By Mohammed Rashad Hussain, Managing PartnerPublished 3 min read
Drive times from AUH to each Abu Dhabi area
The Abu Dhabi airport to Yas Island run is the shortest of the city transfers. Zayed International sits east of Abu Dhabi city on the mainland, and Yas is on its way to the coast. The city centre and Saadiyat are on the other side of the capital.
| From AUH to | Distance | Drive time, no traffic |
|---|---|---|
| Yas Marina Circuit | about 20 km | 24 min |
| Ferrari World, Yas Island | about 17 km | 24 min |
| Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque | about 28 km | 28 min |
| Saadiyat Island (Louvre Abu Dhabi) | about 40 km | 34 min |
| Al Reem Island | about 42 km | 39 min |
| Corniche | about 43 km | 36 min |
| Etihad Towers | about 44 km | 38 min |
Figures are free-flow times from a routing service, checked on 17 October 2026. Add 10 to 20 minutes in the morning or evening peak. For arrival steps inside the terminal, read Zayed International Terminal A arrivals.
Yas Island hotels and theme parks
Yas Island has Yas Marina Circuit, Ferrari World and the other theme parks, plus the hotels on the circuit and the marina. From AUH the car leaves on the E10 Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street and turns on to Yas Island’s own roads.
On Formula 1 weekend and other big events, the island’s last kilometre fills up. Our Abu Dhabi Grand Prix visitor guide covers the roads. To choose between the parks, see the Yas Island theme parks compared.
Saadiyat Island: beaches and the cultural district
Saadiyat Island is about 40 km from AUH by road. The fastest route in our check runs along the E12 Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street for about 30 km, then on to the island.
The cultural district holds the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The beach hotels are on the north coast. Our Louvre Abu Dhabi visitor guide covers the museum entrance and drop-off.
Downtown, the Corniche and Al Reem
The Corniche is about 43 km and 36 minutes from AUH. Al Reem Island is about 42 km and 39 minutes away. Etihad Towers is 44 km. If your hotel is here, the airport is on the far side of the capital from you, so a morning flight needs an early start.
Not sure where to stay? Read where to stay in Abu Dhabi.
Taxi, bus or private car from AUH?
| Option | What to expect | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | Metered, 24/7 at the airport, AED 20 flag fall and AED 1.82 per km | Short notice |
| Bus | A1 to Al Zahiyah, A2 to the Corniche Sofitel, A10 to MBZ City | Light bags, city-centre hotel |
| Private car | Driver in arrivals, fixed pick-up, one vehicle | Families, Yas and Saadiyat hotels |
The A1, A2 and A10 buses do not list a stop on Yas Island or Saadiyat, so a private car or taxi is the practical option there. The Abu Dhabi Mobility pages list the timetables.
Where next
Heading on to Dubai? See Abu Dhabi airport to Dubai. Arriving by sea? The Abu Dhabi cruise terminal guide covers Zayed Port. Private jet passengers should read the Al Bateen Executive Airport guide.
Book airport transfers from AUH, or keep a driver for your stay with our chauffeur service in Abu Dhabi. Our Abu Dhabi city tour can start from your hotel. The UAE airports guide compares every airport.
Photos in this guide
A waterway on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, with paddleboarders and the shoreline beyondJSPhotography2016 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
The Yas Marina Circuit track and grandstand tents on Yas IslandTravelPhotosNL / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
The Louvre Abu Dhabi name wall at the entrance on Saadiyat IslandDavide Mauro / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
The Abu Dhabi Corniche beach with the downtown skyline across the bayAravind Sivaraj / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
