Etihad Rail trips can now be planned in the Citymapper app

Etihad Rail has signed a partnership with Citymapper, its owner Via and the operator United Trans, announced on 27 October. Journeys through the UAE can now be planned in the Citymapper app, with Etihad Rail trains shown alongside metro, bus, on-demand and other services.

The app lays out a full trip, from the start point to the station, then the train, then the final destination. Users can compare several combinations of transport modes.

Ticketing stays where it was. Customers still book and manage their train travel on the Etihad Rail website and app. Citymapper is meant for planning connections across the wider UAE transport network.

The announcement comes after the national passenger network was officially launched on 30 September. Trains serve Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid and Fujairah. The first services, between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, started on 30 June as an introductory phase. In Dubai, trains depart from Al Yalayis Station in Jumeirah Golf Estates, which began service on 30 September. Al Dhaid Station in Sharjah has direct links to both Fujairah and Abu Dhabi.

An Etihad Rail spokesperson told Khaleej Times that a station at Liwa is due to open in November, ahead of the Liwa festival.

Adhraa Al Mansoori of Etihad Rail Mobility, who leads its commercial and support function, said the company wants customers to have more choice and confidence when they plan a train journey. Chris Snyder, Chief Operating Officer at Via, said travellers increasingly expect different networks to function as one connected experience.

For residents and visitors in Dubai, the app gives one place to plan the leg between home or hotel and Al Yalayis Station, and the onward trip after arrival.

Gulf News reported the announcement, and Khaleej Times covered the station timeline.