If you’ve ever driven to Sharjah Airport to drop someone off, pick up family, or leave your car while you travel, you know how quickly the parking fees can add up — especially if you don’t check the rules beforehand. The good news is Sharjah Airport parking is still much cheaper and simpler than Dubai or Abu Dhabi airports, but there are still timings, zones, and little tricks that can save you money or get you a surprise fine at the exit gate.
I have parked there times for quick pick-ups and for week-long trips and I have also asked my friends who travel in and out of Sharjah regularly. Here is the full picture for parking in Sharjah in 2026 so you know what you are paying for parking in Sharjah, where to park in Sharjah and how to avoid paying more than necessary for parking, in Sharjah.
The Different Parking Zones at Sharjah Airport
Sharjah Airport has three types of parking. These are the parking types at Sharjah Airport. The parking types at Sharjah Airport are:
- Sharjah Airport parking types are available for people to park their cars.
The main parking types, at Sharjah Airport include the following. Sharjah Airport parking is divided into these types.
Short-Term Parking — right in front of the terminal (ideal for arrivals, departures, quick pick-ups/drop-offs)
Long-Term Parking — a bit further away with a free shuttle bus (best for trips longer than a day)
Premium / VIP Parking + Valet — closer spots or full valet service (expensive, most people skip it)
Let’s look at each one properly.
Short-Term Parking Fees – For Quick Visits
This is the parking area directly outside the arrivals and departures terminal — super convenient.
Current rates (2026):
- First 15 minutes → Free (perfect for quick hugs, loading bags, or saying goodbye)
- 15 minutes to 1 hour → AED 20
- 1 to 2 hours → AED 30
- 2 to 3 hours → AED 40
- 3 to 4 hours → AED 50
- 4 to 5 hours → AED 60
- 5 to 6 hours → AED 70
- 6 hours to 24 hours → AED 100 (after that it switches to daily long-term rate)
Real-life tip: If you’re just picking someone up or dropping them off, try to stay under 15 minutes — it’s completely free. A lot of people drive slowly around the terminal loop road once or twice to wait without paying anything. Just don’t block traffic — airport security gets annoyed fast.
Long-Term Parking Fees – For Trips of 1 Day or More
This area is a short shuttle ride away (free bus every 10–15 minutes, runs 24/7).
Current rates (2026):
- First 24 hours → AED 100
- Each additional day → AED 50
- 7 days (weekly) → usually around AED 300–350
- 30 days (monthly) → AED 800–1,000 (very good value if you’re traveling long-term)
Why most people use this: If your trip is 4 days or longer, long-term parking becomes much cheaper than paying short-term daily rates. The shuttle is reliable — just park, take your bags, hop on the bus, and you’re at the terminal in 5–7 minutes.
Premium Parking & Valet – Do You Really Need It?
- Premium parking — closer spots to the terminal door
- First hour → AED 30
- Daily → AED 150–200
- Valet parking — drive up, hand over keys, they park for you
- Daily → AED 150–250 (higher for longer stays)
Honest opinion: Most people don’t use these. The walk from normal short-term or long-term parking is only 3–7 minutes — unless you have mobility issues, very heavy luggage, or small kids, it’s not worth the extra money.
How Payment Works at Sharjah Airport Parking
- You drive in — take the ticket from the machine (no payment on entry)
- When leaving → insert ticket at exit barrier
- Pay with cash, debit/credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay
- Lost ticket? You pay the maximum daily rate (usually AED 100–150) + small penalty
Quick tip: Take a photo of your parking ticket when you arrive — if you lose it, you have proof of entry time.
Practical Tips from People Who Park at Sharjah Airport Regularly
- For quick pick-up/drop-off: Stay under 15 minutes — free and stress-free
- For trips longer than 3–4 days: Use long-term parking — saves a lot compared to short-term daily charges
- Early morning flights: Park the night before in long-term — cheaper than paying short-term the next day
- Download the Sharjah Airport app — sometimes shows real-time parking availability or any special offers
- Join Facebook groups like “Sharjah Airport” or “UAE Travel Tips” — people post live updates on busy days or free parking loopholes
- If you’re picking someone up late at night: After 10 PM short-term becomes free in many areas — check signs
Final Thoughts
Sharjah Airport parking is still one of the more reasonable ones in the UAE — short stays are cheap or free, long-term is affordable, and the shuttle works well. Plan a little, use the app if you can, and you’ll save money and avoid that “how much?!” moment at the exit barrier.
Have you parked at Sharjah Airport recently? How was the experience — any surprises with fees or shuttle waits? Drop a comment — helps other travellers a lot!
Safe journeys! ✈️🇦🇪
Any questions? Feel free to ask — happy to help!