Yes, there is a direct bus: Sharjah RTA (SRTA) Route 308 runs from Ibn Battuta Metro Station to Al Rolla in Sharjah, roughly every 30 to 35 minutes from about 7:40 AM to 11:35 PM, for AED 15. If you prefer to pay with a Nol card only, take the Dubai Metro (Red Line) to a central station and transfer to an RTA intercity bus.
Your Quickest Travel Plan
- Go to Metro: Enter the Ibn Battuta Metro Station (Red Line).
- Check Nol Card: Ensure your Nol card is topped up with at least AED 20 balance for the full trip.
- Ride & Transfer: Take the Metro to Union Station (to catch Bus E303) or City Centre Deira Station (to catch Bus E307).
The Direct Option: SRTA Route 308 from Ibn Battuta
Sharjah RTA (SRTA) Route 308 runs directly from Ibn Battuta Metro Station to Al Rolla in Sharjah. According to SRTA’s published schedule, buses leave Ibn Battuta roughly every 30 to 35 minutes from about 7:40 AM to 11:35 PM, the trip takes around 75 minutes, and the fare is AED 15 (AED 20 in the opposite direction).
SRTA sets its own payment methods (its card is the Sayer card), so check how to pay before you travel. If you would rather use only your Nol card, the Dubai Metro plus an RTA intercity bus, described below, is the alternative.
Note that a new RTA route, E308, was launched in May 2025, but this bus runs from Stadium Bus Station in Dubai to Al Jubail, Sharjah, and does not serve the Ibn Battuta area.
Step-by-Step Guide: Ibn Battuta to Sharjah (Best Methods)
If you take the Metro and an RTA bus instead, your journey will have two main parts: a metro ride to a major bus station, followed by an intercity bus ride to Sharjah. Both methods below are reliable and cost-effective.
Method 1: Via Union Station (Recommended Route)
This is a very common and straightforward route, as Union Station is a major transport hub.
Step 1: Board the Metro at Ibn Battuta: Head to the Ibn Battuta Metro Station and board the Red Line in the direction of Centrepoint.
Step 2: Ride to Union Metro Station: Stay on the Red Line until you reach Union Metro Station. This journey will take approximately 45-50 minutes.
Step 3: Transfer to Union Bus Station: Follow the signs from the metro station to the adjoining Union Bus Station. This is a large, well-signposted terminal.
Step 4: Find and Board Bus E303: Look for the departure bay for Route E303 (Dubai to Sharjah). This bus terminates at the Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah. The bus journey takes approximately 40-60 minutes, depending heavily on traffic.
Method 2: Via City Centre Deira Station
This route is very similar and a good alternative if you prefer the City Centre Deira area.
Step 1: Board the Metro at Ibn Battuta: Take the Red Line from Ibn Battuta Station (direction: Centrepoint).
Step 2: Ride to City Centre Deira Station: Get off at the City Centre Deira Metro Station. This trip takes about 42-45 minutes.
Step 3: Transfer to the Bus Stop: Exit the metro and go to the nearby City Centre Deira Bus Station.
Step 4: Find and Board Bus E307: Locate the stop for Route E307 (Dubai to Sharjah). This bus also travels to the Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah. The travel time is similar to the E303 route.
Travel Fare, Time, and Payment
Total Cost (Metro + Bus)
Your total fare is paid in two parts but using the same card.
- Metro Fare: The metro ride from Ibn Battuta to Union or City Centre Deira crosses multiple zones and will cost approximately AED 7.50 (T2 fare) with a standard Nol card.
- Bus Fare: The RTA intercity bus (E303 or E307) has a flat fare of AED 12.
The total one-way cost for the journey will be approximately AED 19.50.
Total Travel Time
You should budget 1.5 to 2.5 hours for the complete one-way journey.
- Metro Ride: ~45-50 minutes
- Waiting/Transfer Time: ~10-20 minutes
- Bus Ride: ~45-60 minutes (can be much longer during peak traffic hours from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM)
Payment Method: Nol Card is Required
You must use a Dubai RTA Nol card for this entire trip.
- Tap your Nol card when you enter Ibn Battuta Metro Station.
- Tap out when you exit at Union or City Centre Deira.
- Tap the card again when you board the E303 or E307 bus.
- Important: You cannot use an SRTA Sayer card or cash for this journey. Ensure your Nol card is topped up before you start.
Pro Tip: Avoid traveling during the evening rush hour (4:00 PM – 8:00 PM) on weekdays. Traffic on the E11 road between Dubai and Sharjah can be extremely heavy, and your 45-minute bus ride can easily turn into a 90-minute-plus journey.
The Return Journey: Sharjah to Ibn Battuta Bus
To travel from Sharjah to Ibn Battuta, you simply reverse the process. This route is also a two-step journey.
- Go to Al Jubail Bus Station: This is the main intercity terminal in Sharjah, located near the Fish Market.
- Choose Your Bus:
- Take Bus E303 to go to Union Bus Station.
- Take Bus E307 to go to City Centre Deira Bus Station.
- Pay the Bus Fare: Tap your Nol card when boarding. The fare is AED 12.
- Transfer to Metro: Once you arrive in Dubai, enter the adjoining metro station (Union or City Centre Deira).
- Ride to Ibn Battuta: Board the Red Line (direction: Life Pharmacy) and ride all the way to Ibn Battuta Station. Tap out with your Nol card.
Final Thoughts
While the lack of a direct bus from Ibn Battuta to Sharjah may seem inconvenient, the Metro and bus combination is a reliable and cost-effective solution. By taking the Dubai Metro to Union or City Centre Deira, you can easily connect to the frequent intercity buses heading to Al Jubail Station in Sharjah. Always plan for extra time, especially during peak hours, and keep your Nol card topped up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a direct bus from Ibn Battuta Mall to Sharjah in 2026?
Yes. SRTA Route 308 runs from Ibn Battuta Metro Station to Al Rolla, Sharjah, roughly every 30 to 35 minutes from about 7:40 AM to 11:35 PM, for AED 15. Alternatively, take the Metro and transfer to an RTA intercity bus such as E303 or E307.
Does the 308 bus still run from Ibn Battuta to Sharjah?
Yes. According to SRTA’s published schedule, Route 308 still links Ibn Battuta Metro Station with Al Rolla, Sharjah, and the trip takes around 75 minutes.
What is the total fare from Ibn Battuta to Sharjah by bus and metro?
The total one-way journey costs approximately AED 19.50. This includes the metro fare (approx. AED 7.50) and the intercity bus fare (AED 12), all paid using a single Nol card.
Can I use a Sayer card or cash for this trip?
No. You must use a Dubai RTA Nol card for the entire journey, including the Dubai Metro and the RTA ‘E’ series intercity buses. Sayer cards (for Sharjah’s internal buses) and cash are not accepted on this route.
What is the fastest way to get from Ibn Battuta to Sharjah?
The fastest public transport option is usually the direct SRTA Route 308 to Al Rolla (around 75 minutes). With a Nol card only, take the Metro (Red Line) to Union Station, then the E303 bus to Al Jubail. A private car or taxi will be faster outside of peak hours (approx. 45-60 minutes) but significantly more expensive.
Last updated: October 2026
Reviewed by: Ali Khan, UAE Transport Analyst
Author: The DubaiHowto Editorial Team
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Last reviewed: February 2026. Sources: Official UAE portals and service providers