Zayed International Airport (AUH)

Zayed International Airport's passenger operations are centred on Terminal A, a large integrated terminal serving arrivals, departures and connecting passengers.

All flights currently operate from the main terminal, which means passengers connecting between flights at AUH do not normally need to transfer between separate airport terminals.

The terminal contains several piers and gate areas, so travellers should check their departure gate and allow sufficient time to walk to their boarding area.

Passengers can use airport information screens or their airline's mobile app to check current gate information.

Passengers travelling on flights booked as a single through-ticket generally have their checked baggage transferred automatically to their onward flight.

Travellers should confirm at their departure airport that their baggage has been tagged to their final destination.

Passengers travelling on separate tickets may need to:

Visa requirements may apply if passengers need to enter the UAE during a connection.

Always confirm baggage and transfer arrangements with the airline before travelling.

Passengers with a longer connection may be able to leave the airport and explore Abu Dhabi, provided they meet the UAE's applicable immigration and visa requirements.

The UAE also provides transit visa arrangements for eligible passengers, subject to current immigration rules and airline sponsorship requirements.

Travellers planning to leave the airport during a connection should allow sufficient time to:

Passengers should not plan to leave the airport during a short connection.

Zayed International Airport has a dedicated United States Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility for eligible passengers travelling directly to the United States.

When the service is operating for the passenger's flight, travellers complete applicable US immigration, customs and agricultural inspections in Abu Dhabi before boarding.

This can allow passengers to arrive in the United States as domestic arrivals rather than completing the normal international arrival inspection process after landing.

Because operational availability and eligible flights can change, passengers travelling to the United States should confirm the current preclearance arrangements directly with their airline before departure.

Official airport taxis are available directly outside the arrivals area at Zayed International Airport.

Airport taxis operate 24 hours a day and use regulated metered fares.

Accessible taxis and larger vehicles are also available for passengers who require additional assistance or space.

Taxi is one of the most convenient transportation options for travellers carrying luggage or travelling directly to hotels and residences.

App-based ride-hailing services are available at Zayed International Airport.

Passengers using services such as Uber or Careem should follow airport signs for Ride Hailing to the designated pickup zone in the Arrivals Car Park.

Passengers should also check the pickup location displayed in their ride-hailing application because airport arrangements may change.

Ride-hailing can be particularly useful for travellers who prefer:

App-based booking

Cashless payment

Door-to-door transportation

Direct hotel travel

Abu Dhabi's public bus network provides transportation between Zayed International Airport and destinations across Abu Dhabi.

Bus stops are located outside the airport arrivals area.

Airport bus routes connect travellers with Abu Dhabi city and surrounding areas.

Public transport arrangements, route numbers and timetables may change, so passengers should check current information through Abu Dhabi Mobility or the airport before travelling.

Abu Dhabi's Hafilat system is used for payment on public bus services.

Travellers can also travel between Zayed International Airport and Dubai using the airport's dedicated Airport Express service.

The service operates between Zayed International Airport and Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai.

From Ibn Battuta, passengers can continue their journey using Dubai's Metro, taxi or other transportation.

Passengers should check the latest Airport Express timetable and ticket information before travelling.

Private airport transfers can be arranged in advance through hotels, transportation companies or travel providers.

Private transfers can be particularly useful for:

Families

Groups

Business travellers

Travellers carrying significant luggage

First-time visitors

Passengers travelling directly to Dubai or another emirate

Car rental companies operate at Zayed International Airport.

Hiring a car may be useful for travellers planning to explore Abu Dhabi or other parts of the UAE independently.

Travellers should ensure they meet the UAE's applicable driving licence requirements and understand local road, toll and parking regulations before renting a vehicle.

For visitors unfamiliar with UAE roads, taxis, ride-hailing services or private transfers may be more convenient.