Car Hire Abu Dhabi International Airport
Welcome to Abu Dhabi International Airport!
Welcome to Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), your modern, high-tech gateway to the city of Abu Dhabi where the Arabian desert meets the vibrant energy of the UAE’s capital city. As a key transit hub in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi International Airport welcomes visitors from all around the world. Whether you’re arriving from London Heathrow London, Mumbai or Sydney International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport offers a modern gateway to the UAE’s dazzling blend of ancient tradition and modernity. Its location, just a short drive from Abu Dhabi’s iconic skyline and cultural landmarks, makes it a prime starting point for unforgettable Arabian adventures.
A trio of interconnected terminals at Abu Dhabi International Airport ensure smooth transit, while comfortable lounges and abundant amenities make spending time a pleasure not a chore! Complimentary Wi-Fi, duty-free shopping, and an array of dining choices take care of every travel need. Collecting a hire car here to explore nearby desert landscapes is a breeze, providing you with the freedom to travel roads through sweeping golden sands to reach Abu Dhabi’s many resplendent cultural wonders. Renting a car from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) is the ideal way to discover the region’s captivating blend of city life and desert beauty. Keen to explore the city’s vibrant downtown area? Then a compact or economy car is a great choice, perfect for nipping through urban streets and parking in the spacious malls. This makes it easy to visit highlights like the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the bustling Corniche, with its beautiful waterfront views. Looking to venture into the desert? Then pick an SUV or four-wheel drive for a solid choice that ensures added stability and comfort for long drives to exhilarating desert safaris, camel rides, and the timeless beauty of endless dunes. As you navigate the pristine, well-marked highways, you’ll find that AUH is conveniently positioned for accessing the city’s bustling streets and nearby attractions. The main highway, E10, provides a direct route into the heart of Abu Dhabi, with travel times averaging around 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. The drive into the city reveals Abu Dhabi’s glittering skyline, a stunning contrast against the stark desert sands beyond.
Driving Abu Dhabi
Setting out from Abu Dhabi International Airport with a rental car means the UAE is at your fingertips, from cultural landmarks in Abu Dhabi to thrilling excursions in the surrounding desert. To immerse yourself in the UAE’s unique shimmering landscape, a desert safari is an absolute must. Just a short drive from the city, organised safari tours offer dune bashing, where you can speed over the sandy hills in a 4x4 with a skilled driver. For an even closer connection to the desert, spend the night camping under the stars, surrounded by the profound silence of the open wilderness. Many camps include traditional Bedouin-style seating, evening entertainment with belly dancing, and an authentic Arabian barbecue under the night sky. No desert day-trip from the striking Abu Dhabi is complete without the rolling rollick of a camel ride. Take in the vast expanse of the sands from atop these gentle animals, the ‘ships of the desert,’ as you ride along ancient paths trodden by Bedouins for centuries. Afterward, relax with a cup of thick, sweet Arabic coffee or enjoy intricate henna designs painted so delicate on human skin by highly-skilled artists. Henna art, a traditional decoration for celebrations and special occasions, is a memorable way to immerse yourself in the local culture. The UAE’s national bird, the falcon, holds deep cultural significance and is central to Bedouin heritage. Falconry experiences allow visitors to witness these majestic birds in action, showcasing their incredible speed and precision as they soar and dive against the desert backdrop. Many safari camps offer falconry demonstrations alongside other activities, giving you a glimpse into an ancient hunting tradition. Don’t be surprised if you also encounter other desert wildlife, including the majestic Arabian oryx and the elusive sand fox, as you explore the region’s natural beauty. For a broader adventure, consider a road trip from Abu Dhabi to the dazzling skyscrapers and landmark buildings in the glittering city of Dubai to experience the contrasts and connections between these two iconic cities. The route along the E11 highway offers a smooth, scenic drive of about an hour and a half, with mesmerising desert landscapes rolling by on either side. Along the way, you’ll notice fascinating roadside art and iconic structures, from the Aldar HQ’s round, futuristic shape to the world’s tallest flagpole in the Ras Al Khaimah emirate. As you approach Dubai, the city’s breathtaking skyline emerges on the horizon, dominated by the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
Abu Dhabi Driving Tips
To make the most of your Abu Dhabi driving experience, plan Ahead for Desert Drives - if you’re venturing into the desert or mountainous areas, ensure your vehicle is well-equipped, and consider booking a four-wheel drive for extra safety on the sandy terrain. Fuel stations are abundant, both on the main highways and within Abu Dhabi itself, making it easy to refill for longer journeys. Drivers will fond that UAE roads are generally well-regulated, with strict speed limits and penalties for infractions. Use your rental car’s GPS or a map app to stay on top of navigation and speed restrictions. Abu Dhabi offers both free and paid parking zones. For downtown areas, look for multi-story car parks or metered street parking, particularly near popular attractions like the Corniche. While most city roads are toll-free, highways between Abu Dhabi and Dubai have toll booths that accept the Salik card, which you can purchase and recharge online or at service stations.
Abu Dhabi is the perfect starting point for road trips to neighbouring emirates, offering well-maintained highways and stunning scenery. Whether you're seeking coastal escapes, cultural landmarks, or rugged mountains, the United Arab Emirate's efficient and super-smooth road network makes it all accessible.
At 140 kilometres northeast of Abu Dhabi, Dubai is a straight run along the E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road) - an iconic highway connects the two major cities in a slick 1.5-hour drive. From there, continue another 20 km on the E11 to Sharjah, a cultural emirate known for its museums and heritage sites. Heading further northeast, approximately 180 kilometre from Abu Dhabi, the emirate of Ajman is characterised by serene beaches and is the perfect relaxing getaway. A little further along the E11, you’ll find the mangroves and relaxed vibe of Umm Al Quwain, approximately 200 km away. To the east, beautiful Fujairah offers pristine beaches backdropped by the peaks of the Hajar Mountains. The 270 km journey involves taking the E11 and then the E84 and boasts scenic views along the way. Closer to home, the lush ‘Garden City’ of Al Ain, part of the Abu Dhabi emirate, is a 150 km southeast drive via the E22 and rich in greenery, history, and cultural landmarks. Looking for extreme sports and adventures? Then the exhilarating emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is for you! At about 250 km from Abu Dhabi via the E11 or E311, I t boasts dramatic mountain landscapes and outdoor activities, making it worth the 2.5- to 3-hour drive. Whether you're after culture, nature, or relaxation, there's a destination just a drive away.
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Number of Terminals: 3 (T1, T2, T3)
Location of Car Rental Desks: Skypark Plaza, opp T3 (access from T1 & T2)
Distance to Fuel Stations: Less than 1 mile from the airport
Nearest Town: Abu Dhabi
Major Roads: Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road (E22)
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