Travelling from Chennai (MAA) to Sharjah (SHJ): what you need to know
Hop on a direct flight from Chennai to Sharjah and you'll be in the air for an average of 4 hours 10 minutes.
Sharjah's timezone is UTC+4, making Sharjah one hour 30 minutes behind Chennai.
Each week, there are seven Chennai to Sharjah flights. If you prefer to get going as early as possible, select the 03:40 Air Arabia flight. If you'd rather make the most of your day before you fly, the last departure is at 04:05 with Air Arabia.
Your MAA to SHJ flight won't wait if you're late, so show up at the airport on time. Arrive up to one hour in advance for domestic flights and two hours ahead for international travel.
During popular months such as January, you'll want to get to the airport earlier. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of international flights whenever you're flying during peak periods in general.
Air Arabia is your gateway to discovering Sharjah (and maybe even some other exciting corners of the United Arab Emirates!). Check out the direct flights from Chennai to Sharjah offered by this popular carrier.
Air Arabia is the airline most travellers choose to fly with on this route.
Among carriers operating MAA to SHJ flights, Air Arabia has the highest rate of on-time arrivals.
Consider adding a stopover when booking your ticket from Chennai to Sharjah. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' to break up your trip, or visit a new city along the way. Check out these options between MAA and SHJ:
Mumbai
Muscat
Kochi
How to find the cheapest flights from Chennai (MAA) to Sharjah (SHJ)
₹ 13,564 is currently the best price for a one-way Chennai to Sharjah flight. A return flight starts at ₹ 27,852. These prices can change based on demand.
To get cheap tickets from MAA to SHJ, reserve your trip five months ahead of your departure.
Plan your trip for October. That's the cheapest month for flights from Chennai to Sharjah. If you're flexible on when you fly, try out the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest airfare across each month.
Save time looking for cheap flights from MAA to SHJ by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Or sort your results by 'Cheapest' to get the best deals on flights from Chennai to Sharjah.
Handy information about Chennai (MAA)
Of the departures from Chennai, 76% touch down on time at their destination.
Chennai is around 21 kilometres from central Chennai. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a taxi from the centre, it'll take you 35 minutes or so to arrive, depending on the traffic.
You can expect a journey time of roughly 1 hour on public transport.
Get your travels off to a relaxed start by staying near MAA. Whether you're taking an early flight from Chennai to Sharjah or just don't want to be rushed, these stays are ideal:
What is the baggage allowance on flights from Chennai Airport (MAA) to Sharjah Airport (SHJ)?
Most flights from MAA to SHJ include a carry-on bag with standard fares, though baggage allowances vary by airline and ticket type. Here is what you can typically expect with the main airlines operating this route:
Air Arabia
Carry-on allowance: 10kg cabin bag (55x40x20cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 20kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Sharjah Airport (SHJ), Terminal 1
Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure, close 45 minutes before departure
IndiGo
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag (55x35x25cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 15kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Sharjah Airport (SHJ), Terminal 1
Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure, close 60 minutes before departure
Qatar Airways
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag (55x37x25cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Sharjah Airport (SHJ), Terminal 1
Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure
You can access essential facilities including free Wi-Fi, prayer rooms, and medical services at Chennai Airport (MAA). The airport also provides baggage storage, currency exchange counters, and a variety of shops and restaurants for your convenience. Self-baggage drop counters and executive lounges are available to help streamline your departure experience at Chennai Airport (MAA).
Arriving at Sharjah (SHJ)
Reserve a hotel near SHJ if you're on a late Chennai to Sharjah flight. Select one of these accommodation options and make your arrival easier:
Grab a Sharjah rental car and explore Sharjah and beyond with your own wheels. Europcar, drivus and Keddy By Europcar are top providers you can book with here.
Booking your ride from Sharjah about four weeks ahead can help you secure the lowest rate.
Getting from Sharjah (SHJ) to central Sharjah
Sharjah is roughly 11 kilometres from central Sharjah. The drive time takes around 20 minutes.
Getting there by public transport takes roughly 40 minutes.
When to fly to Sharjah (SHJ)
It's time to plan your travel dates for your flight from Chennai to Sharjah. July is the busiest month to visit Sharjah. If you'd like a more low-key vibe, go in March.
When booking your flight from Chennai to Sharjah, consider the type of weather you like. July is the warmest month in Sharjah, with the temperature ranging from 29ºC to 41ºC.
Search for cheap tickets from MAA to SHJ in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest around then, ranging between 15ºC and 24ºC on average.
Weather snapshot
The weather in Sharjah is hot and dry for most of the year with mild, pleasant winters offering relief from the summer warmth. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
December – February: Winter brings the best times to explore Sharjah, with warm days and mild evenings perfect for wandering souks and beaches. Pack light layers for versatile comfort.
March – May: Spring brings warm, sunny weather that's ideal for exploring Sharjah's attractions and outdoor markets. Stay hydrated and seek shade during midday hours to keep cool.
June – September: Sharjah's summer season delivers hot, humid weather with temperatures staying high day and night. You'll want lightweight, breathable clothing and plenty of sun protection. Air-conditioned shopping centres and indoor attractions offer comfortable alternatives to outdoor sightseeing during the hottest parts of the day.
October – November: Post-summer weather returns with milder temperatures perfect for exploring outdoor attractions and walking tours. This transitional season offers ideal conditions for sightseeing and visiting cultural sites without the intense summer heat.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
Sharjah combines traditional Emirati culture with contemporary attractions, making it a popular alternative to neighbouring Dubai. The city houses numerous museums, art galleries and cultural centres alongside traditional souks and waterfront areas. With its focus on arts and heritage, plus family-friendly attractions and beaches, Sharjah draws visitors booking flights to Sharjah for both cultural exploration and relaxation.
Things to do in Sharjah: Stroll along Al Majaz Waterfront, about 4 kilometres northeast of the centre, where you can walk the corniche and watch the fountain shows across Khalid Lagoon. Head to Al Noor Beach, roughly 6 kilometres east, for swimming and beach games with views of the coastline. Browse the traditional souks in the Heart of Sharjah district, just 2 kilometres south of downtown, where you can hunt for spices, textiles and handicrafts in the covered markets.
Cultural experiences: Browse traditional crafts and contemporary art at Sharjah Art Foundation, about 2 kilometres east of the city centre in the Arts Area. Sample Emirati cuisine and spices at the Central Souk, roughly 1 kilometre southeast, or catch Arabic theatre and music performances at Sharjah National Theatre, around 3 kilometres north in the cultural district.
Seasonal highlights: Experience the Sharjah Light Festival during February when historic buildings transform with stunning projections and interactive displays. The Sharjah International Book Fair takes place in November, offering literary events and cultural activities in comfortable temperatures. Winter months provide the best time to visit Sharjah for outdoor exploration of souks and heritage areas without the intense summer heat.
Explore more of the United Arab Emirates
Sharjah has plenty going for it, but there are so many other parts of the United Arab Emirates waiting to be explored. Around 23 kilometres south-west of Sharjah, a trip to Dubai will fill your itinerary to the brim. Start with attractions like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Opera and Dubai Gold Souk.
If there's time to check out another major stop in the United Arab Emirates, head for Abu Dhabi, about 145 kilometres south-west of Sharjah. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Mosque and Emirates Palace are key highlights.
