The search for affordable parking spaces around Zayed International Airport (formerly known as Abu Dhabi International Airport) will help minimize overall travel expenses. This guide provides affordable parking solutions for travelers who visit Abu Dhabi International Airport (now Zayed International Airport) through official pricing plans and off-site locations and economical methods.
Official Abu Dhabi Airport Parking Rates
The knowledge of standard parking fees enables better alternative comparison. Zayed International (Terminal A) offers the following parking rates for the present time:
Standard Parking Rates
| Duration | Price (AED) |
| 6-15 Minutes | 15 |
| 16-30 Minutes | 25 |
| 31 Minutes – 2 Hours | 35 |
| Up to 3 Hours | 55 |
| Up to 4 Hours | 65 |
| 24 Hours | 125 |
| Each Additional Day | 100 |
Pre-Booked Long-Term Parking (Discounted Rates)
| Duration | Price (AED) |
| 2-3 Days | 225 |
| 4-7 Days | 325 |
| 8-14 Days | 400 |
| Extra Day (Beyond 14 Days) | 50/Day |
Note: Online bookings produce greater cost savings than rates obtained at the parking facility.
Cheaper Alternatives to Airport Parking
1. Economy Parking (Official Budget Option)
- AED 15-25 (0-1 hour)
- AED 70-85 (24 hours)
- Located farther from terminals but includes shuttle service.
2. Off-Site Private Parking Lots
Several private parking lots close to the airport provide their customers rates between AED 15 and AED 50 for daily parking. Some options include:
- Hotel Parking Deals (Some nearby hotels provide parking with shuttle services)
- Secure Parking Garages (Check local listings for availability)
3. Free or Low-Cost Parking (Proceed with Caution)
Most airport visitors avoid paying for parking because free spaces near the terminals are uncommon but they still choose these methods to save money:
a) Nearby Residential & Industrial Areas
- Some park in Al Matar, Al Shamkha, or Mussafah to avoid fees.
- Risk: Unauthorized parking may result in fines or towing.
b) Limited Street Parking
- A few streets allow short-term free parking, but long-term stays are risky.
c) Park & Ride Using Public Transport
- Option: Park at a free Metro/bus lot (e.g., Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai) and take a bus to Abu Dhabi Airport.
- Cost: Approximately AED 25 for a bus ride (cheaper than airport parking).
Reddit User Suggestion:
“Parking in nearby areas for AED 15 per day can be cheaper than airport fees or taxi fares.”
Cost Comparison for 4-Day Parking
| Option | Total Cost (4 Days) |
| Airport Standard Parking | AED 425 (125 + 3×100) |
| Pre-Booked Airport Parking | AED 225-325 |
| Economy Parking | AED 280-340 |
| Off-Site Private Parking | AED 60-200 |
| Street/Free Parking (Risky) | AED 0-60 |
Best Value:
- Pre-booking airport parking (AED 225 for 2-3 days + extra days).
- Off-site private parking (if available at lower rates).
Tips to Save on Airport Parking
- Pre-book online for discounted rates.
- Standard parking costs almost 40% more than the economy parking option.
- Verify if discounts apply from loyalty programs or credit card memberships.
- You should use Uber/Careem instead of parking if taxi fares prove less expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there free parking at Abu Dhabi Airport?
No, but some nearby areas may offer free (but risky) parking.
What is the cheapest official parking option?
Economy Parking (~AED 70-85/day) or pre-booked long-term parking (~AED 50/day after 14 days).
Can I leave my car for a week near the airport?
Yes, pre-book for 4-7 days at AED 325, or find off-site parking for ~AED 200.
Is street parking safe near the airport?
Not guaranteed—always check for parking restrictions to avoid fines.
To find inexpensive airport parking near Abu Dhabi Airport use official economy lots and discounted bookings together with off-site locations. The best parking prices become available when travelers plan in advance to select the cheapest option that matches their travel length. The available parking alternatives enable you to travel without facing exorbitant parking expenses. Safe travels!
