is a major, modern transport hub located next to the Al Jubail Souk (Fish, Fruit & Vegetable Market) and near the Central Souk.

From Al Jubail, you can easily connect to Sharjah city buses (Mowasalat) or find taxis to your final destination.

The Return Journey: Sharjah to Al Ain Bus Timing

For your trip back, you will take the same Route 118 from Sharjah to Al Ain.

Finding the bus at Al Jubail Station

The return bus departs from the Al Jubail Bus Station. This station is well-organized with clear signages for different routes. Look for the departure bay designated for Route 118 to Al Ain.

Sharjah to Al Ain schedule

The Sharjah to Al Ain bus operates on a schedule nearly identical to the Al Ain to Sharjah route.

• First Bus: Departs Al Jubail at 4:45 AM.
• Last Bus: Departs Al Jubail at 7:55 PM.
• Frequency: Roughly every 90 minutes (11 departures a day).

Fare for the return trip

The fare for the return journey from Sharjah to Al Ain is 33 AED. You will use your Sayer card to tap and pay as you board the bus in Sharjah.

Pro Tip: Check Your Sayer Card Balance

Always check your Sayer card balance before you get to the station. While you can top up at the station, doing it in advance at a vending machine saves you from a last-minute rush, especially if you’re catching the first or last bus of the day.

Onboard Experience and Amenities

The SRTA intercity buses are designed for comfortable, long-distance travel.

Air-conditioned comfort

All buses on this route are fully air-conditioned, which is essential for travel in the UAE.

Seating and capacity

The buses are high-quality coaches, typically offering comfortable, forward-facing seating for all passengers. There are no standing passengers allowed on these intercity routes.

Luggage allowance

Passengers can bring personal luggage, which can be stored in the designated overhead racks inside the bus. For larger suitcases, there is often a separate luggage compartment accessible from the outside of the bus.

Final Thoughts

The Route 118 bus is the most cost-effective and direct way to travel between Al Ain and Sharjah. By knowing the Al Ain to Sharjah bus timing (6:30 AM to 9:30 PM) and ensuring you have a Sayer card with sufficient credit (30 AED), you can enjoy a smooth and hassle-free journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: October 2026

Reviewed by: The Transport Guide Editorial Team