The partnership allows passengers to pick up a rental car at their arrival station and continue their journey to their final destination.
A first-of-its-kind ‘Rail to Road’ service will enable Etihad Rail passengers to rent vehicles directly from train stations, allowing them to complete the final stage of their journeys across the UAE with greater convenience.
Thrifty Car Rental UAE announced on Monday that it has entered into an exclusive five-year partnership with Etihad Rail to provide rental vehicle services across the country’s passenger rail network.
Passengers will be able to reserve vehicles through the Etihad Rail app and website, as well as via Thrifty’s own booking platform. All 11 passenger stations across the network will also be equipped with digital rental kiosks and dedicated physical assistance desks to support travellers.
The two companies are also working on integrating vehicle reservations with train ticket bookings, allowing passengers to plan and manage both parts of their journey through a single digital platform.
The service aims to address first- and last-mile transport challenges for commuters, tourists, and business travellers, especially those travelling to destinations that are not directly accessible by rail.
Thrifty UAE said it will invest more than Dh10 million over the next five years to expand its vehicle fleet, strengthen digital infrastructure, and enhance the overall customer experience.
The ‘Rail to Road’ service will begin with an initial fleet of around 500 vehicles, with the number expected to grow based on passenger demand and the continued expansion of the rail network.
Thrifty UAE said that globally, more than 50 per cent of train passengers rely on car rentals or other shared mobility options to complete the final stage of their journeys. By combining rail travel with on-demand vehicle access, the partnership will allow passengers to collect a car at their arrival station and continue to their final destination.
The company is also developing AI-powered booking and customer service features to improve the digital experience for users.
Abdulla Ahmed Almoosa, founder of A.A. Almoosa Enterprises, said the partnership aims to create a seamless travel experience by connecting every stage of a passenger’s journey.
“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.
Etihad Rail launched the first phase of its passenger service on June 30, connecting Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.
The network is scheduled to expand on September 30, 2026, with the opening of Dubai Station near Jumeirah Golf Estates and Al Dhaid Station in Sharjah, extending passenger rail access to two major population centres.
Additional stations are expected to open in phases through late 2026 and early 2027. Madinat Zayed and Liwa stations in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region are scheduled to begin operations ahead of schedule on November 30, 2026.
Al Sila, Al Dhannah, and Al Mirfa stations in Al Dhafra are expected to open on December 30, further extending the passenger network towards the western region.
Sharjah University City Station is scheduled to open on March 30, 2027, completing the first phase of the passenger network.
Once fully operational, Etihad Rail is expected to serve around 10 million passengers annually.
