Abu Dhabi launches two direct bus routes to capital's Etihad Rail station

Abu Dhabi on Friday launched two direct bus routes to link the capital’s newly opened Etihad Rail station at Mohamed bin Zayed City with major bus terminals, aiming to expand access across the city’s public transport network. The MR1 service connects Abu Dhabi’s Main Bus Station in Al Wahda to the rail station, while the MR2 runs between Al Zahya Bus Station and Mohamed bin Zayed City.

"First Etihad Rail train part of UAE's 'march towards the future'," said Sheikh Mansour, underscoring the significance of the national rail project as passenger services extend across the emirates.

The routes are operated by Abu Dhabi Mobility and will run seven days a week in both directions. MR1 departs the Main Bus Station from 6:32am until 5:19pm and leaves the rail station from 7:31am until 7:40pm, with journeys taking about 50 minutes. MR2 operates from 6:36am until 5:30pm from Al Zahya Bus Station and from 7:35am until 7:45pm from the rail station, with trips taking about 47 minutes. Full timetables for both services are available on the Abu Dhabi Mobility website and via the Darb app.

The launch adds to existing connections that Etihad Rail already provides. A Dh10 shuttle bus service links Mohamed bin Zayed City station with major locations including ADNOC headquarters on Corniche Road West, ADNEC Centre on Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street and Reem Mall on Reem Island. Those shuttle services can be booked through Etihad Rail’s website and app.

Context and network rollout

The Etihad Rail passenger line between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah opened to the public on June 30. Train trips between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah take about one hour and 45 minutes — roughly an hour faster than a typical car journey between the two emirates — and the service runs on rolling stock capable of a maximum speed of 200kph on a scenic route that traverses mountain terrain.

The wider passenger network will ultimately include 10 stations, which are being brought online in phases. Dubai’s Etihad Rail Station at Jumeirah Golf Estates and Sharjah’s Al Dhaid station are scheduled to open on September 30. Madinat Zayed and Liwa stations in Al Dhafra will follow on November 30, a launch date moved forward from December 30 to align with the region’s festival season. Al Sila, Al Dhannah and Mirfa — also serving Al Dhafra — are set to open on December 30, and Sharjah’s University City station is planned to be the final stop to enter service on March 30, 2027.

Outlook

• The new MR1 and MR2 bus links are intended to increase first- and last-mile connectivity to the Etihad Rail network, improving access for commuters and travellers using the Mohamed bin Zayed City station.
• With phased station openings through 2027, Abu Dhabi Mobility and Etihad Rail are positioning road-to-rail feeder services as a permanent part of the capital’s integrated transport offering.
• Passengers can plan multi-modal journeys and secure shuttle bookings through the respective websites and the Darb app as the rail network expands across the UAE.