Abu Dhabi International Airport, officially renamed Zayed International Airport (AUH), handles a growing volume of international traffic as Abu Dhabi’s aviation infrastructure expands. Car Grab runs private transfers to and from AUH across the UAE, covering pickups from the arrivals hall at fixed prices with flight tracking on every booking.
AUH sits approximately 30km east of Abu Dhabi city centre, off the Al Salam Street corridor heading into the capital. The airport is not served by the Abu Dhabi Metro in any current operational form. Getting to and from AUH means a taxi, ride-share, or private transfer.
Destination | Distance from AUH | Typical journey time |
|---|---|---|
Abu Dhabi city centre / Corniche | ~30km | 25-35 min |
Yas Island | ~25km | 20-30 min |
Saadiyat Island | ~35km | 30-40 min |
Al Maryah Island / ADGM | ~32km | 30-40 min |
Dubai International Airport (DXB) | ~140km | 1 hr 15 – 1 hr 45 min |
Dubai city centre | ~150km | 1 hr 20 – 1 hr 50 min |
Dubai Marina / Palm Jumeirah | ~160km | 1 hr 30 – 2 hr |
AUH has undergone significant expansion in recent years. The main international terminal handles the bulk of passenger traffic. Etihad Airways, the UAE’s other major carrier, operates from AUH rather than DXB, which is why many travellers routing through the UAE on Etihad arrive here rather than at Dubai International.
Always confirm your terminal when booking your flight, as the arrivals layout and meeting points differ between terminals. Car Grab can meet passengers in the arrivals area of either terminal.
Taxis operate from AUH and are generally available, though the queue can be unpredictable outside peak hours, particularly late at night. Ride-share apps work at AUH but are subject to surge pricing. For travellers who want a confirmed vehicle and a fixed price, a pre-booked private transfer from Car Grab is the straightforward option.
For Dubai-bound passengers arriving into AUH, the intercity transfer to Dubai starts from AED 294 for the vehicle. That covers the full 140km route with no toll surprises on the way.
The AUH to DXB route is one of the most travelled intercity connections in the UAE. Travellers who fly into Abu Dhabi on Etihad but need to reach Dubai, or visitors whose connecting leg departs from DXB, use this route regularly. Car Grab covers this transfer in both directions.
Journey time from AUH to DXB (or Dubai city) runs 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes depending on traffic. The E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road) is the main corridor. Morning peak hours (7-9am) and evening peaks (5-7pm) add 30-40 minutes.
For travellers with a connecting flight from DXB after arriving at AUH, allow at least 3 hours between your AUH landing and your DXB check-in deadline. Tight connections via road transfer are high-risk when traffic is unpredictable.
Etihad uses Terminal A at AUH, the newer and larger of the two main passenger terminals. Immigration at AUH generally moves faster than at DXB’s Terminal 3 during peak hours, but allow 30-45 minutes from landing to exiting arrivals for a long-haul flight.
Car Grab drivers wait in the arrivals hall after customs and baggage claim. The meeting point instructions are in your booking confirmation, confirmed before your flight lands.
Contact Car Grab via WhatsApp on 00971564552384 or through the booking form at cargrabuae.com. Provide:
You’ll receive a confirmed price and booking confirmation before your flight lands.
The bus service E100 runs from Union Square in Abu Dhabi city to Dubai, but does not connect directly to AUH. You’d need a separate taxi or transfer from the airport to the bus stop in the city, then the bus to Dubai, then another transfer at the Dubai end. For most travellers, a direct private transfer is simpler.
Car Grab’s AUH to Dubai route starts from AED 294 per vehicle. Contact for specific pricing based on your destination within Dubai.
Yes. AUH handles several overnight long-haul arrivals. Car Grab runs 24/7 with no night surcharges.
No metro currently connects AUH to Abu Dhabi city or elsewhere. A metro line is included in Abu Dhabi’s long-term infrastructure plans, but no operational connection exists as of mid-2026.
Yas Island is approximately 25km from AUH, a journey of 20-30 minutes by car. It’s one of the closer major destinations from the airport. Contact Car Grab for a specific price on the AUH to Yas Island route.
Yes. Hotel-to-airport departures from anywhere in Abu Dhabi are available at the same fixed pricing. Book the return at the same time as your arrival transfer.