‘A Rail to Road’ car service for Etihad Rail passengers to bridge transport gaps

By the Editorial Team · Monday, August 3, 2026

Etihad Rail has partnered with Thrifty Car Rental UAE to launch a “Rail to Road” service that enables passengers to rent cars directly from rail stations across the UAE under a five-year exclusive agreement. This initiative aims to improve first- and last-mile connectivity for travelers, supported by expanded vehicle fleets, integrated digital booking, and ongoing rail network expansions through 2027.

Etihad Rail and Thrifty Car Rental UAE have announced a landmark partnership to introduce a “Rail to Road” car rental service aimed at enhancing transportation options for rail passengers across the United Arab Emirates. Under a five-year exclusive agreement, travelers will be able to rent vehicles directly from Etihad Rail stations to complete the final segments of their journeys.

The service allows passengers to book cars through multiple channels, including the Etihad Rail app and website, as well as Thrifty’s own digital platforms. Each of the 11 passenger stations on the national rail network will feature both digital rental kiosks and physical assistance desks, providing convenient access to vehicle rentals. The companies are also working toward integrating vehicle bookings with train ticket purchases, enabling customers to arrange their entire trip through a streamlined digital process.

This initiative is designed to bridge the “first- and last-mile” transportation gaps that frequently arise when a traveler’s final destination is not directly served by rail. The service is expected to benefit a broad spectrum of users, including commuters, tourists, and business travelers.

Thrifty UAE plans to invest over 10 million dirhams during the contract period to expand its vehicle fleet, enhance digital infrastructure, and improve overall customer experience. An initial fleet of approximately 500 cars will be dedicated to the service, with capacity set to grow in tandem with passenger demand and network expansion.

Citing global trends, Thrifty highlighted that more than half of train users worldwide rely on car rentals or shared mobility services to reach their ultimate destinations. Combining rail travel with on-demand car access is intended to provide a seamless connection from arrival stations to final locations, supported by emerging AI-driven booking and customer service tools currently in development.

Abdulla Ahmed Almoosa, founder of A.A. Almoosa Enterprises, emphasized the goal of creating end-to-end connectivity in travel. “By bringing Thrifty into the Etihad Rail network, we are bridging the gaps for passengers and helping build a smarter, fully connected, and sustainable future for travel in the UAE,” he said.

Etihad Rail inaugurated its first passenger service phase on June 30, linking Abu Dhabi with Fujairah. Further network expansions are planned through late 2026 and early 2027. On September 30, 2026, Dubai Station near Jumeirah Golf Estates and Al Dhaid Station in Sharjah will open, extending rail access to major urban centers. Additional stations in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region—including Madinat Zayed and Liwa—are scheduled to commence operations ahead of schedule on November 30, 2026. Subsequent openings for Al Sila, Al Dhannah, and Al Mirfa stations in the same region are planned for December 30, 2026. The Sharjah University City Station is expected to open on March 30, 2027, completing the initial phase of the passenger rail network.

These developments represent significant steps toward expanding an integrated transportation infrastructure across the UAE, enhancing connectivity and convenience for rail passengers nationwide.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.