Passenger services began on 30 June
The UAE’s long-awaited Etihad Rail passenger network is finally a reality, and it’s already shaping up to be one of the biggest transport upgrades the country has ever seen.
What’s been running quietly as a freight network is now preparing to open its doors to passengers, bringing a faster, smoother way to travel between Emirates.
Planning a journey soon? Here’s everything you need to know.
Etihad Rail in the UAE: everything you need to know
When does Etihad Rail start passenger services?
The first passenger services officially began on 30 June 2026, marking the launch of the Abu Dhabi to Fujairah route.
This is the introductory phase of a wider rollout, meaning more stations and connections will open gradually over the following months and into 2027 as the network expands across the UAE.
Which cities will Etihad Rail connect?
Etihad Rail’s passenger network is being introduced in phases throughout the coming year. At the moment, you can travel from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah.
From 30 September 2026, the network will expand to include Dubai and Al Dhaid, followed by Al Dhafra stations from 30 December 2026.
The final phase, beginning on 30 March 2027, will bring Sharjah into the network, creating an even more connected rail system across the UAE.
Once fully complete, the network will link 11 cities and regions across the UAE, stretching from the western edge of Abu Dhabi all the way to Fujairah on the east coast.
Stops include major and growing hubs such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Al Sila, Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa and Al Dhaid, alongside key residential and transport-linked stations like Jumeirah Golf Estates, Mohammed bin Zayed City, Madinat Zayed, Al Faya, Mezairaa, Al Hilal and University City Sharjah.
It’s designed to make cross-country travel feel less like a road trip and more like a quick, comfortable hop between cities.
Will there be different classes of service or fare tiers?
Passengers can choose between two travel classes:
- Comfort: A modern, comfortable travel experience with guaranteed seating, Wi-Fi, power at every seat and generous luggage space.
- Premium: An enhanced travel experience with wider seats and complimentary refreshments.
Within each class, passengers can choose from three fare options depending on the level of flexibility they require:
- Saver: The lowest fare, ideal for passengers with fixed travel plans.
- Value: Includes complimentary seat selection and ticket changes.
- Flex: Offers the greatest flexibility, including seat selection, ticket changes, and refunds.
Journey times: How fast is the Etihad Rail train?
The time savings are where things get really exciting.
Travelling Abu Dhabi to Fujairah will take around 1 hour 45 minutes, while Abu Dhabi to Dubai will take just 57 minutes on the standard service.
A future high-speed line is also planned, cutting Abu Dhabi to Dubai down to around 30 minutes, turning what is currently a long drive into a short, easy commute.
Other key journey times include Abu Dhabi to Ruwais at about 1 hour 10 minutes, and Abu Dhabi to Sohar in Oman in around 1 hour 40 minutes.
What are the Etihad Rail ticket prices?
Introductory fares on Etihad Rail have been launched to encourage as many people as possible to experience the UAE’s new passenger train service during its early rollout.
While no end date has been confirmed, the discounted fares will only be available for a limited time. As the network expands and passenger demand grows, Etihad Rail says it will gradually introduce a more comprehensive fare structure that reflects customer needs, market conditions and the level of service provided.
Exact full pricing hasn’t been released yet, but early fares give a good idea of what to expect.
For the Abu Dhabi to Fujairah route, comfort class tickets start from around AED 55, while premium class is priced at about AED 120.
Etihad Rail has also confirmed a partnership with Dubai’s RTA, meaning payment systems could eventually integrate with familiar tools like the nol card, alongside other digital booking methods.
How can I buy Etihad Rail tickets?
You can book Etihad Rail tickets easily online through the official Etihad Rail website or via the Etihad Rail mobile app.
Start by selecting your journey, choosing your departure and arrival stations, and picking your travel date. Next, select your travel class: Comfort Class for standard seating or Premium Class for extra space and complimentary refreshments.
After that, choose your fare type based on flexibility. Saver is the basic option, Value includes seat selection and changes for an additional AED 10, and Flex offers full flexibility with refunds for an extra AED 20.
Then enter passenger details and, if needed, add optional shuttle bus connections for AED 10. Complete your booking by paying securely online using a card or digital wallet, and your digital ticket will be issued instantly.
If you prefer, tickets can also be purchased at station kiosks and vending machines.
What about tickets for children?
Children under 17 cannot travel alone and must be accompanied by an adult. When booked together, a child and adult can travel for a combined fare of AED83 in Standard Class.
In Premium Class, the combined discounted rate is AED180, down from AED380.
Infants under two travel free of charge when sitting on an accompanying adult’s lap, with one infant allowed per adult at no cost.
If travelling with more than one infant, a child fare is required for the additional infant.
What are the Etihad Rail trains like?
Passengers can expect modern, comfortable carriages with generous seating, infotainment systems, charging points, food and beverage options and strong onboard connectivity.
Each train is designed to feel spacious, with high levels of comfort and air-conditioning built in for UAE conditions.
Trains will carry around 400 passengers, split across multiple travel classes including economy, family and first class. Business class carriages will be more exclusive, with fewer seats and a more premium feel.
The design and onboard experience is being delivered with Italian luxury hospitality group Arsenale, with ambitions for an elevated, almost “Orient Express-style” travel experience on select services.
Rolling stock is being manufactured by Spain’s CAF, ensuring international standards in design, safety and performance.
Are pets allowed on board?
Passengers travelling with assistance dogs can bring them on board Etihad Rail, provided they are booked in advance through the Contact Centre before travel.
Assistance dogs are permitted to accompany their owners throughout the journey to support passengers with disabilities or additional mobility needs.
Falcons are also welcome on board, in line with the UAE’s long-standing cultural traditions, making it easier for owners to travel with their prized birds while enjoying the convenience of rail travel.
Why does this matter beyond transport?
Etihad Rail is expected to generate over 9,000 jobs by 2030, spanning engineering, operations, logistics, safety, maintenance and technology roles.
It also plays a wider role in reducing road congestion, shifting freight off highways, and supporting more sustainable movement of goods and people across the Emirates.
Why choose Etihad Rail’s passenger service?
Etihad Rail is designed to make travel more comfortable, convenient and productive.
Instead of focusing solely on getting from A to B, passengers can relax, work or simply enjoy the journey in a calm, air-conditioned environment.
Every ticket includes guaranteed seating, complimentary Wi-Fi and charging points, offering a reliable and stress-free way to travel for both residents and visitors.
How does it differ from the UAE’s future High-Speed Rail?
While both networks are part of the UAE’s future transport vision, they serve different purposes.
Etihad Rail’s passenger service is designed for affordable, comfortable travel between communities, making it easier to commute, visit family and explore the country.
The future High-Speed Rail network, meanwhile, will focus on much faster journeys between the centres of major cities. Once operating, it will take passengers between Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 30 minutes.
Can I get a shuttle bus from the city?
Passengers using the new Etihad Rail service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah can add an AED10 shuttle bus when booking their train ticket, providing easy last-mile connections from Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station.
The buses serve three key destinations: ADNOC Headquarters, ADNEC Centre and Reem Mall on Reem Island, with three daily services timed to match train arrivals and departures.
Journey times range from around 30 minutes to ADNEC and 50 minutes to ADNOC HQ and Reem Mall. The convenient service offers a hassle-free alternative to driving, while dropping travellers close to major attractions, business hubs and transport links across the capital.
Etihad Rail fines
Passengers using Etihad Rail’s new service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah will need to follow a strict set of rules, with fines ranging from AED100 to AED10,000 for offences committed on trains, in stations and across railway facilities.
The penalties cover everything from travelling without a valid ticket to damaging railway property, while separate passenger guidelines outline rules on pets, luggage, food and children travelling.
AED200 fines
Several common offences carry an AED200 penalty, including:
Travelling without a valid ticket or using someone else’s ticket
Fare evasion or using discounted tickets without entitlement
Sitting in a reserved seat without permission
Travelling in the wrong class
Littering or putting feet on seats
Carrying prohibited items
Failing to follow staff instructions
Remaining on platforms when asked to leave
Being intoxicated or consuming alcohol in prohibited areas
Altering or forging tickets
AED500 fines
Passengers can be fined AED500 for:
Smoking or vaping in prohibited areas
Abusive, threatening or disruptive behaviour
Harassment or verbal abuse
Spitting or deliberately soiling trains and stations
Tampering with train doors
Boarding or leaving a moving train
Causing service delays
Commercial photography or filming without approval
AED5,000 fines
More serious offences carry an AED5,000 penalty, including:
Misusing emergency alarms, brakes or fire equipment
Entering railway tracks or restricted areas
Throwing objects from trains or platforms
Vandalising trains or stations
Misusing emergency exits
Etihad Rail also warned that other offences can attract fines of between AED100 and AED10,000, depending on the severity of the violation. Paying a fine does not prevent further legal action where applicable.
Travelling with children
Infants travel free when sitting on an accompanying adult’s lap (one infant per adult).
Children under 14 must travel with a responsible adult.
Folded prams are permitted onboard.
Pets onboard
Household pets are allowed provided they:
Travel in an approved carrier.
Remain inside the carrier throughout the journey.
Count as the passenger’s hand luggage allowance.
What you can’t bring
Prohibited items include:
Weapons and explosives
Flammable or hazardous materials
Narcotics
Alcohol
Bicycles, e-scooters and e-bikes
Oversized luggage that blocks aisles
Any item that poses a safety risk or causes disruption
Food and drink
Passengers may bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks, although Etihad Rail asks travellers to avoid strong-smelling foods or anything likely to spill and inconvenience others. Smoking and vaping are prohibited except in designated smoking areas.
Tickets and boarding
Tickets can be purchased online, via the app, at station ticket machines or, in limited circumstances, onboard. Sales remain open until five minutes before departure, subject to availability.
For further information, visit etihadrail.ae
