If you have spent any time sitting in traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road wondering whether there is a better way, there is good news. Etihad Rail, the UAE’s national railway, is no longer something coming soon. Passenger services launched on 30 June 2026, and that Abu Dhabi to Dubai train journey you have been hearing about for years is now running: Dubai Station opened on 30 September 2026. Property Finder has pulled together everything you need to know.
- What is the Etihad Rail project?
- What are the benefits of the Etihad Rail network?
- When did the Etihad Rail passenger service launch?
- What is the Etihad Rail route, and when do the stations open?
- What cities will the Etihad Rail network connect?
- What are the confirmed Etihad Rail stations?
- How will Etihad Rail change travel between UAE cities?
- Etihad Rail Dubai to Abu Dhabi timetable
- How much do Etihad Rail tickets cost, and how can you book?
- Etihad Rail ticket types and travel classes
- Etihad Rail luggage allowance
- Getting to and from Etihad Rail stations
- What to know before you travel
- What are the features of the Etihad Rail passenger fleet?
- Key takeaways
What is the Etihad Rail project?
Etihad Rail is the UAE’s first national railway network, planned to stretch 1,200 km across all seven emirates. The idea was first proposed in 2009, and the network has since been developed in stages.
The project is developed by Etihad Rail PJSC, which is 70% owned by the Abu Dhabi government and 30% by the UAE federal government. It was built in two stages: a freight network that has been operating for years, transporting cargo across the country, followed by passenger services. The first passenger route is scheduled to open on 30 June 2026.
When the passenger network is fully operational, Etihad Rail is planned to connect 11 cities and regions across the country and eventually link with the GCC railway network, making cross-border train travel possible.
What are the benefits of the Etihad Rail network?
The network is about more than getting from A to B faster. It was designed to deliver wider benefits:
- A faster, cheaper alternative to road freight for businesses moving cargo across the region.
- Greater efficiency, safety, and reliability for the UAE’s logistics sector.
- Job creation along the route, from construction through to operations.
- Less pressure on roads, with fewer trucks and cars on UAE highways.
The project ties into the UAE’s broader economic and sustainability goals, including the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the UAE Net Zero 2050 target.
When did the Etihad Rail passenger service launch?
The Abu Dhabi train to Fujairah was the first passenger route to open, launching on 30 June 2026. Tickets went on sale shortly before launch and sold out fast for the opening days, which says something about how long people have been waiting for this.
The full network is rolling out in stages. By early 2027, you will be able to board a train in Dubai and travel all the way through to Abu Dhabi and beyond into Al Dhafra.
What is the route of Etihad Rail?
The Etihad Rail route runs across the UAE, covering around 900 km from Ghuwaifat, on the UAE–Saudi Arabia border, to Fujairah on the eastern coast. The national railway network links all seven emirates and connects major cities, ports, industrial areas, and residential communities.
For passenger services, Etihad Rail is planned to connect 11 cities and regions across the UAE. The confirmed passenger station locations include Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezaira’a, Al Faya, and Al Dhaid.
Some of the expected key journey times include:
| Etihad Rail Route | Expected Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi to Dubai | 57 minutes |
| Abu Dhabi to Fujairah | Around 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais / Al Dhannah | Around 70 minutes |
Etihad Rail also operates a freight network connecting key logistics and industrial hubs, including Khalifa Port, ICAD, Jebel Ali Port and Fujairah Port. This makes the route important for both passenger travel and national trade movement across the UAE.
When Do Etihad Stations Open?
The phased rollout looks like this:
- 30 June 2026 Abu Dhabi (Mohamed bin Zayed City) to Fujairah (Al Hilal): open and running
- 30 September 2026, Dubai (Jumeirah Golf Estates) and Sharjah (Al Dhaid) come online, completing the main inter-emirate corridor and making the train Dubai Abu Dhabi connection a reality for daily commuters
- 30 December 2026 The western region opens up with Al Mirfa, Al Dhannah, and Madinat Zayed stations
- 30 March 2027 Sharjah (University City) completes the primary Etihad Rail route, with Al Sila, Mezairaa, and Al Faya also part of the wider network
What cities will the Etihad Rail network connect?
The passenger network will cover 11 cities and regions across the UAE:
- Abu Dhabi
- Dubai
- Sharjah
- Fujairah
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Al Ruwais
- Al Mirfa
- Al Dhaid
More stations are expected to be confirmed as the network grows toward the GCC.
What are the confirmed Etihad Rail stations?
These are the 11 confirmed passenger railway stations, opening in phases across 2026 and 2027:
Jumeirah Golf Estates (Dubai): Dubai’s first confirmed station, along Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, with planned links to the Dubai Metro and feeder transport.
Mohamed bin Zayed City (Abu Dhabi): The main Abu Dhabi station and the starting point for the June 30 launch, centrally located in the capital.
Madinat Zayed (Abu Dhabi): A major Al Dhafra town, around 180 km southwest of Abu Dhabi city.
Al Mirfa (Abu Dhabi): A coastal community about 130 km west of the capital, serving the western region.
Al Dhannah (Abu Dhabi): Around 240 km from Abu Dhabi city, serving a busy residential and industrial area.
Al Sila (Abu Dhabi): The network’s westernmost point, positioned for future GCC rail connections.
Mezairaa (Abu Dhabi): Located in Liwa Oasis, providing better access for desert communities and nearby tourism destinations.
Al Faya (Abu Dhabi): Between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, near Al Faya Dry Port, operated by AD Ports Group.
Al Dhaid (Sharjah): One of Sharjah’s busiest cities and a key stop for commuters travelling between Sharjah and Dubai.
University City (Sharjah): Near Sharjah International Airport, serving students and travellers.
Al Hilal (Fujairah): The network’s easternmost station, connecting Fujairah city with surrounding coastal areas.
How will Etihad Rail change travel between UAE cities?
For anyone who has done the Abu Dhabi to Dubai drive on a bad day, you know it can eat up two hours without much warning. The Abu Dhabi to Dubai train cuts that down to around 57 minutes, and it runs on a schedule that does not change based on what is happening on the E11.
Confirmed travel times so far:
- Abu Dhabi to Dubai: approximately 57 minutes
- Abu Dhabi to Fujairah: approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes
Times for other routes, including Dubai to Fujairah and Al Dhafra connections, will be confirmed as each phase opens.
Etihad Rail Dubai to Abu Dhabi timetable
These are the Dubai–Abu Dhabi trains on the official Etihad Rail live schedule for Wednesday 30 September 2026, the day Dubai Station opened. The midday train on each side is the Fujairah service, which stops at Dubai on its way through.
Dubai to Abu Dhabi train times
| Train | Departs Dubai | Arrives Abu Dhabi |
|---|---|---|
| 1XA10 | 6:14 am | 7:18 am |
| 1XA14 | 7:14 am | 8:18 am |
| 2FA32 | 1:14 pm | 2:18 pm |
| 1XA54 | 5:14 pm | 6:18 pm |
| 1XA58 | 6:14 pm | 7:18 pm |
Abu Dhabi to Dubai train times
| Train | Departs Abu Dhabi | Arrives Dubai |
|---|---|---|
| 1AX11 | 6:43 am | 7:47 am |
| 1AX15 | 7:43 am | 8:47 am |
| 2AF35 | 12:43 pm | 1:47 pm |
| 1AX51 | 4:43 pm | 5:47 pm |
| 1AX55 | 5:43 pm | 6:47 pm |
Dubai to Fujairah train times
There is one direct train each way between Dubai and Fujairah on the same timetable:
- Dubai to Fujairah: Departs at 1:57 pm and arrives at 3:07 pm.
- Fujairah to Dubai: Departs at 11:54 am and arrives at 1:04 pm.
Train frequency may vary by route, day of the week, and time of travel, including during Ramadan, weekends, and public holidays. Check the live schedule at book.etihadrail.ae or in the Etihad Rail app before you travel.
How much do Etihad Rail tickets cost, and how can you book?
Etihad Rail says ticket prices depend on the route, travel class, fare type and availability. The official station pages list these starting fares:
| Route | Starting fare |
|---|---|
| Dubai to Abu Dhabi | From Dh39 |
| Dubai to Fujairah | From Dh29 |
| Abu Dhabi to Fujairah | From Dh55 |
Starting fares move with availability. When we checked the Etihad Rail homepage on 30 September 2026, the Dubai to Abu Dhabi trip was showing from Dh49, so it is worth comparing a few departure times before you book.
You can book through the Etihad Rail mobile app or at etihadrail.ae, at the ticket vending machines in the stations, or through the Contact Centre. You need a booking before you board, and tickets can be bought up to 5 minutes before departure if seats are left. The app and website take credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay, and the vending machines also take cash in AED notes.
At launch, three direct services run daily in each direction. Between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the 30 September timetable has five trains in each direction.
Onboard, there are dining options available, and the stations themselves are designed as proper lifestyle destinations, not just platforms. Think cafés, restaurants, and retail, so arriving early is not exactly a hardship.
Etihad Rail ticket types and travel classes
Every train has two classes, and each class comes with three fare types. The fare type decides how much flexibility you get:
| Fare type | Changes | Refunds | Seat selection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saver | Not permitted | Not permitted | Fee applies (seats allocated automatically 24 hours before departure) |
| Value | Free up to 72 hours before departure, then Dh20 per change plus any fare difference | Not permitted | Free |
| Flex | Free, up to 30 minutes after departure | Full refund if cancelled 24 hours or more before; 30% fee on the day of travel | Free |
Only Flex tickets can be transferred to another passenger, and only before boarding time.
| Premium Class | Comfort Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat pitch | 39″ to 40″ | 37″ to 38″ |
| Seats | Wider, extra legroom, reclining, padded headrest | Comfortable seating |
| Power and Wi-Fi | Universal socket, USB, free Wi-Fi | Universal socket, USB, free Wi-Fi |
| Food and drink | Free drinks and snacks, more to buy | Trolley service to buy from |
Etihad Rail luggage allowance
Each passenger can bring two items of luggage on board for free, regardless of ticket type:
- One personal item, such as a handbag or laptop bag, that fits under your seat.
- One carry-on bag, measuring up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm, which should fit in the overhead rack.
Children aged 3 and over receive the same allowance. Infants under 3 do not receive a separate luggage allowance.
Make sure every bag has your name and contact details attached, and that you can lift it yourself. Extra baggage must be requested in advance.
Getting to and from Etihad Rail stations
Station parking
Paid parking at Abu Dhabi and Fujairah stations is run by Q Mobility through MAWAQiF, and your car is detected automatically, so there is no ticket to collect. Parking at Al Dhaid Station is free.
| Station | First 15 minutes | Short stay | Up to 24 hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi (Mohamed bin Zayed City) | Free | Dh5 per hour, up to 2 hours | Dh15 (Dh20 if you enter between 2 am and 6 am) |
| Fujairah | Free | Dh5 per hour, up to 1 hour | Dh10 |
nol One-Day Pass
If your trip ends in Dubai, you can add a nol One-Day Pass when you book. It gives you unlimited travel for one day on the Dubai Metro, Tram, and eligible buses, and is stored on the same QR code as your train ticket.
The pass is valid for 90 days from purchase. The Gold version lets you use the first-class cabins on the Metro and Tram.
Abu Dhabi shuttle bus
An official shuttle bus runs between Abu Dhabi Station in Mohamed Bin Zayed City and three stops in the city:
What to know before you travel
- Arrive at least 10 minutes before your train. Ticket gates close 2 minutes before departure.
- Carry ID that matches the name on your ticket; you may be asked to show it.
- Once you pass through the ticket gates, you cannot leave and re-enter on the same ticket.
- Children aged 14 and over can travel alone. Younger children need a responsible adult.
- Infants travel free on an adult’s lap, with one infant per adult.
- Tourists can use the train with a valid ticket and ID.
What are the features of the Etihad Rail passenger fleet?
Etihad Rail passenger trains can carry up to 400 passengers and travel at speeds of up to 200 km/h.
For freight, each train is around 1 km long, has 70 wagons, and can carry up to 7,000 tonnes per journey. The plan is to eventually have more than 1,000 trains using the full network.
What is the future Etihad Rail route outside the UAE?
The long-term plan is for Etihad Rail to connect with the wider GCC railway network, eventually linking the UAE with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. These connections could make cross-border trade and passenger travel by train more practical.
What are the Etihad Rail freight services?
The freight side of the business is already fully operational. Services available include:
- Loading and unloading operations
- Container storage
- Container maintenance
For freight enquiries: +971 (0)2 499 9999
If your business is near the network, it is worth checking out warehouses for rent in the UAE or warehouses for sale in the UAE on Property Finder to find locations with good rail access.
Key takeaways
- Etihad Rail is the UAE’s first national railway, spanning 1,200 km and connecting 11 cities and regions
- Passenger services launched on 30 June 2026 with the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route; the full network will be completed by March 2027
- Dubai Station at Jumeirah Golf Estates opened on 30 September 2026, with five Dubai–Abu Dhabi trains in each direction on its first day
- The Abu Dhabi to Dubai train takes 1 hour 4 minutes; Abu Dhabi to Fujairah takes around 1 hour 51 minutes, and Dubai to Fujairah 1 hour 10 minutes
- Trains travel at 200 km/h, with 13 trains each carrying up to 400 passengers
FAQs
The first route, Abu Dhabi to Fujairah, opened on 30 June 2026. Dubai Station followed on 30 September 2026, adding trains from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.
Through the Etihad Rail app or at etihadrail.ae, bookings opened on 23 June 2026. You can also buy tickets from the vending machines at the stations or through the Contact Centre. A nol card cannot be used to buy train tickets, but you can add a nol One-Day Pass to your booking to carry on by Metro, Tram or bus in Dubai.
30 June 2026: Abu Dhabi and Fujairah (open now)
30 September 2026: Dubai and Al Dhaid, Sharjah
30 December 2026: Al Dhafra stations (Al Mirfa, Al Dhannah, Madinat Zayed)
30 March 2027: Sharjah University City (completes the route
Right now, there is a 50% launch discount running. That brings Comfort Class down to Dh55 and Premium Class to Dh120 on the Abu Dhabi Fujairah route.
On the 30 September 2026 timetable, the first train leaves Dubai Station at 6:14 am and reaches Abu Dhabi at 7:18 am. The last one leaves at 6:14 pm.
Two free items per passenger: a personal item that fits under the seat and a carry-on bag of up to 55cm x 40cm x 23cm.
Yes. Abu Dhabi and Fujairah stations have paid parking with the first 15 minutes free, and parking at Al Dhaid Station is free.
At least 10 minutes before departure. The ticket gates close 2 minutes before the train leaves.
