Zayed International Airport (AUH)

Arrival procedures follow a straightforward route from disembarkation through immigration control, baggage retrieval, and customs clearance.

• Follow airport signage towards arrivals, passport control, and baggage reclaim upon exiting the aircraft.
• Pass through immigration control; proceed to designated lanes for visa-on-arrival or pre-arranged entry visas.
• Eligible UAE residents and passport holders from select countries may use the automated Smart Gates.
• Collect checked luggage from the assigned carousel displayed on monitors in the baggage reclaim hall.
• Proceed through customs inspection, declaring any restricted items or currency exceeding standard limits before exiting to the public arrivals hall.

• Taxi

  Metered Airport Taxi

  Official regulated airport taxis, including family and accessible vehicles, are available from the curb outside arrivals.

  Time:

  Roughly 30–40 minutes to central Abu Dhabi.

  Typical cost:

  Typically AED 70–100, including the mandatory airport starting fee.

• Train

  Public Express Bus (Route A1 / A2)

  Public express buses run directly from Terminal A to central Abu Dhabi destinations, including the main bus terminal.

  Time:

  Roughly 45–60 minutes depending on destination and traffic.

  Typical cost:

  Typically AED 4 per passenger, paid using a Hafilat smart card.

• Bus

  Etihad Luxury Coach to Dubai

  Dedicated coach service connecting Terminal A directly to central Dubai for eligible Etihad Airways passengers.

  Time:

  Roughly 75–90 minutes to central Dubai.

  Typical cost:

  Complimentary for eligible Etihad ticket holders with advance reservation, or available for a fee.

• Ride-hailing

  Careem / Uber

  App-based rideshare services pick up passengers at designated ground transport pickup points outside the terminal.

  Time:

  Roughly 30–40 minutes to central Abu Dhabi.

  Typical cost:

  Typically AED 80–120 depending on vehicle class and demand.

Flight connections take place within the single Terminal A complex without requiring exit to landside areas for standard international transfers.

• Follow 'Flight Transfers' signage upon disembarkation to reach central transfer security screening.
• Passengers holding onward boarding passes proceed directly through transfer security to the departure gates.
• If baggage is not checked through to the final destination, clear immigration, collect baggage, and check in landside at departures.

Free high-speed Wi-Fi is accessible throughout all public areas of Terminal A.

• Select the official airport Wi-Fi network from your device's Wi-Fi settings.
• Accept the access terms on the landing portal page to connect.
• Power charging sockets and USB ports are integrated into seating areas across the concourses.

Currency exchange services and automated teller machines are available in both airside and landside areas.

• ATMs accepting major international bank cards are located near baggage reclaim and in the arrivals hall.
• Foreign exchange desks operate in both arrival and departure zones.
• Major credit and debit cards are accepted across almost all transport operators, retail shops, and restaurants.

Terminal A offers a wide variety of food and beverage outlets across international cuisines.

• Dining options include quick-service cafes, fast-food outlets, and full-service international restaurants.
• All dining establishments adhere to UAE Halal food standards.
• Drinking water refill points are positioned near restroom hubs throughout the main concourses.

Multiple airline and independent pay-per-use lounges are located within Terminal A.

• Etihad Airways operates dedicated flagship lounges for premium ticket holders and eligible frequent flyers.
• Independent pay-per-use lounges are open to all passengers regardless of airline or class of travel.
• Lounge access can typically be reserved in advance online or purchased at the lounge entrance subject to capacity.

Accommodation is available directly inside the terminal transit zone as well as near the airport perimeter.

• An airside transit hotel is located inside Terminal A for passengers staying within the departure zone during long layovers.
• Several international business hotels are located within a 5-10 minute drive from the terminal.
• Taxis and hotel shuttle services operate between the terminal arrivals area and nearby hotels.

Baggage facilities include baggage claim, lost property assistance, and luggage wrapping services.

• Baggage status screens in the reclaim hall display assigned carousel numbers for arriving flights.
• For lost or damaged luggage inquiries, visit the airline luggage desk in the baggage claim hall before passing customs.
• Baggage wrapping services are available in the public departure zones.

Facilities for families travelling with young children are located throughout Terminal A.

• Dedicated baby-changing and nursing rooms are available adjacent to main restroom facilities.
• Complimentary strollers are available at marked distribution points within the terminal concourse.
• Dedicated children's play areas are located near departure gate concourses.

• Prayer rooms
• Quiet seating zones
• Smoking cabins
• Pharmacy
• Baggage wrapping
• Duty-free retail
• Accessible restrooms

Local emergency number: 999 (Police), 998 (Ambulance), 997 (Fire).

• For medical assistance inside the terminal, notify airport staff or visit the airport medical clinic immediately.
• Report lost passports or security incidents to the local airport police officers present in the terminal.
• Dial 999 for general emergencies or 998 for medical emergencies anywhere in the UAE.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• Zayed International Airport Official PortalOfficial airport source
• Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port SecurityGovernment source
• Integrated Transport Centre Abu DhabiOfficial transit source
• Department of Health Abu DhabiGovernment source