Going on a trip is exciting. Figuring out where to leave your car shouldn’t be stressful. If you’re driving to Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), the long term parking is your best friend. It’s affordable, reliable, and designed for people just like you—travelers who need a safe spot for their car.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know, without any confusing jargon, so you can park your car and start your holiday with peace of mind.
What This Guide Covers (Your Quick Answer)
- Where it is: A dedicated lot a short shuttle ride from the terminals.
- What it costs: A flat 75 AED per day, which is much cheaper than short-term.
- How it works: Free shuttle buses run constantly to get you to your flight.
- Top Tips: How to save money, save time, and avoid common headaches.
So, Where Exactly is This Car Park?
Let’s be clear: you cannot walk from the long term parking to your terminal. It’s a separate, secured lot located about a 5 to 10-minute drive from the main airport buildings.
Don’t worry—the connection is easy. A free airport shuttle bus runs this route for you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Buses come very frequently, so you’ll rarely wait more than 10-15 minutes.
Look for the bright, clear signs as you drive toward the airport terminals. They’ll direct you straight to the “Long Term Car Park” entrance.
2025 Parking Rates: Clear and Predictable
The best part about long term parking? The price is straightforward and gets better the longer you stay.
Here’s the complete rate card. The magic number to remember is 75 AED, which covers a full 24-hour period.
| How Long You Park | What You’ll Pay (in AED) |
|---|---|
| First 2 hours | 15 |
| 2 to 4 hours | 25 |
| 4 to 6 hours | 35 |
| 6 to 8 hours | 45 |
| 8 to 10 hours | 55 |
| 10 to 12 hours | 65 |
| 12 to 24 hours (1 Day) | 75 |
| Each Extra Day | 75 |
See the savings? Short-term parking costs 150 AED for one day. By using the long term lot, you save 50% immediately. For a week-long trip, that’s over 500 AED back in your pocket.
Your Step-by-Step Guide (No Stress Needed)
- Drive In: Follow the “Long Term Car Park” signs. At the entrance gate, push the button to take a ticket. The barrier will lift.
- Park Your Car: Find any open spot. It’s a big, well-lit lot. Pro Tip: Use your phone to snap a quick photo of your parking section (like “B-23”) or drop a pin on Google Maps. It’s easy to forget in a big space!
- Catch the Shuttle: Look for the covered bus stops inside the car park. A comfortable, air-conditioned shuttle bus will arrive shortly. Hop on—it’s free.
- Get to Your Terminal: The bus will drop you right outside the Departures entrance of your terminal (1, 2, or 3).
- Returning Home: After you land and get your bags, exit Arrivals. Look for the signs for “Long Term Car Park Shuttle.” Take the bus back to the lot.
- Pay and Drive Away: On your way out, stop at the payment machine. Insert your ticket, pay with a card or cash, and use the paid ticket to raise the exit barrier.
5 Insider Tips to Make It Even Smoother
- Give Yourself a Time Cushion: The shuttle adds an extra step. To be safe, plan to arrive at the long term parking lot about 45 minutes earlier than you normally would if someone were dropping you off.
- Check for Online Deals: Before your trip, visit the official Abu Dhabi Airports website. They sometimes offer a 10-15% discount for booking your parking spot online in advance.
- Guard That Paper Ticket! This small slip is your key to leaving. Tuck it into a secure part of your wallet or passport holder. Losing it means a hefty “lost ticket” fee.
- For Very Long Trips, Shop Around: If you’re traveling for more than two weeks, check prices at private, off-airport parking companies (like “Smart Park” or “Alpha”). They sometimes offer competitive weekly rates and a personal drop-off service.
- Pack Your Patience (and a Water Bottle): While efficient, this is still airport logistics. The shuttle might take a few minutes. Having a bottle of water, especially in summer, makes the short wait comfortable.
Answers to Questions You’re Probably Asking
Is my car safe there?
Yes. The lot has fencing, 24-hour security patrols, and CCTV cameras everywhere. It’s as secure as a parking facility can be.
What if the shuttle bus is full?
The buses are frequent and sized for airport traffic. If one is full, another will be right behind it. During peak times, they may even run more often.
Can I pay when I enter?
No. You only pay when you leave, based on the total time your ticket has been in the system.
What happens if my flight is delayed and I go over 24 hours?
It’s simple. You’ll just pay for an extra day (another 75 AED). The system charges in clear 24-hour blocks.
