Zayed International Airport
Also known as: Abu Dhabi Airport, AUH Airport, Zayed Airport. Formerly Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Private transfer from AUHSee pricesSee pricesAbout Zayed International Airport
Zayed International Airport (AUH) is the main airport of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It is the hub of Etihad Airways, which flies to more than 100 destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and Australia. Air Arabia flies from here across the Middle East and South Asia, and other airlines include Air India Express, IndiGo, Wizz Air, Pakistan International Airlines, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways and Saudia.
All flights use Terminal A, a single building that opened in late 2023 and replaced the older Terminals 1, 2 and 3. The airport has two parallel runways and is run by Abu Dhabi Airports Company.
The airport lies about 30 km east of central Abu Dhabi, beside the E10 highway, which also leads toward Dubai and Al Ain. The drive to the city center usually takes 30 to 40 minutes in normal traffic.
From the airport, most travelers head to central Abu Dhabi and the Corniche, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Ain or Dubai.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
Abu Dhabi Airports Company
- Passengers per year
About 32.5 million in 2025
- Runways
Two parallel runways, each 4,205 m long
- Main airline
Etihad Airways
- Location
About 30 km east of central Abu Dhabi
Arrival tips for Zayed International Airport
After landing at Terminal A, you pass through passport control. Citizens of many countries, including the US, the UK and EU states, get a visa on arrival, others need a visa before travel, and your passport should be valid for at least six months.
Collect your bags in the baggage hall, where luggage carts are available, then clear customs and walk into the arrivals hall.
The official taxi rank is directly outside arrivals; follow the Taxis or Ground Transportation signs. If you booked a private transfer, your driver usually waits in the arrivals hall with a name sign. Uber, Careem and Yango pick up in a designated zone shown in the app, in the parking area opposite the terminal. Turn down unsolicited ride offers from people inside the terminal.
Abu Dhabi is hot for much of the year, especially from May to September. The time zone is Gulf Standard Time (UTC+4) with no daylight saving time, and the currency is the UAE dirham (AED).
Ground transportation
A taxi or ride-hailing app suits most travelers heading into Abu Dhabi, while public buses run around the clock.
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Book a transfer from AUHTaxi from Zayed International Airport
Licensed, metered Abu Dhabi taxis wait at the rank directly outside the Terminal A arrivals area, and you can pay by cash or card. The ride to central Abu Dhabi takes about 30 to 40 minutes in normal traffic, and longer at peak hours.
Rideshare
Uber, Careem and Yango operate at the airport, with pickups in a designated zone in the parking area opposite the terminal. The walk to the pickup point can take 5 to 10 minutes with luggage.
Bus to Abu Dhabi city
Seven public bus routes serve the airport, and routes A1 and A2 run around the clock to the city center. The bus is slower than a taxi and suits travelers with light luggage.
Bus to Dubai
The Airport Express runs every hour, around the clock, to Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai in about 90 minutes, with tickets sold at a counter in the arrivals hall. Ibn Battuta is in the far west of Dubai, so most travelers need onward transport from there; public bus E102 also links the airport with Dubai.
Private transfer
Pre-booked drivers meet passengers in the arrivals hall with a name sign and help with luggage. It needs booking in advance but suits groups, late arrivals and longer trips such as Dubai.
Car rental
Rental companies have desks at the airport, and the E10 highway connects it with Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain.
Terminals
Terminal A
The airport's only passenger terminal, used by all airlines for international and domestic flights. It opened in 2023 and replaced the former Terminals 1, 2 and 3.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Air Arabia, Air India Express, British Airways, EgyptAir, Etihad Airways, Flynas, Gulf Air, IndiGo, Middle East Airlines, Oman Air, Pakistan International Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Turkish Airlines, Wizz Air
Airlines and destinations
Frequently asked questions
How far is Zayed International Airport from Abu Dhabi city center?
The airport is about 30 km east of central Abu Dhabi, next to the E10 highway. By taxi or ride-hailing app, the drive to the city center usually takes 30 to 40 minutes in normal traffic, and longer at rush hour. Public buses A1 and A2 also run to the city center around the clock, but they take longer.
Is Abu Dhabi airport the same as Zayed International Airport?
Yes. Abu Dhabi International Airport was renamed Zayed International Airport on 9 February 2024. The IATA code, AUH, did not change, and it is still the main airport for the city of Abu Dhabi. Many travelers, airlines and booking sites still refer to it simply as Abu Dhabi Airport.
How many terminals does Zayed International Airport have?
The airport has one passenger terminal, Terminal A. It opened in late 2023, and all airlines had moved there by 14 November 2023, when the older Terminals 1, 2 and 3 closed. Every arriving and departing flight, including those of Etihad Airways, now uses Terminal A.
Which airlines fly to Abu Dhabi airport?
Etihad Airways has its hub at Zayed International Airport and flies to more than 100 destinations. Air Arabia flies across the Middle East and South Asia, and other airlines include Air India Express, IndiGo, Wizz Air, Pakistan International Airlines, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways and Saudia. All of them use Terminal A.
How do I get a taxi at Abu Dhabi airport?
Licensed Abu Dhabi taxis wait at the official rank directly outside the Terminal A arrivals area; follow the Taxis or Ground Transportation signs after customs. Taxis are metered, and you can pay by cash or card at the end of the trip. The ride to central Abu Dhabi takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
Is there a bus from Abu Dhabi airport to the city?
Yes. Seven public bus routes serve the airport, and routes A1 and A2 run around the clock to central Abu Dhabi. The bus is slower than a taxi and suits travelers with light luggage. Etihad Airways also runs coach services from the airport to Al Ain and Downtown Dubai.
Can I use Uber or Careem at Abu Dhabi airport?
Yes. Uber, Careem and Yango all operate at Zayed International Airport. After collecting your bags, follow the app's directions to the designated pickup zone in the parking area opposite Terminal A, which can take 5 to 10 minutes on foot. Only accept rides booked through the official app.
Do I need a visa to enter the UAE at Abu Dhabi airport?
Citizens of many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom and EU states, receive a visa on arrival at Abu Dhabi airport. Travelers from other countries need to arrange a visa before departure. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your arrival date, and rules can change, so check before you fly.
How do I get from Abu Dhabi airport to Dubai?
The Airport Express bus runs every hour, around the clock, from Zayed International Airport to Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai, taking about 90 minutes. Tickets are sold at a counter in the arrivals hall. Public bus E102, Etihad's coach to Downtown Dubai, taxis, ride-hailing apps and private transfers are other options.
How far is Yas Island from Abu Dhabi airport?
Yas Island is close to the airport, and a taxi usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes to reach the island's hotels. Several Yas Island hotels also run shuttles that stop in the airport parking area. Saadiyat Island is farther away, at about 30 to 35 minutes by car in normal traffic.
What time zone and currency does Abu Dhabi use?
Abu Dhabi is on Gulf Standard Time (UTC+4) all year, with no daylight saving time. The currency is the UAE dirham (AED), and cards are widely accepted, including in licensed taxis. Expect hot weather for much of the year, especially from May to September, when even the nights stay warm.
Who operates Zayed International Airport and how busy is it?
Abu Dhabi Airports Company operates Zayed International Airport. The airport handled about 32.5 million passengers in 2025, up from about 29.5 million in 2024. It has two parallel runways, each 4,205 m long, and a single passenger terminal, Terminal A, which serves all airlines.