Abu Dhabi Airport Car Parking 2025 : Types, Charges & Fees, Tips to Save, & More

Parking at Abu Dhabi International Airport is designed to make your journey smooth and stress-free. Whether you're dropping off a loved one, going on a short trip, or planning a long vacation, the airport offers a variety of parking options to match your needs. From short-term and long-term parking to valet and economy services, there’s something for every traveller. Explore convenient, secure, and affordable Abu Dhabi airport car parking solutions that ensure you start and end your trip with ease.

Types of Car Parking at Abu Dhabi Airport

Abu Dhabi International Airport offers a variety of several parking options to suit different travel needs. Whether you’re stopping by briefly or planning a long trip, the airport has a parking solution for you. Here's a simple breakdown: 

• Abu Dhabi Airport Short-Term Car Parking – Ideal for quick visits, such as picking up or dropping off passengers. Charges depend on how long you stay.
• Abu Dhabi Airport Long-Term Car Parking – Best for trips lasting several days or weeks. You can pre-book to get discounted rates, with bookings available for up to 30 days.
• Abu Dhabi Airport Valet Car Parking – A convenient choice for busy travelers. Just drop your car at a designated point, and a valet will take care of parking it for you.
• Abu Dhabi Airport Economy Car Parking – A more affordable option located slightly farther from the terminal. Free shuttle services are available to take you to and from the terminal.
• Abu Dhabi Airport Bus Parking – Designated spaces are available for buses, with charges based on the vehicle size and parking duration.

Abu Dhabi Airport Car Parking Locations

There are several facilities for pulling up your car at Abu Dhabi airport near terminals designed to accommodate a variety of travellers. You can choose from parking options located right by the terminals for convenience or further options with easy access nearby. 

Terminal A

Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Terminal A is the hub for major airlines — Etihad, Air Arabia, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, and more. There are 2 types of primary parking zones —

Abu Dhabi Airport Short Term Car Parking

• Located just 1 to 2 minutes away on foot from the airport. It is suitable for pick-ups and drop-offs. 
• Completely covered, multi-storey facilities with several spaces and security cameras. 
• Payment can be made via on-site machines or online pre-booking (QR code or plate recognition). 

Abu Dhabi Airport Long Term Car Parking

• It is a little further away and is accessible via a free 24/7 shuttle. It is approximately a 5-minute ride. 
• Suitable for vehicles that require parking for several days or weeks
• Pre-booking is available through airport websites. The packages are available for 2 to 14 days. 

Additional Services

• Valet Parking – You can drive up to the departures forecourt and hand over your car to the designated valet parking. 
• Designated Drop-off Zones – These are located at terminal forecourts, and they are time-restricted but free. 

Terminal 3

This terminal manages US-bound flights via the pre-clearance terminal. Here’s all you need to know about Terminal 3 Abu Dhabi Airport car parking. 

• Connected to the Short-Stay Car Park area with Terminal A 
• The long-stay vehicle parks are in the same parking lot as Terminal A. You can reach Terminal 3 via shuttle. 
• All facilities (valet, payment systems, drop-off zones, and accessibility) are shared and uniform across the terminals. 

Abu Dhabi Airport Car Parking Charges - 2025

It is important to understand the Abu Dhabi airport car parking cost structure before choosing from multiple car parking options. You can choose among short-term, valet, long-term, economy, and bus options. Here’s the breakdown of the charges: 

Abu Dhabi Airport Short Term Parking Charges

This Abu Dhabi airport car parking is suitable for passengers who need to park for a few hours, like for drop-offs and pickups. The following are Abu Dhabi airport car parking charges —

This parking is ideal for quick visits and can get costlier if you stay for longer durations. In such a situation, long-term and economical options are more suitable. 

Abu Dhabi Airport Long Term Parking Charges

This Abu Dhabi airport car parking facility is suitable for travellers going on extended trips. You can pre-book long-term parking for lower daily rates. Here are Abu Dhabi airport long-term parking charges: 

Note: It is suggested to pre-book parking online and save money. It ensures you have a parking space even during the peak hours. 

Abu Dhabi Airport Valet Parking Charges

Valet parking at Abu Dhabi International Airport offers the convenience of letting the airport staff park your car while you see off or pick up your loved ones at the airport. 

• The valet service fee – AED 50 to AED 100 (one time charge depending on the location)
• Parking charges remain standard and depend on how long the car is parked

This Abu Dhabi airport car parking service is ideal for business travellers, VIPs, and those who are in a rush. 

Abu Dhabi Airport Economy Parking Charges

This parking space is farther from the terminals and is more affordable. You can use a shuttle service to reach the terminal from this parking space. 

Abu Dhabi Bus Parking Charges

This parking is for buses transporting passengers to and from Abu Dhabi Airport. They are reserved for commercial and transport operators at the airport. Designated bus parking is available at the following charges —

Free Abu Dhabi Airport Car Parking Options

Many passengers often ask if free parking is available at Abu Dhabi International Airport. While most of the airport’s parking areas are paid, there are certain situations where it is allowed. Knowing about these options in advance can help you avoid unnecessary costs and make your airport visit more convenient and budget-friendly. Here are some free airport car parking options: 

• Quick Pick-Up & Drop-Off – Some areas near airport terminals allow short-term parking for quick passenger drop-offs and pick-ups. These are designated lanes where you can stop briefly to unload or collect passengers and luggage. However, you must stay with your vehicle and avoid leaving it unattended.
• Special Access for VIPs & Officials – Free parking may be available for government officials, VIP travellers, and premium airline passengers. These arrangements are usually handled by airlines or airport authorities.
• Promotional Parking Offers – Airports and partner services sometimes run limited-time promotions offering free or discounted parking. It’s a good idea to check the official airport website before your trip to see if any such offers are available.

How to Pay for Abu Dhabi Airport Car Parking?

There’s no hard and fast rule to pay for Abu Dhabi airport car parking. There are several payment options available to choose from, depending on your preference. These include –

• Cash – You can pay for car parking in cash at the dedicated payment machines present in the parking area. Use local currency for payment. 
• Credit/Debit Cards – Several Abu Dhabi airport car parking facilities accept credit or debit cards. Simply insert the card or swipe it at the payment machine and follow the instructions thereon. 
• Online Payment – You can also pay for airport car parking online. For this, you can pre-book your space and pay online from the airport’s website or a third-party website. 
• Mobile App Payment – You can also use e-wallets to pay for car parking at Abu Dhabi airport. 

Penalties for Overstaying at Abu Dhabi Airport Car Parking

Airport car parking in Abu Dhabi follows strict rules when it comes to overstaying beyond the paid duration. It not only leads to additional charges but also to penalties. The following are the overstaying charges for standard parking —

• If you exceed the paid parking duration, you will need to pay additional hourly or daily charges.
• For long-term parking, the airport can charge AED 100 for every additional day. 

Additionally, here are the major Abu Dhabi airport car parking violations and their respective consequences:

• Unattended Vehicles in Drop-off Zones – If you leave your vehicle unattended in time-restricted areas, it can result in fines or towing of the vehicle. 
• Overstaying Free Parking Limits – If you stay beyond the free parking period at the airport, you will be charged standard rates for your vehicle. 
• Parking Vehicles Illegally – Cars parked outside the designated parking spot can be fined or subject to vehicle removal. 

Tips to Make the Most of Car Parking at Abu Dhabi Airport

Car parking at Abu Dhabi Airport can be easy and cost-effective if you plan smartly. Whether you're staying for a few hours or several days, these tips can help you avoid stress, save time, and reduce costs —

• Pre-Book Your Parking – Consider booking your spot online in advance to get discounts, particularly for long-term parking. It guarantees availability during busy times.
• Pick the Right Parking Type –
  • Short-Term Parking - Ideal for quick visits or drop-offs.
  • Long-Term Parking - More economical for longer trips.
  • Valet Parking - Offers maximum convenience at a premium cost.
  • Economy Parking - Budget-friendly but may require a shuttle or a longer walk.
• Arrive Early – Parking can take time during peak hours. Arriving early avoids last-minute stress and gives you enough time to reach your terminal.
• Use Parking Locator Tools – Several areas have systems that help you find your car using your license plate or ticket number.
• Keep Your Ticket Safe – Losing the parking  can cause delays and lead to extra charges when exiting the parking facility. 
• Explore Shuttle Options – There are some private parking lots near the airport that offer lower rates and free shuttle service. Compare online to get the best deal.

Alternatives for Abu Dhabi Airport Car Parking 

While Abu Dhabi International Airport offers a variety of on-site parking options, many travellers look for off-site alternatives to save money or access extra services. Here are some practical options to consider —

• Private Off-Site Parking – Nearby private companies offer secure parking at affordable rates than the airport. These often include shuttle services to and from the terminals, making them ideal for long stays.
• Hotel Parking Near the Airport – Some nearby hotels allow long-term parking for guests. If you stay overnight before your flight, you may get free or discounted parking.
• Opt for Ridesharing and Car Rentals – Services like Uber and Careem are suitable for avoiding parking altogether. Car rental companies also have drop-off areas close to the terminals, so there's no need to park.
• Public Transport and Park-and-Ride – Budget-friendly options such as buses or park-and-ride services let you leave your vehicle in designated areas and take a shuttle to the airport.

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