How to get to Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is located on the central western coast of the Persian Gulf, and is the capital of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The city of Abu Dhabi sits on an island just off the coast and is connected by numerous bridges to the mainland.

The most convenient route to Abu Dhabi is by air to Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), located about 35km (21mi) east of Abu Dhabi city.

Etihad Airways operates a frequent daily courtesy shuttle bus between Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi, taking about 1 hour 40 minutes.


Flight times to Abu Dhabi

The following are the most convenient and quickest routes to Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH).

From United Kingdom: British Airways and Etihad offer the most convenient daily flights to Abu Dhabi.

London to Abu Dhabi is 7 hrs 10 min, direct flight
Manchester to Abu Dhabi is 7 hrs 10 min, direct flight


From Ireland: Etihad offers the most convenient daily flights to Abu Dhabi.

Dublin to Abu Dhabi is 7 hrs 45 min, direct flight


From France: Etihad offers the most convenient daily flights to Abu Dhabi.

Paris to Abu Dhabi is 6 hr 50 min, direct flight


From Germany: Etihad, Flynas and Lufthansa offer the most convenient flights to Abu Dhabi.

Frankfurt to Abu Dhabi is 6 hrs 15 min, direct flight
Munich to Abu Dhabi is 6 hrs, direct flight
Dusseldorf to Abu Dhabi is 6 hrs 20 min, direct flight

Berlin to Abu Dhabi is 8 hrs 5 min, connecting flightˆ
Hamburg to Abu Dhabi is 8 hrs 20 min, connecting flightˆ


From Singapore: Etihad offers the most convenient daily scheduled flights to Abu Dhabi.

Singapore to Abu Dhabi is 7 hrs 25 min, direct flight


From United States: Etihad, Delta Air Lines, British Airways, American Airlines and KLM offer the most convenient daily flights to Abu Dhabi.

Chicago to Abu Dhabi is 13 hrs 35 min, direct flight
New York to Abu Dhabi is 13 hrs 5 min, direct flight
Los Angeles to Abu Dhabi is 16 hrs, direct flight

Atlanta to Abu Dhabi is 16 hrs 40 min, connecting flightˆ
Boston to Abu Dhabi is 14 hrs 50 min, connecting flightˆ
Dallas-Fort Worth to Abu Dhabi is 17 hrs 20 min, connecting flightˆ
San Francisco to Abu Dhabi is 18 hrs 25 min, connecting flightˆ


From Canada: Air Canada, Air Transat and Etihad offer the most convenient daily flights to Abu Dhabi.

Toronto to Abu Dhabi is 12 hrs 55 min, direct flight

Montreal to Abu Dhabi is 14 hrs 40 min, connecting flightˆ
Vancouver to Abu Dhabi is 17 hrs 35 min, connecting flightˆ


From Australia: Etihad and Qantas offer the most convenient daily scheduled flights to Abu Dhabi.

Brisbane to Abu Dhabi is 14 hrs 20 min, direct flight
Sydney to Abu Dhabi is 14 hrs 40 min, direct flight
Melbourne to Abu Dhabi is 14 hrs 10 min, direct flight

Adelaide to Abu Dhabi is 16 hrs 20 min, connecting flightˆ
Perth to Abu Dhabi is 15 hrs 45 min, connecting flightˆ


From New Zealand: Air New Zealand and Etihad offer the most convenient daily scheduled flight to Abu Dhabi.

Auckland to Abu Dhabi is 19 hrs 10 min, connecting flightˆ

(ˆincludes transfer time.)


Flying in

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) is located about 35km (21mi) east of Abu Dhabi city.


Transfer between terminals

A free shuttle service operates at 15 minute intervals between the terminals. Terminal 3 is adjacent to, and a short walk from, Terminal 1.


Public transport

Taxi: Metered taxis operate from outside all terminals. The journey time into Abu Dhabi city is around 35 minutes, depending on traffic, and the fare starts at around AED80.

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.

Etihad premium passengers can take advantage of complimentary coach transport into Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai.


Car rental

Companies represented at Abu Dhabi International Airport include Budget, Dollar, Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty, Avis, Fast and Payless.

Car hire desks are located in Skypark Plaza, a short walk from Terminal 1 and 3.


Terminal facilities

Money: 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.

Food: There is a wide selection of full-service restaurants, fast food outlets and cafés offering a range of international and Arabic cuisine in all three terminals.

Shopping: Abu Dhabi International Airport has a large choice of shops showcasing international brands as well as a comprehensive selection of duty free goods.

Wi-Fi: 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.

Other: There are prayer rooms in all three terminals, pharmacies in Terminal 1 and 3, a 24-hour medical centre in Terminal 1, spas in Terminal 1 and 3, and a travel agency in Terminal 1. Smoking lounges, baby changing rooms and shower facilities are also available.

There are a number of lounges in all terminals. Some are available only to premium passengers, but others can be accessed by anyone paying a fee.


Disabled facilities

Abu Dhabi International Airport is fully accessible for persons with reduced mobility. The terminals are equipped with all necessary facilities, including lifts and disabled toilets as well as designated car parking.

Those requiring assistance should contact their airline in advance to ensure that necessary provisions are in place.


Entry requirements

A passport valid for at least six months beyond intended period of stay as well as a ticket for return or onward travel. Generally, a visa is issued on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days; extensions are possible.

Note: Holders of passports containing an Israeli visa need to obtain a clearance from the C.I.D. (Crime Investigation Deptartment) before arrival.


Getting around

Taxis are plentiful and the best way of getting around the city and the suburbs. Hiring a car is a good option if you plan on going further afield.


More about Abu Dhabi…


Latest update: How to get to Abu Dhabi: 12 July, 2024



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