Abu Dhabi launches direct bus routes to Etihad Rail station

Abu Dhabi launches direct bus routes to Etihad Rail station

Abu Dhabi Mobility has launched two direct bus routes linking the Mohamed Bin Zayed City Rail Station to major transportation hubs across the capital, enhancing connectivity for passengers using the Etihad Rail network.

The new MR1 and MR2 lines provide bidirectional service between the rail station and two key bus terminals in the city. The MR1 route connects to the Main Bus Station, while the MR2 line serves Al Zahiyah Bus Station, offering rail passengers seamless onward travel options across Abu Dhabi's extensive public transport network.

Mohamed Bin Zayed City Rail Station

The Mohamed Bin Zayed City station, inaugurated by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on June 23, 2026, serves as Abu Dhabi's primary passenger rail hub. Located approximately 30 minutes from Zayed International Airport, the station provides access to nearby residential and industrial areas including Mussafah, Shakhbout City, Bani Yas, and Dalma Mall.

Route details

According to the route map, the MR1 line stops at Al Jazeera Club, Al Mushrif Mall and the Al Rawdah interchange before reaching the Main Bus Station. The MR2 line passes through the Al Rawdah interchange and Mazyad Bus Interchange, terminating at Al Zahiyah Bus Station near ADCB headquarters and Hazza'a Mosque.

Passengers can access detailed schedules for both routes through the Darb app, Abu Dhabi's integrated transport platform that provides real-time bus information, journey planning, and Hafilat card services, as well as on Abu Dhabi Mobility's website.

Etihad Rail expansion

The introduction of these connecting bus services comes as Etihad Rail expands its passenger operations across the UAE. Rail services commenced on June 30, 2026, with the first phase connecting Abu Dhabi to Fujairah in 1 hour and 45 minutes. The network currently operates with a fleet of 13 trains, each capable of carrying up to 400 passengers across two service classes.

Abu Dhabi's public bus network, which recorded over 95 million passenger trips in 2024 across 146 routes operated by 796 buses, now integrates directly with the rail system to provide comprehensive public transport coverage throughout the emirate.

Future network development

The Etihad Rail network is being rolled out in phases, with stations in Dubai and Al Dhaid scheduled to open on September 30, 2026. Al Dhafra region stations will follow on December 30, 2026, with Sharjah Station launching on March 30, 2027. Once complete, the network will connect 11 cities across the UAE and is projected to carry 36.5 million passengers annually by 2030.

The 1,200-kilometer railway network, which runs from Ghuweifat on the Saudi Arabia border to Fujairah on the east coast, represents a major infrastructure project announced as part of the UAE's 'Fifty Projects' initiative in 2021. The high-speed trains can reach speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour.