Dubai footbridge and Sharjah bus routes improve access to Etihad Rail stations

New footbridge links Dubai Metro to Etihad Rail

New transport links in Dubai and Sharjah are making it easier to reach Etihad Rail stations, with a pedestrian footbridge opening in Dubai on Thursday and three connecting bus routes launching in Sharjah.

Passengers can now transfer more smoothly between the Metro and train services in Dubai using the new footbridge that links Jumeirah Golf Estates station with Etihad Rail’s Al Yalayis Station. Before the elevated 400‑metre footbridge opened, a shuttle bus operated between the two stations.

The Nol One‑Day Pass provides unlimited travel across the emirate’s public transport network and remains valid until midnight. Digital QR codes displayed on smartphones replace the single‑use red paper Nol ticket.

Sharjah launches three bus routes to Al Dhaid station

Sharjah’s Road and Transport Authority announced on Wednesday three new bus routes that connect the emirate’s first rail station in Al Dhaid. ER1 runs from Al Madam Bus Station to Al Dhaid Station, stopping in Mleiha and Al Dhaid, with a journey time of one hour. ER2 runs from Al Sajaa Bus Station to Al Dhaid Station, stopping in Al Batayeh and Al Dhaid, and takes about 43 minutes. ER3 provides a non‑stop link between Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah city and the rail station, lasting approximately one hour and 42 minutes.

These services are vital for linking smaller towns in Sharjah that previously had limited public transport connections to other emirates. Bus schedules are coordinated with train arrivals and departures, and tickets can be purchased using cash or a Sayer Card.

Ticketing, fares and future plans

The F38 bus also serves Dubai’s Al Yalayis rail station, operating a circular route that connects to Dubai Sports City and Dubai Production City.

Variable pricing has been introduced on several routes in response to demand, resulting in some ticket prices rising by as much as Dh69.

In the coming years, Al Yalayis Station is set to become a transport super‑hub, with an interchange between the Metro Red and Gold lines planned for 2032. The station opened to passengers on September 30 for the inaugural rail service to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Fujairah, and extra weekend services have been added due to increased demand.