{"id":47305,"date":"2026-08-18T07:36:17","date_gmt":"2026-08-18T07:36:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/?p=47305"},"modified":"2026-08-18T07:45:47","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T07:45:47","slug":"etihad-rail-passengers-can-hire-cars-from-just-dh80-per-day-with-fuel-covered-and-no-deposit-required","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/18\/etihad-rail-passengers-can-hire-cars-from-just-dh80-per-day-with-fuel-covered-and-no-deposit-required\/","title":{"rendered":"Etihad Rail passengers can hire cars from just Dh80 per day, with fuel covered and no deposit required."},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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The \u2018Rail to Road\u2019 initiative gives travellers the flexibility to choose from three different types of vehicles. Customers can also rent a car without having to make an advance reservation, making the service convenient for both planned journeys and last-minute travel needs.<\/h4>

\u00a0<\/p>

Passengers using Etihad Rail can now continue their journeys by road without the added expense or inconvenience of a traditional car rental. A new \u201cRail to Road\u201d service allows travellers arriving at Abu Dhabi and Fujairah stations to hire vehicles for between Dh80 and Dh200 per day, depending on the category selected.<\/p>

The service is aimed at making the first and final parts of a passenger\u2019s journey easier by providing access to rental cars directly through participating rail stations. Travellers can use the vehicles to reach their final destination, attend meetings, explore the surrounding area or complete other parts of their trip after getting off the train.<\/p>

One of the main features of the offering is that customers are not required to provide a security deposit. The rental package also comes with prepaid fuel and includes a standard driving allowance of 60 kilometres. This means passengers can collect a vehicle and begin their onward journey without having to make an additional payment for fuel at the outset or arrange a deposit before taking the car.<\/p>

The service is being provided through Thrifty Car Rental\u2019s Flexy product and has been introduced specifically to support Etihad Rail passengers who require convenient transport beyond the railway network.<\/p>

A simpler option after arriving by train<\/h3>

For many rail passengers, reaching the final destination can be just as important as the train journey itself. While Etihad Rail provides long-distance connectivity, travellers may still need private transport once they leave the station.<\/p>

The Rail to Road service is intended to address this requirement by giving passengers the option of hiring a vehicle as part of the next stage of their journey. Instead of arranging a separate rental with conventional requirements, customers can use the service with fuel already covered and without a security deposit.<\/p>

Amit Kumar, general manager of Thrifty Car Rental, said the arrangement is designed to remove some of the common inconveniences associated with renting a vehicle.<\/p>

Customers do not have to deal with providing a security deposit or make arrangements to refuel the vehicle before returning it, according to Kumar.<\/p>

This could make the option particularly useful for passengers who are travelling on tight schedules or prefer to have their transportation organised as soon as they leave the train.<\/p>

Rentals start from Dh80 per day<\/h3>

The rental rates currently range from Dh80 to Dh200 for a 24-hour period. The final price depends on the type and size of vehicle selected.<\/p>

Rather than calculating the rental according to the passenger\u2019s train timetable, the service operates on a standard 24-hour rental basis. This gives customers more control over how they use the vehicle and avoids forcing them to return the car based solely on the scheduled arrival or departure time of their train.<\/p>

For example, a passenger whose plans change after arriving at the station can continue using the vehicle for the remainder of the agreed rental period rather than having the booking automatically linked to the train schedule.<\/p>

The 24-hour structure also provides greater flexibility for people who may need a car for business appointments, family commitments, sightseeing or other activities after completing their rail journey.<\/p>

Fuel and mileage included<\/h3>

Every rental package comes with prepaid fuel and a 60km driving allowance. This is included in the advertised rental package, giving passengers a clearer idea of the basic cost before they collect the vehicle.<\/p>

Travellers who expect to drive farther than the included distance can purchase additional mileage for an extra fee.<\/p>

The arrangement therefore provides a basic package for shorter journeys while allowing customers to extend their driving allowance when required. This could be particularly useful for passengers whose final destination is some distance from the railway station or for those planning several stops during their rental period.<\/p>

The inclusion of fuel is another feature designed to make the rental process more straightforward. Customers do not have to budget separately for the initial fuel requirement, while the absence of a security deposit reduces the amount of money they need to provide when taking the vehicle.<\/p>

Three vehicle categories available<\/h3>

The Rail to Road service initially offers three different vehicle groups, giving passengers the choice of selecting a car according to their requirements and budget.<\/p>

The categories are known as Essential, Comfort and Stretch. Each group contains vehicles aimed at a different type of customer, ranging from smaller cars suitable for everyday travel to larger and more premium models.<\/p>

Essential<\/h4>

The Essential category is aimed at passengers looking for a practical and economical vehicle.<\/p>

Cars in this group include smaller hatchbacks and sedans such as the Toyota Yaris, Baleno and Hyundai Accent. These models can be suitable for individuals or small groups who mainly need a car for getting around after arriving at their destination.<\/p>

The category provides a lower-cost option for passengers who do not require a large vehicle or additional space.<\/p>

For short trips, city driving and routine transportation, a smaller vehicle can also be easier to handle and park, making the Essential range a practical choice for travellers who want to keep their rental costs down.<\/p>

Comfort<\/h4>

The Comfort category provides larger vehicles for passengers who want more space or a higher level of convenience.<\/p>

The selection includes larger sedans and compact SUVs, with examples such as the Mazda CX-3, Hyundai Creta and Mazda 6.<\/p>

These vehicles may appeal to families, business travellers or groups carrying additional luggage. Compact SUVs can also provide a higher driving position and additional interior space compared with smaller hatchbacks.<\/p>

The Comfort option sits between the entry-level Essential group and the more premium Stretch category, giving customers another choice when deciding how much space and vehicle capability they need.<\/p>

Stretch<\/h4>

At the upper end of the initial selection is the Stretch category. This group includes larger and more premium vehicles for customers who want a more spacious or upscale driving experience.<\/p>

Models listed in this category include the Audi A3, Mazda CX-90, Jeep Cherokee, Nissan Patrol and Jeep Wrangler.<\/p>

The selection covers several types of vehicles, from premium cars to larger SUVs and off-road-oriented models. This gives travellers who require additional passenger or luggage space an alternative to the smaller vehicles available under the other categories.<\/p>

The Stretch range is also positioned for customers who may prefer a more premium vehicle during their journey.<\/p>

No security deposit<\/h3>

One of the most notable aspects of the new rental service is the absence of a security deposit.<\/p>

Traditional car rental arrangements can sometimes require customers to provide a refundable deposit before receiving a vehicle. By removing this requirement, the Rail to Road service reduces one of the upfront financial commitments associated with renting a car.<\/p>

For Etihad Rail passengers, this means the amount they need to pay when arranging their rental can be more predictable. It also removes the need to wait for a deposit to be returned after completing the rental.<\/p>

The deposit-free structure is part of the wider effort to make the service easier for passengers who need transport immediately after leaving the train.<\/p>

No need to refuel before returning the car<\/h3>

Fuel is another area where the service differs from many conventional rental arrangements.<\/p>

The Rail to Road packages include prepaid fuel, meaning customers do not have to separately purchase the fuel included in their package. According to Thrifty, passengers also do not need to worry about refuelling the vehicle before handing it back.<\/p>

This can save time at the end of the rental period, particularly for travellers heading directly to a station, airport or another appointment.<\/p>

The 60km allowance is included in every package, while customers who exceed that distance can pay for additional mileage.<\/p>

Flexible rental periods<\/h3>

Another feature of the service is that bookings are based on a full 24-hour rental period.<\/p>

The rental is not directly connected to the timing of an Etihad Rail train. This distinction gives passengers greater freedom to plan their road travel around their own schedule.<\/p>

Train arrival times can sometimes change, and passengers may also decide to alter their plans after reaching their destination. A 24-hour rental structure allows them to use the vehicle within the agreed period without having the rental automatically restricted to the train timetable.<\/p>

For business travellers, this could make it easier to attend meetings or appointments before returning the car. Leisure travellers can similarly use the vehicle to visit multiple locations without having to organise separate transport for each part of their trip.<\/p>

Introductory offer for rail passengers<\/h3>

Thrifty is also providing an introductory promotion for Etihad Rail commuters. However, the company has not provided further details about the offer.<\/p>

The promotion comes as the Rail to Road service begins operating at the selected Etihad Rail stations.<\/p>

The combination of introductory pricing, fuel inclusion, a 60km allowance and no security deposit could make the service an attractive alternative for passengers who would otherwise need to arrange taxis, private transfers or a conventional rental vehicle after completing their train journey.<\/p>

Connecting rail travel with road transport<\/h3>

The new service reflects the growing focus on connecting different forms of transport so passengers can complete their journeys more conveniently.<\/p>

A train can cover the longer part of a trip efficiently, but travellers may still require a private vehicle once they reach the station. By providing rental cars at the rail network, the Rail to Road concept aims to bridge that gap.<\/p>

Passengers travelling to Abu Dhabi or Fujairah can therefore use the train for their main journey and then arrange a rental car for the remaining distance or for local travel.<\/p>

The availability of three vehicle categories also means the service is not limited to a single type of passenger. Someone travelling alone with minimal luggage may choose a smaller Essential vehicle, while a family or group could opt for a Comfort or Stretch model.<\/p>

What passengers should know<\/h3>

The service is currently available at Abu Dhabi and Fujairah stations and is offered through Thrifty\u2019s Flexy rental product.<\/p>

Prices begin at Dh80 and can reach Dh200 per day depending on the vehicle category. All packages include 60km of driving and prepaid fuel, while additional kilometres are available for an extra charge.<\/p>

Customers are not required to provide a security deposit, and rentals are calculated in 24-hour periods rather than according to train arrival and departure schedules.<\/p>

The three vehicle categories provide different choices based on passenger needs, with smaller models available under Essential, larger sedans and compact SUVs under Comfort, and more premium and spacious vehicles under Stretch.<\/p>

For passengers looking for convenient transport after completing an Etihad Rail journey, the service offers an alternative to arranging separate transportation once they leave the station.<\/p>

With rental cars available directly through the Rail to Road programme, travellers can combine rail and road travel in a single journey while benefiting from a straightforward rental structure that includes fuel, a mileage allowance and no security deposit.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Walk-in rentals available without advance notice<\/h3>

Passengers using Etihad Rail do not have to worry about paying a traditional security deposit when renting a vehicle through the new Rail to Road service.<\/p>

Instead of collecting a conventional rental deposit, Thrifty uses card tokenisation to process the customer\u2019s payment details. This approach is intended to make the collection process quicker and more convenient for passengers who need a car immediately after arriving at the railway station.<\/p>

Another key feature of the service is that travellers are not required to make their reservation a specific amount of time before collecting the vehicle. There is no mandatory advance-booking window, meaning customers have several ways to arrange a rental.<\/p>

Passengers can reserve a vehicle several days or even further in advance if they already know their travel plans. Alternatively, they can arrange a rental after reaching the station or simply approach the rental facility and request a car as a walk-in customer.<\/p>

According to Amit Kumar, general manager at Thrifty Car Rental, the company has deliberately avoided imposing a minimum booking period.<\/p>

This means passengers who decide at the last minute that they need a vehicle can still check for availability at the station rather than having to arrange transportation in advance.<\/p>

Thrifty also expects to maintain a sufficient number of vehicles for customers who arrive without reservations. The availability of cars for walk-in passengers is intended to give travellers greater flexibility, particularly when their plans change unexpectedly or when they decide they need private transport only after completing their train journey.<\/p>

For passengers who prefer certainty, advance reservations remain an option. Booking ahead allows travellers to plan their onward transportation before leaving for their rail journey, while the walk-in facility provides an alternative for those who prefer to make arrangements closer to the time of travel.<\/p>

The flexible approach could be particularly useful for business travellers, tourists and families whose plans may change during their journey.<\/p>

Returning the rental car at another location<\/h3>

The Rail to Road service has primarily been structured around a simple journey: passengers arrive at an Etihad Rail station, collect their rental vehicle, use it for their onward travel and eventually return it to the station where they picked it up.<\/p>

This arrangement is expected to be the most common option among customers using the service.<\/p>

However, passengers are not necessarily restricted to returning the vehicle to the same station. Thrifty allows customers to customise their rental arrangements and return the car at another location within its wider network.<\/p>

A one-way rental charge applies when a customer chooses a different return point.<\/p>

The option provides additional flexibility for travellers whose journeys do not follow a straightforward return route. For example, a passenger arriving at one station may need to travel to another part of the UAE before continuing to a different destination. In such cases, returning the vehicle to another Thrifty branch could be more convenient than travelling back to the original collection point.<\/p>

The additional one-way fee is described as nominal, although the exact amount can depend on the rental arrangement and return location.<\/p>

Despite the availability of this option, Thrifty said that the majority of customers using the Rail to Road service so far have preferred to return their vehicles to the same station where they collected them.<\/p>

This suggests that the service is currently being used primarily as a continuation of the passenger\u2019s rail journey, allowing travellers to complete the final portion of their trip by car before returning to the station.<\/p>

The ability to use another Thrifty location nevertheless gives passengers an alternative when their travel plans require a different route.<\/p>

Car rental available during the rail booking process<\/h3>

Thrifty has also integrated its car rental option into the Etihad Rail ticket-booking journey.<\/p>

Passengers purchasing a train ticket can be presented with the opportunity to arrange a rental vehicle as part of the same travel-planning process. This means travellers do not necessarily need to search separately for a car rental company after booking their train.<\/p>

The integration is intended to make the transition between rail and road transportation more seamless.<\/p>

Once a passenger has selected and booked an Etihad Rail journey, the rental option can be included as part of the onward travel arrangements. This gives customers the opportunity to think about their complete journey rather than treating the train and car rental as two entirely separate bookings.<\/p>

Thrifty said the digital booking process is also being developed further. The company plans to improve the visibility of the rental option and make the overall customer journey easier to understand and use.<\/p>

The aim is to reduce the number of steps passengers have to take when arranging transportation and make the Rail to Road service more noticeable during the ticket-booking process.<\/p>

As the system develops, passengers are expected to have greater access to information about available vehicles and rental options while planning their rail trips.<\/p>

Five-year partnership between Etihad Rail and Thrifty<\/h3>

The Rail to Road initiative forms part of a wider five-year partnership between Etihad Rail and Thrifty Car Rental.<\/p>

The agreement is focused on providing first- and last-mile transportation for passengers using Etihad Rail\u2019s passenger network.<\/p>

While trains handle the main part of the journey, rental cars are intended to address the transportation needs before or after the rail trip. This is particularly important for travellers whose final destination is not directly connected to a railway station by another convenient mode of transport.<\/p>

The partnership therefore seeks to connect rail travel with road-based mobility, giving passengers another option for reaching their final destination.<\/p>

As part of the agreement, Thrifty plans to invest more than Dh10 million over the five-year period.<\/p>

The investment is expected to support several areas, including expanding the rental fleet, improving digital systems and enhancing the overall experience for customers using the service.<\/p>

Initial fleet of around 500 vehicles<\/h3>

Thrifty plans to introduce an initial fleet of approximately 500 vehicles for the programme.<\/p>

The fleet is expected to expand in line with demand. As more passengers begin using Etihad Rail and awareness of the Rail to Road service grows, the number of available rental cars can be increased accordingly.<\/p>

This approach allows the company to adjust the size and distribution of its fleet according to actual passenger requirements.<\/p>

The initial fleet will include vehicles across different categories, giving customers a choice based on their budget, group size and travel requirements.<\/p>

Smaller and more economical cars can serve individual travellers and passengers making shorter journeys, while larger sedans and SUVs can accommodate families, groups and customers carrying more luggage.<\/p>

More premium vehicles are also available for customers who want a larger or higher-end model.<\/p>

The planned expansion of the fleet is expected to run alongside the growth of Etihad Rail\u2019s passenger network. As passenger numbers increase and additional demand develops at different stations, Thrifty can adjust its vehicle allocation to meet those requirements.<\/p>

Digital kiosks and assistance desks planned<\/h3>

The partnership also includes plans to establish digital kiosks and physical customer assistance desks across Etihad Rail\u2019s 11 passenger stations.<\/p>

These facilities are intended to make the rental process easier for passengers who may prefer to arrange their vehicle in person rather than completing the entire process online.<\/p>

Digital kiosks could allow customers to complete parts of the rental and vehicle collection process independently, while physical assistance desks would provide support for passengers who require help.<\/p>

The combination of digital and in-person services is designed to accommodate different types of travellers.<\/p>

Passengers who prefer a quick, self-service experience may be able to use digital facilities, while those who have questions about vehicle categories, rental terms or return arrangements can seek assistance from staff.<\/p>

The programme will also continue to make use of the digital platforms operated by Etihad Rail and Thrifty. By providing multiple booking channels, the companies aim to give passengers more flexibility in deciding how and when to arrange their rental.<\/p>

Greater focus on self-service technology<\/h3>

According to Kumar, the initial investment will place particular emphasis on improving the self-checkout process and strengthening the digital booking experience.<\/p>

The objective is to make collecting and returning a vehicle as straightforward as possible, particularly for passengers who are already familiar with online bookings and prefer to complete processes digitally.<\/p>

Self-service technology could reduce waiting times at stations by allowing customers to complete more parts of the rental procedure independently.<\/p>

At the same time, the company intends to retain physical assistance options for customers who need additional support.<\/p>

The digital booking journey will also continue to be refined. As more passengers use the service, feedback and usage patterns can help Thrifty identify areas where the process can be simplified.<\/p>

The company plans to increase the size of its fleet in response to demand, meaning vehicle numbers are not expected to remain fixed at the initial level.<\/p>

Designed to make onward travel easier<\/h3>

The Rail to Road programme is ultimately intended to address a common challenge for rail passengers: getting from the station to their final destination.<\/p>

A train can provide the main connection between cities and regions, but passengers may still require transportation after leaving the station. Rental cars offer one solution, particularly for people travelling to areas that may not have convenient public transport connections.<\/p>

By making cars available through the railway booking journey, Etihad Rail and Thrifty are attempting to combine the two stages of travel into a more connected experience.<\/p>

Passengers can plan their train journey and consider their onward road transportation at the same time. Those who prefer to make arrangements later can also use the walk-in option, subject to vehicle availability.<\/p>

The absence of a security deposit, flexible booking arrangements and the option to return a car to another Thrifty location add further flexibility to the service.<\/p>

For travellers who choose the standard arrangement, the process remains relatively straightforward: book or walk in, collect the vehicle at the station, complete the onward journey and return the car to the same location.<\/p>

Customers requiring greater flexibility can explore alternative return arrangements for an additional one-way charge.<\/p>

Service expected to expand with passenger demand<\/h3>

The current programme represents an initial stage of the wider partnership between Etihad Rail and Thrifty.<\/p>

With an initial fleet of about 500 vehicles and planned investment of more than Dh10 million over five years, the companies expect the service to develop as passenger demand increases.<\/p>

The planned introduction of digital kiosks, customer service desks and improved online booking tools is intended to support that expansion.<\/p>

Rather than limiting the service to a fixed number of vehicles or a single booking method, the partnership is designed to scale alongside the development of Etihad Rail\u2019s passenger network.<\/p>

As more people use rail services, the demand for convenient first- and last-mile transportation could also increase. Thrifty\u2019s planned fleet expansion would allow the company to respond to that growth while adjusting vehicle availability across different stations.<\/p>

For now, passengers have the option of arranging a rental in advance, booking at the station or requesting a vehicle as a walk-in customer, depending on availability.<\/p>

The service also gives travellers the choice between returning the vehicle to their original collection point or using another Thrifty location for an additional one-way charge.<\/p>

Combined with digital booking, self-service facilities and planned physical support desks, the Rail to Road initiative is designed to make car rental a more integrated part of the Etihad Rail travel experience.<\/p>

The five-year partnership signals a broader effort to connect rail journeys with road transportation, allowing passengers to move more easily beyond the railway station and complete their trips with greater flexibility.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Passengers travelling on Etihad Rail can now take advantage of affordable car rental options starting at only Dh80 per day. The offer includes fuel at no extra cost and does not require customers to pay a security deposit upfront.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":36047,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"pmpro_default_level":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[14,9],"tags":[],"post_template":[],"top_category":[],"class_list":["post-47305","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-transport","category-uae","pmpro-has-access"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47305","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=47305"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47305\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":47310,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47305\/revisions\/47310"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36047"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=47305"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=47305"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=47305"},{"taxonomy":"post_template","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_template?post=47305"},{"taxonomy":"top_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/top_category?post=47305"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}