Etihad Rail and Miral launch free shuttle bus service from Abu Dhabi station to Yas Island attractions

The memorandum of understanding signed by Miral and Etihad Rail aims to integrate rail services with the island’s Yas Express bus network, offering passengers a seamless journey from the station to some of the UAE’s most popular theme parks.

Free shuttle to major attractions

Passengers arriving at the Mohammed bin Zayed City station will have free access to Yas Express buses, which will take them directly to Ferrari World Yas Island, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld Yas Island, all located on the island.

The service is designed to eliminate the need for complex onward travel arrangements, making it easier for visitors to plan and enjoy their trips to Yas Island’s entertainment, hotel and shopping destinations.

By providing a direct and convenient transfer, the partnership is expected to make public transport a more practical and attractive option for visitors, while improving accessibility to one of Abu Dhabi’s most prominent leisure and tourism hubs.

Supporting sustainability and tourism growth

The collaboration aligns with the UAE’s national sustainability objectives, particularly efforts to reduce carbon emissions by encouraging greater use of public transport and smart mobility solutions.

When travellers choose Etihad Rail as a sustainable alternative for journeys between the emirates, the integration of rail services with dedicated transport links to Yas Island further enhances the efficiency of the wider public transport network.

The initiative is also expected to support tourism growth by making Yas Island’s attractions more accessible to both domestic and international visitors. The island offers a wide range of hotels, shopping destinations and leisure facilities alongside its globally recognised theme parks and entertainment venues.

Improved connectivity is expected to enhance the visitor experience, encourage more people to explore the island and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s competitiveness as a regional and international tourism hub.

Quotes and future digital integration

Lisa Ghoswell, Senior Vice President of Sales at Miral Destinations, said: “Through this partnership, we are jointly supporting the UAE’s vision of developing a smarter and more sustainable mobility ecosystem while contributing to the continued growth of the tourism sector.”

Adhraa Al Mansoori, Executive Director of Commercial and Support at Etihad Rail Passenger Services, said: “This partnership will enhance mobility options to and from the station, connecting rail journeys with other modes of transport to deliver a smoother and more integrated travel experience.”

The agreement extends beyond physical integration, laying the groundwork for a longer-term strategic partnership between Miral and Etihad Rail. Both companies will explore opportunities for digital integration between their respective service platforms to deliver a more seamless and connected passenger journey.

Future developments could include integrated digital services enabling passengers to coordinate rail travel, onward transport and visits to entertainment attractions through a more unified booking experience. Such initiatives would further enhance convenience for visitors to Abu Dhabi while supporting the emirate’s broader ambitions to develop an integrated, technology-enabled and sustainable transport and tourism ecosystem.

Through this collaboration, Miral and Etihad Rail are seeking to strengthen the links between public transport and tourism infrastructure, making Yas Island more accessible while contributing to Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision for sustainable mobility, economic growth and world-class visitor experiences.