Our Guide To Abu Dhabi Airport

Our number one priority when departing Abu Dhabi is always where to eat at Zayed International Airport. Whether you like to arrive at the airport hours early and enjoy a leisurely drink and dinner before your flight, or you’re running through the airport but still must stop for a decent coffee before the plane, we hear you. You’ll find some great local cafes and specialty shops for last minute foodie gifts before your flight - from gorgeous dates to premium chocolates - if you’ve suddenly realised you don’t want to arrive at your destination empty handed, and even our food court junkies have a well-stocked selection of fast food options on the go. 

Food aside, Abu Dhabi airport terminal is relatively new (having opened in October 2023), so we’ve rounded up all your most frequently asked questions in our guide to make your airport experience as seamless as possible - whether you’re travelling for Eid, jetsetting away for the summer or arriving in Abu Dhabi for a well deserved holiday or business trip. From arrivals to departures, parking, buses and taxis - read on so you’re prepared for a cruisy airport experience at Abu Dhabi’s shiny new jewel in the desert - Zayed International Airport.

What to Eat & Drink at Abu Dhabi Airport

No soggy airport sandwiches and stale packets of crisps at Zayed International Airport, thanks very much! Following the opening of the new airport in 2023, we’ve enjoyed some great dining options at the airport, and some of Abu Dhabi’s favourite restaurants have opened an airport outlet for a last taste of the UAE before you fly. 

Our favourites? 

Antonia x Bottega Prosecco Bar

The latest Antonia outlet to open its doors - until their Dubai branch opens later this year - Abu Dhabi’s pizza experts are on hand with the perfect pre-flight bite. Their beloved pizza al taglio is now available at AUH airport thanks to an amazing collaboration with Bottega. Pizza and prosecco? That’s a combination we can get around! Walk straight ahead after security, past the cosmetics counters, and you’ll spot Antonia x Bottega on the other side. 

Open: 24 hours

‍

Jones the Grocer

As Abu Dhabi residents, we love Jones the Grocer for their excellent breakfasts, tasty salads and hearty mains. You can’t go wrong with a sandwich or burger from Jones either - plus they have a selection of the good stuff ready to go if you’re in a hurry, or want to take something more exciting on your flight - rather than paying an arm and a leg on board (IYKYK). The coffee isn’t bad either - but they’ve got Aussie roots, so that’s a given!

Open: 24 hours

% Arabica

Our go-to for an Abu Dhabi airport coffee, Arabica’s kiosk is as always a lesson in chic minimalist design. Look out for it on the right of the central atrium - along with coffee, you can grab a pastry or quick bite to tide you over until the meal service starts on board.

Open: 24 hours

‍

Todd English Market and Pub

If you fancy a cheeky pre-flight wine or beer, this is the place for you. We often gather here if we’re travelling with friends - the early birds can grab a drink and maybe a pizza or some good pub grub while waiting for the latecomers to arrive, and you’ll get your trip off to a cheerful start. 

Open: 24 hours

‍

The Meat District

You won’t go hungry here! New York-style hotdogs, hamburgers and fries are on the menu, topped off with a homemade monster milkshake (AED49) if you really want to push the boat out. Another one for a pre-flight beverage, they also serve alcohol if you’re in the mood. 

Open: 24 hours

Food Court

Abu Dhabi airport food court is located upstairs, directly through the terminal from security. You’ll spot it - there’s some bright decor on the sides and escalators leading up to an open, mezzanine-style collection of fast food favourites - with the likes of Burger King, Texas Chicken, Operation Falafel, Krispy Kreme and Taste of India. McDonalds isn’t in the food court - head to the right after you come through security, past Jones the Grocer, for your golden arches fix. Starbucks is also on your second right - if you see The Meat District, head right past there and keep going. 

Abu Dhabi Airport Lounges 

Worth arriving at the airport early for, Etihad Airways has several lounges for the exclusive use of their passengers - you can enjoy a shower and refresh in the First and Business lounges alongside snacks, drinks and even afternoon tea! If you're not entitled to complimentary access, you can pay extra to use the Etihad lounges at Abu Dhabi airport for up to four hours before your flight - but you must be booked on a confirmed Etihad flight to do so. 

Abu Dhabi airport’s Pearl Lounge is also available under various loyalty programs, including Priority Pass, Lounge Key, Dragon Pass and Dream Folks (check your relevant MasterCard, Visa, Diners & Rupay if applicable). Take advantage of indoor and outdoor bars, two dining areas and family space, meeting rooms and shower facilities. 

Where to Park at Abu Dhabi Airport

Does airport parking fill you with dread? The stress of not knowing where to go, how to pay, which way the exit is, and will you have to mortgage your house to pay for it - not fun. As you’d expect with a brand new airport, Abu Dhabi airport parking is pretty easy to navigate. 

If you’re parking at the airport to pick up your loved ones, try and minimise the time you need to spend in paid parking if you’re worried about parking costs - you can keep an eye on their flight with the flight number and see if it’s landed or running late. Parking starts at AED25 for 16 - 30 minutes, but follow signs for the Arrivals car park and score 15 minutes of FREE parking. If you’re going to be over 30 minutes, you may as well relax: 31 minutes - 2 hours has a standard fee of AED35. Prices go up incrementally and tap out at 4-24 hours for AED125, with each extra day AED100. 

Dropping off at the airport is streamlined - and usually won’t require paid parking unless you want to escort your passengers into the airport terminal. Follow the signs when you get to the airport for drop offs, make sure everyone has their stuff ready to go, do the long goodbyes before you leave home - and you can use the drop off zone or get in and out of the parking lot in under 6 minutes for free. Easy! 

If you’re parking and leaving your car at AUH airport while you’re travelling, pre-book your parking for the best rate. Parking for 2-3 days will set you back AED225, 4-7 days AED 325 and 8-14 days brings you to AED400, with an additional AED50 per day for each extra day from day 15 (tapping out at a maximum of 30 days). Getting a taxi from most places in Abu Dhabi to the airport will usually set you back under AED100 each way, so do the math on whether the parking fee is worth it compared to a return taxi fare.

What about… 

WIFI 

Zayed International Airport has free WIFI throughout - perfect if you forgot to download something to watch or read on the plane, send that last minute email or 

Power points 

You’ll find USB charging ports, power points and even wireless charging pads in the departure lounges for your convenience at Abu Dhabi international airport. 

Shuttle services to the gate

Electric airport shuttles are available - you can flag one down or ask the helpful staff for assistance should you need a hand to get to and from your gate at the airport. Strollers are also available if your kids are tired (and heavy!) and wheelchairs as well. 

ATMs & currency exchange

When you pass through security on departure, or pass through customs on arrival, you’ll be able to make use of various ATMs and currency exchange counters at AUH international airport.

Abu Dhabi Airport Departures

The old Abu Dhabi airport was never particularly slow, but Abu Dhabi’s new Zayed International Airport is a wonder to behold. It’s not unusual to pay for your taxi or say goodbye to your loved ones and be through security 20 minutes later - talk about world class! As impressive as this is when it happens, don’t mess around and miss your flight - we still recommend allowing plenty of time for arrivals, check-in, border control and security, especially around busy periods like Eid and school holidays. And while the big guys - like Etihad - are usually super speedy, low cost carriers like Wizz Air can have waits of over an hour for bag drop and identity checks at the check-in counter, and the efficient security process can be slower going during peak times. 

If you do get the Abu Dhabi airport departures dream run, look on the bright side - more time to enjoy some shopping and dining on the other side!

Abu Dhabi Airport Arrivals 

Landing in Abu Dhabi - whether it’s your first time or your 50th time - never ceases to be a bit of a treat. The airport is big, but sparkling clean and beautifully new. If you come off your flight at a far-away gate, look out for the electric airport shuttle cars if you need assistance: they’ll whizz you along to the escalators near passport control. Everything is clearly signposted and staff are very helpful. Passport control is speedy - returning citizens, residents and visitors can use the smart gates and be through in seconds - and for everyone else, the process is straightforward enough. 

Security is quick too - there are always a stack of security scanners open - and baggage collection is just on the other side. Despite getting through the airport quickly, our bags have always beaten us out onto the baggage carousel. If you run into any issues with missing bags, the lost baggage counter is just behind the carousels and the staff are very efficient. 

Looking for duty free at Abu Dhabi airport? It’s not huge for arrivals, but there is a duty free selection just before you exit through the customs channels. Alcohol isn’t illegal in Abu Dhabi anymore, nor do you need a special license to buy it - there are liquor stores in the city, and plenty of restaurants as well as most hotels serve alcohol, so don’t panic and assume you need to stock up at duty free.

Getting from Abu Dhabi Airport to Dubai - Bus

You’ve landed at Abu Dhabi airport, but you need to get to Dubai. There are a range of options available, but bus is undoubtedly the cheapest way to get from Abu Dhabi airport to Dubai. 

Several airlines offer shuttles - Etihad offers a free shuttle service between Zayed International Airport (Abu Dhabi), Dubai and Al Ain - just be sure to book your shuttle when you book your flight, or at least 24 hours prior to arrival. Air Arabia also has a shuttle service for AED 35 per person, with hourly departures to Dubai.

If you’re travelling on an airline that doesn’t offer a shuttle service - like Wizz Air - you can still catch a bus from Zayed International Airport to Dubai. Tickets for shuttle bus services between Zayed International Airport and Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai are available for purchase at the Arrivals Hall at the airport, and at Ibn Battuta Bus Station if you’re after a Dubai to Abu Dhabi airport bus. Buses leave on the hour, 24 hours a day, and the trip takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. From Ibn Battuta Bus Station, you can take another bus, jump on the Dubai Metro or catch a taxi to get anywhere you need to go in Dubai. 

Going the public bus route from Abu Dhabi airport to Dubai? You’re looking for the E102 RTA bus, which runs hourly and costs AED25 per person, the cheapest method of travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai - but also the slowest. The journey will take you approximately 2 hours and departs from Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport Terminal A arrivals area. The E102 bus stops at Ibn Battuta and Jafliya Bus Stations in Dubai, and you can purchase tickets from the RTA bus stop at the airport or use your Nol card.

Getting from Abu Dhabi Airport to Dubai - Taxi

Prefer to grab a taxi from Abu Dhabi airport to Dubai? Depending on where you are going in Dubai, you’re looking at a quicker but more expensive trip than the bus. Taxi time from Abu Dhabi airport to Palm Jumeirah with good traffic can be under an hour, and to Dubai Mall and surrounds approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes (it’s quicker at night, and slower during peak periods/heavy traffic). 

Taxi cost from Abu Dhabi airport to Dubai will again vary - you can expect AED200 - AED300 for a standard trip. Taxis in Abu Dhabi are metered, and there is an AED20 flagfall for pickups from the airport.

Liked this one? Check out more places to love here!

Pool Days in Abu Dhabi to Try

All our Favourite Ice Cream in Abu Dhabi

The Best Restaurants in The Galleria

‍Where to Eat in Al Qana

Our Guide to Abu Dhabi Airport