Airport location, terminals and transportation
Abu Dhabi International Airport is located 30 km from the capital of the UAE and is the second largest airport in the country. AUH International Airport was opened in 1982. The airport services over 26 million people every year. The passenger complex consists of three terminals (1, 2, 3). Terminal 1 is divided into two concourses: 1A and 1B. You can take a free transfer running between terminals. The airport has two air-strips, each of which accommodates big and heavy airplanes. The airport provides an opportunity to check in for the flight in advance. You can do this in the city center, in City Terminal. It will give you an opportunity to arrive at the airport shortly before your flight.
The connection between Abu Dhabi and the airport is ensured by buses, taxi services (taxi ranks are situated near all the terminals), limos and cars you can rent. Round-the-clock buses (#A1, 490, 211, 240, X81) go to different districts of Abu Dhabi. The bus #A1 goes to the center of the capital. Bus stops are located near each terminal and marked with blue and white signs.
Rental offices, how to find them, where to return car
At the airport, car rental companies offer various vehicles, from economy to luxurious models. Companies’ offices are located in the car rental center on the square opposite T3 (within walking distance from terminals 1 and 3). They are open 24 hours a day. To use the car rental services, passengers of T2 need to take a transfer from the terminal or walk towards the center (that is 1 km from T2).
In the car rental center, there are several international car rental companies: Budget, Dollar, Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty, Avis, and Payless. Also, car rental services are provided by the Fast Company. Cars are taken and returned to the car rental center if the other place is not specified in the rental agreement.
As most of the traffic signs are traditionally in Arabic, driving may cause confusion. The guests of the country can rent a car with a private driver, which is quite a popular service.
Long-term and short-term parking, hotels nearby
At the airport, there are different types of parking areas: a short-term lot (T1, T2, T3), valet parking (near T1 and T3), and a long-term lot (T2). The parking lot near T2 is served by a regular transfer.
There are two hotels in the airport terminals, Aerotel and Premier Inn. Aerotel is located at the first level of Terminal 1, in the international arrivals area. Premier Inn is not far from the Skypark Center, near terminals 1 and 3. The hotel offers its guests free parking.