Airport Guide to Abu Dhabi (AUH)

Airport Overview

Terminal Transfer | Getting into Town | Car Parking | Information Desks | Airport Facilities

Abu Dhabi International Airport is the second biggest in the United Arab Emirates, after Dubai International.

It was also the first airport in the Middle East to receive regulatory approval for enhanced low-visibility operators. This classification is expected to minimise delays as a result of fog and sand storms, and has only been given to a select number of airports across the world.

There are currently three terminals at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Terminals 1 and 2 handle most of the traffic, and Terminal 3 is the more luxurious Etihad Terminal. Thanks to a direct highway that feeds into the city, transfers into Abu Dhabi are generally quick and painless, even in the heat and traffic congestion of a busy summer’s day.

Abu Dhabi International Airport is an often chaotic introduction to the modern metropolis of Abu Dhabi and its many attractions, although with the development of Terminal 3, Etihad passengers (at least) are assured a most comfortable experience.

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Terminal Transfer

The terminals are all within 15 minutes’ walking distance of each other. There are shuttle buses available to take you between the terminals as well, at no extra cost.

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Getting into Town

Train: There are no rail services available.

Bus: Regular coaches depart to Abu Dhabi, as well as to Dubai. Bus 901 connects the centre of the city with the airport, and departs at hourly intervals from outside the arrivals area. Etihad customers can make use of a free bus connection to either Dubai (45 minutes) or Abu Dhabi.

Taxis: There are a number of designated taxi pick-up areas outside the arrivals halls of Terminals 1, 2 and 3, to help passengers get into the city.

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Car Parking

There are a lot of parking options available at the airport, including valet, short-stay, mid-stay and long-stay. Parking costs vary, depending on which service travellers make use of. Valet parking costs AED 30 per hour (about £5). Short term parking rates start from AED 2 (about £0.34) in the Skypark and Terminals 1 and 2 car parks for less than 15 minutes and rise to AED 720 (£124) in the Skypark and Terminal 1 car park for three days or, more reasonably, AED 360 (£62) in Terminal 2 car park (also for three days). Midterm parking costs AED 800 (about £138) for four days in the Skypark and Terminal 1 car park and AED 480 (£83) in Terminal 2 car park (also for three days). Longterm parking rates are AED 120 (£20) per day for a maximum of 60 days.

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Information Desks

There are number of information desks in each of the terminals.

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Airport Facilities

Money and communications: The airport has a number of ATMs (on levels T1, T1A and T2), in both arrivals and departures areas. The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) has branches in both terminals. Passengers will also be able to exchange foreign currency at one of the exchange offices located throughout the airport.

Luggage: The airport offers a full range of luggage services, as well as a lost-and-found office. For details, visit the Abu Dhabi International Airport website.

Conference and business: With a business centre on the premises, passengers have access to communication services that include telephone, fax and Internet.

Other facilities: The airport also offers postal services and a fully-equipped fitness centre.

Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available.

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