Abu Dhabi Airport Taxi to City
Cost, travel time & how to avoid being overcharged — everything you need before you land.
Quick Facts
AED 50–80
≈ $14–$22 USD
Typical Fare
25–40 min
to city centre
Travel Time
AED 5
≈ $1.36 USD
Flag Fall
AED 3
≈ $0.82 USD
Airport Surcharge
Official Taxi Stand Location
Exit the arrivals hall at Terminal A (the new Midfield Terminal) and follow the green "Taxi" signs to the designated rank outside the ground-floor arrivals exit. All official taxis are white with an Abu Dhabi taxi logo. Never accept rides from touts inside the terminal.
Fare Table by Destination
| Destination | AED (est.) | USD (est.) | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi City Centre | AED 50–65 | $14–$18 | 25–35 min |
| Corniche / Heritage Village | AED 60–75 | $16–$20 | 30–40 min |
| Yas Island / Ferrari World | AED 35–50 | $10–$14 | 15–20 min |
| Saadiyat Island | AED 45–60 | $12–$16 | 20–30 min |
| Al Reem Island | AED 65–80 | $18–$22 | 35–45 min |
| Abu Dhabi Mall | AED 55–70 | $15–$19 | 28–38 min |
Fares are metered. Estimates based on 2025–2026 TransAD rates. Late-night surcharges may apply after 10 pm.
Careem & Uber Rates
Careem (Go)
AED 45–70 (~$12–$19)
Most popular app in UAE. Book before landing.
Uber (UberX)
AED 48–75 (~$13–$20)
Available at AUH. Pickup from ride-hail zone.
Tips to Avoid Being Overcharged
- 1Always use the official white taxis from the marked rank — never accept offers from touts inside arrivals.
- 2Confirm the meter is running before the car moves. The flag fall should show AED 5.
- 3Ask for a receipt. Licensed TransAD drivers are required to provide one.
- 4Pre-book Careem or Uber for a fixed quoted price before you leave home.
- 5Avoid unmarked or black-car touts — fares can be 3–5× higher with no recourse.
- 6Late-night trips (10 pm–6 am) carry a 20% surcharge — this is legal and expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fixed-price taxi from Abu Dhabi Airport?+
No — Abu Dhabi taxis are metered by law. There is no official fixed airport transfer price. However, apps like Careem show a quoted price upfront before you confirm.
How do I pay for a taxi at AUH?+
Cash (AED) and credit/debit cards are accepted in all licensed TransAD taxis. Make sure the card reader is activated before you depart.
Can I share a taxi from Abu Dhabi Airport?+
Yes. TransAD operates a shared taxi (baxi) service from the airport to the city for around AED 15–25 ($4–$7) per person. Look for the shared taxi counter inside arrivals.