Abu Dhabi International
Airport Guide

Unwind in style before taking flight…

Discover Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) – the home of Etihad Airways – and explore the incredible lounges, hotels, restaurants and shopping facilities available inside its terminals.

Whether you’re departing, arriving or staying for a brief stopover, Abu Dhabi Airport has everything you need to make travelling comfortable, fun and enjoyable for all.

Find out more about what you can expect from Abu Dhabi Airport.

Abu Dhabi International Airport location

Abu Dhabi International Airport is located just east of central Abu Dhabi. You can choose from a range of transport methods, from public buses and taxis to rental cars and private chauffeurs.

If you’re travelling to or from downtown Abu Dhabi, the airport is around a 30-minute drive away. Parking is available on-site, while the city bus runs every 40 minutes, 24 hours a day into downtown. Yas Island is closer to the airport and can be reached in just 15 minutes by car or taxi.  

For a more luxurious and stress-free travel experience, why not make the most of the Etihad Chauffeur service? You can make a request online up to 24 hours before your flight for one of our private chauffeurs or free coach transfers to take you to and from the airport.

Parking at Abu Dhabi International Airport

Whether you’re leaving your car at the airport, dropping off a relative before their flight or picking up a friend visiting the city, there are plenty of parking options available at Abu Dhabi Airport.

Short stay

Short stay parking is available at all three terminals, as well as the Garden Parking Car Park. Prices vary depending on the length of your stay, from up to 30 minutes to 24 hours.

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Long stay

If you’re planning a longer trip, you can make the most of long-stay parking at each of the airport terminals and leave your car until you get back.

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Valet

Save time when you travel with valet parking. You don’t have to book in advance. Simply park your car next to the Departures entrance in front of Terminals 1 or 3 and the Abu Dhabi Airport valet service will arrange parking for the duration of your trip.

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Pick up and drop off

For picking up or dropping off a passenger, you can use the short-stay car parks or designated drop-off points at each terminal:

  • Terminal 1 – Use the outer lane between Entrances 2 and 4 or signposted lower curb side.
  • Terminal 2 – Only use the outer lane directly in front of Terminal 2.
  • Terminal 3 – Similarly, use the outer lane directly in front of Terminal 3.

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Terminals and lounges

There are three terminals at Abu Dhabi Airport. Each one is around a 20-minute walk from their adjacent terminal. Although you will have to pass a security check at the terminal entrance to enter.

Your airline and flight determine which terminal you arrive or depart from. All Etihad Airways flights depart and arrive at Terminal 3. If you are transiting through Abu Dhabi, you can find your flight and terminal here.

Abu Dhabi Airport Terminal 1 – T1

Terminal 1 has two lounges where you can rest and recharge before a flight. Business Class passengers with Etihad Airways can travel in style at the Terminal 1 Etihad Premium Lounge. You’ll be greeted by the Concierge and invited to dine at the international buffet, complete with coffee stations, upscale dining areas and laidback TV dens.

The Al Dhabi Lounge is also available to First and Business Class travellers (not flying with Etihad Airways), or can be booked at check-in. Catch up on emails, watch a film and freshen up with a shower. Plus, enjoy 24-hour snacks, an open bar and hot food buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Abu Dhabi Airport Terminal 2 – T2

Terminal 2 is around a 2km walk from Terminal 1. While it doesn’t have its own lounge, Abu Dhabi Airport Terminal 2 still has plenty of shopping and dining facilities to keep you entertained on the go.

Abu Dhabi Airport Terminal 3 – T3

Inside Terminal 3, there are several exclusive lounges for our Etihad Airways passengers to enjoy. First Class travellers or guests of The Residence can enjoy five-star treatment at the Etihad First Class Lounge & Spa.

You can tailor your lounge experience to suit your needs, with flexible dining options ranging from an upscale four-course meal to a grab-and-go gourmet buffet. And don’t forget to treat yourself to an indulgent treatment or two at the Six Senses Spa – exclusive to Terminal 3. 

Business Class guests can settle into the Etihad Premium Lounge for access to all-day dining and shower facilities, while the Etihad US Premium Lounge is available for passengers flying from Abu Dhabi Airport to the United States.

Etihad Arrivals lounge

Just landed in Abu Dhabi? Head to the Etihad Airways Arrivals Lounge, located in the Abu Dhabi Airport Arrivals Hall after customs, to freshen up. Our friendly staff can help take care of your bags, so you can focus on relaxing and recharging for the next step of your journey.

Share a selection of canapes, beverages and light nibbles while you catch up on emails or plan your itinerary. Showers and baby changing facilities are available too.

Shop, dine & relax

Inside the airport, you’ll find plenty to do while you wait for your flight or transfer.

Shopping

Abu Dhabi Airport offers a great selection of duty-free shops, where you can pick up any last-minute travel supplies and browse the latest designer drops.

  • Clothing – browse your favourite high street and designer brands.
  • Accessories – shop for sunglasses, jewellery, stationery or a new bag across all three terminals.
  • Cosmetics – pick up your skincare essentials and favourite fragrances, as well as any travel toiletries you may have forgotten to pack.  
  • Toys & Souvenirs – treat the little ones to a brand new toy or souvenir to remember your trip to Abu Dhabi.
  • Books & Magazines – if you have a long flight or wait between connections, a good book is essential. Find a book, magazine or newspaper to keep you entertained.

Dine

Whether you’re travelling morning, noon or night, you can find a place to dine and unwind at any time of day at Abu Dhabi Airport.

Discover a variety of restaurants, bars and coffee shops inside each of the three terminals, serving everything from breakfast bites to light lunches and sit-down meals. Got some extra time between flights? You’ll find a range of international fast-food chains and dining spots where you can fuel up before a flight.

Relax

Abu Dhabi International Airport has two hotels on-site, where travellers can unwind before, after or in between flights:

  • Abu Dhabi Airport Hotel – rest and recharge at this convenient 38-room hotel in Terminal 1. Located on Level 1, this stylish hotel has everything you need for your stay, including spacious rooms, in-room coffeemakers and free Wi-Fi. 
  • Premier Inn Hotel – make the most of plush guest rooms, with cosy beds, neutral decor and direct access to Terminals 1 and 3 via the Skypark Walkway. There’s also a swimming pool and gym on-site if you fancy a workout. 

There’s a children’s play area in Terminal 1 where little ones can burn some energy before a flight, and an enclosed Smoking Lounge in each terminal for smokers to have a cigarette after passport control.

Services and facilities

Abu Dhabi Airport has all the facilities you may need to use or access at every stage of your journey. Here are some of the main services and where you can find them.

  • Shower facilities – all of the Abu Dhabi Airport lounges offer premium showering facilities for passengers with access. Alternatively, there are also some public showers between gates 32 and 37.
  • Assistance services – find trolleys, buggies and mobility support to help ensure you have a smooth journey.  
  • Financial services – there are 16 currency exchange providers inside Abu Dhabi Airport, as well as local and international bank branches where you can withdraw, transfer or deposit cash.
  • WiFi – free WiFi is available throughout the airport to ensure you keep up to date and stay in touch with the outside world. There are also 50 free wireless internet kiosks across the three terminals.
  • Family services – travelling with children? You’ll find complimentary baby strollers and changing facilities in all three terminals.
  • Medical services – if you need medical advice, you’ll find a 24-hour medical clinic in the Terminal 1 transit area. There are also several pharmacies at each terminal
  • Prayer rooms – you’ll find separate male and female prayer rooms within each of Abu Dhabi Airport’s terminals. There is also a multi-faith prayer room in Terminal 3.
  • US clearance – if you’re travelling from the US, you can use the airport’s CBP facility to complete your immigration and customs checks ahead of departure.

Stopover in Abu Dhabi

Extend your time in the UAE with a stopover in Abu Dhabi. It’s the perfect way to make your trip even more memorable. Choose from three transit options to suit your schedule:

24hs to 48hs

Enjoy a Stopover on us with a complimentary one or two night stay in Abu Dhabi as part of your Etihad Airways journey. Pick from a selection of 3* and 4* hotels, so you can visit the renowned Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and laidback Abu Dhabi Corniche.

48hs to 96hs

Go all out with our Best of Abu Dhabi stopover package, which gets you up to 50% off the city’s most premium hotels for up to four nights. Spend a few days relaxing at Abu Dhabi’s iconic beach clubs, kayaking through the mangroves and exploring the desert in a 4x4.

Ready to discover Abu Dhabi? Explore the city’s top attractions, hotels and restaurants with Etihad Airways.

Transit in Abu Dhabi

Up to 10hs

Enjoy all Abu Dhabi International Airport has to offer, even when you’re just visiting us for a short while. When you’re transiting through, make the most of shopping and spas, or head out into the city to explore Abu Dhabi’s incredible landmarks.

Under four hours

Just passing through? There’s plenty to enjoy at Abu Dhabi International. Rest and relax at TOSA Spa or enjoy a refreshing nap at the on-site Airport Hotel. Or, head to the Abu Dhabi Lounge to watch the big game, grab a bite to eat or savour a drink or two at the bar.

Over four hours

With four hours or more between flights, you’re in a great place to get out into the city and explore Abu Dhabi’s culture and heritage. Apply for a transit visa and you’ll be able to explore beyond the airport grounds.

10hs to 24hs

Stopping over for a half-day or more gifts you plenty of time to explore beyond the airport grounds. Discover Abu Dhabi’s cultural highlights by booking a stopover package with us.

Transit connect package

Book our complimentary Transit connect package, available on all trips with a stopover of 10hs to 24hs.

Just let us know at least five days before you arrive and we’ll secure you a complimentary room at one of our premier accommodation options close to the airport. Here, you can use the room as a base to explore wider Abu Dhabi from, or rest up and relax.   

Abu Dhabi International Airport: FAQs

Explore Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the ultimate destination for all kinds of travellers. Whether you’re planning an action-packed family holiday, a relaxing couple’s getaway or a short stopover between flights, the UAE capital has endless attractions and experiences for you to try.

Get inspired and start planning your stay in Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways today.

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