Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) — the main airport of the UAE's capital — is ~30-35 km from the city center. In 2023 the huge new Terminal A opened. Getting downtown is easy: the bus is the cheapest, a taxi the most comfortable. This guide helps you pick the best option, including for late-night arrivals.
🚌 Options to the center
- A1 bus → downtown: 45-60 min, ~$3 (10 AED)
- Taxi → center: 30-40 min, ~$22-30
- Careem / Uber: 30-40 min, ~$25-35
- Abu Dhabi Link pre-booked (sedan/SUV): ~$30-45
🚌 The A1 bus — the cheapest
The A1 bus runs from the airport to the city center (Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, Al Wahda) around the clock, usually every 30-40 minutes. The trip takes 45-60 minutes and costs only ~10 AED.
Buy your ticket with a Hafilat card — you can get one at the bus stop or via the app. This option is best if you're on a budget and don't have much luggage.
If AUH is only a connection point and you're not leaving for the city, you don't need to go downtown — check the minimum connection time guide.
🚖 Taxi and apps (Careem, Uber)
Official silver taxis run on the meter — airport to center is ~$22-30, 30-40 minutes. The rank is at the arrivals-level exit and the queue usually moves fast.
Among apps, the regional leader is Careem (owned by Uber), and Uber works too. The price shows up front — ~$25-35. At night or with luggage, a taxi or app beats the bus.
AUH and Dubai (DXB) are ~140 km apart — if you're heading to Dubai, take the separate E101 bus or a pre-arranged transfer, not a regular taxi (it's very expensive).
🌙 Late-night arrivals and tips
- The A1 bus runs at night too, but rarely — for a late arrival Careem or a taxi is better
- Have dirhams or a card to pay; a Hafilat card is required for the bus
- In summer (June-September) it's +40°C — waiting long at a stop is tough
- Set up a SIM or eSIM in advance — see the eSIM guide
From AUH to the center, the bus is best for budget and Careem for comfort. For more on the city see the Tbilisi → Abu Dhabi guide, and to compare other airports in the region the Dubai (DXB) → center and Doha (DOH) → center. Find your flight on the Travel365 price calendar.
Tags
