Yas Island was built for cars, but you no longer need one to get there. Etihad Rail now runs passenger trains between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, a free Yas Express shuttle already links the Abu Dhabi station to Yas Mall, and Miral has just signed a deal to run free shuttles from the train straight to the theme parks. Here is how to get to Yas Island without driving, from Dubai or from the city.
How do I get to Yas Island without a car?
From Dubai, take Etihad Rail from Al Yalayis station to Mohamed bin Zayed City station in Abu Dhabi, then the free Yas Express ER1 shuttle to Yas Mall, about 30 minutes. From central Abu Dhabi, use a public bus or taxi, which takes around 25 minutes. Once on the island, the free Yas Express network links the hotels, malls and theme parks.
| Option | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Etihad Rail plus Yas Express | Train from AED 39, shuttle free | Day trips from Dubai |
| Yas Express shuttle | Free | Getting around the island |
| Public bus | Standard AD Mobility fare | Budget trips from the city |
| Taxi or ride-hailing | Metered | Families and late nights |
From Dubai by train
Etihad Rail passenger services between Dubai and Abu Dhabi started on 30 September 2026. Five trains a day connect Al Yalayis station near Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai with Mohamed bin Zayed City station in Abu Dhabi, with the trip taking a little over an hour. Fares from Dubai start at AED 39 in Comfort Class and AED 109 in Premium Class, and prices vary by departure.
| Step | What to do | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Book the train | Al Yalayis to Mohamed bin Zayed City | From AED 39 |
| 2. Ride to Abu Dhabi | A little over an hour | None |
| 3. Board Yas Express ER1 | Station to Yas Mall north entrance | Free |
| 4. Hop around Yas | Yas Express to parks and hotels | Free |
Our Etihad Rail guide covers the wider network, including the Fujairah line.
The free Yas Express ER1 shuttle
The ER1 is already running between Mohamed bin Zayed City station and Yas Mall’s north entrance. It is free, and the timetable is built around the trains:
- Station to Yas Mall: 7.40am, 1.05pm and 7.35pm, around 30 minutes
- Yas Mall to station: 12.15pm and 4.15pm, around 45 minutes
WOW Abu Dhabi Expert Tip: The last ER1 back to the station leaves Yas Mall at 4.15pm, which is early if you are doing a full theme park day. Plan to get a taxi to the station for an evening train, or check the latest timetable on the Yas Island website before you travel.
What is changing: free shuttles to the theme parks
On 21 October, Miral and Etihad Rail signed an agreement to connect Mohamed bin Zayed City station directly to the Yas Express network, with free shuttles to Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld Yas Island. The two are also looking at linking their digital ticketing so the journey from train to park feels like one trip. A start date and timetable have not been announced yet, and we will update this guide when they are.
From central Abu Dhabi
Yas Island is about 25 minutes from the city by road. Public buses run to Yas Mall, and taxis or ride-hailing apps are the easiest option for families with buggies or anyone heading home late. Yas Island also lists the tram and robotaxi services among its transport options. Check the Yas Island directions page for current routes.
If you are getting to the train station from the city, the MR1 and MR2 buses link Mohamed bin Zayed City station with the Main Bus Station and Al Zahiyah. Full routes are in our guide to the Etihad Rail station buses. Etihad Rail also runs paid shuttles to Reem Mall, ADNEC and ADNOC headquarters for AED 10 a journey.
WOW Abu Dhabi Expert Tip: On Etihad Arena concert nights and race weekend, taxis off the island can take a long time. A late dinner at Yas Bay while the crowds clear is cheaper than surge pricing.
Getting around once you are on Yas
The free Yas Express shuttle network links the island’s hotels, theme parks, Yas Mall, Yas Bay Waterfront and Yas Marina. Timetables are on the Yas Island directions page. For what to actually do once you get there, start with our Yas Island guide, our Yas Bay and Yas Marina dining guide and our Abu Dhabi Grand Prix guide if you are coming for race week.
Timetables and fares were correct when checked in October 2026 and can change. Check Etihad Rail and Yas Island before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get to Yas Island from Dubai by train?
Yes. Take Etihad Rail from Al Yalayis in Dubai to Mohamed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, then the free Yas Express ER1 shuttle to Yas Mall.
Is the Yas Express shuttle free?
Yes. Yas Express is free and connects the island’s hotels, theme parks and malls, plus the ER1 route to the Etihad Rail station.
How much is the train from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Fares from Dubai start at AED 39 in Comfort Class and AED 109 in Premium Class. Prices vary by departure.
Is there a shuttle from Etihad Rail to Ferrari World?
It has been agreed but has not launched yet. Miral and Etihad Rail have signed a deal for free shuttles from Mohamed bin Zayed City station to the Yas theme parks. Until then, take the ER1 to Yas Mall and connect on Yas Express.
How long does it take to get to Yas Island from Abu Dhabi city?
Around 25 minutes by road from central Abu Dhabi, depending on traffic.
