Miral and Etihad Rail partner on shuttle network linking Yas Island to Abu Dhabi station

Miral, the developer behind Yas Island, and Etihad Rail have formed a partnership to provide first- and last-mile transport linking the island’s leisure attractions with the railway station in Abu Dhabi.

The free shuttle bus network will improve connections between Yas Island’s theme parks and Etihad Rail’s Mohamed bin Zayed City station. Among the attractions operated by Miral that will be served are Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros World and SeaWorld.

Seamless journey priority

Miral stated that ensuring the journey is ‘as seamless as possible’ is a key priority.

‘Our collaboration with Etihad Rail represents an important step towards creating a more integrated journey, connecting rail travel with the Yas Express network to enhance accessibility and convenience for our guests,’ said Lisa Goswell, senior vice president of sales at Miral Destinations. ‘Together, we are helping to advance the UAE’s vision for smarter, more sustainable mobility while supporting the continued growth of the tourism sector.’

The agreement will expand the range of shuttle services operating to and from the station. Yas Express already runs a fleet of shuttles around the city to bring tourists to theme parks, with services extending to Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

Existing shuttle routes

The Yas Express ER1 route currently connects Abu Dhabi station with Yas Mall, with pick-ups and drop-offs at the mall’s north entrance. The free shuttle departs the station at 7.40am, 1.05pm and 7.35pm, taking 30 minutes for the journey. The return service leaves Yas Mall at 12.15pm and 4.15pm, with a travel time of 45 minutes.

Etihad Rail has been expanding its first- and last-mile options since the passenger service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah began on 30 June.

‘We are focused on making passenger rail a practical and convenient part of how people move across the country,’ said Adhraa Almansoori, executive director of commercial and support at Etihad Rail Mobility.

Additional connections

For travellers heading to central Abu Dhabi, AD Mobility has introduced two dedicated routes, MR1 and MR2, linking the rail station with major bus hubs in the capital. MR1 connects Mohamed bin Zayed City Station with Abu Dhabi’s Main Bus Station, while MR2 connects it with Al Zahiyah Bus Station, in both directions. MR1 stops at Al Jazeera Club, Al Mushrif Mall and Al Rawdah interchange, while MR2 passes through Al Rawdah and Mazyad Bus Interchange before reaching Al Zahiyah.

Etihad Rail also operates shuttles to Reem Mall, Adnec and Adnoc HQ for a fee of Dh10 per journey, in addition to the train fare.