Etihad Rail's passenger network now connects Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid, and Fujairah. This article helps you see which stations are open, how much a ticket costs, how to book, and how to connect to the metro or shuttle. You can then decide, trip by trip, whether to take the train, drive, or take the bus.
Where the network stands: stations in service and upcoming openings
The national passenger train network has officially launched: Etihad Rail operates services between Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid, and Fujairah[1].
Four stations are in service: Mohamed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, Dubai (Al Yalayis, in Jumeirah Golf Estates), Al Dhaid, and Fujairah (Al Hilal City)[2]. Al Dhaid is located in the emirate of Sharjah[3].
Service began in an introductory phase on June 30, 2026, on the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route alone[4]. The Dubai and Al Dhaid stations opened on September 30, 2026, and the Abu Dhabi–Dubai route launched on that date[3].
The announced timeline for what comes next:
- Zayed City and Liwa stations: November 30, 2026[1];
- other stations in the Al Dhafra region: December 30, 2026[1];
- Sharjah station: March 30, 2027[1].
Once the network is complete, passenger service will serve 11 cities and regions across the Emirates[4].
Possible routes, journey times, and frequencies
Between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the trip takes about 1 hour 4 minutes[2]. The launch offered 10 direct trains a day, or five in each direction[3]. After strong initial demand, Etihad Rail added six Abu Dhabi–Dubai services for the first weekend of October[3].
Abu Dhabi–Fujairah takes 1 hour 51 minutes via Al Dhaid, or 2 hours 24 minutes for the midday train that goes through Dubai[2]. Six daily services run on this route[3].
According to one travel guide, Al Dhaid is served by the morning and evening Fujairah trains, but not by the midday one, which goes through Dubai[2]. Another travel guide states that the Dubai–Fujairah route runs once a day, in about 1 hour 10 minutes[5]. Schedules change, so check them in the app before planning a trip.
Fares: what the train costs
Abu Dhabi–Dubai starts at AED 39 in Comfort class and AED 109 in Premium[2]. For Abu Dhabi–Fujairah, Etihad Rail announced at launch fares from AED 55 in Comfort and AED 120 in Premium[4].
These introductory prices were meant to be available for a limited period, with the fare structure expected to move to a more advanced pricing model as the service matures[4].
Prices vary by departure time, date, class, and when you book[6]. The price shown at checkout is the one that counts: confirm it before you complete your purchase[2].
Booking your ticket
Tickets can be booked at etihadrail.ae or in the Etihad Rail mobile app. You choose the stations and date, the class (Comfort or Premium), and then a fare: Saver, Value, or Flex. You then enter the Emirates ID or passport details for each passenger, and pay by card or mobile wallet[2].
Stations also have ticket machines and assistance counters[2]. The optional AED 10 Abu Dhabi shuttle, however, can only be added online[2].
On board: comfort, Wi-Fi, and work
In Comfort, you get a guaranteed reserved seat, free Wi-Fi, a universal power outlet and a USB port at every seat, luggage racks, and a paid trolley service for food and drinks[2]. Premium adds wider, reclining seats with more legroom, headrests, and complimentary snacks and drinks[2].
Etihad Rail promotes a journey designed for working, relaxing, or staying connected[1]. Trains run at a maximum of 200 km/h[4]. For a digital nomad, the Wi-Fi and power outlets at every seat make it possible to work remotely during the hour-long trip between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Families can sit together thanks to seat selection, free in Value and Flex, paid in Saver. One folding stroller per traveling child is carried for free, and trains have dedicated spaces for wheelchairs[2].
Build the Train into Your Dubai/Abu Dhabi Trips
In Dubai
Al Yalayis station is connected to the Jumeirah Golf Estates metro station by a dedicated pedestrian bridge, which provides the transfer to the Dubai Metro[3]. With the Nol system, a unique QR code is available for trips by train, metro, tram and bus[3].
Since the station is in Jumeirah Golf Estates, most trips to the city center add a stop on the metro[2]. With a Nol Silver card, a metro trip costs AED 3 (1 zone, under 3 km), AED 5 (2 zones) or AED 7.50 (3 zones or more) in 2026[7].
In Abu Dhabi
A AED 10 shuttle, which must be booked, serves the ADNOC headquarters on Corniche Road West, the ADNEC center and Reem Mall on Reem Island[5].
Train, Car or Bus Between Abu Dhabi and Dubai
The train makes the trip in 1 hr 04 min, versus 60 to 90 minutes by car (about AED 40 in fuel, plus Salik) and 1 hr 45 to 2 hr 10 min by E101 or E100 bus (AED 25 from Abu Dhabi)[2].
Pitfalls and Points to Watch
- Launch fares are not guaranteed: tickets are now sold above introductory prices, with gaps of up to AED 69[6].
- Prices rise mostly on afternoon and evening departures and on weekends, and some trips fill up before departure, so book early[6].
- The price also depends on when you book: check the final amount at checkout[2].
- The Dubai station is in Jumeirah Golf Estates: plan for the time and cost of a metro transfer to reach the city center[2].
- The AED 10 Abu Dhabi shuttle is only available online: don't count on taking it at the ticket counter[2].
Train, Car or Bus: Which to Choose?
There is no direct public bus between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah: the bus comparison involves a transfer in Dubai[2].
The car keeps the advantage for a family: on Abu Dhabi–Fujairah, two adults and two children in a car cost about AED 70 in fuel for this trip, versus AED 166 and more in Comfort Saver tickets[2]. It also offers door-to-door flexibility, while the train follows a fixed schedule[2].
Between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the train avoids traffic jams, which makes it suitable for people who make the trip regularly[5]. For a solo or two-person trip, with a schedule that suits you and a simple metro or shuttle connection, the train is a good choice.
Checklist Before You Leave
- Check stations and today's schedules on etihadrail.ae or in the app.
- Choose your class (Comfort or Premium) and fare (Saver, Value or Flex).
- Prepare the Emirates ID or passport for each passenger.
- Add the Abu Dhabi shuttle online if needed.
- Plan the metro transfer in Dubai and a Nol card.
- Confirm the price shown at checkout.
Sources
- 1.^ abcdecorporate.etihadrail.ae — Passenger: “The UAE's national passenger train network is officially launched, with Etihad Rail now running services between Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid and Fujairah.”; “The network will continue to expand with the opening of Zayed City and Liwa stations on November 30, 2026, followed by the other Al Dhafra stations on December 30, 2026 and Sharjah station on March 30, 2027.”; “We know some passengers will want to relax. Others will want to stay connected or work.” https://corporate.etihadrail.ae/en/our-business/passenger (accessed October 20, 2026)
- 2.^ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuaeinform.com — Etihad Rail Trains: Fares, Booking, Stations, Times 2026: “The UAE's intercity passenger trains, operated by Etihad Rail, now connect four stations: Abu Dhabi (Mohamed bin Zayed City), Dubai (Jumeirah Golf Estates), Al Dhaid and Fujairah (Al Hilal City).” ; “Five direct trains now run every day in each direction between Abu Dhabi and Dubai in 1 hour 4 minutes, from AED 39 in Comfort and AED 109 in Premium, and Abu Dhabi–Fujairah trains now stop at Al Dhaid or Dubai along the way.” ; “Abu Dhabi–Fujairah takes 1 hour 51 minutes via Al Dhaid, or 2 hours 24 minutes with the midday train via Dubai, from AED 55 / AED 120.” https://uaeinform.com/driving-guide/etihad-rail (accessed October 20, 2026)
- 3.^ abcdefgrailway-news.com — Etihad Rail Expands Passenger Rail Network with Abu Dhabi–Dubai Services | Railway-News: “Etihad Rail's passenger network currently serves Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah and Al Dhaid, in Sharjah.” ; “The Abu Dhabi–Dubai service launched on September 30, with the first train departing from Al Yalayis station in Dubai at 6:14 am.” ; “The launch included 10 Abu Dhabi–Dubai trains per day, five in each direction.” https://railway-news.com/etihad-rail-expands-passenger-rail-network-with-abu-dhabi-dubai-services/ (accessed October 20, 2026)
Show 4 more sourcesShow less
- 4.^ abcdeguest.meed.com — Meed | Etihad Rail to begin passenger rail operations from June 30: “June 30, 2026: start of the introductory phase, with services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah only.” ; “Once fully operational, Etihad Rail's passenger service will connect 11 cities and regions across the UAE, through a network of stations linking the main urban and economic centers.” ; “For the initial Abu Dhabi–Fujairah service from June 30, Etihad Rail said fares would start at AED 55 in Comfort class and AED 120 in Premium class.” https://guest.meed.com/etihad-rail-to-begin-passenger-rail-operations-from-30-june/ (accessed October 20, 2026)
- 5.^ abccntravellerme.com — All the train journeys you can now take in the UAE | Condé Nast Traveller Middle East: “Currently, the service runs twice a day, in the morning and the evening.” ; “Currently, the service runs once a day and takes you from central Dubai to the Hajar Mountains of Fujairah via Sharjah.” ; “Driving between Etihad Rail's Dubai and Fujairah stations takes more than an hour and a half, but the train cuts that journey down to one hour and ten minutes.” https://www.cntravellerme.com/story/all-the-train-journeys-you-can-now-take-in-the-uae (accessed October 20, 2026)
- 6.^ abcthecooldown.com — In the UAE, some Etihad Rail tickets jump by $19 as busy routes sell out: “Etihad Rail says several passenger services now use variable pricing, with prices changing according to departure time, travel date, class and when the ticket is booked.” ; “Ticket prices on part of Etihad Rail's passenger network have risen above their launch level, and some journeys now cost up to 69 dirhams, or about $19, more.” ; “The National reports that Abu Dhabi–Dubai and Abu Dhabi–Fujairah trips fill up before departure, and that higher fares generally appear on afternoon and evening departures as well as on weekends.” https://www.thecooldown.com/green-business/etihad-rail-ticket-prices-uae-jump/ (accessed October 20, 2026)
- 7.^Mira Knowledge — With a Nol Silver card, a Dubai Metro trip costs AED 3, AED 5 or AED 7.50 depending on the number of zones in 2026. Verified on 06/11/2026: official source rta.ae. https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/public-transport/choosenolcard (accessed June 11, 2026)
