Zayed International Airport, formerly known as Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), is the UAE capital’s main gateway to the world. Located approximately 30 kilometres from Abu Dhabi city centre, it is the second-busiest airport in the country after Dubai. The airport operates under the IATA code AUH and serves as a hub for more than 40 international airlines, including Etihad Airways, Air Arabia, and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi.
Whether you are flying out, picking someone up, or simply looking to make the most of what the airport offers, this guide covers everything you need to know about Zayed International Airport. Learn about its terminals, parking rates, lounges, transport connections, and its exciting 2026 FIFA World Cup event open to non-travellers.
- Location and how to get there
- Terminals at Zayed International Airport
- Zayed International Airport Arrivals
- Zayed International Airport Departures
- Parking at Zayed International Airport
- Transport options to and from the airport
- Lounges at the airport
- Shopping, dining, and facilities
- Airport Pass: Watch World Cup 2026 at Zayed International Airport
- Key takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
Location and how to get there
Zayed International Airport (formerly Abu Dhabi International Airport) sits along the E10 highway, approximately 30 kilometres east of Abu Dhabi city centre. It is also accessible via the E11 (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road) and E12, making it straightforward to reach by car from both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Its location along the main highway puts it within easy reach of popular destinations such as Yas Island, which is roughly 16 minutes away by car.
Terminals at Zayed International Airport
Terminal A
Terminal A is the main terminal at Zayed International Airport and handles the vast majority of flights. It is home to around 163 shops, numerous dining outlets, VIP lounges, a kids’ play area, a health spa, and an on-site hotel. All airlines operating through the airport use Terminal A for check-in, including those with flights to the United States.
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 is dedicated to US-bound flights. Passengers on these routes check in at Terminal A before proceeding through US immigration and customs pre-clearance at Terminal 3, a significant convenience that allows travellers to land in the United States as domestic arrivals.
Both terminals are equipped with prayer rooms, baby-changing facilities, family services, currency exchange, free Wi-Fi, accessible toilets, shower facilities, and medical services.
Zayed International Airport Arrivals
Baggage claim
After landing at Zayed International Airport, passengers proceed through the jet bridge or transfer bus to the arrivals area. Baggage claim carousels are clearly signposted inside the terminal. Trolleys and porters are available at the baggage claim area, and trolley use is complimentary.
Immigration and customs
International arrivals pass through UAE immigration and customs before entering the arrivals hall. UAE nationals and residents with eligible travel documents can use e-gates for faster processing. If you need assistance at any stage, the airport’s Salam Meet & Assist service can be booked in advance to guide you from the aircraft through to the exit.
Meeting points and pick-up
Once through customs, arriving passengers exit into the main Arrivals Hall. The taxi pick-up area is clearly signposted at the lower curbside outside the Arrivals Hall. If you are being picked up by private vehicle, designated pick-up zones are located in the same area as the short-stay car park.
Zayed International Airport Departures
Check-in
All departing passengers check in at Terminal A, regardless of which airline they are flying with. Most airlines open check-in counters two to three hours before departure for international flights. Online check-in is available with most carriers, and self-service kiosks are available inside the terminal.
If you prefer a more hands-on start to your journey, the Salam Meet & Assist service provides fast-track assistance through check-in, immigration, and security. It is available for arrivals, departures, and transits.
Security and boarding
After check-in and bag drop, passengers proceed through security screening before reaching the departure gates. The airport’s Departure Lounge and retail areas are accessible post-security. Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the terminal, but enclosed smoking rooms with strong air filtration are available in each pier.
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Parking at Zayed International Airport
The airport’s car park is located a short two- to five-minute walk from Terminal A and offers 3,380 spaces. It is open 24 hours and accepts both card and cash payments. Note that cash is only accepted at the payment machines in the lift lobbies; exit barriers are card-only.
Pre-booking is strongly advised for longer stays and is required for the Long Stay option.
Pre-booked parking rates
| Duration | Pre-booked price |
| 2–3 days | AED 225 |
| 4–7 days | AED 325 |
| 8–14 days | AED 400 |
AED 50 per day applies for each additional day from day 15, up to a maximum of 30 days.
Drive-up (standard) parking rates
| Duration | Price |
| First 10 minutes | Free |
| 11–15 minutes | AED 10 |
| 16–30 minutes | AED 25 |
For longer durations, standard drive-up rates are higher than pre-booked rates, so pre-booking is recommended for stays of two days or more.
Long Stay parking
Long Stay parking is a budget-friendly Park & Ride option within the airport grounds. It offers over 1,500 spaces and a short bus transfer to the terminal. Pre-booking is required for Long Stay.
Accessible parking
Accessible drop-off spaces are available on the Departures level, offering the shortest possible distance to the terminal. Parking bays are clearly marked throughout the car park.
Transport options to and from the airport
By taxi
Taxis are available from the signposted pick-up area at the lower curbside outside the Arrivals Hall. The drive to Abu Dhabi city centre takes approximately 25 minutes. For a more convenient experience, private transfers can be pre-booked through various third-party providers.
Airport Express to Dubai
The Airport Express shuttle connects Zayed International Airport directly to the Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai. The service runs 24 hours a day, with departures every hour from both ends. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes. Tickets are available at the dedicated counter in the Arrivals Hall.
| Departure from AUH | Arrival at Ibn Battuta Bus Station, Dubai |
| Every hour (00:00–23:00) | 90 minutes later |
By public bus
Several public Abu Dhabi bus services connect the airport to Abu Dhabi city and surrounding areas, including:
- A1: Al Zahiyah (City Air Terminal), every 30 minutes, journey approximately 45 minutes
- A2: Khalifa Street
- A10: MBZ City Bus Station
- A40: Al Shahama Bus Station
- K4: Khalifa City
- N2: Al Zahiyah (night service)
Lounges at the airport
Diamond Lounge
Located in Terminal A and open 24/7, the Diamond Lounge is designed for exclusivity and privacy. It offers premium Emirati hospitality with top-tier amenities suited to travellers seeking a quiet and refined pre-flight experience.
Pearl Lounge
Also in Terminal A, the Pearl Lounge provides complimentary food, beverages, and Wi-Fi. It features two dining areas, an oasis-inspired terrace, large family areas, meeting rooms, shower facilities, nursing rooms, prayer rooms, and a smoking room.
Etihad Airways First Class Lounge
Open to passengers travelling in The Residence or First Class with Etihad Airways, as well as eligible VIP guests, this lounge offers private dining rooms with international cuisine, a Parlour serving chocolates, pastries, and afternoon tea, and a relaxation area called The Oasis. Eligible Business Class passengers and senior Etihad Guest members may also access this lounge, and economy passengers can purchase a lounge pass subject to availability.
Etihad Airways Business Class Lounge
Available to First and most Business Class passengers, as well as eligible Etihad Guest members. Key facilities include:
- Liwan Global Dining: a self-service international buffet in an Emirati-inspired setting
- East & West Study: a quiet area with runway views
- Relaxation Rooms with day beds and private showers
- Family Room with games and books for children
- Games Room with foosball, air hockey, and digital gaming
- Roof Lounge with a signature bar and spacious seating
Economy passengers can purchase a lounge pass if available.
Etihad US Premium Lounge
This lounge is available for First and Business Class passengers flying from Zayed International Airport to the United States. It is located past US immigration and customs pre-clearance, and is open daily from 10:30 am to 11:30 pm.
Salam Meet & Assist
Open 24/7, the Salam Meet & Assist service provides fast-track assistance through check-in, immigration, and security. It is available for arrivals, departures, and transits, and can be booked in advance online.
Shopping, dining, and facilities
Shopping
Terminal A at Zayed International Airport houses around 163 outlets, from high-end fashion and luxury goods to everyday travel essentials.
- Gucci
- Burberry
- Hermès
- Balenciaga
- Fendi
- Bottega Veneta
- Salvatore Ferragamo
- Michael Kors
- Ralph Lauren
- Coach
- Boots Pharmacy
- Bath & Body Works
- Virgin Mobile
- du
- Etisalat
Dining
The airport offers a wide range of dining options to suit every appetite and schedule.
- Arabica
- Costa
- Brioche Dorée
- Puro Gusto
- Jones the Grocer
- TGIF Fridays
- Todd English Pub & Market
- Meat District
- Patamar Indo-Asian Kitchen
- Pier D Sports Bar
- Levito Pizza
- Shawa
- Burger King
- Texas Chicken
- Krispy Kreme
Wi-Fi
Complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. To connect, select ‘Zayed Intl Airport Free WiFi’ from your device’s Wi-Fi list and click ‘Connect’ on the welcome screen.
Other facilities
The airport also offers baby strollers and changing rooms, ATMs and foreign exchange counters, medical services, luggage wrapping (Bag Wrap and Airportray), a health spa (Xpress Spa), and tax refund points for eligible purchases. Porters and trolleys are available at baggage claim and throughout the Departures area.
Airport Pass: Watch World Cup 2026 at Zayed International Airport
UAE nationals and residents who are not travelling can experience Zayed International Airport through the Airport Pass programme. During the FIFA World Cup 2026 period, this special initiative grants non-passengers exclusive access to the duty-free shopping zone, and the chance to watch World Cup matches live at designated restaurants inside the airport, including Todd English Pub & Market, Bottega Café, Pier D Sports Bar, and TGIF Fridays.
The campaign runs from 10 June to 19 July 2026.
To take part, visitors must register in advance and receive a digital QR code pass (PDF) before arriving. The pass must be presented at entry, at participating outlets, and on exit. A lost or unreturned pass incurs a penalty of AED 300.
Parking for Airport Pass holders: Complimentary parking of up to four hours is available to visitors who spend a minimum of AED 200 during their visit. Collect a voucher from the airside area before exiting.
For football fans: The AUH 3vs3 Football Cup is also running as part of the World Cup period. Players can register at the official link, and spectators can register separately for a free entry pass.
Eligibility: The Airport Pass is open to UAE nationals and residents only. Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
For the full schedule of World Cup matches and to register your Airport Pass, visit zayedinternationalairport.ae/en/airportpass.
Key takeaways
- Zayed International Airport (formerly Abu Dhabi International Airport) is the UAE capital’s main airport, operating under the IATA code AUH.
- The airport is located approximately 30 kilometres from Abu Dhabi city centre, with easy access via the E10, E11, and E12 highways.
- Zayed International Airport Terminal A handles all check-in for all airlines; Terminal 3 is used for US pre-clearance.
- The Airport Express runs hourly between AUH and Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai, with a 90-minute journey time.
- Pre-booked parking starts from AED 225 for a two- to three-day stay. Drive-up rates are higher.
- For people looking for places to visit in Abu Dhabi, the Airport Pass programme lets UAE nationals visit the duty-free zone and watch World Cup 2026 matches. You do not need a boarding pass, and the event runs until 19 July 2026.
- Facilities include the Diamond and Pearl Lounges, Etihad Airways lounges, 163+ retail outlets, free Wi-Fi, and a range of dining options.
FAQs
Zayed International Airport (formerly Abu Dhabi International Airport) is located approximately 30 kilometres east of Abu Dhabi city centre, along the E10 highway.
The IATA code is AUH. The airport was previously known as Abu Dhabi International Airport and still operates under this code.
The airport has two main terminals. Terminal A is the primary terminal for check-in and departures for all airlines. Terminal 3 handles US immigration and customs pre-clearance for passengers flying to the United States.
The Airport Express shuttle runs hourly between AUH and Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai, 24 hours a day. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes.
Pre-booked parking starts from AED 225 for two to three days, AED 325 for four to seven days, and AED 400 for eight to fourteen days. Drive-up rates are higher. The first ten minutes in the short-stay car park are free.
Yes. Complimentary, unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Connect to the network named ‘Zayed Intl Airport Free WiFi’ and click ‘Connect’ when the welcome screen appears.
The airport has two runways: 13L/31R and 13R/31L. Both are 4,100 metres long.
Yes. The airport has several lounges including the Diamond Lounge, Pearl Lounge, and dedicated Etihad Airways First Class and Business Class Lounges. Most lounges are located in Terminal A. Some lounges are accessible to economy passengers via a paid lounge pass, subject to availability.
