✈ Transfer Options from Abu Dhabi Airport to City Centre

Each year, over 10 million travellers 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 a private 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 travellers, 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 neighbourhood after around 45 minutes, not including wait times.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Abu Dhabi at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€19	27min	24/7
Private Transfer	€35	27min	24/7
Bus	€2	45min	06:00–00:11

How to get from Abu Dhabi Airport to the city by taxi

Both standard and ‘luxury’ taxis are available in Abu Dhabi. Standard taxis are easy to recognise 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. A taxi from Abu Dhabi Airport to the city centre will take between 27 and 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

How much does a taxi cost from Abu Dhabi Airport to the city centre?

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 (80 AED), 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!

Taxi prices

Day time
(05:00–24:00)

Night time
(00:00–05:00)

Duration

FROM AUH - TO CITY CENTRE

€19

€22

24min

FROM AUH - TO HOTELS IN CITY CENTRE

€19

€22

24min

FROM AUH - TO SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE

€11

€13

20min

FROM AUH - TO CORNICHE BEACH

€22

€25

30min

FROM AUH - TO YAS MARINA CIRCUIT

€8

€11

15min

FROM AUH - TO DUBAI

€59

€62

65min

Cost

€19

Trip Duration

27 Min.

*Rates may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 outside Abu Dhabi Airport.

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.

Editor’s Note

Luxury taxis offer high-quality interiors, extra luggage space, up-to-date GPS and multi-lingual drivers.

Useful Tips

Cash is still the most common form of payment for Abu Dhabi taxis.

Most taxi drivers speak English but are not always familiar with street names. For this reason, make sure you know the number and name of the street you are headed to, in case you get lost.

Luxury vehicles accept multiple currencies, so you won't have to worry about changing your money into dirhams at the airport.

You can download the Abu Dhabi Taxi App, available for both iOS and Android. The app allows you to easily book a taxi while you are out and about.

How to get from Abu Dhabi Airport to the city by private transfer

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 customisable to ensure a smooth journey for each traveller.

Some of the perks you’ll enjoy when you book a private transfer include:

A customer service team on hand 24/7
An English-speaking driver
Guaranteed on-time pickups
A fixed fare rate
Flight monitoring

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?

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 travelling 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, your flight information and select a pick-up time.

Cost

€35

Trip Duration

27 Min.

Your chose vehicle will be ready on arrival.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

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 personalised and customised 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.

Editor’s Note

Choose a pick-up time that is 20 to 30 minutes after your flight's scheduled arrival to allow enough time to pass through Immigration, Customs and Baggage Claim.

Useful Tips

Your ride will be paid for in advance by credit or debit card to ensure a seamless transfer.

Tipping isn't expected when you book a private transfer but you are welcome to offer your driver a tip for good service.

Your private transfer can be customized at the time of booking; baby seats, accessible vehicles and minivans may all be requested through the app or online.

How to get from Abu Dhabi Airport to the city centre by bus

If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, the cheapest way to get from Abu Dhabi Airport to the city centre 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 centre. 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 centre?

Abu Dhabi bus services are relatively cheap and are therefore a good alternative to taxis, especially for those travelling on a budget. A single, one-way ticket on the A1 line costs €1 (4 AED).

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.

Cost

€1

Trip Duration

45 Min.

There can be up to a 40-minute wait for the bus.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

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

Editor’s Note

The buses in Abu Dhabi are air-conditioned (which is very important during the summer months), and there is ample luggage storage. They are not usually that busy compared to the taxi stand, which is a great bonus.

Useful Tips

The A1 airport bus is easy to recognise as the vehicle is green and white.

You will need to add enough money to your Halifat card at the time of purchase to cover your bus ride. The total for the card and bus journey will cost €3.50 (AED 14)

Make sure to validate your ride by tapping your Hafilat card on the card reader when you board.

The bus from the airport makes many stops along the way to the city, which can add time to the journey.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Abu dhabi. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Frequently asked questions

How many transport options are there from Abu Dhabi airport to the city centre?

There are three transportation options to get you from Abu Dhabi Airport to the city centre. 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 centre?

Taxis are metered between the airport and the city, therefore the price is based on the time and distance travelled. Nevertheless, from Abu Dhabi Airport to the city centre 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 centre of Abu Dhabi?

From Abu Dhabi Airport to the city centre the distance is approximately 32 km from. In light traffic, this usually takes around 27 minutes to cover when travelling by car or taxi.

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How to get from Abu Dhabi Airport to the city by taxi

How much does a taxi cost from Abu Dhabi Airport to the city centre?

Cost

€19

Trip Duration

27 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 outside Abu Dhabi Airport.

Where do I get the taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Abu Dhabi Airport to the city by private transfer

How much is a private transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport to the city?

Cost

€35

Trip Duration

27 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfer services are available 24/7 from Abu Dhabi Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Abu Dhabi Airport to the city centre by bus

How much is a bus ticket from Abu Dhabi airport to the city centre?

Cost

€1

Trip Duration

45 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The bus is available daily between 06:00 and 00:11.

Where do I get the bus from?

Convenience

Timetables

Airport to Al Zahiyah

Bus Timetables

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Frequently asked questions

How many transport options are there from Abu Dhabi airport to the city centre?

How much is a taxi from Abu Dhabi Airport to the city centre?

How far is the airport from the city centre of Abu Dhabi?

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The best way to arrive in Abu Dhabi

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Transfer Options in Abu Dhabi

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