Landing in Abu Dhabi and want your own car from the first hour? Renting a car at the airport gives you freedom to head straight to your hotel, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Yas Island or even on to Dubai. But the details matter, from which terminal you arrive at to what the final price really includes.
In this guide, we explain how Abu Dhabi airport car rental works at Zayed International Airport, what to check before you book, and how to save money. We also cover the option many travellers choose: arriving in Abu Dhabi and picking up a car in Dubai with Euroline Rent A Car, where we offer free delivery and collection across Dubai. See our economy car rental options any time.
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The airport formerly known as Abu Dhabi International Airport (code AUH) is now called Zayed International Airport. It is the main airport for the capital and the hub for Etihad Airways. Some maps and booking sites still use the old name, so search for both names.
Location: About 30 km from Abu Dhabi city centre, on the E10 highway.
Distance to Dubai: Roughly 130 km to central Dubai.
Terminals: Terminal A is the main terminal and handles the vast majority of flights. Check your airline and ticket to be sure where you arrive.
Airport phone: +971 2 505 5555.
If you want to rent at the airport itself, the rental counters are in the arrivals area of Terminal A. In general:
Clear immigration and collect your bags in the arrivals hall.
Follow the "Car Rental" signs from arrivals.
Go to your supplier's desk to complete the paperwork and collect your keys.
At the end of your trip, follow the airport signs for "Car Rental Return" and park in the rental return area.
Desk locations and return procedures differ by supplier, so confirm the exact steps in your booking confirmation. Terminal layouts can change, so check the airport's own website for the latest.
Whatever company you choose, expect to provide:
Passport and visa or Emirates ID
A valid driving licence (tourists may also need an international driving licence, depending on nationality)
A credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit
Your booking confirmation and flight details
The minimum rental age and extra requirements vary by supplier and car type.
"Car hire" and "car rental" mean the same thing. Whichever term you search, the headline daily price rarely tells the whole story. Before you book, compare:
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Check this |
Why it matters |
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Daily mileage limit |
Low limits lead to extra kilometer charges, especially on Abu Dhabi to Dubai trips |
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Security deposit |
A high deposit blocks a lot of your card limit |
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Insurance and excess |
Know what is covered and what you pay in an accident |
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Fuel policy |
Check how the car must be returned |
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Airport or location fees |
Some pick-ups carry extra charges |
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One-way or cross-emirate fees |
Dropping the car in a different city can cost more |
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Tolls, fines and VAT |
Often charged on top |
Looking for cheap car rental at Abu Dhabi Airport? These tips help in any city:
Book early, especially in winter and during holidays and events.
Choose a small car if you travel light. Economy cars cost less to rent and to fuel.
Rent for longer. Weekly and monthly rates usually lower the daily cost.
Check the mileage limit so you do not pay for extra kilometers.
Read the fuel policy and return the car as agreed.
Decline add-ons you do not need, but keep the insurance you do need.
Compare the full price, not just the daily rate.
Look at nearby alternatives. A car delivered to your hotel can be cheaper and simpler than an airport pick-up. See our cheap car rental tips.
Many travellers fly into Abu Dhabi because of the flight price or because they are flying with Etihad, then spend most of the trip in Dubai. You have a few ways to cover the roughly 130 km:
Airport shuttle: An airport express shuttle runs between the airport and a bus station in Dubai.
Taxi or ride-hailing: Convenient, but the price for a long transfer is high.
Rent at the airport: Easy, but check the mileage and any one-way or cross-emirate fee if you plan to return the car in Dubai.
Take the shuttle or a taxi to Dubai, then rent in Dubai: Often the simplest and cheapest route if you will mostly stay in the city.
With Euroline you can pick up your car at your hotel, home or office in Dubai, with free delivery and collection anywhere in Dubai. You get clear pricing, insurance included on most cars, a 250 km daily mileage allowance and 24/7 support on WhatsApp.
[ADD] Abu Dhabi Airport delivery: If you offer delivery to Zayed International Airport, describe it here with the fee, the pick-up point and the notice you need. If you do not, keep this wording: Need a car on arrival in Abu Dhabi? Message us on WhatsApp with your flight details and we will tell you what we can arrange.
|
Car |
Seats |
Bags |
Daily rate |
Monthly rate |
Book |
|
5 |
3 |
AED 150 |
AED 2,314 |
||
|
5 |
4 |
AED 150 |
AED 2,490 |
||
|
5 |
3 |
AED 160 |
AED 2,610 |
||
|
5 |
4 |
AED 256 |
AED 3,520 |
||
|
5 |
3 |
AED 280 |
AED 4,200 |
Prices are current at the time of writing and may change with our offers. Check the car page or WhatsApp for the latest rates.
The distance between Zayed International Airport and central Dubai is about 130 km each way, so a round trip is around 260 km. That is more than our standard daily allowance of 250 km, and many suppliers have similar limits. If you plan to drive between the two cities more than once, choose a plan with a bigger mileage allowance, such as a weekly or monthly rental, and ask about extra kilometer charges before you book.
Whether you start in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, a comfortable car makes the highway drive easier:
Comfortable sedan: The Audi A6 is smooth and quiet, ideal for business trips. See all our Audi rental in Dubai options.
SUV with presence: The Land Rover Defender 2025 is a favourite on UAE roads. Read why Land Rover suits Abu Dhabi roads.
Group travel: The 2025 Cadillac Escalade and our 7 seater car rental options suit larger groups.
Families: Read our guide to the best cars for families.
Special occasions: Browse our Luxury cars.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: About 19 km from the airport and one of the UAE's most visited landmarks.
Yas Island: Theme parks, the Formula 1 circuit and dining.
Louvre Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Island: Art, architecture and beaches.
Corniche: A scenic waterfront drive.
Al Ain and Jebel Hafeet: A longer drive to the mountain and oasis city.
Follow the speed limits strictly. Abu Dhabi is reported to enforce the posted limit with no buffer. Read our Dubai speed limits guide for general tips and our Dubai traffic fines list so you know the penalties.
Check tolls and parking. Abu Dhabi has its own toll and paid parking systems, which are separate from Dubai's Salik. Ask your rental company how tolls are charged.
Use a navigation app. Zayed International Airport is new, so search for both "Zayed International Airport" and "AUH".
Plan your fuel. Check UAE petrol prices today to budget for the drive.
Leave time for traffic, especially near the city and on the road to Dubai at rush hour.
✔ Free delivery and collection anywhere in Dubai
✔ Insurance included on most vehicles
✔ 250 km daily mileage allowance
✔ Daily, weekly and monthly rental plans
✔ 24/7 customer support through WhatsApp and phone
Extra charges that may apply: Salik toll charges (AED 4 per gate), fuel, traffic fines, accident charges, extra kilometers, VAT and late return charges. A refundable security deposit is blocked on your credit card and released after the rental when there are no extra charges.
Tourists: passport, visit visa and a valid driving licence (an international driving licence can be arranged for an extra charge).
UAE residents: passport copy, residence visa, valid UAE driving licence and Emirates ID.
The minimum rental age at Euroline is 18.
Call: +971 52 711 1134
WhatsApp: Chat with us now
Email: Info@euroline-rental.com
Online: Contact Us
Learn more about Euroline, explore our services or read more on our blog.
Where are the car rental desks at Abu Dhabi Airport?
They are in the arrivals area of Terminal A, which handles most flights. Follow the "Car Rental" signs, and check your booking for your supplier's exact counter.
Which terminal should I use for car rental at Abu Dhabi Airport?
Terminal A is the main terminal. Check your airline and ticket to confirm where you arrive.
Is Abu Dhabi Airport the same as Zayed International Airport?
Yes. The airport formerly known as Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) is now called Zayed International Airport.
How far is Abu Dhabi Airport from Dubai?
Roughly 130 km to central Dubai, around an hour and a quarter by road depending on traffic.
Can I rent a car in Abu Dhabi and return it in Dubai?
Some suppliers allow it, often for an extra fee. Ask before you book.
How do I find cheap car rental at Abu Dhabi Airport?
Book early, choose a small car, compare the full price including deposit and mileage, and check whether a car delivered to your hotel is cheaper.
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