Abu Dhabi cruise port guide

United Arab Emirates · Ships call at Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Ships use the cruise terminal at Port Zayed, about 4 miles from central Abu Dhabi. Metered taxis and hop-on buses wait at the terminal. Abu Dhabi International Airport is about 23 miles away, roughly 40 minutes by taxi.

Getting to the ship in Abu Dhabi

Ships leave from Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, Port Zayed, Port Zayed, Abu Dhabi. (Source: WhatsInPort)

Airports

AUH · Zayed International Airport
About 23 miles to the port, 40 minutes by car. (Source: MSC Cruises)

Rideshare, taxi and transit

Metered taxis and hop-on buses wait at the terminal. A free shuttle runs to the port entrance. (Source: WhatsInPort)

Parking

Prices and drive times were checked in October 2026 and change. Allow extra time on busy sailing days.

What cruisers do in Abu Dhabi

What cruisers do the day before boarding or after getting off, collected in October 2026. Each item links to where it came from.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
One of the world’s largest mosques. Dress modestly; women need a headscarf.
On your ownWorks on a rainy day
Source: WhatsInPort
Corniche
A long waterfront promenade and beach in the city center.
On your own
Source: WhatsInPort
Ferrari World
An indoor theme park on Yas Island.
Buy at the pierWorks on a rainy day
Source: WhatsInPort

Tours you can book

Picked from Viator by reviews and how well each tour fits a port day. Affiliate links — these help keep our site free by earning us a commission at no extra cost to you.

Tours via Viator. Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews. Booking through our links keeps this site free at no cost to you.