Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) sits roughly 30β35 km from the Abu Dhabi city centre and about 20 km from Yas Island. Unlike Dubai, Abu Dhabi has no Metro - public transport from the airport is limited to taxis and a single bus route. The good news: taxis here operate with fixed fares from the airport rather than a meter, so there are no surprises.
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) Overview
AUH has three terminals. Terminal 1 (A and B) handles Etihad and most full-service international carriers. Terminal 3 serves specific regional routes. A new Midfield Terminal is now open and handles Etihadβs main international operations - confirm your terminal when you land, as signage inside the airport is straightforward but the walk between terminals is substantial.
There is no train or Metro connection. The priority travel options are: official airport taxi, pre-booked private transfer, or the Route 901 bus.
Official Taxis from AUH
Abu Dhabi taxis from the airport operate on fixed fares to common destinations, set by the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport (DoT). This means you agree the fare before you get in - no meter, no negotiation.
Fixed fares from AUH (approximate, as of 2026):
| Destination | Fixed Fare (AED) | Journey Time |
|---|---|---|
| Yas Island (theme parks, hotels) | 50β70 | 20β30 min |
| Abu Dhabi city centre (Corniche) | 90β110 | 30β40 min |
| Tourist Club Area / Al Zahiyah | 90β115 | 30β45 min |
| Saadiyat Island | 80β100 | 25β35 min |
| Al Ain | 220β260 | 80β100 min |
| Dubai city centre | 280β350 | 90β120 min |
Fares increase by approximately 20β25% between 23:00 and 06:00. Confirm the fare with the dispatcher at the taxi rank before departure.
Taxis are available from the ground floor of each terminal building, supervised by DoT dispatchers. Queue times are typically short outside of major flight waves.
Rideshare Apps: Uber and Careem
Both Uber and Careem operate from AUH. Fares are comparable to the official taxi fixed rates, though surge pricing can apply. Pick-up is from the designated zones outside arrivals - follow signage for βRideshareβ or check the apps for precise pick-up locations. Careem has strong local driver availability in Abu Dhabi.
Pre-Booked Private Transfers from AUH
A private transfer is the most comfortable option, particularly for late-night arrivals, families with luggage, or if you want a driver waiting in the arrivals hall rather than finding a taxi.
- Kiwitaxi - Fixed-fare AUH transfers: Pre-bookable online. Driver meets you in arrivals with a name sign. Price confirmed at booking - no meter.
- Welcome Pickups - Airport transfers Abu Dhabi: English-speaking drivers, real-time flight monitoring, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before pick-up.
Private transfer fares from AUH to Abu Dhabi city centre typically run AED 100β160 for a standard sedan, depending on destination and vehicle class.
Bus Route 901 from AUH
The Abu Dhabi DoT operates Route 901 (Airport Express) between AUH and the Central Bus Station in Mushrif, from where connections to other parts of the city are available.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Fare | Approximately AED 4 (Hafilat card) as of 2026 |
| Journey time | 40β60 minutes |
| Hours | Approximately 06:00βmidnight |
| Luggage | Allowed, no extra charge |
The Hafilat transport card (Abu Dhabiβs equivalent of Dubaiβs Nol card) can be purchased at the terminal or at Central Bus Station. A single-trip cash fare is slightly higher.
The bus is a genuinely good option for solo travellers with carry-on luggage heading to the Central Bus Station area or onward to cheaper accommodation. It is not practical for large suitcase-heavy groups or late-night arrivals when service stops.
Transfer Option Comparison
| Option | Cost | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Taxi (fixed fare) | AED 50β350 | Fast | Most travellers |
| Uber / Careem | AED 50β300+ | Fast | Those with the app |
| Pre-booked Private Transfer | AED 100β200 fixed | Fast | Groups, families, late arrivals |
| Route 901 Bus | AED 4 | Slow | Budget solo travellers |
Getting to Yas Island from AUH
Yas Island is only 20β25 km from AUH - one of the shortest airport-to-destination journeys in the UAE. A taxi costs approximately AED 50β70, making it one of the few times a taxi is both cheap and fast. Most Yas Island hotels (Yas Viceroy, W, Rotana Yas Island) offer their own shuttle services too - check at booking.
Getting to Dubai from AUH
If you are connecting to Dubai after landing at AUH, the main intercity options are:
- Taxi from AUH to Dubai: AED 280β350 to central Dubai, 90β120 minutes via E11/Sheikh Zayed Road. Practical for direct hotel drop-off.
- Pre-booked transfer: Often better value than an airport taxi for this longer route - book online here.
- Intercity bus: The E100 Abu DhabiβDubai bus (from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, not the airport) costs around AED 25 and takes 90β120 minutes.
Practical Tips
Book ahead for peak times: Abu Dhabi hosts large events including F1 Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit (typically November) and major concerts at Etihad Arena. Taxi and transfer availability can be strained on event nights - pre-booking is strongly recommended.
Night fares: All Abu Dhabi taxis carry a night rate from 23:00 to 06:00. The fixed airport fares should reflect this - confirm with the dispatcher.
Currency: UAE dirhams (AED). There are exchange counters at AUH arrivals, though rates are better in the city. ATMs are available airside and in arrivals.
For more on getting around once in the capital, see our Abu Dhabi getting around guide.