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Zayed International Airport (AUH) – Terminals, Transport, Hotels & Guide
Airport Directions
Zayed International Airport (AUH) (formerly known as Abu Dhabi International)is the ultra-modern gateway to the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi. Recently renamed from “Abu Dhabi International” in 2024, it has consolidated all operations into the spectacular new Terminal A (formerly known as the Midfield Terminal). For Flystodubai travelers, AUH is a strategic alternative to DXB. It is the home of Etihad Airways and the budget carrier Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, offering incredibly cheap fares from Europe that make the 1-hour transfer to Dubai well worth the effort.
Airport Name
Zayed International Airport
IATA Code
AUH
Location
Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Terminals
Terminal A
Distance from Central Dubai
Approximately 55 miles (90 km) south of Dubai Marina (approx. 45–60 mins drive).
Nearby Areas
Approx. 20 miles (30 km) east of the Corniche.
Airlines Operating from the Airport
AUH is unique because it hosts both a 5-star luxury carrier and a major ultra-low-cost airline.
- Home Carrier: Etihad Airways (Connecting the world via Abu Dhabi).
- Budget Carrier: Wizz Air Abu Dhabi (Offers flights to Europe/Middle East for as little as $50).
- Regional: Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, IndiGo, Pakistan International Airlines.
Destinations & Routes
AUH connects to over 120 destinations.
- Flystodubai Connection: Many travelers fly Wizz Air from cities like Rome, Vienna, or Budapest to AUH, then take a bus to Dubai.
- US Preclearance: AUH is one of the few airports outside North America with a US Customs & Border Protection You clear US immigration in Abu Dhabi and land in the USA as a domestic passenger (skipping the queues at JFK/ORD).
Airport Terminals Information
As of late 2023, all operations have moved to the new Terminal A, one of the largest airport terminals in the world.
- Terminal A: All airlines (Etihad, Wizz Air, BA, etc.) now operate from here. The old Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are closed for passenger operations.
- Architecture: The terminal is famous for its “X” shape and massive central atrium, which can hold 3 football fields. It features advanced biometric “Smart Travel” paths.
Airport Facilities & Services
- Wi-Fi: Free, high-speed “Super-Fi” is available throughout Terminal A.
- Lounges:
- Etihad First & Business Lounges: Spanning three floors with a rooftop bar, relaxation rooms, and direct boarding access.
- Pearl Lounge: The new independent lounge for Priority Pass holders and economy passengers (paid entry). Includes a terrace and game room.
- Smart Travel: Terminal A uses facial recognition for check-in, immigration, and boarding. You may not need to show your passport at every step if registered.
Shopping & Dining at the Airport
- Retail: 163 retail and food outlets covering 35,000 square meters. Includes Hermès, Gucci, and massive duty-free zones.
- Dining:
- Todd English’s Olives: Mediterranean cuisine.
- McDonald’s / Starbucks / Costa: Familiar favorites.
- Jones the Grocer: Gourmet food and coffee.
Airport Security & Immigration
- US Preclearance: If flying to the USA on Etihad, you will clear US Customs/Immigration after check-in at AUH. Arrive 3-4 hours early.
- E-Gates: Residents and tourists can use Smart Gates for entry/exit.
- Liquids: Terminal A uses advanced CT scanners, meaning liquids and laptops can often remain in bags (check signage as this rolls out).
AUH Flight Information
General flight data for travelers using Flys to Dubai.
Feature | Details |
Main Terminal | Terminal A (All Flights) |
Distance to Dubai | ~90 km (1 hour drive) |
US Preclearance | Yes (Terminal A) |
Biometric Travel | Yes (Face scanning available) |
Dubai Arrival Airports
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Most flights (including Emirates) arrive at DXB, offering fast immigration, Dubai Metro access, and short transfer times to hotels.
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
Some budget or charter flights may arrive at DWC, located further from central Dubai.
Transport: Getting from AUH to Dubai
This is the most important section for Flys to Dubai users landing in Abu Dhabi.
- AUH Express Shuttle (24/7): The official airport shuttle runs from Terminal A to Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai.
- Cost: AED 35 (Book online or pay at the counter).
- Frequency: Every 60 minutes.
- Travel Time: 60–75 minutes.
- Etihad Coach: Free for Etihad passengers. Runs from Terminal A to Downtown Dubai (near Al Wasl Centre). You must book this in advance using your flight booking reference.
- Public Bus (E102): Connects AUH Terminal A to Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai. Cost: AED 25 (requires Nol Card).
- Taxi: A taxi to Dubai Marina/JBR will cost approximately AED 300 – AED 350 ($80–$95 USD).
Parking Information
- Short-Term Car Park: Located a 2-minute walk from Terminal A.
- Long-Term Car Park: Located slightly further away with shuttle access.
- Valet Parking: Available at the curbside of Terminal A.
Hotels Near the Airport
- AUHotel (Transit): Located inside Terminal A (airside). Perfect for layovers without clearing immigration.
- Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Airport: Connected to the terminal precinct. A great value option with a pool.
- W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island: Located 15 minutes away by taxi. The famous hotel that straddles the F1 track.
Tips for Travelers
- The “Wizz Air Hack”: Flying Wizz Air to AUH + Bus to Dubai is often 50% cheaper than flying direct to DXB.
- Dress Code: Abu Dhabi is slightly more conservative than Dubai. While the airport is international, dress modestly if venturing into the city.
- Currency: Taxis and buses generally accept card, but having some Dirhams (AED) is always safer for smaller purchases.
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Questions & Answer
We’re committed to offering more than just products—we provide exceptional experiences.
Expect to pay between AED 300 and AED 350 to get to Dubai Marina. Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa) will be closer to AED 400.
Yes, but only if you are flying with Etihad Airways. You cannot use it if you fly Wizz Air.
Yes, if you are flying Etihad to the US, you clear immigration in Terminal A before boarding. When you land in the US, you walk out like a domestic passenger.
Since late 2023, all flights use the single, vast Terminal A (780,000 sqm with themed piers A–D); former Terminals 1–3 are closed.
Etihad Airways dominates as the hub carrier, joined by over 30 airlines including Air Arabia, Wizz Air, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines for 130+ destinations.
Follow pier signs to Level 0 arrivals hall for dedicated carousels, then passport control (e-gates for residents) and customs channels.
Desks for Hertz, Sixt, etc., in arrivals hall with nearby pick-up zones.
