Layover in Abu Dhabi

Not by Dubai alone do layovers in the United Arab Emirates live. The country's capital, Abu Dhabi, is also popular with those heading to Europe, Asia, or even across the Atlantic. Get tickets from Moscow to Abu Dhabi, and we'll tell you how to get to the city, where to relax at Sheikh Zayed International Airport, and what to do during an overnight layover.

About the airport

Abu Dhabi International Airport is the main international airport of the emirate of the same name, and the second largest air hub in the country (it's not hard to guess who is in first place). It is also the main hub for Etihad Airways. It is located just 30 km from the city. Currently, the main terminal is Terminal A, formerly known as the Midfield Terminal Complex or Midfield Terminal Building. Before its opening, the airport had significantly more terminals: 1, 2, 3, VIP. Some were closed at the end of 2023, and Terminal 3 has been mothballed.

Terminal A has an X-shape and four concourses (lobbies), each decorated according to the territories of Abu Dhabi – desert, sea, city, oasis. In total, they have 49 gates. This geometry was chosen for a reason: if necessary, the airport's capacity can be increased by adding additional concourses.

Types of layovers

Since Zayed Airport has only one operational terminal left, the types of layovers have been reduced to two – transit layover and layover with city exit. In the first case, you remain within the airport's transit zone without passing through passport control. The second case involves passing through passport control and obtaining a transit visa, if necessary. The airport recommends planning a city exit only if you have more than four hours between flights.

It is most convenient for Etihad Airways passengers: the airline states that their minimum transfer time from one flight to another is only 45 minutes. For flights to the USA – 85 minutes.

From September 1, 2025, Wizz Air will leave Abu Dhabi. This means that flights of the budget European carrier with a layover in the UAE capital will cease. We wrote more about this in our Telegram channel.

Flights to the USA

We will separately highlight flights to the USA, as Sheikh Zayed Airport operates a pre-clearance facility for the US Customs and Border Protection. Here, passengers undergo immigration procedures and customs control. This option is available to Etihad Airways passengers. To use it, you need to check in for your flight no later than four hours before departure and proceed to the pre-clearance area two hours before departure.

What documents are needed to exit to the city

International passport. That's all! As with a layover in Dubai, Russians only need their main document. Upon exiting to the city, you will receive a free stamp granting you the right to stay in the UAE for 90 days.

Please note: for a layover with city exit, your international passport must be valid for at least six more months. Before traveling to Abu Dhabi, we recommend checking the entry rules for the UAE.

How to get from Abu Dhabi Airport to the city center

So, you have a long layover in Abu Dhabi. What to do? Of course, head to the city itself! There are several ways to do this.

Buses

Unfortunately, there is no rail or metro connection between the airport and the city. However, there are seven bus routes connecting the airport and various districts, including the 24-hour lines A1 and A2, which lead to the city center, as well as bus E102, connecting the airport with Dubai. Etihad Airways provides its passengers with a shuttle from Zayed International Airport to Al Ain and downtown Dubai.

You cannot pay with cash on buses; you will need to purchase a Hafilat card. The card costs 10 UAE dirhams, after which it can be topped up. All buses are air-conditioned (which is logical). A1 and A2 depart every hour. The journey to Abu Dhabi Mall will take approximately 45 minutes.

Taxi

This method is significantly more expensive, but faster and more convenient. A taxi ride from Abu Dhabi Airport to the city center usually costs around 80 UAE dirhams. You can hail a car directly on site or book online through the Careem service. Uber is also available, but the price will be even higher. However, taxis in Abu Dhabi even accept cash.

Transfer

Don't want to wait for a taxi? Book a private transfer. The driver will meet you upon arrival, escort you to the car, and take you to the city center in less than half an hour. This service must be booked in advance, as it is in high demand among those wishing to see Abu Dhabi.

Etihad passengers in First, The Residence, Business Deluxe, or Comfort classes, as well as Etihad Guest loyalty program members, can use the complimentary Etihad Chauffeur service. It must be booked at least 12 hours before departure to or from Abu Dhabi.

Car rental

Another way to get around Abu Dhabi is to rent a car directly at the airport. We recommend this option if you are planning a trip to neighboring Dubai, are in the city for business, or simply want to travel comfortably around the city, for example, with your family. The rental cost depends on the car type, rental duration, and the chosen company. There are several rental company offices directly in the airport building – Thrifty, Europcar, Avis, Hertz, Dollar Rent a car. The required documents include: an international passport, an international driving permit along with your national license, and a credit card in your name.

What to do during a layover at the airport

For everyone who doesn't plan to go into the city or simply wants to relax between flights, instead of taking buses or taxis, Abu Dhabi Airport offers classic amenities and opportunities.

Shopping

What to do during a layover in Abu Dhabi? Shop – for real or just window shopping. Ordered a luxury experience? Premium brand boutiques (from Hermes to Balenciaga), mid-range options, sportswear, watches, jewelry – everything an affluent tourist's heart desires is here.

Amenities

• free Wi-Fi throughout the airport;
• enclosed smoking rooms;
• drinking fountains;
• prayer rooms;
• ATMs, currency exchange offices;
• strollers, changing rooms.

Dining

The choice of establishments is also very wide – from international chains like McDonald's and Starbucks to authentic Eastern ones, such as Operation Falafel and Shawa.

Guests of Butler’s Chocolate Cafe, Bottega, Todd English, and Food Park can get a free power bank for their devices. To do this, scan the QR code at the charging station. You can use the external battery for 24 hours while you are at the airport.

Rest

Zayed Airport has several lounges: Diamond Lounge, Pearl Lounge, Salam, and two for Etihad passengers – First Class and Business Class.

In different parts of the airport, it's easy to find areas with sofas and armchairs where you can catch an hour or two of sleep. The airport is considered "quiet," meaning there are places without annoying loudspeaker noise.

Overnight layover in Abu Dhabi

So, you have a long layover in Abu Dhabi. What to do? If it's overnight, we recommend getting some sleep. And comfortably – in a hotel. AUHotel, opened in 2024, is located in the airport's transit zone. You can book a room for several hours – from 6 to 24.

Another option is Premier Inn Abu Dhabi International Airport. Its advantages include its close proximity to the airport and the availability of a free shuttle to Terminal A and attractions such as Yas Island and the National Aquarium.

As always, Etihad passengers will receive more pleasant bonuses. For them, a flight with a transit stop in Abu Dhabi also means a hotel accommodation voucher. To get this, you need to book a round-trip flight with Etihad, choose a hotel, and inform the carrier how many days you wish to stay. Once you book your accommodation, a voucher will be issued for you, which you will need to present upon check-in. This must be done no later than three days before your flight to Abu Dhabi. If the flight is canceled or rescheduled, the room will be rebooked free of charge or a refund will be issued. Moreover, such a transit stop provides flexible check-in and check-out times.