Abu Dhabi International Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended…

The terminal stands 32-35 km from the Corniche, with no train or metro: a taxi takes 27-40 minutes and the bus much longer. That is why distance weighs on the choice more than at other Gulf airports. Those with a layover of a few hours or a night departure can stay in the airside area, while for a single night between two flights Yas Island, 20-30 minutes away, makes sense. The Corniche and the centre are for those staying a few days who accept half an hour by taxi on arrival and departure, a time cost to factor in for early-morning flights.

At the airport

The hotel is in the Terminal A transit area, after the checks; on arrival you need a boarding pass valid for a flight departing from AUH.

Best for: Long layovers with a connecting flight from AUH, without going through immigration.

Pros

From bed to gate without leaving the transit area
Stays of 6, 12 or 24 hours and a reception open 24 hours a day

Cons

Entry only with a boarding pass for a flight departing from Abu Dhabi
You cannot go out and see the city: it is a break between two flights

Recommended hotels in this area

AUHotel Abu Dhabi - Airport Transit Hotel: Hotel in the Terminal A transit area, open 24 hours a day, with packages of 6, 12 or 24 hours; it requires the boarding pass of a flight from AUH.

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Airport area and Yas Island

Airport area · From the airport area and Yas Island it takes about 15-30 minutes by taxi: the Crowne Plaza is 8.5 km from the terminal, the Premier Inn about 6 km.

Best for: A night between two flights or a morning departure, or a stop with Ferrari World and the circuit.

Pros

A shorter transfer than any hotel in the city
Yas Island offers parks, restaurants and a beach, without travelling all the way to the centre

Cons

Few alternatives on foot outside the resorts: you depend on taxis
The historic centre and the Corniche remain 30-40 minutes away

Recommended hotels in this area

Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Airport (Business Park): A budget hotel about 6 km from the airport, with a restaurant and outdoor pool; close to Yas Island.
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi - Yas Island: A resort near a golf course, within ten minutes by car of Ferrari World and the Yas Marina circuit; 8.5 km from the terminal.

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Khalifa Park and Zayed Mosque

Neighbourhood · Park Rotana is about 15 minutes from the airport according to the official website, by taxi or private car.

Best for: Business travellers or those who want to reach the Grand Mosque with a hotel halfway from the airport.

Pros

About 15 minutes from the airport, half the time compared with the Corniche
Five minutes from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Cons

A residential and business district, with little evening life on foot
For the Corniche and the Louvre you need another 20-30 minutes by taxi

Recommended hotels in this area

Park Rotana Abu Dhabi: 318 rooms behind Khalifa Park, five minutes from the Grand Mosque and about 15 from the airport; five restaurants, pool and spa.

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Corniche

City centre · By taxi it takes 27-40 minutes; there is no train and the A1/A2 buses are slower but cheap.

Best for: Stays of several days, with the sea, a seafront promenade and the centre within taxi reach.

Pros

Beach and seafront a few steps away, with the old town close by
More choice of restaurants and hotels in different price ranges than elsewhere

Cons

Up to 40 minutes by taxi from the terminal, to be planned for early flights
For Yas Island and the parks you need another half-hour ride

Recommended hotels in this area

Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche: A seafront resort with pools and sea access; the parking and the Thursday jazz are among the aspects guests mention most.

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