Express by Time – Al Khan is a budget three-star hotel in the Al Khan area of Sharjah, close to Sharjah Aquarium and Al Khan Beach. It has 55 air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, a steam room, and a small gym. Guests can eat at the on-site restaurant, Foodio, or order room service during set hours. Express by Time – Al Khan sits about 20 to 25 minutes by car from central Dubai, making it a handy, low-cost base. Note that it does not allow pets and has no airport shuttle, so plan your own transport.
Where the Hotel Sits and What You Can Reach
TIME Express Hotel Al Khan is in Al Khan, a coastal neighborhood of Sharjah. It was the first property to open under the TIME Express brand from TIME Hotels, a UAE-based hotel operator. The launch announcement described it as a stylish, good-value stay for budget-conscious guests.
Location is the main reason to consider it. Dubai International Airport is roughly a 15- to 18-minute drive away, depending on the source and traffic. Sharjah International Airport takes about 20 to 24 minutes. Gold Souk and City Centre Deira are also listed within about a 15-minute drive, which helps if you want to split your time between two emirates.
If you are comparing other stays in the area, see our guide to 9 Best Hotels Near Al Khan Beach for more hotel options, prices, and locations.
Walking distances and short drives
These figures come from published listings, so treat them as estimates:
- Sharjah Aquarium: about 1.1 to 1.2 km, or a 12 to 14 minute walk
- Al Khan Beach: about 15 minutes on foot, according to the launch news
- Al Mamzar Beach Park: about 3 km, roughly 8 minutes by car
- City Centre Sharjah: about 3 km, a 3 to 4 minute drive
- Sharjah Mega Mall: about 5 km, around 6 minutes by car
Walking in Sharjah’s summer heat is tiring, so be realistic. One guest wrote that you need a taxi for almost everything, and that the area is not very pedestrian-friendly. Others mention street noise, so ask for a higher floor or a quieter room if sleep is a priority.
The aquarium is run by Sharjah Museums Authority. Opening hours and ticket prices can change during Ramadan and public holidays, so check its official page before you go.
Rooms and Facilities You Can Expect
Sources disagree on the room count. Some listings say 46 rooms, while the opening announcement said 55 keys across five floors, including five suites with kitchenettes. Room names include Deluxe Express Twin, Deluxe Express King, and Executive Express King.
The suites matter for longer stays, because a kitchenette lets you prepare simple meals and keep costs down. A smaller hotel like this can feel quieter than a big resort. It also offers fewer facilities, so check that the ones you need are included.
What is inside the rooms
Most listings mention these features. Not every room may have all of them, so confirm anything you consider essential:
- Air conditioning and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels
- Free Wi-Fi
- A minibar and a desk
- A coffee or tea maker in some room listings
- A private bathroom with a shower and a bidet
- Blackout curtains
Pool, gym and dining
The hotel has an outdoor pool, and some guests describe it as a rooftop pool. There is also a gym and a steam room, which is a nice extra at this star level. A picnic area and laundry services are listed too.
The on-site restaurant is called Foodio, and room service runs during limited hours. One listing says continental breakfast is served on weekdays from 6:30 to 10:30 AM for an extra fee, while another mentions a buffet. Ask the hotel which one applies to your rate. The front desk is reported to be open around the clock.
What Guests Say, Good and Bad
Ratings depend on where you look. One major booking platform shows 9.1 out of 10 from more than 1,400 reviews, while another shows 7.6 out of 10. That gap is a reminder to read recent comments, not just the score.
Guests often praise these points:
- Friendly staff and a helpful manager
- The pool and tasty restaurant food
- The option to book without prepayment on some rates
- Breakfast delivery to the room
Common complaints include:
- Street noise
- A fairly basic breakfast
- Few places within easy walking distance
For a three-star hotel, these are familiar trade-offs. Noise and walkability come from the location, not the hotel itself, but they still shape your trip.
Is Express by Time – Al Khan a Good Fit for Your Trip?
Start with how you plan to move around. A hotel works best when it matches your daily routine. If you will use taxis or ride-hailing, the listed drive times to the aquarium, malls, and beaches look short and manageable.
If you want a lively, walkable area or a resort feel, you may be happier elsewhere. I could not confirm nearby public transport details, so check routes yourself if you depend on buses.
Who will enjoy it most
- Budget-minded couples and families who plan to use taxis or a rental car
- Business travelers who need Wi-Fi, a desk, and quick airport access
- Visitors focused on the aquarium, the beach and nearby parks
Booking tips for Express by Time – Al Khan
- Confirm parking, because listings disagree on whether it is free or available
- Check the cancellation rule for your exact rate
- Remember that pets are not allowed
- Check-in starts at 3:00 PM, and check-out is at noon
- Do not expect an airport shuttle, as listings say none is offered
- Ask what breakfast is included in your rate
Prices and How to Check Them
Nightly rates at TIME Express Hotel Al Khan move with season, room type, and booking date. I could not confirm a current official rate. The third-party listings I found showed very different starting prices, and some looked outdated. For that reason, I am not quoting a number, because a wrong figure would not help you plan.
The best way to get an accurate price is to ask TIME Hotels directly. The Al Khan property’s public social media page lists the phone number +971 6 516 4777 and the email welcome.alkhan@timehotels.com. Before you pay, follow these steps:
- Compare the same dates and room type everywhere
- Check whether taxes and fees are included
- Ask about free cancellation
- Save a screenshot of the final price
Looking for a practical place to stay while exploring Sharjah? Express by TIME – Al Khan offers the essentials for a comfortable trip, with a pool, gym and easy access to nearby attractions. Check the latest room options to see whether it suits your plans and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Express by Time – Al Khan, and how far is the airport?
It is in Al Khan, Sharjah. Dubai International Airport is about a 15 to 18 minute drive away, and Sharjah International Airport is about 20 to 24 minutes. Traffic can change these times.
Does the hotel have a pool and gym?
Yes. Listings mention an outdoor pool, a gym, and a steam room. Ask the hotel about pool hours before you arrive.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in starts at 3:00 PM, and check-out is at noon. Ask the hotel directly about early check-in or late check-out.
Are pets allowed, and is there parking?
Pets are not allowed. Parking information differs between sources, so confirm it before you drive there.
How much does a night cost?
Prices vary by date, room type and rate. Check the official TIME Hotels page or contact the hotel for current rates.
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