Zayed International Airport (Abu Dhabi) transfer
This page covers private transfers from Zayed International Airport (AUH), the airport of Abu Dhabi that many travellers still know as Abu Dhabi International, to hotels in Abu Dhabi and across the emirate border in Dubai. You book a car or minivan with a local transfer company, the total price is agreed before booking, and the driver meets you in arrivals with a name sign.
- Airport code
- AUH
- City
- Abu Dhabi
- Route guides
- —
AUH is the home base of Etihad, so plenty of travellers land here even when their hotel is in Dubai. The airport sits on the mainland side of the capital, close to Yas Island, which shapes every drive time below.
Where Zayed International Airport is
The airport lies east of Abu Dhabi island, next to Yas Island and opposite Masdar City. It is not in the city centre, but it is well placed for the motorways: the E10 and E12 lead west to the islands and the capital, and the E11 coast motorway leads north-east to Dubai.
Since the new Terminal A opened, all flights use one large terminal building. Your driver waits at the meeting point in arrivals, and the local provider can confirm the exact spot with you by phone or WhatsApp before you land. Share your flight number when booking so a delay or an early landing is taken into account.
Popular destinations from AUH and typical drive times
- Saadiyat Island (38 km, about 29–37 min)
- The nearest destination on this list. The E12 crosses Yas and Al Jubail islands to Saadiyat, home of the beach resorts and the museum quarter with Louvre Abu Dhabi.
- Dubai Marina & JBR (96 km, about 65–82 min)
- The first big hotel district you reach in Dubai when coming from Abu Dhabi, right where the E11 enters the city from the south-west.
- Palm Jumeirah (104 km, about 70–88 min)
- Only a few exits past the Marina. Resorts on the outer crescent add time because the car drives the length of the trunk and through the tunnel.
- Downtown Dubai & Business Bay (115 km, about 90–113 min)
- Further along Sheikh Zayed Road, around Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Water Canal. City traffic makes up a large part of the journey.
- Bur Dubai & Deira (122 km, about 91–114 min)
- The historic Creek districts at the far end of Dubai, close to Dubai International Airport and furthest from AUH.
Landing in Abu Dhabi with a hotel in Dubai
The two cities are linked by a wide coastal motorway, and there is no border control between the emirates, so the drive feels like one long highway run. After Yas and the Al Rahba area the road passes Khalifa Port, Ghantoot and the industrial zone of Jebel Ali before the towers of Dubai Marina appear.
This is why the Dubai drive times differ so much: the south-western districts come first, while Downtown and the old Creek quarters lie another 20 to 40 minutes on, through the busiest part of the city. Plan for the longer end of the range on weekday mornings and late afternoons.
Choosing the right vehicle
A standard car suits one to three passengers with normal luggage. Families, groups and travellers with several large suitcases are better off in a minivan, especially on the long Dubai runs. Larger vehicles can be requested.
Child seats can be requested when you book, and golf bags, diving gear or bicycles should be declared in advance. The ride is private, with no stops at other hotels.
When travellers come
The main season runs from October to April, when days are warm and evenings are pleasant enough for the beach, the desert and outdoor dining. Winter brings many visitors from Europe and Russia, while travellers from India and the Gulf states arrive throughout the year and especially in holiday periods.
Summer is very hot and humid. Transfers run normally, and the vehicles are air-conditioned, but waiting outside is uncomfortable, so it helps to have the driver's contact before you land. During Ramadan daytime traffic patterns shift, and evening traffic can be heavier.
Frequently asked questions
Is Abu Dhabi International Airport the same as Zayed International Airport?
Yes. The airport was renamed Zayed International Airport in 2024 and keeps the code AUH. Tickets, booking sites and signs may use either name.
Is it worth flying into AUH if my hotel is in Dubai?
Many travellers do, often because of Etihad connections or fares. The private transfer to Dubai Marina takes around 65–82 minutes, while Downtown and Bur Dubai take closer to 1.5–2 hours, so it works best for the south-western part of Dubai.
Do I need a passport to drive from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?
There is no border checkpoint between the two emirates, so the car drives straight through. You should still carry your passport, as you would anywhere in the UAE.
Does the price change if my flight is late or traffic is heavy?
No. The total price is agreed before booking and stays the same for traffic and flight delays. Add your flight number so the driver can follow your arrival time.