Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH): Complete Guide

Abu Dhabi International Airport (IATA: AUH) is the UAE’s second-busiest airport and the home base of Etihad Airways. It handles over 25 million passengers annually across its terminals, with a major expansion completed in late 2023 that transformed the passenger experience substantially. For travellers passing through or connecting, knowing the airport layout saves time and removes guesswork.

Terminals at Abu Dhabi Airport

Terminal A (new main terminal): Opened November 2023, Terminal A is the centrepiece of the AUH expansion and one of the largest airport terminal buildings in the world by floor area. Etihad Airways operates all of its flights from Terminal A, along with most major international airlines that have migrated from the older facilities. The terminal features over 170 retail and dining outlets, multiple lounge options, fast immigration processing, and a clear layout designed to reduce transit confusion.

Terminal 1: The original international terminal, still operational. Some carriers that have not yet migrated to Terminal A depart from here. Check your boarding pass or airline app to confirm which terminal you need — the two are not connected internally and require a short drive between them.

Terminal 2: Primarily used by Air Arabia, the UAE’s budget carrier based in Sharjah, and a small number of regional airlines. Facilities here are functional but more limited than Terminal A. If you are flying Air Arabia to or from Abu Dhabi, note that the check-in and departure process is handled here rather than in the main complex.

A free inter-terminal shuttle bus operates between Terminal 1 and Terminal A for connecting passengers. Allow 20–30 minutes for the transfer including time to locate the bus and account for any queue.

Getting from AUH to Abu Dhabi City Centre

Bus (cheapest option): Route 040 runs between the airport and Abu Dhabi city centre (Al Wahda Mall bus terminal) for AED 4. The journey takes approximately 35–45 minutes depending on traffic. Buses run regularly throughout the day and evening. Nol cards are not valid here — a separate contactless payment system operates on Abu Dhabi public buses. Exact change is not required; the fare is collected electronically. This is the best option if you are travelling light and are not in a rush.

Taxi: Taxis are available from designated ranks outside the arrivals halls of all terminals. Abu Dhabi taxis are metered — the typical fare to the city centre (Corniche area) runs approximately AED 75–80. To the Al Maryah Island financial district, expect approximately AED 80–90. A surcharge applies for late-night journeys. The ranks are clearly signed and there is no need to negotiate — metered taxis at UAE airports are regulated.

Private transfer (pre-booked): Pre-booking via Kiwitaxi or a similar platform gives a fixed price before you travel — typically AED 120–160 for a standard saloon to the city centre. Useful if you are arriving late, travelling with luggage, or want a named driver meeting you at arrivals. Welcome Pickups is another reliable option with a fixed rate and meet-and-greet service.

Ride-hailing (Careem): The Careem app works in Abu Dhabi. Launch the app once you are in arrivals and book from the designated ride-hailing pickup area. Fares are broadly comparable to metered taxis but you avoid the queue. Note that surge pricing applies during peak hours.

Car rental: All major rental companies have desks in Terminal A arrivals. If you plan to drive in Abu Dhabi, hiring a car at the airport is straightforward. Road signage in Abu Dhabi is clear, distances within the city are manageable, and parking is generally easier than in Dubai.

Lounges at AUH

Etihad Lounge (Terminal A): The flagship lounge for Etihad Business and First Class passengers. Access also available with Etihad Guest Platinum and Gold cards, select credit cards (American Express Centurion), and certain premium frequent flyer statuses from partner airlines.

Etihad Business Studio Lounge: A larger, more accessible lounge for business class passengers, also within Terminal A airside.

Marhaba Lounge: Available in Terminal A on a pay-per-entry basis (approximately AED 220–280 as of 2026) or via Priority Pass, Lounge Key, and certain travel credit cards (Visa Infinite, Mastercard World Elite). A reliable option for travellers without airline lounge access. The Marhaba Lounge includes hot food, showers, a full bar, and fast Wi-Fi.

Plaza Premium Lounge: Also accessible via Priority Pass in Terminal A. Smaller than Marhaba but consistently well-reviewed for food quality.

If you have a long layover and a Priority Pass or comparable card, arriving at the lounge 30 minutes before boarding gives access to a proper meal and a shower — a significant upgrade on the standard gate experience.

Duty-Free at Abu Dhabi Airport

Abu Dhabi Airports’ duty-free operation, managed by L’aroma, covers Terminal A extensively. Key categories:

Alcohol: AUH has a well-stocked liquor section — one of the few places in Abu Dhabi where alcohol is freely available for purchase. Each arriving passenger may import up to 4 litres of alcohol duty-free into the UAE. Prices are competitive, particularly for Scotch whisky and wines.

Gold and jewellery: Abu Dhabi duty-free carries a good selection at prices broadly comparable to the Dubai Gold Souk, though with less variety. For serious jewellery purchases, the Dubai airport selection is larger.

Perfume and cosmetics: Strong selection of regional and international fragrances, including several oud-based perfumes that are worth considering as gifts. Tax-free pricing on international brands makes this a good purchase opportunity.

Electronics: Standard airport electronics selection. Prices are competitive but not significantly better than the city’s malls.

Dates and local food: The date selection at AUH is genuinely good — Bateel and similar premium brands are stocked. A box of high-quality Emirati dates makes a distinctive gift and is well-packaged for travel.

Layover Guide: What to Do on a Stopover at AUH

For layovers under 4 hours, staying airside is the rational choice — Terminal A has enough to explore, and the immigration queue on arrival can take 20–45 minutes.

4–8 hours: A city excursion is practical. Head landside, take a taxi or Careem to:

• Louvre Abu Dhabi: Approximately 20 minutes from the airport (AED 25–35 by taxi). One of the most architecturally striking museums in the world — the dome, the artworks, and the light effects at noon are worth the trip alone. Entry approximately AED 63 per adult as of 2026. Open Saturday–Thursday 10:00–20:00 (until 22:00 on Friday, closed Tuesday). Allow 2–3 hours inside.
• The Corniche: A 10 km waterfront promenade with views across the Gulf. Free to walk. Good for a coffee and an hour of fresh air after a long flight.
• Qasr Al Hosn (White Fort): The oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi, now a museum. Entry approximately AED 30. Central city location, easy to combine with a Corniche walk.

8+ hours: Consider adding a meal at one of Abu Dhabi’s hotel restaurants (Emirates Palace or Fairmont on the Corniche), or visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (free entry, open to non-Muslims outside prayer times, dress code applies — abayas available at the entrance for women).

Practical Notes

Visa on arrival: Most Western, GCC, and many Asian passport holders receive a 30-day visa on arrival at AUH free of charge. Immigration queues at Terminal A move efficiently in most cases. Have your onward ticket and accommodation details accessible.

Prayer facilities: Well-signed in all terminals. Terminal A has a large, clean mosque-style prayer hall.

Currency exchange: ATMs and exchange counters are available throughout Terminal A. Airport exchange rates are slightly worse than city rates, but the gap is not significant for small amounts.

Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout all terminals — log in via mobile number (UAE and international numbers work). Speed is adequate for messaging and browsing.

Smoking: Abu Dhabi Airport has designated smoking rooms airside in Terminal A. Smoking is not permitted elsewhere in the terminal.

For onward travel from Abu Dhabi, see our Abu Dhabi city guide and renting a car in the UAE for transport connections to Dubai, Al Ain, and other destinations.

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