A long layover in Sharurah is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Sharurah Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 30 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at SHW:
First, verify that you can enter Saudi Arabia — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Taxi takes about 30 minutes into Sharurah, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — SAR is the currency here. ATMs near the arrivals area typically offer better rates than the exchange counters.
Getting to Sharurah from the Airport
You have two main options for getting from Sharurah Airport into town:
- Taxi: About 30 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 50 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Storing Your Luggage at Sharurah Airport
Luggage storage options at SHW can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Sharurah for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Sharurah, budget roughly $36 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $17 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $9 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
Two recommendations for your time in Sharurah:
Start with Sharurah Public Park. Nice green space that’s easy to enjoy without a tight schedule. Then, if time allows, make your way to Sharurah Local Souq (Market). The atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit, even if you don’t buy anything.
If you’d rather stay inside SHW — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Sharurah Airport General Waiting Area
- Airport Convenience Store
Food & Dining Options
In Sharurah
If you make it into town, Wanasah Restaurant (Ùطع٠ÙÙاسة) is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Habibana Restaurant (Ùطع٠ØبÙبÙا).
Inside SHW
If you’re staying in the terminal, Airport Cafe is your main option. Snack Bar & Deli works too if you want something quick.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at SHW, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Sharurah itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Saudi Arabia that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Rest Areas & Lounges
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at SHW.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Sharurah count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave SHW. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.