Abu Dhabi International Airport Guide (AUH)
Abu Dhabi International Airport is the second largest in the United Emirates, and serves as a principal hub for the rapidly expanding Etihad Airways. Our Abu Dhabi International Airport guide includes information regarding terminal facilities, public transport access and nearby accommodation options.
Development has begun on a new passenger terminal between the two runways, to be known as the Midfield Terminal. It is due for completion in 2019, and when operational it will increase the airport’s capacity to 30 million passengers annually.
Information desks and info points are located throughout all of the terminals. Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority also operates a desk on level G of the Arrival Hall.
A free shuttle service operates at 15 minute intervals between the terminals, from outside Terminals 1 and 2. Terminal 3 is adjacent to, and a short walk from, Terminal 1.
Three main roads: 2nd Street (Sheikh Rashid Al Maktoum Street), 8th Street (Salam Street) and 30th Street (Khaleej Al Arabi Street) lead out of central Abu Dhabi city, merging with the main E22, E20 and E10 highways, all of which lead directly to the airport, which is clearly signposted all the way. The total drive time to the airport from central Abu Dhabi city is approximately 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Public Transport
Bus: The 24-hour, air-conditioned A1 bus (tel: +971 800 88888; www.dot.abudhabi.ae) operates from all three terminals to various stops in the city centre, including the City Air Terminal, with departures every 40 minutes. Journey time is around 45 minutes, depending on traffic, and the single fare is AED4. However, Etihad premium passengers can take advantage of complimentary coach transport into Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai.
Taxi: Metered taxis operate from immediately outside all terminals. The fare into Abu Dhabi city starts at around AED80, and journey time varies between 35-50 minutes according to the time of day.
Terminal facilities
There are numerous ATMs and full-service banks located in all three terminals. Travelex desks operate in the Arrivals Hall and in Terminal 1 and 3.
Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout Abu Dhabi International Airport, in all terminals. There are also free internet stations, and card-operated pay-phones are widely available. Phone cards are available for purchase at many of the airport's shops. Post offices are also available.
There is a wide selection of full-service restaurants, fast food outlets and cafés offering the full range of international and Arabic cuisine both airside and landside in all three terminals.
Abu Dhabi International Airport has a large range of shops showcasing international brands as well as a comprehensive selection of duty free goods.
Free luggage trolleys are widely available, along with fixed rate (AED15) for porter services. Left luggage lockers are available, along with both short and long-term storage facilities. For lost and found queries refer to the baggage service counter in the Arrival Hall of Terminal 3.
Airport facilities
There are a number of lounges available in all terminals. Some are available only to premium passengers, but others can be accessed by anyone paying a fee.
Meeting rooms are available in the Premier Inn hotel (tel: +971 2 818 6666; global.premierinn.com), which is directly linked to Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 via the Skypark retail complex.
Additionally, ADNEC, or the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (tel: +971 2 444 6900; www.adnec.ae), is about 15-20 minutes by road from the airport on the route in to Abu Dhabi city.
Abu Dhabi International Airport is fully accessible for persons with reduced mobility. There is designated parking, and the terminals are equipped with all necessary facilities, including lifts and disabled toilets. Those requiring assistance should in the first case, contact their airline in advance to ensure that necessary provisions are in place.
Short- and long-term parking is available in air-conditioned covered parking garages within walking distance of the terminals. Further parking information (tel: +971 2 505 2528) is available on the airport website. Valet parking is also available (tel: +971 55 945 1573).
Car hire desks are located in Skypark Plaza, a short walk from Terminal 1 and 3. Companies represented at Abu Dhabi International Airport include Budget, Dollar, Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty, Avis, Fast and Payless.
Opulent, luxurious and modern, the Yas Viceroy is a choice for those who feel a need to spoil themselves. Just a few minutes by cab from the airport, and alongside the Formula 1 race circuit, this is a truly spectacular hotel.
Just a short distance from the airport, the Crowne Plaza is adjacent to a golf course and a sandy beach. Several restaurants and bars are available, along with extensive meeting facilities, a spa, outdoor pool and a gym.
Integrated within Terminal 1 at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Aerotel is available for passengers in transit. Rooms incorporate en-suite showers and the accommodation is fully wheelchair-accessible.
Directly linked to Terminal 1 and 3 via the Skypark shopping complex, the Premier Inn has 300 rooms, a restaurant and bar, plus meeting rooms. Facilities include a swimming pool and gymnasium.
For those seeking a more moderately priced stopover, the Park Inn is also located in the Yas Island complex about 10 km (6 miles) from AUH. Facilities include a swimming pool, meeting rooms and an adjacent golf course, plus various restaurants.
Also just a short trip by taxi from the airport, this international chain hotel offers several restaurants and bars, along with meeting facilities, a spa, and swimming pools.
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