Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, a city characterized by its opulence, impressive beaches, mosques, imposing buildings, adventure sports and monuments. Its airport has a strategic location, so it is easy to move around and quickly reach any area or hotel. However, for convenience, it is advisable to organize your travel arrangements before arriving in the city.

With an organized trip you will be able to enjoy the best things to do in Abu Dhabi without worries and from the first moment. Note that, this airport has three terminals and all offer bus stations, cab lines and parking for private or shared transfers. After a long flight you still have to carry your luggage and find a way to get to your final destination. Don't worry, I'll tell you about the best options for transfers between the airport and the capital.

To enjoy a carefree trip and arrive in Abu Dhabi without rushing, I recommend using a private transfer. It is an exclusive experience that usually has a professional driver who knows the city very well. It is a service that operates every day of the week, twenty-four hours a day. Generally, you will have help to move your luggage and you will travel in a comfortable vehicle with air conditioning.

It is a safe option, recommended for family or group trips. You can also take advantage of it if you are traveling alone and do not want to risk going out in search of transportation. Generally, the driver will set a meeting point, which is usually the main terminal and will wait for you there. In case of delays, you don't have to worry because your flight information allows him to know the route in real time.

Interesting details

• Travel time: less than 25 minutes.
• Price: from 32 euros per person. Please note that the cost may increase, depending on the location of your hotel or the area you are going to.
• Advantages of using this method: you will not have to go out with your luggage, to take the bus or to find any transportation.
• How to book: it is advisable to book in advance online. To do this you only need to provide your personal information, name of the airline, flight number, estimated time of arrival, where you want to be taken, the e-mail address where the reservation details will be sent, your country and telephone number.
• Recommended if... you are looking for more comfort and want to enjoy a door to door service.

If you want to travel comfortably, but you have a tight budget, you can opt for a shared transfer from Abu Dhabi International Airport. In this case, the costs are shared and the driver usually carries your luggage to the vehicle in which you will be transferred. It is an ideal experience for those who travel alone, and for safety reasons do not want to travel on their own by cab or bus. Keep in mind that depending on the type of vehicle, luggage space is limited.

You can find 3 or 4 passenger cars, minivans and shared buses. Additionally, one factor to keep in mind is that shared shuttles often make several stops to drop off passengers, which increases travel time. In case your flight is delayed, the driver will wait for you for up to an hour, as he usually follows the travel itinerary.

Details of interest

• Duration of the trip: more than an hour, as stops are made at different hotels or points in the city.
• Price: from 20 euros per person.
• Advantages of using this method: you will be able to save a few euros, without putting your safety at risk.
• How to book: you can usually book in advance and cancel without penalty up to 48 hours before. You can book online, usually you will have to fill out a form with your personal information, flight and airline details, estimated time of arrival, country, telephone, your hotel address and an email to receive confirmation.
• Recommended if... you prefer to have a driver to guide you and accompany you during your first hours in the city.

If it is your first time in Abu Dhabi and you have not had time to hire a private transfer, you can opt for a cab ride. You will find standard cabs with a friendlier fare, which differ in that they are gray and have a yellow sign. If you are looking for a more ostentatious transportation, luxury cabs are waiting for you, these services are black Mercedes-Benz transfers that have all the comforts.

This option is available twenty-four hours a day, even on holidays. To find a cab, you must go to terminals 1, 2 or 3 in the marked areas. The most reliable options are UBER and National Taxi. If you are going to opt for this option, beware of clandestine cabs that do not belong to a company, as they may overcharge you or put your well-being at risk.

Details of interest

• Duration of the trip: approximately 25 minutes.
• Price: between 19 and 35 euros, depending on the time and destination.
• Advantages of using this method: it is an ideal option if you are traveling with your family, or do not want to share a car. In addition, you will go directly to the hotel to rest after the trip.
• How to book this transportation: just arrive at the airport and look for cabs in terminals 1, 2 and 3. The waiting time is usually quite short. In the case of UBER, the service works through an app and you can book a transfer up to 30 days in advance.
• Recommended if... you carry a lot of luggage and want to travel comfortably.

If you are on a budget, the best option is to take the public bus. There are different lines that operate between downtown and the airport terminal. Specifically, I recommend taking the A1 bus, which is available around the clock and runs for about 45 minutes. The main advantage of using this method of transportation is that round-trip tickets start at 2 euros per person.

However, if you are carrying a lot of luggage it can be a bit uncomfortable, as sometimes the journey is extended due to traffic. Note that the buses go to the City Air Bus Terminal in downtown Abu Dhabi. Also, buses run every 30 to 40 minutes. So keep an eye out for the bus stop at the airport, which is located between terminals 1 and 2. For a walk around the city, I recommend opting for the Abu Dhabi sightseeing bus tours.

Interesting details

• Travel time: between 45 minutes and one hour, depending on traffic.
• Price: the round-trip ticket costs approximately 2 euros per person. To pay you will need the Halifat Card which costs around 3 euros and can be recharged at vending machines at the airport and in selected stores in Abu Dhabi. If you plan to stay several days and use the bus, opt for a Weekly Pass which has an estimated cost of 10 euros.
• Advantages of using this method: it is convenient, plus it is the most economical method of transportation.
• How to book this transport: you can buy it online, however you can also buy your tickets when you arrive at the bus station. If you are planning a last minute trip, you don't have to worry as they are not usually sold out.
• Recommended if... you have a limited budget, or your flight arrives in the early morning and you don't want to pay for a cab.

In case you plan to stay several days in the city, the best option is to rent a car. This will allow you to move around the city and save a few euros in transportation. It is a very practical method, and there are even car rentals where you can use the vehicle to reach the city center and deliver it at an agreed point, which will save you time and money. Also, in the United Arab Emirates the heat can be oppressive, so it is advisable to opt for the easiest and most comfortable way of transportation.

I recommend driving along the E10 and E20 roads to get to the city center. Keep in mind that to rent a car you may be asked for your passport, your country's driver's license, as well as an international certificate. Generally, the cost of gasoline starts at less than 1 euro per liter. Parking is usually free and tolls are charged automatically via an app. By having your own car, you can enjoy the best things to do in Abu Dhabi on your own.

Interesting details

• Travel time: twenty to thirty minutes, depending on traffic. If it is your first time in the city, I recommend using a GPS or a map.
• Price: from 40 euros per day. Note that the cost is usually higher when the delivery is made at the airport, if the delivery is made in other parts of the city is usually charged around 25 euros per day.
• Advantages of using this method: you will be able to use the car whenever and wherever you want.
• How to book this transportation: you can rent the car in advance through the internet, or do it when you arrive at the airport. Keep in mind that sometimes the availability is subject to the influx of tourists (especially in high season). Also, there are companies that allow you to cancel up to twenty-four hours in advance without penalty.
• Recommended if... you are planning to travel with your family or on business.

If you plan to travel to other cities in the United Arab Emirates and want to make a quick stopover in Abu Dhabi, an organized tour is the perfect solution. These types of experiences usually include round-trip transfers as well as the accompaniment of a professional guide. For example, you can enjoy a city break from Dubai to see the country's capital in a short time.

Some people also choose to hire private or shared transfers for their long stopovers in the city. Usually, a driver will take you to the selected hotel, so you can rest. If you prefer, you can venture out on a tour of Abu Dhabi, where you will not have to worry about anything. Your travel provider will pick you up a couple of hours before your connecting flight to take you back to the airport. This is the best option, as if you travel on your own, you may be delayed and miss your trip.

Interesting details

• Duration of the trip: this type of excursions usually have an estimated duration of one day, which allows you to enjoy a quick getaway.
• Price: from 50 euros per person, depending on the services offered. Some tours include transportation, lodging, meals and entrance fees to certain attractions, which may increase the price.
• Advantages of using this method: you will be able to get to the city quickly and without complications, as well as enjoy a walk around the capital.
• How to book: you can book in advance online to ensure the experience. In addition, there are cancellation policies without penalty up to 24 or 48 hours before.
• Recommended if... you want to visit several cities in the country, but you have little time.

Traveling with a private driver is the best way to enjoy Abu Dhabi, without thinking about anything. It is an option similar to car rental, with the difference that at the wheel will be a trained person who knows every corner of the capital to perfection. In an unknown city it is preferable to be accompanied by a local guide, besides this type of trips are usually made aboard luxury vehicles with all the comforts.

It is a safe method of transportation, which usually includes a personalized itinerary. With a private driver at your disposal, you can take advantage of the best theme parks in Abu Dhabi and explore the city in detail. You won't have to stress and you will save a lot of time, plus you will arrive punctually everywhere to make the most of each day.

Details of interest

• Travel time: the trip from the airport to the hotel takes approximately 25 minutes.
• Price: from 230 euros per person.
• Advantages of using this method: you can visit all the places in Abu Dhabi at your own pace.
• How to book: it is advisable to book online, a couple of days in advance. Also, make sure to hire reliable and certified companies.
• Recommended if... you are planning business or leisure trips.

• The City Air Terminal bus station also functions as a mini airport terminal, located in the center of the city. Here you can check in your luggage or check in and send it to the airport, before heading to the airport to board your flight.
• The VIP lo unge offers comfortable spaces, ideal for waiting for your connecting flights or transfers. This space has a relaxation area, elevator, free WiFi and air conditioning.
• In Terminal 3 there is an Aerohotel, ideal for long or medium layovers, which has WiFi, wake-up service, air conditioning and more.