Each year, over 10 million travelers fly through Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), landing in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. There are three options when considering your Abu Dhabi Airport transfer to the city; taxi, private transfer, or bus.
The most efficient and comfortable transport option is to take either an Abu Dhabi Airport taxi or an Abu Dhabi Airport transfer. Whether you choose a luxury or standard taxi from the airport, the trip will take about 27 minutes in light traffic and is the only door-to-door option.
For budget-conscious travelers, the most affordable but longest option is to take a public bus. The most popular service is the A1 bus which drops passengers in the Al Zahiyah neighborhood after around 45 minutes, not including wait times.
3 ways to get from Abu Dhabi Airport to city center
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €35 | 30min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| A private transfer is ideal for families, business travelers and anyone who values reliability over cost. | ||||||
Taxi | €19 | 30min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| An airport taxi is the best option if you want to combine door-to-door service at a lower cost. | ||||||
Bus | €2 | 45min | 06:00–00:11 | Convenience | Read more | |
| The bus is an ideal option for travelers on a budget with some time to spare. | ||||||
Both standard and ‘luxury’ taxis are available in Abu Dhabi. Standard taxis are easy to recognize as they are silver with a yellow taxi rooftop sign. On the other hand, luxury taxis are black Mercedes-Benz Vitos that can seat up to 7 passengers.
Regardless of which option you choose from Abu Dhabi Airport to the city, taxi fare prices are the same, making them a very affordable option. An Abu Dhabi Airport taxi to the city center will take between 27 and 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
How much does a taxi cost from Abu Dhabi Airport to the city center?
Abu Dhabi taxis use a taximeter to calculate their fare between the airport and the city. The taxi cost from Abu Dhabi Airport to downtown is typically around €19.50 (AED 80), however, this price can be affected by traffic and waiting times.
This price includes a small initial fee which is the starting fare for all airport pickups. Unlike most airports, the base fare and price per km for larger luxury vehicles should be the same as regular taxis so enjoy the free upgrade!
Where do I get the taxi from?
Taxis are available outside Terminal A. The taxi stand is clearly signposted.
Convenience
Taxis are by far the quickest and most convenient way to travel from Abu Dhabi Airport to the city. Luxury taxis cost the same price and provide a great number of extra benefits for those wanting to experience full comfort for their journey. The inconvenient part of this option is waiting for an available taxi if you haven’t booked in advance.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreIf you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, the cheapest way to get from Abu Dhabi Airport to the city center is to take a bus. There are a few bus services that operate from the airport’s arrival terminals, however, the most efficient one is the A1 bus.
The bus operates from early morning to late at night and takes you to Al Zahiyah, the ‘Tourist Club Area’ in Abu Dhabi center. The total journey takes around 45 minutes, or up to an hour during peak traffic and there are several stops along the way including the Abu Dhabi City Municipality (ADM) and Hazaa Bin Zayed Mosque. From Al Zahiyah, you will either have to take a cab or walk to your final destination.
*If you need to get from Abu Dhabi Airport to the Central Bus Station you should take the A2 bus service instead.
How much is a bus ticket from Abu Dhabi airport to the city center?
Abu Dhabi bus services are relatively cheap and are therefore a good alternative to taxis, especially for those traveling on a budget. A single, one-way ticket on the A1 line costs €1 (AED 4).
To purchase a ticket you will need to buy a Halifat card from the card machine near the bus stop. The card costs €2.50 (AED 10) and can be topped up during your trip for later use.
The bus is available daily between 06:00 and 00:11.
Where do I get the bus from?
The A1 airport bus line departs from the lower curbside at Terminal A at Abu Dhabi Airport. All bus stops are marked with blue and white signs.
Convenience
The Abu Dhabi Airport bus service operates daily until just after midnight, making this travel option very convenient for those arriving on an early or late flight (as taxis charge extra for this). Despite taking a little bit longer to reach the city, buses are comfortable and economical and ideal for those on a budget.
Timetables
Airport to Al Zahiyah
Bus Timetables
Useful Tips
The most preferred way to travel from the airport to your hotel in Abu Dhabi is a private transfer. Offering the same direct and fast service as a taxi, private transfers, like those offered by Welcome Pickups, are fully customizable to ensure a smooth journey for each traveler.
Some of the perks you’ll enjoy when you book a private transfer include:
Moreover, your trained driver will be local to the area so you can ask them any questions about the city and they’ll happily share their best tips and recommendations. To help you get your bearings, you’ll also enjoy a mini tour of the city on the way to your hotel.
How much is a private transfer from Abu Dhabi airport to the city center?
Private transfers also have the added benefit of providing an upfront quote before you book. This means you can budget for your trip knowing that you won’t be charged any sneaky extras on the day. That’s right, unlike taxis, there won’t be any surcharges added on top, and being stuck in traffic won’t cause the price to go up.
If you’re traveling in a sedan that can carry 3 passengers, your ride into town will cost €35 (AED 143.10), whereas a spacious 8-seater minivan will set you back just €45 (AED 184).
Bookings can easily be made via the Welcome Pickups website or app. Just enter your personal details, and your flight information and select a pick-up time.
Private transfer services are available 24/7 from Abu Dhabi Airport.
Where will my private transfer depart from?
Your driver will be waiting for you in the Arrivals Hall at Abu Dhabi Airport so you won’t need to go searching for a ride. To make sure you don’t miss them, you’ll be sent their details ahead of your trip, plus they’ll be holding a sign with your name. After a warm introduction, you’ll be helped with any luggage and taken to your pre-selected private vehicle, ready to start your journey into town.
Convenience
For a fully personalized and customized service, private transfers are very affordable and convenient. No need to stress about the language barrier or carrying the local currency on you to pay for your taxi or bus, when you pre-book your private transfer everything will be taken care of before you arrive so you can simply relax and enjoy the ride.
Useful Tips
Frequently asked questions
How many transport options are there from Abu Dhabi airport to the city center?
There are three transportation options to get you from Abu Dhabi Airport to the city center. The best option in terms of comfort and efficiency is to take an airport taxi or private transfer which takes between 27 and 40 minutes.
Otherwise, a much cheaper alternative is to take the public bus which takes 45 minutes – not including wait times – but costs just €1 (4 AED).
How much is a taxi from Abu Dhabi Airport to the city center?
Taxis are metered between the airport and the city, therefore the price is based on the time and distance traveled. Nevertheless, from Abu Dhabi Airport to the city center the taxi fare should be around €19.50 (80 AED). Please note, that nighttime and weekend/holiday rates will apply and could change your final fare price.
To secure a fixed fare price, we suggest booking a private transfer in advance with Welcome Pickups.
How far is the airport from the city center of Abu Dhabi?
From Abu Dhabi Airport to the city center the distance is approximately 32 km from. In light traffic, this usually takes around 27 minutes to cover when traveling by car or taxi.
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