Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) Guide For Travellers
When you are traveling to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport, it is a good idea to know about the airport and the amenities it offers. Whether it’s your holiday or a business trip, having general information and tips, especially when traveling alone or with a companion, can actually save you from experiencing troubled moments.
Our airport guide gives you all the essential insights that you, as a traveler, can make use of while journeying across places in any part of the globe.
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A Brief Overview of Abu Dhabi International Airport in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Situated at a distance of about 38 km (24 miles) southeast of the UAE’s capital city Abu Dhabi, lies the nation’s second-largest and busiest airport called the Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Three main roads lead from the Abu Dhabi city center to the airport. These are 2nd Street (Sheikh Rashid Al Maktoum Street), 8th Street (Salam Street), and 30th Street (Khaleej Al Arabi Street).
IATA: AUH
Address:
International Airport Road,
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
Airport Contact:+971 (0) 2 505 5555
Website: https://www.abudhabiairport.ae
Operation Hours: Abu Dhabi International Airport is open 24 hours. However, certain shops, food concessions, on-site accommodation, and public and private transport services may not offer services throughout day and night. Also, services like airline check-in and baggage drop hours may vary with the flight schedule. Therefore, it is advised that you check with the airport.
About AUH Airport’s Terminal
Abu Dhabi International Airport has a total of three terminals, Terminal 1 having two sections T1A and T1B, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, respectively. Whilst Terminals 1 and 2 handle all domestic and international flights, Terminal 3, on the other hand, only handles departures and arrivals of Etihad Airways. All terminals are connected via walkways and inter-terminal bus services.
Travelers can easily find various amenities, such as information desks, lounges, ATMs, conference rooms for business travelers, newsagent, courtesy telephones, restaurants, restrooms, facilities for handicap passengers, retail shopping outlets, ticket counters, baggage claim, and locker facilities, gift shops, transportation, car park and more at the airport.
On-site and Off-site Parking Options
Abu Dhabi International Airport offers convenient and affordable parking options to travelers. Parking is available at the terminals. One can choose from on-site parking options and off-site car parks that are located in the nearest proximity to the airport. These consist of short-term and long-term parking.
Cell Phone Lot: The airport provides Cell Phone Lot to persons waiting for arriving family members, relatives, or friends.
Valet Parking: Valet Parking service is not available at the airport.
Free parking at the airport is only offered for a limited period.
Airlines Operating from Abu Dhabi International Airport
Abu Dhabi International Airport serves many domestic, international, charter, government, military, and cargo airlines. Airlines that operate short and long-distance flights to and from the airport’s terminals include:
Air Arabia, Air India, Air India Express, airBaltic, air blue, AnadoluJet, Azur Air, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, EgyptAir, Etihad Airways, GoAir, Gulf Air, Himalaya Airlines, IndiGo, KLM, Kuwait Airways, Middle East Airlines, Oman Air, Pakistan International Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Royal Jordanian, SalamAir, Saudia, SriLankan Airlines, Sudan Airways, Syrian Air, Turkish Airlines, Turkmenistan Airlines, and Wizz Air.
Facilities and Services Available at Abu Dhabi International Airport
Abu Dhabi International Airport, in the UAE, offers various amenities to passengers to make their traveling experience worthwhile. The airport also offers a range of duty-free stores, food and beverage outlets, Wi-Fi and internet access, business services, and more.
Security Check-points
There are security checkpoints at the airport’s terminals. All passengers are required to pass through the security checkpoints. The area before security is called pre-security (or landside), while the area after security is called post-security (or airside).
Passengers can also use two remote check-in facilities located in downtown Abu Dhabi, and two self-check-in kiosks available in Park Rotana and Crowne Plaza Yas Hotels. The U.S. Pre-Clearance facility is located in Terminal 3.
Help Desk
When you are at the Abu Dhabi International Airport and need help, there are help desks available to assist you. Here, you can enquire about your flight or find other facilities easily at the airport.
Wi-Fi and Device Charging Stations
Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the terminals and concourses at the airport, in case you want to connect your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to access the internet. Free Wi-Fi (connect to “ADAC Free Wireless” network) internet service is offered with unlimited usage. Also, there are about 50 free internet kiosks available in the Departure area of all three airport terminals.
In addition to Wi-Fi internet access, mobile and laptop charging power outlets are also available throughout the airport, in case you need to charge your laptop and/or phone’s battery. The facility provides AC and USB power outlets at the airline gate areas.
Baggage Handling and Storage
Luggage Lockers: Lockers and luggage storage facilities are available at the airport.
Luggage Wrapping: Luggage wrapping services are available at the airport.
Luggage Trolleys/Carts: Self-service luggage carts are available at the airport. These can be found in the Baggage Claim area.
Porter Services: Porter services may be available at the airport.
There is a Baggage Claim facility available at the airport.
Make sure to check with your respective airline as to what carry-on items (and their size) are allowed.
Lounges and Business Conference Rooms
At AUH airport, passengers can use public lounges, VIP lounges, and business conference rooms, which may be available for free or paid in order to access these facilities.
A few lounges and business conference rooms that are available at the airport are:
Al Reem Lounge: It is a premium lounge located in Terminal 1. Facilities like complimentary snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi, TV, newspapers, magazines, electrical sockets, comfortable chairs, and shower rooms are also available. Access to the lounge is via paying at the door or using Priority pass and membership program.
Al Dhabi Lounge: It is a premium lounge located in Terminals 1 and 3. Facilities like complimentary snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi, TV, newspapers, magazines, electrical sockets, comfortable chairs, and shower rooms are also available. Access to the lounge is via paying at the door or using Priority pass and membership program.
Etihad Arrivals Lounge: The lounge is located in the Arrivals Hall, after customs, Terminals 1 and 3. Facilities like special assistance, complimentary snacks, beverages, business center, PCs, laptops, fax machines, Wi-Fi, TV, newspapers, magazines, electrical sockets, clothes pressing service, shoeshine service, comfortable chairs, baby changing facilities, and shower rooms are also available. Access to the lounge is via paying at the door or using Priority pass and membership program. Passengers of Etihad First and Business Class can also access the lounge.
Etihad Premium Lounge: It is a premium lounge located in Terminal 3. Facilities like complimentary snacks, beverages, PCs, laptops, fax machines, Wi-Fi, TV, newspapers, magazines, electrical sockets, comfortable chairs, and shower rooms are also available. Access to the lounge is via paying at the door or using Priority pass and membership program.
Etihad US Premium Lounge: It is a premium lounge available to passengers flying to the USA. Passengers of Etihad First and Business Class and Etihad Airways Partners First and Business Class can also access the lounge. It is located in Terminal 3. Facilities like special assistance, prayer room, complimentary snacks, beverages, bar, Wi-Fi, TV, newspapers, magazines, electrical sockets, comfortable chairs, baby changing facilities, and shower rooms are also available. Access to the lounge is via paying at the door or using Priority pass and membership program.
Etihad First Class Lounge & Spa: This is a luxury premium lounge that offers various facilities and services to passengers. Facilities like special assistance, complimentary snacks, beverages, bar, kitchen, Wi-Fi, TV, newspapers, magazines, electrical sockets, children’s playroom, prayer room, clothes pressing service, shoeshine service, comfortable chairs, baby changing facilities, and shower rooms, etc. are also available. Access to the lounge is via paying at the door or using Priority pass and membership program. Passengers of Etihad First and Business Class can also access the lounge.
There are several hotels around the city that also offer conference and meeting spaces to business travelers.
Stores and Duty Free Shopping
There are plenty of shops that can be easily found throughout the airport’s terminals and concourses. These shops sell a wide range of items, from children’s toys to fashion accessories for adults. You may also buy books, magazines, newspapers, etc., to help pass time during your stopover or flight delay. Burberry, Bvlgari, Coach, Cosmetics, Emporio Armani, Fashion Watches, Fendi, Fine Watches, Fragrances, Givenchy, Hermes many more are stores selling brands products.
A duty-Free store is also available at the airport that sells all kinds of merchandise, including souvenirs.
Cafe, Bar and Restaurants
Finding snack and beverage options should not be a problem as there are many local and popular nationwide food chains at the AUH airport. These cafeterias and restaurants are located throughout the terminals and concourses, giving you the best options to eat and satisfy your pre-flight craving.
Food concessions throughout the airport operate with varying schedules. A wide variety of dining options are also available and can be found in landside and airside areas. These include Food & Candy (Terminals 1, 2, and 3) and many more.
Other Amenities Available at Abu Dhabi International Airport
There are other amenities that are available to passengers at the airport. These include:
Prayer Room: There is a multi-faith prayer room located adjacent to the bus gates at Terminal 3. Also, there are separate prayer rooms for men and women in each terminal.
Children’s Play Area: The airport offers a play zone for children. It is located in Etihad First Class Lounge & Spa and in Terminal 1.
Big Ticket: AUH airport also has Raffle Counter located in Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
Etisalat Kiosk: Etisalat Kiosk provides payphone booths, and also sells SIM cards, mobile handsets and accepts bill payments as well. Their kiosks are located in all three airport terminals.
Medical Services: There is a 24-hour Medical Services Clinic located in Terminal 1, transit area, near the Immigration Arrival Hall. The airport also has ambulances available for emergencies.
Pharmacy: There are pharmacies available at AUH airport. Bin Sina Pharmacy is the UAE’s largest pharmacy retailer and has its retail store inside the airport. It is open 24 hours daily. It is located in Terminal 3. Another is Boots Pharmacy that sells over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, alongside their several brand products. It is also located in Terminal 3.
Public Shower: There are free public shower facilities located near Departure gates 32 and 37.
Mawgif Car Spa: Mawgif Car Spa is a premium car grooming service that is offered to passengers, visitors, and customers at AUH airport.
ATM: ATMs are available at the airport. You can swipe your bank card and withdraw cash at the airport’s ATMs if you’re running low on cash or need to make cash payments at other services or stores. ATMs are operated by the Al Falah Exchange Company (Terminal 1), Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (Terminal 3), Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (Terminal 3), Al Hilal Bank (Terminal 3), and Emirates NBD (Terminals 1 and 2).
Currency Exchange: The currency used in Abu Dhabi is UAE/Emirati Dirham (AED). Currency exchange facilities are available at AUH airport. Al Falah Exchange Company (Terminal 1) and Travelex operate currency exchange facilities at the airport terminals.
Banking Services: Banking facilities may be available at the airport.
Hotels On-site and Nearby Abu Dhabi International Airport
Finding accommodation on-site or nearby Abu DhabiAirport should not be a problem for travelers as there are several hotels and resorts out there. Whether you are traveling alone, with friends, family, or children, you will find convenient and affordable places for a comfortable stay during your visit to the capital city of Abu Dhabi in the UAE.
A few hotels and motels that are located on-site as well as near the airport are:
Aerotel Hotel: This is an on-site hotel located at International Departures, on Level 1 in Terminal 1. Facilities like single-double bedrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, wake-up call, tea, coffee, bathrooms, and showers are available.
Premier Inn Hotel: The hotel is located next to the Skypark building, opposite the main terminal, across the pedestrian crossing. It is a 15 minutes drive. Facilities like business center, gym, swimming pool and so on. are available. There is a free shuttle bus service available for sightseeing as well.
Ground Transport Options To and From Abu Dhabi International Airport
Getting to and from Abu Dhabi Airport should not be much of a hassle as you will find transport options. You can quickly find a convenient mode of transportation to meet your travel needs. There are several ground transportation options available to travelers that make visiting nearby places and other places of interest very convenient, quick, and affordable.
Many travelers often find shuttle services to be very favorable as it saves them plenty of time when getting to hotels and/or airports. Free shuttle buses provide travelers with easy connectivity. Also, there may be a few hotels in the city and adjoining areas that provide free or on-demand shuttle services to and from the airport.
Additionally, you may also book pre-arranged rides that offer services to and from the AUH airport, and which can also be scheduled as per your needs. You can usually find their kiosks or counters/stands located either at the terminal’s entrance or exit area. These may also contain information on the companies that are permitted to render such services at the airport.
Airport Shuttle Service
There is a shuttle transfer service available to passengers within the Abu Dhabi International Airport.
In addition to inter-terminal shuttle services, door-to-door and inter-city shuttle services are also available to passengers. The service is operated by and may also be available on request. You can contact the shuttle service provider from the airport.
Hotel Shuttle Service
Few hotels and motels in the city may offer free or paid shuttle transfer services to their guests. Therefore, it is advised that you contact the hotel for more information with regard to pick-up and drop-off, besides accommodation.
Bus Service
Public bus transportation services are available for the commute. It is both affordable and convenient and can get you to places in no time. The bus routes operate from the three terminals and stop at all legal bus stops going into Abu Dhabi city. It passes by the Bus Stand at Muroor and Street 11 and terminates at the Old Fish Market on Al Nasr Street (near NYU Abu Dhabi). Buses are available 24-hours daily and at a frequency of 40 minutes. A one-way fare can cost around AED4 ($1.09 USD).
Train and Metro Service
Abu Dhabi International Airport may not be connected with train and metro transit systems for commuting.
Limousine Service
Limousines are available for hire at the AUH airport. Rates may depend on the destination you are headed to. Several companies operate limousine services to and from AUH airport.
Car Hire Service
You can hire a car at Abu Dhabi International Airport if you are in the mood to cruise around places in the city. There are several companies that offer cars on hire/rent at the airport. The car hire/rental agencies or companies are open 24-hours and have their counters/stands located on-site, on the ground-level transportation area. They are located in Skypark Plaza, opposite Terminal 3, just a short walk from Terminals 1 and 3. However, there are courtesy shuttle services available from the airport.
The companies or agencies that offer car hire/rental services at the airport include Avis, Dollar, Europcar, Fast, Hertz, Payless, and Thrifty.
Taxi Service
Taxis are available, if you need a ride to a hotel or want to go sightseeing. Fares are charged by taximeters. Taxi stands can be found on-site, on the ground-level transportation area. The pickup area is at the lower curbside, outside the Arrivals Hall of Terminals 1 and 3, and outside the Terminal 2 Arrivals area. All taxis charge fares by taximeters, with fares starting at AED25 ($6.81 USD).
There are several companies or agencies that operate taxi services to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Ride Sharing Service
Aside from several transport options that are available to travelers from and to Abu Dhabi International Airport, ride-sharing services are also offered. Uber and Lyft operate services at AUH airport and have their designated pick-up and drop-off points at the airport.
Conclusion
The city of Abu Dhabi offers many places of interest to both national and foreign tourists. A few such attractions include the Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Circuit, Ferrari World theme park, Yas Island water park, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi Corniche, Abu Dhabi golf, and equestrian club, Saadiyat Island, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and many more. Also, although the nation’s official language is Arabic, the use of the English language also prevails. So, communication here should not be a problem for foreign travelers.
Traveling to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will certainly give you a pleasant experience. And, if you plan on staying here for a while, you will find lots of attractions to enjoy your holidays.
