A new long-term car park option has opened at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport.
This is excellent news for travellers driving from other parts of the Emirates who want to use AUH as their gateway to the world. In addition to short-term parking, a long-term car parking solution can work for up to 1 month.
We know public transport connections in the country can often be tedious (or non-existent), so we’re excited to share some new options for bringing your own car to Abu Dhabi airport. From there, you can catch flights with Etihad, Wizz Air, Air Arabia, and dozens of other international airlines.
Let’s take a closer look at parking and transportation options at AUH.
Short-Term Parking at AUH
First, we’ll look at short-term parking.
This will be your ideal solution if you’re only driving to AUH to drop off or pick up a passenger, not flying anywhere yourself, as you’ll see the charges start to get pretty hefty if you go beyond a day.
| Time Spent | Tariff |
|---|---|
| Under 6 minutes | Free |
| 6 to 15 minutes | AED 15 (currently free) |
| 15 to 30 minutes | AED 25 |
| 31 minutes to 2 hours | AED 35 |
| 2 to 3 hours | AED 55 |
| 3 to 4 hours | AED 65 |
| 24 hours | AED 125 |
| Each additional day | AED 100 |
NB, since we first published this guide, and despite what’s officially published on the Zayed International Airport website, you now get 15 minutes of free parking for the short-term car park before the above charges apply (correct as of April 2025).
Number plate recognition is used, so you’ll find no ticket machines in Arrivals or the car park. You must pay with cash or a credit card to the staff at the exit barriers.
Long-Term Parking at AUH
The latest parking option to be introduced at AUH is long-term parking, situated just 2 minutes away from the main terminal. You’ll need to be slightly more organized for this, but it’s very straightforward and well sign-posted on arrival.
| Time Spent | Tariff |
|---|---|
| 2 to 3 days | AED 225 |
| 4 to 7 days | AED 325 |
| 8 to 14 days | AED 400 |
| 15 to 30 days (max) | AED 50 per additional day |
You’ll want to pre-register your long-term parking space at parking.zayedinternationalairport.ae. When registering, you’ll be asked:
- To enter your travel dates with an estimated time of departure and return
- You’ll be given available locations
- Enter your personal details with flight numbers
- Enter your vehicle details
You will receive a pre-booked parking confirmation, but don’t worry; there is no need to pay at this time. Payment is made upon your return and collection of your car, using number plate recognition.
Other Transportation Options – When Is Parking at AUH Worth It?
Parking with your own car at AUH can make sense when;
- You need the luggage space and seating available in your own car – generally, when you can’t all fit in a taxi, which can be limited to 4 passengers and only four small suitcases (especially if the taxi has an LP Gas tank, which is common in Abu Dhabi)
- When you want to travel with your own car seats for children, though, weigh up the cost of the parking vs a Careem Kids service with car seats
- When you don’t want to be tied to public transport schedules, particularly in the middle of the night, and want to get home faster
- When the combined cost of parking and fuel is cheaper than a taxi or Careem.
To help you compare some more cost comparisons:
- The airport coach from Dubai (Ibn Battuta) costs AED 35 per person each way, plus the cost of the Metro (Nol) or taxi to get to Ibn Battuta Station in Dubai; for a family of four, that’s already AED 280 before considering other transport costs.
- The standard Intercity Bus (Route 102) costs less than the Airport Shuttle Bus and now has a stop at AUH; this will cost you AED 25 per person in each direction.
- A standard taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi costs approximately AED 300-400 one way. Some taxis can theoretically accommodate six people, but not all of them, with luggage, so assume 4 is the maximum for a cab with a small suitcase each. Premium taxis can accommodate more, but you’re looking at a fare of around AED 500 each way.
- If you are flying with Etihad from AUH, you can get a complimentary coach from Dubai—learn more about this here—so there may be no need to bring your own car.
You can find here our complete and up-to-date guide to Abu Dhabi Transport
Want to learn more about flying through AUH?
- Our complete guide to navigating AUH is coming soon!
- Remote check-in to AUH and enjoy a day at Yas Island
- Flying through AUH? See if you’re eligible for a FREE stopover stay with Etihad
- How the local bus system and Halifat card work in Abu Dhabi
- Get around Abu Dhabi using the FREE Visit Abu Dhabi Shuttle Service
Before you go… Important things to consider when planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page; it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack and top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Start planning your itinerary around the 60+ top places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi.
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