Zayed Airport is an international airport located in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. This airport is the second busiest airport in the United Arab Emirates after Dubai Airport. There are direct flights to 128 destinations from the airport. Approximately 30 million passengers use this airport every year.
Abu Dhabi is a city that rises like a mirage in the desert. At first glance, this city impresses everyone with its modern skyscrapers, but its real magic lies in the details. You begin to understand this city when you walk through the courtyard of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, sparkling with its pure white domes in the early morning hours. In the afternoon, you should head to the cultural island of Saadiyat. Under the iconic dome of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, you will witness art meeting the sea. At sunset, you can take a walk along the Corniche. If you want to learn more about the city’s history, you can learn about Emirati culture in the magnificent halls of Qasr Al Watan. When evening comes, you should definitely join a desert safari. Watching the sun set in the desert, you will find yourself in a fairy tale.
Zayed Airport is an international airport located in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. This airport is the second busiest airport in the United Arab Emirates after Dubai Airport. There are direct flights to 128 destinations from the airport. Approximately 30 million passengers use this airport every year.
Zayed Airport is located approximately 30 km from Abu Dhabi city center. You can easily reach Zayed Airport via the E10 and E20 highways. It takes 30-40 minutes to reach the city center by car from the airport. Zayed Airport is the main hub for Etihad Airways and Etihad Cargo.
Getting from the airport to the city center is quite easy. There are buses running 24 hours a day between the airport and the city center. The Abu Dhabi Department of Transport operates 7 bus routes from the airport to all parts of the city. Lines A1 and A2 run non-stop to the city center 24 hours a day. Line E102 connects Abu Dhabi to Dubai. Taxis at the airport operate 24 hours a day. No matter what time your flight is, you can easily get from the airport to your destination.
Interactive Zayed Airport Map
Zayed Airport Terminal
There is a single terminal at Zayed Airport. Terminal A is used for all flights. Inside the terminal, there are four piers connected to each other by a central hall: Pier A, Pier B, Pier C, and Pier D. You can easily find your way around the terminal. Each pier is inspired by a different character of Abu Dhabi. The piers feature desert, sea, city, and oasis designs.
Terminal A offers everything from check-in to duty-free shopping and dozens of food and beverage outlets. Separate areas are used for domestic and international flights. The terminal has check-in counters, self-service kiosks, and designated areas for fast security clearance. Etihad’s new corporate areas and dedicated check-in counters form the center of the terminal.
The terminal has open and closed seating areas for transit passengers. There are children’s play areas, prayer rooms, and health service points within the terminal. Security and passport control points in the terminal can get quite crowded during peak hours. There are open and closed parking areas in front of the terminal.
Zayed Airport Car Rental
If you want to truly discover Abu Dhabi, you can rent a car at Zayed Airport and start charting your own course. Wide, well-maintained highways connect you to the city center, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and Dubai. On Yas Island, you can spend an adventure-filled day visiting Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros. World.
On Saadiyat Island, the architecture of the Louvre Abu Dhabi will captivate you. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is also a must-see destination.
Car rental companies at Zayed Airport provide services inside the terminal. Rental car companies are located in the arrivals area and on the ground floor. Major car rental companies such as Dollar, Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty, and Avis, as well as local companies, operate in the terminal. You can start the car rental process immediately after collecting your luggage.
I recommend booking your car before your trip. Demand for rental cars at the airport is very high during peak seasons. Air-conditioned and SUV vehicles sell out quickly. You can rent your car at the best price by booking online.
Zayed Airport VIP Lounge
Zayed Airport has comfortable VIP Lounge areas in Terminal A. The Etihad First Class Lounge is located between Piers C and D. It is open 24 hours a day. The Etihad First Class Lounge is open to passengers flying with The Residence and First Class. You can also access the lounge area free of charge with Business Class tickets.
The Etihad Business Class Lounge will enhance your travel experience with its international buffet and Emirati-themed environment. This VIP Lounge area is open 24 hours a day. The Etihad Business Class Lounge is located between Piers C and D.
The Pearl Lounge is located near Gate D43 after security. The lounge area offers a buffet food and beverage service, a smoking room, shower facilities, Wi-Fi, and a work area. All VIP Lounge areas offer complimentary snacks, buffet snacks, fast Wi-Fi, shower cubicles, and rest rooms.
Hotels in Zayed Airport
Long layovers can be quite exhausting for all travelers. But at Zayed Airport, there is a solution to this problem. AUHotel serves transit passengers in the transit area of Terminal A. The hotel offers free internet, family rooms, a restaurant, and 24-hour reception service. This hotel is located in the airside area of the terminal. Therefore, you can stay at the hotel without going through customs and immigration. After leaving the hotel, you can proceed directly to your departure gate. To stay at the hotel, you must have your boarding pass for your next flight with you.
There are many chain hotels located near Zayed Airport. W Abu Dhabi is only 4 km from Zayed Airport. W Abu Dhabi is located above a world-famous F1 race track. The hotel offers a free shuttle service. The hotel has a swimming pool, Wi-Fi, free parking, a fitness center, and a spa.
Crowne Plaza Yas Island is only 5 km from Zayed Airport. Crowne Plaza is located right next to the Links Championship Golf Course. The hotel offers a free shuttle service to its guests. The hotel has Barouk and Jing Asia restaurants. The hotel has a swimming pool, private beach area, family rooms, meeting rooms, and free parking.
The WB Abu Dhabi is 6 km from Zayed Airport. The hotel offers a 24-hour free airport shuttle service. The hotel has a rooftop pool, spa facilities, a fitness center, a business center, and a 24-hour reception service.
Zayed Airport Location
Zayed Airport Address: Al Matar, Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Zayed Airport IATA: AUH.
Zayed Airport ICAO: OMAA.
Satellite view of Zayed Airport. Click to enlarge
Zayed Airport destination map (March 2026). Click to enlarge