Zayed International Airport

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) is the main airport serving Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. As the hub for Etihad Airways, the UAE's national carrier, AUH connects Abu Dhabi to over 100 destinations worldwide. The airport handles approximately 25 million passengers annually and serves as a major gateway between East and West.

The airport has four terminals:

• Terminal A (Midfield Terminal): Opened November 2023, exclusively serves Etihad Airways. This stunning new terminal features 65 aircraft gates, a capacity of 45 million passengers, and striking contemporary architecture with an undulating roof inspired by desert dunes.
• Terminal 1: International carriers including Air France, Lufthansa, British Airways, Korean Air, and other full-service airlines
• Terminal 2: Budget carriers and charter flights
• Terminal 3: Regional and some international carriers

Important: Terminal A is the primary terminal for most international travelers connecting through Abu Dhabi on Etihad. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 serve other airlines and are located in the older airport complex on the opposite side of the airfield.

US Preclearance: AUH is one of only a few airports outside North America to offer US Customs and Border Protection preclearance. Passengers flying to the United States clear immigration and customs in Abu Dhabi, allowing them to arrive as domestic passengers with no immigration queues on arrival.

Dubai International (DXB)

The UAE has multiple major airports within driving distance. Dubai is the closest major hub to Abu Dhabi.

Dubai International (DXB) is located 116 km northeast, serving as the hub for Emirates. It's the world's busiest airport for international traffic.

When you might connect between AUH and DXB:

• Etihad arrival at AUH, Emirates connection at DXB
• Separate alliance bookings (SkyTeam/oneworld at AUH, Emirates at DXB)
• Price shopping between Etihad and Emirates

Other nearby UAE airports:

• Sharjah (SHJ) — 132 km: Air Arabia hub (budget carrier)
• Al Maktoum/DWC — 73 km: Dubai's second airport

Connecting between Abu Dhabi and Dubai:

Method	Time	Cost	Notes
E101/E102 Bus	2-2.5 hours	AED 25	Cheapest, but slow
Taxi	75-90 min	AED 250-350	Most convenient
Uber	75-90 min	AED 200-300	Slightly cheaper than taxi

Minimum connection time: Allow 5-6 hours between separate bookings. UAE traffic can be heavy, especially on Sheikh Zayed Road during rush hours.

Pro tip: Etihad and Emirates have an interline agreement on some routes. If booked on the same ticket, bags can be checked through. Ask at check-in about through-check options for separate bookings.

AUH is located approximately 30 km from Abu Dhabi city center and 140 km from Dubai. Travel times vary by destination:

• Abu Dhabi Downtown/Corniche: 30-45 minutes
• Abu Dhabi Marina/Yas Island: 15-25 minutes
• Saadiyat Island (Louvre Abu Dhabi): 25-35 minutes
• Dubai (Downtown): 90-120 minutes
• Dubai International Airport (DXB): 80-100 minutes

Public bus service (A1 bus) connects the airport to Abu Dhabi city center. Taxis and rideshare (Uber/Careem) are readily available at all terminals.

Uber and Careem (now owned by Uber) both operate at AUH. Follow signs to the rideshare pickup zones outside each terminal.

Typical rideshare fares:

• Abu Dhabi Downtown: AED 70-100 (~$19-27 USD)
• Yas Island: AED 40-60 (~$11-16 USD)
• Saadiyat Island: AED 60-80 (~$16-22 USD)
• Dubai Downtown: AED 250-350 (~$68-95 USD)
• Dubai International Airport: AED 220-300 (~$60-82 USD)

Abu Dhabi Taxis (silver vehicles) queue outside all terminals. Taxis use meters with an airport flag fall of AED 25. Fares are comparable to rideshare. All taxis accept card payments.

For trips to Dubai, some travelers prefer the intercity bus (AED 25) or shared taxi services for significant savings.

The A1 Bus connects Abu Dhabi International Airport to the city center:

• Route: Airport → Central Bus Station (downtown Abu Dhabi)
• Fare: AED 4 (~$1 USD)
• Duration: 45-60 minutes
• Frequency: Every 30-40 minutes
• Hours: Approximately 6:00 AM to midnight

How to Take the A1 Bus

1. Exit the terminal and follow signs to "Bus Station"
2. The A1 bus stop is located at the ground transportation level
3. Pay the driver in cash (exact change preferred) or use a Hafilat bus card
4. Alight at Central Bus Station for downtown Abu Dhabi

Hafilat Card: Abu Dhabi's transit card can be purchased at the airport or bus stations for AED 10 (including some credit). Tap on/off when boarding.

Bus to Dubai

Direct buses connect Abu Dhabi to Dubai:

• Route: Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station → Dubai (Al Ghubaiba/Ibn Battuta)
• Fare: AED 25 (~$7 USD)
• Duration: 90-120 minutes
• Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes

From the airport, take the A1 bus to Central Bus Station, then transfer to a Dubai-bound bus. Alternatively, some intercity buses depart from near the airport.

AUH offers parking facilities at all terminals:

• Short-term (Terminal A): AED 10/hour, maximum AED 150/day
• Long-term: AED 50/day
• Economy parking: AED 30/day with shuttle service

Pre-booking through the Abu Dhabi Airports website may offer discounted rates. Valet parking is available at Terminal A.

Terminal A offers extensive dining options with a mix of international chains and regional cuisine:

Terminal A (Etihad)

• Shake Shack: American burgers
• Pret A Manger: Sandwiches and coffee
• Tim Hortons: Canadian coffee chain
• Paul Bakery: French cafe
• Jones the Grocer: Australian cafe with Middle Eastern touches
• Wok Street: Asian cuisine
• Giraffe: International menu

Multiple coffee shops including Costa, Starbucks, and local Arabic coffee houses serve traditional beverages.

Terminals 1/3

• Costa Coffee: Coffee and pastries
• Subway: Sandwiches
• Local food court: Arabic cuisine, grills, Indian food

Terminal 2

• Limited dining options - basic cafeteria and coffee shops

Terminal A has the best dining variety. For authentic Emirati cuisine, look for restaurants serving traditional dishes like machboos (spiced rice with meat) and Arabic mezze.

Free WiFi is available throughout all terminals:

• Network: "ADAC Free WiFi" or "Abu Dhabi Airport Free WiFi"
• Speed: Generally reliable for browsing and email
• Limit: Free tier available, premium speeds may require payment

Connect directly without registration for basic access. Terminal A has the most reliable coverage due to its modern infrastructure.

SIM cards are available at multiple locations:

• Etisalat and du stores in arrivals (all terminals)
• Duty-free shops
• Vending machines near baggage claim

Typical Prepaid Plans

Carrier	Plan	Price	Includes
Etisalat	Visitor Line	AED 55	1GB data, local calls
du	Tourist SIM	AED 49	1GB data, local calls
Etisalat	Wasel	AED 75	2GB data, 30-day validity

Bring your passport - it's required for SIM registration in the UAE. Activation is immediate at carrier stores.

ATMs are located throughout all terminals, operated by major UAE banks including First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), ADCB, and Emirates NBD.

• ATM locations: After immigration, near gates, arrivals halls, duty-free areas
• Currency: UAE Dirhams (AED), pegged to USD at approximately 3.67 AED = $1 USD
• Foreign transaction fees: Vary by your home bank, typically 2-3%

Currency Exchange: Travelex and UAE Exchange operate counters in all terminals. Airport rates include a 5-10% markup. For better rates, use ATMs or exchange money at banks and malls in the city.

The UAE is highly card-friendly - credit and debit cards are accepted at most establishments.

Abu Dhabi Duty Free operates retail shops across all terminals, with the largest selection in Terminal A.

Terminal A Highlights

• Luxury brands: Burberry, Gucci, Bulgari, Cartier, Hermès
• Fashion: Hugo Boss, Michael Kors, Tory Burch
• Electronics: Wide selection of phones, cameras, accessories
• Perfumes: Arabic oud, international fragrances
• Gold and jewelry: Traditional Arabic designs
• Dates and sweets: Premium Bateel dates, Arabic confections

Good Buys

• Gold and jewelry: Competitive prices, especially traditional Arabic designs
• Arabic perfumes: Oud-based fragrances at good prices
• Dates: High-quality dates from UAE and regional producers
• Spirits and tobacco: Savings for many destinations

Terminal A's retail area is extensive and designed for comfortable browsing during layovers.

AUH offers several lounge options, with the most impressive facilities in Terminal A.

Etihad Lounges (Terminal A)

• Etihad Business Lounge: Etihad Business Class passengers, Etihad Guest Gold/Platinum. Multiple locations with full dining, showers, and rest areas.
• Etihad First Class Lounge: Etihad First Class passengers. Premium facilities including a la carte dining, spa treatments, and private cabanas.
• The House (First Class): Ultra-premium lounge for First Class passengers with personalized service.

Etihad's lounges in Terminal A are among the best in the Middle East, featuring Arabic design elements and extensive food and beverage options.

Priority Pass Lounges

• Al Dhabi Lounge (Terminal 1): Basic amenities, food and drinks, WiFi
• Hala Lounge (Terminal 3): Similar facilities

Other Access Options

• Pay-per-use: Several lounges offer walk-in access from AED 200-300 (~$55-80 USD)
• Credit card access: Some premium cards (UAE-issued and international) provide lounge access

Day Passes

For lounges without status or card access:

• Al Dhabi Lounge: Approximately AED 250 (~$68 USD) walk-in
• Plaza Premium (if available): From AED 200 (~$55 USD)

At the Airport

• Aerotel Abu Dhabi (Terminal A): Located inside Terminal A, ideal for transit passengers. Rooms from AED 350/night (~$95 USD). Day-use rates available from 6 hours.

Near the Airport

• Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Airport: Budget-friendly, free airport shuttle. Rooms from AED 200/night (~$55 USD)
• Aloft Abu Dhabi: Modern design hotel near the airport. Rooms from AED 350/night (~$95 USD)

Yas Island (15-20 minutes)

Yas Island, adjacent to the airport, offers numerous hotel options:

• W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island: Striking design overlooking the F1 circuit. Rooms from AED 700/night (~$190 USD)
• Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi: Iconic LED-covered building. Rooms from AED 600/night (~$165 USD)
• Radisson Blu Yas Island: Mid-range option. Rooms from AED 350/night (~$95 USD)
• Park Inn by Radisson: Budget-friendly. Rooms from AED 250/night (~$68 USD)

For layovers, Aerotel in Terminal A offers the most convenient option. Yas Island hotels are excellent for longer stays with access to theme parks and beaches.

Abu Dhabi offers world-class attractions, many easily accessible for layovers:

Must-See Attractions

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: One of the world's largest and most beautiful mosques. Free entry, modest dress required (abayas provided). 25-30 minutes from airport.
• Louvre Abu Dhabi: Stunning museum on Saadiyat Island featuring art spanning human history. AED 63 (~$17 USD) entry. 25-35 minutes from airport.
• Emirates Palace: Opulent palace hotel, open for tours and dining. 35-40 minutes from airport.
• Corniche Beach: Abu Dhabi's waterfront promenade with public beaches. 35-45 minutes from airport.

Yas Island (15-20 minutes from airport)

Perfect for layovers due to proximity to the airport:

• Ferrari World: World's first Ferrari theme park with the fastest roller coaster. AED 310 (~$84 USD).
• Yas Waterworld: Large water park with over 40 rides. AED 295 (~$80 USD).
• Warner Bros. World: Indoor theme park with DC and Warner Bros. attractions. AED 345 (~$94 USD).
• Yas Mall: Major shopping destination with 400+ stores.
• Yas Beach: Public beach with day pass access.

For Long Layovers (6+ hours)

• Desert Safari: Evening excursions with dune bashing, camel rides, and BBQ dinner. From AED 150 (~$41 USD).
• Al Ain Day Trip: Historic oasis city with forts, markets, and Al Ain Zoo. 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi.
• Dubai Day Trip: Visit Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Gold Souk. 90-120 minutes each way.

Practical Tips

• Weather: Extremely hot May-September (40-50C). November-March is pleasant (20-30C).
• Dress Code: Abu Dhabi is more conservative than Dubai. Modest dress appreciated in public areas, especially at mosques. Beachwear only at beaches and pools.
• Alcohol: Available at licensed hotels and restaurants. Not sold in regular shops. Abu Dhabi is stricter than Dubai regarding public consumption.
• Ramadan: During the holy month, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited. Restaurants open after sunset.
• Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated. 10-15% at restaurants is generous.
• Currency: AED is pegged to USD. Credit cards widely accepted.
• Language: Arabic is official; English is widely spoken.

Getting to Dubai

Many travelers combine Abu Dhabi and Dubai:

• By taxi/rideshare: AED 250-350, 90-120 minutes
• By bus: AED 25 from Central Bus Station, 90-120 minutes
• By car rental: Straightforward highway drive

For layovers, Yas Island offers the best value due to its proximity to the airport and concentration of attractions.