Reaching the train station just got a bit easier for people in Sharjah. The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) has launched three new public bus routes that connect the Etihad Rail station in Al Dhaid with Al Madam, Al Sajaa, and Sharjah.
If you’ve been wondering how to get to the station without driving or booking a taxi, this could be the answer.
Why These Routes Matter
Al Dhaid joined the UAE’s national passenger railway network on September 30. It’s the first Etihad Rail station in Sharjah, and it connects the emirate with Fujairah and Abu Dhabi.
A new station is only useful if people can reach it easily. That’s where these buses come in. According to SRTA, the services are part of its effort to strengthen links between different forms of public transport and make daily journeys simpler for commuters.
The Three New Routes
Here are the routes SRTA has announced:
- ER1: Al Madam to Etihad Rail Station, Al Dhaid
- ER2: Al Sajaa to Etihad Rail Station, Al Dhaid
- ER3: Sharjah to Etihad Rail Station, Al Dhaid
All three run to and from the station. That means they work both ways, so you can use them to catch a train and to head home after you arrive.
For people in these three areas, it gives another option for reaching the rail network. You don’t have to rely on a private car, a lift from a friend or a taxi, which can be a big help if you’re traveling without a lot of luggage or just want to save money.
What We Don’t Know Yet
SRTA has shared a timetable for the routes, but it was released as an image, so you’ll need to check the official SRTA post for exact timings. The announcement also didn’t mention fares or how often the buses run. If you’re planning a trip, it’s best to confirm these details with the authority before you set out, especially if you need to catch a specific train.
Dubai Is Adding Links Too
Sharjah isn’t the only emirate working on better connections to Etihad Rail. In Dubai, a pedestrian bridge opened on Thursday, October 15. It links Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station with Etihad Rail’s Dubai Al Yalayis Station.
Passengers can enter the enclosed bridge through Exit 1 or Exit 2 of the Metro station. It has escalators and moving walkways, and the walk takes around five to seven minutes. There’s also an Etihad Rail shuttle bus, so you can choose between walking and riding. Dubai Al Yalayis Station started passenger operations on September 30, the same day as Al Dhaid.
We broke down the details in our story on the walking link between Dubai Metro and Etihad Rail, if you want to see how it works.
Tips for Using the New Buses
Check the timetable before you leave home, and aim to reach the station a little early so a late bus doesn’t make you miss your train. If you’re heading to Abu Dhabi or Fujairah, plan the bus and train as one journey rather than two separate trips. It also helps to keep your tickets ready, since the station can get busy during peak hours.
A Bigger Picture for UAE Travel
These routes show how the country’s transport system is slowly coming together. Trains cover the long distance between emirates, while buses and metro links handle the short trips to and from the station. When both parts work well, travel feels smoother, and fewer people need to take a car.
In other news from the region, cricket fans might enjoy reading about Suryakumar Yadav buying a luxury home in Dubai, a story that got a lot of attention this week.
For people in Al Madam, Al Sajaa and Sharjah, the new ER1, ER2 and ER3 routes make Etihad Rail easier to reach. Before you travel, check the latest timings from SRTA and plan your trip with a little extra time. A small bit of planning could turn the train into a simple, car free option.