Your Ultimate Guide To Using Taxi Services In Sharjah

One of the biggest questions tourists and guests ask is how they should transfer in Sharjah. Fortunately, there are diverse transportation options, including different types of taxi services.

In this blog post, we’ll review taxi services in Sharjah and let you know how you can easily go everywhere at an affordable cost.

Types of Taxi Services in Sharjah

Here is a summary of various types of taxi services you can find in Sharjah:

Taxi Type	Availability	Booking Method	Comfort Level
Standard Taxi	High, city-wide	Street hail, taxi stands	Basic
Airport Taxi	Moderate	Airport counters, pre-booking	Moderate
Private/Premium Taxi	Low to moderate	Phone booking, app	High
App-Based Taxi (Uber/Careem)	High in urban areas	Smartphone app	Moderate to high

Here are more details about these taxi options in Sharjah:

1. Standard Taxis

These types of taxis are the regular, metered taxis you will find all over Sharjah. Licensed drivers can use these cars, which are regulated by the Roads and Transport Authority.

This is one reason that the regular taxis are considered a comfortable means of everyday transport, be it a daily commute, a short distance ride, or an impromptu trip in Sharjah.

Pros	Cons
✅ Easily available ✅ Affordable ✅ Regulated by RTA	❌ Limited comfort ❌ Hard to find during peak hours ❌ Needs Hailing or waiting at a taxi stand

2. Airport Taxis

As the name suggests, these taxis are designed specifically for airport pickups and drop-offs.

Airport taxis usually have luggage-friendly vehicles to let passengers take lots of luggage with them.

Travelers who have booked flights and have large luggage can use these taxis for direct airport transfers.

Pros	Cons
✅ Efficient ✅ Direct route ✅ Spacious for luggage	❌ Slightly more expensive than standard taxis ❌ Usually limited to airport routes.

3. Private or Premium Taxis

If you’re looking for a more comfortable option in Sharjah, you can go for private taxis. Private companies usually offer high-end vehicles with more comfortable interiors.

You need to book these taxis via phone calls or apps and expect extra services compared to standard taxis.

Private taxis are great for business travelers, VIPs, and tourists who want luxury trips in the city.

Pros	Cons
✅ Comfort ✅ Professionalism ✅ Sometimes multilingual drivers	❌ Higher cost ❌ Less spontaneous availability

4. Online Taxi Services

You must have heard of Uber’s taxi service. Fortunately, Sharjah also has several similar apps on mobile internet taxis, Careem, etc.

In this method, you can get a taxi at the push of an app button, and these services will make it work for you.

If you have an app for real-time tracking of taxi drivers or let you know ahead of time about shifting bus fares and charges, then even thou it is great for tourists, or residents who are highly technical and inclined to be “cashless travelers”.

Pros	Cons
✅ Convenient ✅ Transparent pricing ✅ Cashless payment ✅ Faster than hailing a street taxi	❌ Surge pricing during peak hours ❌ Sometimes not available, especially in remote areas

What Car Models Are Used As Taxis in Sharjah

Sharjah taxi services use comfortable and luxurious cars so that you can enjoy your city trips. The following table compares various options you have in Sharjah services:

Vehicle Type	Example Models	Seating Capacity	Best For
Sedans	Toyota Corolla, Camry, Nissan Altima	4 passengers	Daily rides, short city trips
MPVs (Family Vans)	Toyota Innova, Previa	6–7 passengers	Families, small groups
Hybrids	Toyota Camry Hybrid, Prius	4 passengers	Eco-friendly city rides
Electric (EVs)	Skywell EV	4–5 passengers	Airport trips, eco-conscious riders
Tesla EVs	Tesla Model 3	4 passengers	Premium, green transport
Luxury SUVs	Jeep Grand Wagoneer	7 passengers	VIPs, airport transfers

How to Book a Sharjah Taxi & Pay

Here are different methods you can take a taxi in Sharjah:

1. Hailing a Taxi on the Street

This is an easy way to find a taxi in Sharjah. You just need to stand at the roadside and raise your hand so that taxi drivers see you. 

This method is very common in busy areas such as malls, hotels, or business districts in Sharjah. For example, you can use it in central Sharjah, especially around Al Majaz, Al Qasba, and shopping malls.

When you find a taxi with this method, you usually have to pay in cash. An important matter is that you have to ensure the driver switches on the meter before starting the trip.

2. Using Taxi Stands

Sharjah has lots of taxi stands where licensed taxis wait for passengers. You just need to approach the first taxi in line.

Taxi stands are usually located at shopping malls, major hotels, bus stations, and popular tourist attractions. So, you can easily find them in crowded areas.

Some taxi stands might offer premium taxis where card payments are accepted along with cash.

3. Phone Booking

You can contact the Sharjah Taxi call center or a private taxi operator and ask for a pick-up. For instance, the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) has one main booking number: 600 52 52 52.

You will only have to give your location, number of passengers, and destination in order to reserve a taxi using this technique. The good news is, this trick lets you book a female-only taxi in Sharjah. These taxis usually accept both cash and card payments.

In areas where street taxis are rare, you’d better use this booking method to have a safe pickup.

4. Online Apps

You can easily download the app, set your pickup and drop-off location using an interactive map, and choose your preferred car type.

The app shows driver details, car model, estimated fare, and ETA. You can use this booking method all over the city center and the suburbs. They might accept all the payment methods like credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and cash.

Taxi Fares in Sharjah

Now, let’s see how much you have to pay for each taxi service:

Taxi Type	Base Fare (AED)	Per Kilometer Rate (AED)	Waiting Charges (per hour)	Airport Surcharge
Standard Taxi	10–12	1.60–2.00	25–30	5–10
Airport Taxi	15–20	2.00–2.50	25–30	Included in base fare
Private / Premium Taxi	30–50	2.50–3.50	30–40	Usually included
App-Based Taxi (Uber/Careem)	12–20	1.80–3.00	20–35	5–15

Payment Methods for Sharjah Taxi Services

You can pay for a taxi service using 4 various methods:

1. Cash: This is the most common method, especially for standard taxis. If you want to use this method, you have to take small coins.

2. Cards: Cards are usually accepted in some premium taxis and via online taxi apps.

3. Mobile Payments: Apps like Careem support digital wallets to simplify payment. In this method, you already charge your digital wallet, and the app will automatically reduce the taxi fee from your balance.

4. Tipping: This is not mandatory, but usually people accept it to round up the fare. 

Sharjah Taxi Rules, Safety Requirements, and Etiquette

The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) regulates taxi services in the city. This organization ensures passengers’ safety, fair fares, and professional service.

Of course, you also need to comply with some rules and cultural expectations as a passenger. This is especially important for expats and tourists who might not be familiar with the local culture.

General Taxi Rules in Sharjah

These are the general guidelines for the Sharjah taxi service:

• Metered Fares: All regular taxis in Sharjah are equipped with meters. So, you have to ensure that drivers switch on the system before they drive off.

• Taxis for license holders only: It is important to note that in Sharjah, no cab should pick you up if it is not a licensed one. You can identify them because they have a company logo on their screen. Additionally, you can note the registration plate and the ID card of the driver.

• Prohibited from Lighting Up: In Sharjah, both passengers and drivers alike cannot light up at will. A possible consequence of breaking this ban would be a legal punishment.

• No Food or Drink: Sit in a taxi and take your meal. The driver will tell you not to eat, but don’t get angry when he does. Everything inside the car is the way it was put there by God, yet nowadays people try to bring food, advertising, and so on in with them from all directions; this greatly upsets others who use these facilities on public transport, or someone else has just done a lot of natural things.

• No Alcohol on Board: You should know that it is against UAE law to consume or even have alcohol in taxis.

Safety Requirements in Sharjah

You also need to know about safety requirements when taking a taxi in Sharjah:

Rule / Requirement	Details
Seat Belts	Mandatory for all passengers, front and back.
Child Safety	No children under 10 in the front seat. A child seat may be required for toddlers.
Driver ID	A taxi must display driver’s ID, license number, and company details.
Emergency Hotline	Call Sharjah Transport: 600 52 52 52 for disputes or emergencies.
Safe Drop-Offs	Only at safe, designated areas. No sudden stops on highways or busy roads.

Etiquette When Using Taxis in Sharjah

Whether you’re an expat or a tourist, you need to know that Sharjah is a culturally rich and conservative city.

So, you must be careful about some sensitive behaviors and show a little respect when you’re in the city, especially when taking a taxi.

For example, greeting the driver with a “Salam” when you get in shows you respect their culture. Also, you can say “Shokr” to thank them when you leave.

There are no strict rules for dressing in a taxi. However, casual clothes are everything! Watch out: If you’re a woman traveling alone, you should prefer to sit in the back seat instead of beside the man at the front.

This may seem trivial, but it demonstrates your grasp of the sensitivity of other people’s cultures and customs. Most drivers are very familiar with the city. But feel free to remind them about the way to go.

You can mention landmarks if your destination is not so familiar.

As said earlier, tipping isn’t a must in Sharjah, but rounding up the fare for good service is considered polite.

And finally, you have to pay attention to the comfort of other passengers. So, avoid loud calls, music, or other disruptive activities.

Taxi Alternatives in Sharjah

As we mentioned, Sharjah is well-served by taxis, but there are alternative options, such as:

• Public buses: Sharjah has an inexpensive public bus service. It links key destinations, such as Sharjah city center, other residential areas and neighboring emirates.

• Bicycles and E-Scooters: Parts of Sharjah are bike-friendly. So if you want some whoopee, go for short trips on electric scooters. 

• Car Rentals: You can rent a car in Sharjah for hours or even days. This is great for sightseeing and family trips.

Conclusion

Public traffic is of great importance for all kinds of modern cities-touching even tourist destinations. With various itineraries from taxis, buses, and car hire services in Sharjah are diverse and extensive. City taxi services in this city currently include standard, private, airport, and online. Depending on your budget and needs, you will be choosing rounding off nicely for them, each of which is explained in detail below. Although it depends on the number of passengers and where to go, luxury SUVs are available by choice.

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