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Sharjah Airport Car Rental: Companies, Location & Pickup Guide

Sharjah International Airport · 24-hour rental desks inside Arrivals
Rental company information checked September 2026
9
Listed Companies
24h
Rental Offices
Arrivals
Desk Location
SHJ
Airport Code

Sharjah Airport Car Rental Overview

Sharjah Airport car rental desks are located inside the passenger terminal at Arrivals, so you can arrange a vehicle after collecting your baggage. Sharjah Airport states that its rental offices are open 24 hours.

Both international and local companies operate at SHJ. Vehicle choices typically range from smaller budget cars to larger vehicles and SUVs, although availability and prices depend on your travel dates and the individual rental company.

Inside ArrivalsOfficial rental desks are located within the airport terminal in the Arrivals area.
Open 24 HoursThe airport currently states that its listed car rental offices operate around the clock.
Local & International BrandsNine companies are currently listed on the official Sharjah Airport rental directory.
Prices change: Rental rates depend on the company, vehicle type, travel dates, rental length and booking conditions. Compare the total rental cost rather than relying only on a headline daily rate.

Sharjah Airport Car Rental Companies

The official airport directory currently lists the following companies for passengers looking to rent a car at Sharjah Airport.

International
Hertz
Airport kiosk inside the Arrivals area.
International
Budget Rent A Car
Official rental desk listed at SHJ.
Local
Maximum Rent A Car
Airport kiosk listed by Sharjah Airport.
International
Sixt
Airport rental desk serving arriving passengers.
International
Europcar
Car rental service available inside the airport.
International
Dollar Rent A Car
Airport kiosk listed on the official directory.
International
Thrifty Rent A Car
Rental counter available for SHJ passengers.
Local
Sayara Car Rental
Officially listed airport rental provider.
Local
Autolease Car Rental
Airport kiosk listed by Sharjah Airport.

Airport rental desk phone numbers

Sharjah Airport currently publishes the following kiosk contact numbers. Rental-company contact details can change, so confirm them again if your pickup depends on speaking with the desk before arrival.

Rental CompanyAirport Kiosk Number
Hertz+971 6 552 8290
Budget Rent A Car+971 6 558 0366
Maximum Rent A Car+971 6 550 1515
Sixt+971 6 558 0310
Europcar+971 6 558 1322
Dollar Rent A Car+971 6 336 5065
Thrifty Rent A Car+971 6 558 1946
Sayara Car Rental600 522 200
Autolease Car Rental+971 6 558 1112

Where Are the Car Rental Desks at Sharjah Airport?

The car rental offices are inside the airport terminal in Arrivals. After landing, complete immigration, collect your baggage and follow the terminal signs toward the rental counters.

1
Complete arrival proceduresPass through immigration and continue to the baggage reclaim area.
2
Collect your luggagePick up checked baggage before continuing toward the public Arrivals area.
3
Find your rental deskFollow airport signs for car rental or locate the company named on your reservation.
4
Complete the rental agreementPresent the documents required by your provider and review the vehicle, insurance and payment conditions.
Late arrival: The airport states that its rental offices are open 24 hours. If your flight is delayed significantly, it is still sensible to tell the rental company your flight number or expected arrival time where the booking allows it.

Sharjah Airport Car Rental Requirements

Rental requirements are set by the individual company and can vary according to your nationality, residence status, driving licence and selected vehicle category.

Do not assume that every visitor can rent using the same type of driving licence. The UAE government’s current driving guidance states that some visitors can drive using their national licence under recognised arrangements. Other travellers may need an International Driving Permit or other supporting documentation.

Driving licenceConfirm that your licence is accepted in the UAE and by the rental company before booking.
Passport or identificationAsk the provider which identity and immigration documents must be presented at pickup.
Payment methodCheck which cards are accepted and whether the main driver’s name must match the payment card.
Minimum driver ageAge rules and young-driver charges vary between rental providers and vehicle classes.
International Driving PermitWhether an IDP is needed depends on the licence you hold and the provider’s rental rules.
Additional driverAdd any other driver to the agreement rather than assuming they are automatically covered.
Check before paying: Licence acceptance can depend on nationality and residence status. Confirm the requirement with the rental company and use current UAE government guidance if you are unsure whether your licence is recognised.

What to Check Before Booking a Rental Car at SHJ

A cheaper daily rate does not always mean a cheaper final rental. Review the full booking conditions before choosing a company.

Security depositCheck whether a refundable deposit or card pre-authorisation applies and how long release may take.
InsuranceReview what the basic rate covers and the excess that may apply if the vehicle is damaged.
Fuel policyConfirm the required fuel level when returning the vehicle.
Mileage allowanceCheck whether mileage is unlimited or whether a daily or total limit applies.
Toll chargesAsk how UAE road tolls are recorded and billed by the rental provider.
One-way returnIf you plan to drop the car in Dubai or another emirate, confirm whether a one-way fee applies.
Late returnCheck the grace period and charges if the car is returned after the agreed time.
Cancellation termsRead the cancellation and no-show policy before making a prepaid booking.

Should you book before your flight?

Booking in advance can give you more control over vehicle category and pickup conditions. Walk-up rentals may still be available because SHJ has several 24-hour desks, but the vehicle you want may not be available when you arrive.

Picking Up Your Rental Car at SHJ

Before leaving the rental area, inspect the vehicle and make sure the agreement matches the car you received.

  • Check the bodywork, wheels, windscreen and interior for existing damage.
  • Make sure existing marks are recorded before departure.
  • Check the fuel level shown on the agreement.
  • Confirm the return location and return time.
  • Ask how road tolls, traffic fines and parking charges are handled.
  • Keep the rental company’s roadside-assistance number available during the trip.
Useful habit: Take your own timestamped photos of the vehicle at pickup and return. They provide a clear personal record of its visible condition.

Returning a Rental Car to Sharjah Airport

Follow the return instructions provided with your rental agreement. The exact parking area and handover process can vary by company, so confirm the SHJ return point when collecting the vehicle.

1
Check the fuel requirementRefuel if your contract requires the vehicle to be returned at a specific fuel level.
2
Allow airport travel timeTraffic can affect the drive back to SHJ, especially when travelling from Dubai.
3
Follow the provider’s return instructionsUse the return location stated by your rental company rather than assuming all companies use the same parking point.
4
Check the vehicle againRemove personal belongings and keep a record of the car’s condition when it is handed back.

Renting a Car at Sharjah Airport for Dubai

SHJ is close to Dubai by road, so many arriving passengers use a rental car for travel between Sharjah and Dubai. Sharjah Airport states that central Dubai is about 15 km from the airport.

The short road distance does not guarantee a short journey. Traffic between Sharjah and Dubai can be heavy, especially at busy commuting times, so allow extra time when returning to the airport for a departing flight.

Before driving into Dubai

  • Confirm how the rental company bills road tolls.
  • Check your hotel’s parking arrangements before arrival.
  • Keep enough time for traffic when returning to SHJ.
  • Do not assume your rental can be returned at a Dubai branch without a one-way charge.

For passengers who do not want to drive, the airport also has coach and taxi options between Sharjah Airport and Dubai.

Sharjah Airport TransportationCompare Dubai coaches, Route 99 buses and airport taxis
→

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car directly at Sharjah Airport?

Yes. Sharjah Airport lists car rental offices inside the passenger terminal in the Arrivals area.

Are Sharjah Airport car rental desks open 24 hours?

Yes. The official airport car rental page currently states that its rental offices are open 24 hours.

Which car rental companies are at Sharjah Airport?

The airport currently lists Hertz, Budget, Maximum Rent A Car, Sixt, Europcar, Dollar, Thrifty, Sayara and Autolease.

Where are the rental car desks at SHJ?

The official rental offices are inside the airport terminal at Arrivals. Follow the airport signs after completing immigration and baggage collection.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car at Sharjah Airport?

It depends on the driving licence you hold and the rental company’s rules. Some visitors can drive in the UAE using recognised national licences. Confirm licence eligibility with the provider before booking.

Can I rent a car at SHJ and drive to Dubai?

Yes, subject to your rental agreement. Central Dubai is about 15 km from Sharjah Airport, although traffic can make the journey considerably longer.

Can I return a Sharjah Airport rental car in Dubai?

Some companies may allow one-way rentals, but availability and charges vary. Confirm the return location and any one-way fee before booking.

Should I book my airport rental car in advance?

Advance booking can help secure the vehicle type and rental terms you want. Walk-up rentals may be available, but availability can change by travel date and time.

Are rental car prices fixed at Sharjah Airport?

No. Prices vary by company, dates, vehicle category, rental duration, insurance and booking conditions. Compare the total cost before confirming a reservation.