Abu Dhabi Airport to City Centre

Abu Dhabi Airport to City Centre

Thandi Mthembu, 10 Oct 2025

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), also known as Zayed International Airport, is the primary international gateway to the UAE capital. Located approximately 30–35 kilometers east of downtown Abu Dhabi, the airport serves as a hub for Etihad Airways and connects passengers to numerous domestic and international destinations. The journey from the airport to the city centre typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and the chosen mode of transportation.

Abu Dhabi City Center, with its modern skyscrapers, wide avenues, and cultural riches, forms the heart of the city for both business and tourism. One of the area's most iconic structures is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a modern interpretation of Islamic architecture and a must-see for tourists and worshippers. The city center is also popular for walking, cycling, and beach activities, with the seafront along the Corniche. For shoppers, large shopping malls like Marina Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall offer a wide selection of luxury brands and local goods. For cultural experiences, Qasr Al Hosn and Heritage Village are open to visitors who want to explore the city's history and traditional lifestyle. 

About the Airport

Official Name: Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)

Location: Abu Dhabi International Airport, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Airport Facilities: AUH offers a wide range of amenities, including lounges, duty-free shopping, dining options, currency exchange, free Wi-Fi, and baggage services. The airport is equipped with modern terminals and provides services such as Salam Fast Track and Salam Meet & Assist for enhanced passenger convenience.

How to get from Abu Dhabi Airport to Abu Dhabi City Center? Travelers can reach downtown Abu Dhabi from the airport by taxi, which takes around 30–40 minutes and costs AED 150, by pre-booked Abu Dhabi Airport private transfers for a comfortable door-to-door ride, by public buses A1 and A2 with fares around AED 2–3, or by renting a car at the airport for self-drive, offering options for different budgets and preferences.

Photo by David Rodrigo on Unsplash

Photo by David Rodrigo on Unsplash

Abu Dhabi is not just limited to its city centre; it is surrounded by vibrant districts and coastal areas. Neighborhoods like Al Maryah Island, Al Khalidiyah, and Hamdan Street offer luxury shopping, fine dining, and cultural experiences, while nearby Saadiyat Island and Yas Island are famous for beaches, leisure resorts, and attractions like Ferrari World and Yas Marina Circuit. Al Maryah Island is known for its high-end malls and waterfront promenades, while Al Ain, about 150 km east of Abu Dhabi, is renowned for its historic forts, lush oases, and traditional markets.

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Bus from Abu Dhabi Airport to City Centre

  • Route: A1 and A2
  • Journey Time: 51 minutes
  • Key Point: The bus A1 and A2 timetable indicates that buses run on an hourly basis, but the specific arrival and departure times can fluctuate due to traffic conditions.
  • Note: During busy periods, buses tend to become crowded, and the restricted luggage space can lead to discomfort. Most of these shuttle buses operate daily, with departures approximately every 30 minutes during peak hours. Services may be less frequent during late-night hours.
    A1 (Al Zahiyah): This is the most direct and popular route. It departs approximately every 30 minutes from Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The journey takes about 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs around AED 2–3. The final stop is Al Zahiyah Bus Station, near Abu Dhabi Mall.

    A2 (Khalifa Street): This route also departs from Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. It passes through the city centre, including Khalifa Street, and may require a transfer to another bus depending on your final destination.

    A10 (MBZ City Bus Station): This route connects the airport to Mohammed Bin Zayed City Bus Station. It's suitable if you're heading to that area or need to transfer to other routes.

    A40 (Al Shahama Bus Station): This route connects the airport to Al Shahama Bus Station, passing through various local areas.

Bus Fare from Abu Dhabi Airport to City Centre

The bus fare from Abu Dhabi Airport to City Centre ranges from $1 to $1.65.

There is no completely free shuttle from AUH to the city centre; only hotel and terminal shuttles are available. To reach the city centre, paid transfers or taxis are the most practical options.

Airport Terminal Shuttle 

A free shuttle operates between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. 
Passengers can use this service for check-in, baggage, or transfer purposes. 
Frequency: Typically runs every 10–15 minutes.

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Taxi from Abu Dhabi Airport to City Centre

  • Journey Time: 20 minutes
  • Note: Finding a Abu Dhabi taxi that is available during rush hour can be challenging, resulting in an inconvenient travel situation.
  • Important: There may be communication difficulties since a significant number of local taxi drivers may not have a strong command of the English language.

Taxi Fare from Abu Dhabi Airport to City Centre

Taxi fare from Abu Dhabi Airport to City Centre is around $40 - 50.

Western-based ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are not officially available in Abu Dhabi, but Careem and HiTaxi are some of the taxi apps used in the UAE. However, their fares are the same as local taxis. 

Premium Car Transfers from Abu Dhabi Airport 

Premium Car Transfers from Abu Dhabi Airport 

Burj Khalifa, as the iconic symbol of Dubai, is a world-famous skyscraper, while Abu Dhabi is another major city in the United Arab Emirates, known for its modern architecture, luxury shopping malls, and cultural attractions. Traveling from Abu Dhabi Airport to Burj Khalifa typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by car, covering a distance of approximately 140 km between the two iconic UAE cities.

Private Transfers from Abu Dhabi Airport to City Centre

  • Price: Starting from $21 for a Standard Sedan
  • Distance: 32 kilometres
  • Journey Time: 28 minutes
  • Key Point: AirportTransfer's Abu Dhabi Airport pickup service offers travellers predetermined prices and customized transportation solutions, ensuring a stress-free experience.

AirportTransfer.com adopts a modern and inventive approach to the travel sector, aiming to provide smart solutions that meet your requirements. Our team includes competent English-speaking drivers and dedicated personnel who warmly greet travellers from across the globe. Plan ahead and book your Abu Dhabi VIP transfer to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip, taking advantage of our customer-oriented policies.

You can input your starting and ending points to see the vehicle options and securely finalize your booking by paying with your credit card, PayPal, or Apple Pay. AT provides 24/7 customer support to help you. Don't hesitate to reach out whenever you need information or help benefit from the perks of a free cancellation option up to 48 hours before your journey and a 100% refund policy to enhance your travel experience.

Booking yourAbu Dhabi Airport executive taxi transfer is easy through the AirportTransfer.com website or mobile application, available on both Android and iOS devices: Google Play Store for airport transfers and Airport Transfer App Store

Luxury and Private Bus Rental Service in Abu Dhabi for Group Traveller

Luxury and Private Bus Rental Service in Abu Dhabi for Group Traveller

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Group Bus Transfers at Abu Dhabi Airport

For large groups, a private coach transfer from Abu Dhabi International Airport to the city centre is the most comfortable and convenient option. If you are traveling in a group in Abu Dhabi and planning to visit the main attractions, booking a premium Abu Dhabi bus rental transfer will make transportation easier and provide your group with a comfortable and enjoyable experience. When making a reservation, it is recommended to consider your group size and the destinations you plan to visit in order to choose the most suitable vehicle.


Private bus transfers in Abu Dhabi are perfect for corporate delegations, families on vacation, sports teams, school trips, cultural tours, and wedding parties.


Available Abu Dhabi Bus Options at AirportTransfer.com:

  • Minibuses (8–19 seats): Compact, comfortable, and ideal for smaller groups or families.

  • Mid-size coaches (20–35 seats): Equipped with air conditioning, spacious luggage compartments, and reclining seats for added comfort.

  • Luxury full-size coaches (36–55 seats): Designed for maximum comfort, with extra legroom, wide aisles, and onboard amenities suitable for longer journeys.


Most Visited Destinations for Groups in Abu Dhabi:

  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – A must-visit landmark showcasing stunning Islamic architecture.

  • Corniche Road – Perfect for a scenic walk along Abu Dhabi’s waterfront.

  • Louvre Abu Dhabi – Explore world-class art and cultural exhibits.

  • Yas Island – Famous for Ferrari World, Yas Marina Circuit, and leisure attractions.

  • Saadiyat Island – Known for luxury resorts, beaches, and cultural institutions.

  • Heritage Village – Ideal for experiencing traditional Emirati culture and crafts.

First-class Hotel Transfers to Abu Dhabi Hotels

First-class Hotel Transfers to Abu Dhabi Hotels

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Abu Dhabi Hotel Transfers

If you are looking for a comfortable travel experience in Abu Dhabi, you can easily reach luxury accommodations with the VIP Abu Dhabi hotel transfer services offered by AirportTransfer.com.
Below is a list of some of the most popular and luxurious hotels in Abu Dhabi:
Popular Luxury Hotels in Abu Dhabi: Emirates Palace, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas, Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi, InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Novotel Center Hotel Abu Dhabi, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr.

AirportTransfer.com is not affiliated with the hotels listed. They are provided for reference only. You can book a Abu Dhabi Airport premium transfer to any of these hotels by entering the hotel name when reserving on our website or app. 

The best Abu Dhabi Airport transfer reviews are at AirportTransfer.com!