The new service lets passengers rent a car after arriving at selected Etihad Rail stations, making onward travel more convenient.
Dubai: Etihad Rail has launched a new ‘Rail to Road’ car rental service in partnership with Thrifty Car Rental UAE, allowing passengers to rent a vehicle directly from train stations to complete the final leg of their journeys across the UAE.
The companies said the initiative is the first service of its kind in the country and is designed to improve first- and last-mile connectivity for commuters, tourists, and business travellers using the national passenger rail network.
Book a Train and Car Together
Under the exclusive five-year partnership, passengers will be able to reserve rental cars through the Etihad Rail app and website, as well as Thrifty’s digital platforms.
Each of the network’s 11 passenger stations will feature digital self-service rental kiosks alongside staffed customer assistance desks.
The companies are also working to integrate vehicle reservations with train ticket bookings, enabling passengers to arrange both their rail journey and rental car through a single digital booking process.
The service is intended to make onward travel easier, particularly for destinations that are not directly connected to railway stations.
Dh10 Million Investment Planned
Thrifty UAE said it will invest more than Dh10 million over the next five years to support the partnership.
The investment will be used to expand its rental fleet, enhance digital booking systems, introduce AI-powered customer service features, and improve the overall travel experience.
The service will launch with an initial fleet of approximately 500 vehicles, with additional cars expected to be added as passenger demand and the rail network continue to grow.
According to Thrifty UAE, more than half of train passengers worldwide rely on rental vehicles or shared mobility services to complete the final part of their journeys, underscoring the importance of integrated transport.
Supporting Connected Mobility
Abdulla Ahmed Almoosa, Founder of A.A. Almoosa Enterprises, said the partnership is designed to create a seamless travel experience.
“True connectivity is about the entire journey from start to finish. 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.
The initiative supports the UAE’s broader efforts to promote integrated, multimodal transport and reduce reliance on private vehicles for long-distance travel.
Passenger Network Continues to Expand
Etihad Rail launched the first phase of its passenger service on 30 June, connecting Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.
The network is scheduled to expand further on 30 September 2026 with the opening of Dubai Station, located near Jumeirah Golf Estates, and Al Dhaid Station in Sharjah.
Additional stations are planned in phases throughout late 2026 and early 2027.
Madinat Zayed and Liwa stations in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region are expected to open on 30 November 2026, followed by Al Sila, Al Dhannah, and Al Mirfa on 30 December 2026, extending passenger rail services further west.
The first phase of the network is expected to conclude with the opening of Sharjah University City Station on 30 March 2027.
Once fully operational, Etihad Rail expects its passenger network to serve approximately 10 million passengers annually, connecting major cities and regions across the UAE while supporting tourism, business travel, and economic growth.
Source: KT
The stations will also have a physical assistance desk. Photo: Thrifty Car Rental UAE
