Heading to Abu Dhabi Airport and not sure where to park? This quick guide covers your options, costs and what suits your trip best. Whether you are dropping off, staying for a short time, or needing long-term parking, it helps to know your choices in advance. Abu Dhabi Airport parking offers multiple parking zones with clear signs and rates.
From premium to economy, there’s a spot for every need and budget. Plan ahead to save time and avoid last-minute confusion. Park easily and head straight to your terminal without the stress.
Abu Dhabi Airport Parking – Terminal A
Terminal A of Abu Dhabi International Airport is the central hub for most airlines (Etihad, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, Air Arabia, etc.). It offers two primary parking zones:
1. Short‑stay Car Park
- Located just a short 1–2 minute walk through covered pathways from the terminal entrance. Ideal for quick drop‑offs and pickups.
- Fully covered, multi‑storey facilities with plenty of spaces and security cameras.
- Payment available via on‑site machines or online pre‑booking (QR code or plate recognition)
2. Mid‑term / Long‑stay Parking
- Situated a little further away, connected by a free 24/7 shuttle bus to Zayed International Airport Terminals A and T3 (approx. 5 min ride).
- Best suited for journeys lasting several days or weeks.
- Pre‑booking is available via the airport website, with packages available for 2 to 14 days.
Additional services
- Valet parking: Drive up to the departures forecourt and hand over your vehicle; ideal for convenience.
- Designated drop‑off zones: Located at terminal forecourts, which are strictly timed but free for quick farewells.
- Accessibility: Covered walkways, clear signage, and CCTV across all zones. Pre‑booking ensures hassle‑free entry via QR or licence plate recognition.
Abu Dhabi Airport Parking – Terminal 3
Terminal 3 at Abu Dhabi International Airport caters primarily to US‑bound flights via the pre‑clearance terminal:
- Shares the Short‑stay Car Park area with Terminal A (covered, CCTV‑monitored).
- Long‑stay vehicles park in the same lot as Terminal A but use the shuttle to reach Terminal 3.
- All facilities (valet, drop‑off zones, payment systems, accessibility) are shared and uniform across terminals.
New Rates for 2025 for Abu Dhabi Airport Parking
Similar to parking in Abu Dhabi, the Airport also has parking charges. The following are the updated rates for Abu Dhabi Airport parking:
Terminal A – Pre-booking Parking Rates
| Duration | Price (AED) |
| 2-3 days | AED 225 |
| 4-7 days | AED 325 |
| 8-14 days | AED 400 |
| Additional days (from day 15 to 30) | AED 50 per day |
Terminal A – Standard Parking Rates
| Duration | Price (AED) |
| 6 – 15 Minutes | AED 15 |
| 16 – 30 Minutes | AED 25 |
| 31 Minutes – 2 Hours | AED 35 |
| Up to 3 Hours | AED 55 |
| Up to 4 Hours | AED 65 |
| Up to 24 Hours | AED 125 |
| Each additional day | AED 100 |
How to Pay for Abu Dhabi Airport Parking Fees
Here’s how you can pay the parking fees at Abu Dhabi Airport:
1. On‑site machines
- Cash or credit/debit card payments are accepted at automated machines in all car parks.
- Exit-barrier gates also allow contactless card payment right as you leave.
2. Online pre‑booking
- Visit the official parking portal and reserve your spot in advance for long‑stay or dedicated zones. Payment is made online via card, helping ensure availability.
3. Mobile app
- You can use the airport’s parking website or supported app to book, pay and receive QR or plate‑recognition digital entry tags.
4. Mobile/SMS payment
- For general city parking (Mawaqif system), SMS payment to 3009 is available, but this applies more to city streets and not airport car parks.
Tips on Saving Parking Fees at Abu Dhabi Airport
Here are some practical tips to help you save on parking fees at Abu Dhabi Airport:
Pre-book your parking online.
Booking in advance through the official Abu Dhabi Airport website can secure a guaranteed spot and offer better rates than drive-up prices.
Look for promotions or discounts.
Check the airport’s website for ongoing offers from airlines, frequent flyer programs, credit card companies, or special seasonal deals.
Choose the right parking for your stay.
Use short-term parking for quick visits and long-term parking for extended trips. Picking the correct option helps you avoid paying more than necessary.
Explore off-site parking
Private car parks near the airport often offer lower prices. Most include a free shuttle to the terminal, which can be more cost-effective than on-site options.
Consider hotel park-and-fly deals.
Some nearby hotels offer stay-and-park packages. You can leave your car at the hotel and take their shuttle to the terminal—sometimes cheaper than parking at the airport.
Use loyalty programs
If you fly often, see if your airline or credit card provider offers points or cashback when paying for airport parking.
Avoid last-minute parking
Drive-up rates are usually the most expensive. Planning ahead can save money and avoid the stress of finding a spot.
FAQs
Parking at Abu Dhabi Airport depends on the type and duration of your stay. Short-term parking near Terminal A starts from AED 15 to AED 25 for up to 30 minutes, while longer durations can cost more. Long-term parking, better suited for extended trips, typically ranges from AED 48 to AED 85 per day.
If you’re parking at Abu Dhabi International Airport, a 24-hour stay usually costs between AED 48 and AED 85, depending on your chosen parking zone.
You can use cash or a card at the self-service payment machines in each parking area. Alternatively, many people prefer to pay by card directly at the exit barriers using contactless methods. The airport also offers an online pre-booking system where you can reserve and pay for your parking space in advance.
At Abu Dhabi Airport, people of determination are entitled to two hours of free parking in designated spaces. If you’re dropping someone off, there are specific forecourt zones near the terminal where short stays are allowed free of charge, but these are strictly time-limited.
Abu Dhabi Airport provides convenient parking at all terminals, with short-term and long-term options. Understanding where to park and how to pay helps you avoid delays and stress. Planning ahead can make your airport experience much easier, especially during busy travel times.
Moreover, you can learn about Dubai International Airport and its facilities if you have booked a flight from there. Also, you can learn how to pay for Dubai Airport parking.
For more helpful and legal guides about Dubai and other Emirates, follow the Property Finder Blog.
