Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), also known as مطار أبو ظبي الدولي, is the second largest airport in the United Arab Emirates and is located about 31 km east of the main city center. Upon arrival, you can reach downtown Abu Dhabi by Public bus, Taxi, Welcome Pickups (Private Airport Transfer) or Uber.
This guide compares all available airport transfers at Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) according to classic travel factors. This includes travel time, cost per person (pp), a short route description and official links to book or buy tickets.
Transfer comparison from AUH airport to downtown
Overview of all transfer options from Abu Dhabi Airport to the City Center
| Transport | Travel time | Cost | More | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Public bus | 60 Min. | US$ 1.10 | Details |
 |
Taxi | 30 Min. | US$ 21 | Details |
 |
Private Transfer |
30 Min. | US$ 42 | Details |
 |
Uber | 30 Min. | US$ 30‑50 | Details |
Notices:
• There may be waiting times at the taxi rank if there are high volume of passengers. In this case, a pre-booked private transfer (e.g. via Welcome Pickups) is the more faster and comfortable option.
• The optimal transfer depends on the number of travelers, budget and available time.
Infos here, tickets on-site ↗
Travel time:
60 minutesCost:
4 AED pp (around US$ 1.10)Description:
Public bus line ‘A1’ from Abu Dhabi Airport (bus stop “Abu Dhabi Intl Aiport Terminal 1+3” in front of the main terminal building) to the bus stop “Al Zahiyah St / Zayed The First St” in downtown Abu Dhabi
Official local Taxis
Travel time:
30 minutesCost:
80 AED (around US$ 21)Description:
Taxi from Abu Dhabi Airport (Taxi rank in front of the main terminal building) to central Abu Dhabi or directly to your accommodation in the city
Book a Private Transfer ↗
Travel time:
30 minutesCost:
160 AED (around US$ 42)Description:
Comfortable private transfer (via Welcome Pickups) from Abu Dhabi Airport (Nameplate in the Arrival Hall) to central Abu Dhabi or directly to your accommodation in the city
Order an Uber ride ↗
Travel time:
30 minutesCost:
120-180 AED (around US$ 30-50)Description:
Uber from Abu Dhabi Airport (pick-up location according to Uber App) to central Abu Dhabi or directly to your accommodationAbu Dhabi Travel Tips (AD)
Things to know about Abu Dhabi:
1. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
2. Yas Island, home of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix F1 circuit, is man-made
3. Abu Dhabi’s most famous tourist attraction is Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque