How to get from Abu Dhabi Airport to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Religious & Pilgrimage · United Arab Emirates · Urban & Cultural · Abu Dhabi · Abu Dhabi International Airport · Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Getting from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a straightforward 20–40 minute trip by taxi or private transfer, with slower but cheaper bus options and city shuttles if you’re watching your budget; this guide walks you through each route with costs, booking links, and step-by-step directions so you can go from arrivals hall to marble courtyard with minimal stress.
At A Glance (Abu Dhabi Airport to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi / Ride-hailing (AUH → Mosque) | ~20–35 minutes (traffic-dependent) | Most travelers, late arrivals, minimal hassle |
| 🗷️ Cost: ~AED 70–110 one-way (metered city taxi, slightly more for premium) » prebook a chauffeur car | fixed-price transfers | ||
| 🚙 Prebooked Private Transfer | ~25–40 minutes door-to-door | Families, lots of luggage, guaranteed pickup |
| 🗷️ Cost: ~AED 120–200 per car (1–3 pax) » AUH private transfers on Klook | tours incl. mosque transfers | ||
| 🚌 Public Bus (Airport → City → Mosque) | ~60–90 minutes (connection-dependent) | Budget travelers with light luggage |
| 🗷️ Cost: ~AED 10–20 total (two buses, Hafilat card required) | ||
| 🚗 Rental Car / Self-drive | ~20–35 minutes driving time | Exploring Abu Dhabi independently, day trips |
| 🗷️ Cost: From ~AED 120–200/day for a small car » compare car rentals | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest / Most Convenient: Taxi or ride-hailing from the airport straight to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Reliable at any hour and no advance planning required.
- Most Comfortable Door-to-Door: Prebooked private transfers with meet-and-greet in the arrivals hall and drop-off at the mosque or your hotel.
- Cheapest: Public buses via the city. Great if you have time, a small bag, and want to experience local transport.
- Best if You’re Touring Wider Abu Dhabi: Self-drive rental car, ideal if you’re combining the mosque with Yas Island, Louvre Abu Dhabi, or desert drives.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Plan around prayer and visiting times: Check the latest visiting hours and dress code on the official Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre site before you set off.
- Prebook cars if arriving late: For arrivals after midnight or during busy events, reserve a car in advance via Klook airport transfers, Welcome Pickups Abu Dhabi, or GetTransfer.
- Use ride-hailing apps: Uber and Careem are widely used alongside regular city taxis. They’re handy for the mosque→hotel leg if you plan to stay in the city after your visit.
- Travel light if using buses: Public buses can be crowded and have limited luggage space. They’re best for backpack or small carry-on only.
- Luggage storage: If you have a long layover and don’t want to drag bags to the mosque, look for storage options in the city with Radical Storage Abu Dhabi before or after your visit.
- Where to stay nearby: Combine your mosque visit with an overnight stop in Abu Dhabi by browsing hotels near the Corniche or city centre on Booking.com Abu Dhabi hotels.
🚕 Option #1 — Taxi / Ride-hailing (Most Popular, Fastest)
Direct 24/7 Traffic-dependent
- Overview: Licensed airport taxis and app-based ride services (Uber, Careem) run 24/7 from Zayed International Airport (AUH) to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. You’re dropped at the mosque’s underground parking/visitor entrance, from where moving walkways and escalators lead to security and the main courtyard.
- Travel time & price: Journey time is roughly 20–35 minutes depending on traffic. Expect around AED 70–110 in a standard metered taxi; Uber/Careem may be similar or slightly higher at peak times.
- How to book: Follow the official taxi signs in the arrivals hall. For app rides, connect to airport Wi‑Fi, set “Zayed International Airport” as pickup and “Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque” as destination. If you prefer a named driver meeting you inside arrivals, prebook a car via Welcome Pickups Abu Dhabi or GetTransfer Abu Dhabi.
- Pros: Fast, easy, air-conditioned, available at all hours, minimal walking. Great with kids or luggage.
- Cons: More expensive than buses; fares can rise with traffic or surge pricing on apps.
Step-by-step: Taxi / Ride-hailing
- After immigration and baggage claim, exit into the arrivals hall of Terminal A and follow signs for Taxi or “Ground Transportation”.
- Join the official taxi queue; an attendant will assign you a metered city taxi. Show them “Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque” on your phone if necessary.
- Alternatively, open Uber or Careem on your phone using airport Wi‑Fi or your SIM. Set your pickup point at your arrivals door and your destination as the mosque.
- Confirm the estimated fare and vehicle type (sedan/SUV). For very late arrivals, consider booking a meet-and-greet car ahead of time on Klook airport transfers or Welcome Pickups.
- On arrival at the mosque, your driver will drop you near the main underground parking/visitor entrance. From there, follow signs through the mall-style concourse to the mosque entrance and security.
- After your visit, use the taxi rank or ride-hailing apps again to reach your hotel or back to the airport.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Taxi Rank / App Pickup)
- Airport taxi rank: Located just outside arrivals. Follow the black-and-yellow taxi symbols. Queues generally move quickly even at busy times.
- Ride-hailing pickup zones: Uber/Careem pickups are usually at designated ride app areas close to arrivals; check your app for the exact lettered zone.
- Paying your fare: Most taxis accept cash in AED; some accept cards. App rides charge your saved card automatically.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 📎 Google Map / 📎 OpenStreetMap
🚙 Option #2 — Prebooked Private Transfer (Most Comfortable)
Meet & greet Door-to-door Higher cost
- Overview: A driver meets you in the arrivals hall with your name on a sign, helps with luggage, and drives directly to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or your hotel. Perfect if you’re new to Abu Dhabi, arriving with family, or want a guaranteed fixed price.
- Travel time & price: Around 25–40 minutes depending on traffic. Expect roughly AED 120–200 per car for central Abu Dhabi or mosque drop-off (prices vary by vehicle size and time of day).
- How to book: Compare services and vehicle types on Klook Abu Dhabi airport transfers, Klook airport transfers hub, GetYourGuide mosque tours with transfers, or GetTransfer. Many allow you to choose child seats or larger vans.
- Pros: Fixed price, no need for local cash on arrival, driver tracks your flight, and you can specify a quick photo stop or hotel drop after the mosque.
- Cons: More expensive than a standard taxi; cancellation/change rules depend on the provider.
Step-by-step: Prebooked Private Transfer
- Before you travel, book a transfer on Klook, GetYourGuide city tours with mosque visit, or GetTransfer. Enter “Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque” or your hotel as the destination.
- Save your confirmation email or voucher to your phone. Note the meeting point inside Terminal A (often “Arrivals Hall, after customs”).
- On arrival, connect to airport Wi‑Fi if needed and message your driver via the app if you’re delayed at immigration or baggage claim.
- Meet your driver at the agreed point, confirm your name and destination, and follow them to the car park or pick-up lane.
- Ride directly to the mosque; if your booking allows, you can ask the driver to wait and then continue to your Abu Dhabi hotel afterward.
- Pay any remaining balance (if applicable) via card or app, then proceed to the mosque entrance following on-site signage.
Getting to the main embarking points (Arrivals Meet & Greet)
- Arrivals hall: Most transfer companies arrange pickup in the public arrivals area. Look for a driver holding a sign with your name or the company logo.
- Flight tracking: Many services track your flight number, so they automatically adjust pickup time if you’re early or late.
- Changes & delays: Use the provider’s app or WhatsApp number (often on your voucher) to update them if immigration takes longer than expected.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 📎 Google Map / 📎 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #3 — Public Bus via City (Cheapest)
Budget Local experience Slower, requires changes
- Overview: Abu Dhabi’s public buses link the airport with the city and onward to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This route is very cheap but slower and involves at least one change, so it’s best when you’re not in a hurry and aren’t carrying heavy luggage.
- Travel time & price: Plan for around 60–90 minutes total. Expect to pay roughly AED 10–20, depending on how many buses you take. You’ll need a rechargeable Hafilat transport card (available at ticket machines or kiosks).
- Typical route: Take an airport bus towards central Abu Dhabi (for example, a bus heading to Abu Dhabi Bus Station or downtown) and then transfer to a route serving the mosque area (buses stopping near “Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque” or “Zayed Sports City” — check current route maps).
- How to check routes: Use the Experience Abu Dhabi app for current public transport info, or plan with online maps set to “Transit.” If you’re already staying in the city, many hotels can suggest the best current bus route to the mosque.
- Pros: Extremely cheap, air-conditioned, and a glimpse of everyday life in Abu Dhabi.
- Cons: Indirect from the airport, requires route planning, limited luggage space, and not ideal in the midday heat.
Step-by-step: Public Bus via City
- In the arrivals area, follow signs for Public Buses and locate the airport bus stop outside Terminal A.
- Buy or top up a Hafilat card at the machine or kiosk (staff can help). Load enough credit for at least two bus rides.
- Board the city-bound bus (tap your card on boarding) and ride to a major interchange such as Abu Dhabi Bus Station or another central stop recommended by staff.
- From there, transfer to a bus serving the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque area. Ask the driver to let you know the closest stop to the mosque entrance.
- Alight at the nearest stop and walk along signposted pedestrian routes to the mosque’s visitor parking/entrance, following any underpasses or walkways.
- After your visit, reverse the route back to the bus stop and onwards to your next destination or back to the airport.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport & City Bus Stops)
- Airport bus stop: Located outside arrivals, with clear “Bus” signage and route boards. Buses have front-door boarding and you tap your Hafilat card at entry.
- City interchanges: Major stops and bus stations have shaded waiting areas; check on-site maps for routes heading towards the mosque.
- Mosque area stops: Look for stops labelled near “Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque” or ask the driver where to alight. From the stop, follow pedestrian signage to the visitor entrance.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 📎 Google Map (Transit) / 📎 OpenStreetMap
🚗 Option #4 — Rental Car / Self-drive (Best for Exploring)
Flexible Great for day trips Driving confidence required
- Overview: Renting a car at Abu Dhabi Airport lets you visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and continue to Yas Island, Louvre Abu Dhabi, or Dubai under your own steam. Roads are modern and well-signposted, but traffic can be fast and multi-lane.
- Travel time & price: The drive to the mosque is about 20–35 minutes. Daily rental for a compact car typically starts from around AED 120–200, plus fuel and any tolls.
- How to book: Reserve a car in advance on Booking.com Car Rental (Abu Dhabi) or via major rental brands at the airport. Choose pickup and drop-off at “Zayed International Airport”.
- Parking at the mosque: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has extensive free parking, including underground areas connected to the visitor entrance. Follow staff directions and note your parking level and zone.
- Pros: Maximum flexibility, easy to combine multiple sights, cost-effective for small groups over a full day.
- Cons: You must be comfortable driving abroad; potential traffic at peak hours; hotel parking fees if you’re staying overnight.
Step-by-step: Rental Car / Self-drive
- Prebook your car on Booking.com Car Rental or with your chosen company, selecting Zayed International Airport (AUH) as pickup location.
- On arrival, follow “Car Rental” signs from arrivals to the rental counters. Present your passport, driving licence (and International Driving Permit if required), and credit card.
- Inspect the vehicle for existing damage, take photos, and ensure you understand toll, fuel, and return policies before driving off.
- Set your navigation to “Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque” using Google Maps, Apple Maps, or your car’s GPS. Follow the E10/E20 highways as directed.
- Exit following the mosque signs, then follow parking staff instructions to an available car park. Walk or use internal walkways to reach the visitor entrance.
- After your visit, continue your road trip to other Abu Dhabi attractions or return the car to the airport, refuelling as required by your rental agreement.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Rental Car Counters)
- Rental counters: Located in or near the arrivals area of Terminal A. Look for major international brands and follow airport signage.
- Fuel & tolls: Petrol stations are plentiful along main roads; keep some cash or card handy. Check how tolls are handled (often billed automatically to the rental).
- Driving tips: Always wear seatbelts, observe speed limits (cameras are common), and avoid using your phone while driving.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 📎 Google Map / 📎 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Abu Dhabi Airport to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque)
How long does it take to get from Abu Dhabi Airport to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
In normal traffic, taxis, ride-hailing, or private transfers take about 20–35 minutes from Zayed International Airport (AUH) to the mosque. Buses via the city can take 60–90 minutes depending on connections and waiting times.
How much is a taxi from the airport to the mosque?
A standard metered city taxi typically costs around AED 70–110 one-way, depending on traffic and exact start/end points. Premium or larger vehicles cost more, while prebooked transfers charge a fixed fare per car.
Is there public transport from the airport directly to the mosque?
There is no simple one-seat metro line; you’ll usually take an airport bus into the city and then change to another bus towards the mosque. This is the cheapest option but slower and less convenient with luggage.
Do I need to book tickets to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
Entry is free, but you may need to register online for timed visits during busy periods. Check the official Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre website for the latest procedures, opening hours, and any special events.
What should I wear when visiting the mosque?
The mosque has a modest dress code. Shoulders and knees must be covered; women are required to wear loose clothing and a headscarf, and in many cases an abaya (which may be available to borrow or rent on site). Avoid tight or transparent clothing and printed slogans.