How to Save on Fares and Simplify Your Dubai–Abu Dhabi Rail Journey.
Dubai: Etihad Rail’s first public passenger service between Dubai and Abu Dhabi sets off today at 6.14am, opening a new chapter in travel between the two emirates.
For passengers planning to use the new rail service, a few practical tips can help make the journey more affordable and convenient. From booking tickets at a lower price to using public transport connections efficiently and reducing unnecessary transfers, some advance planning can make a difference.
The Dubai–Abu Dhabi route links Al Yalayis Station in Jumeirah Golf Estates with Mohammed Bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi. The journey takes approximately one hour and four minutes.
Here are four useful travel tips to consider before boarding.
1. Book Etihad Rail tickets online to save Dh21
Buying your Etihad Rail ticket online can be an easy way to reduce the cost of your journey compared with purchasing it at the station.
For instance, a standard Comfort Class ticket costs Dh39 when booked online, while the same journey costs Dh60 when the ticket is purchased from a vending machine at the station. Booking digitally therefore saves passengers Dh21 per trip.
Passengers can purchase tickets through Etihad Rail’s official website or mobile app.
Tip: Before completing your booking, compare departure times and the available fare options. Etihad Rail offers Saver, Value and Flex fares, each with different rules for ticket changes and refunds. If your travel plans are confirmed, it may be worth checking whether a Saver fare provides a lower price.
2. Get a nol One-Day Pass for unlimited Dubai public transport
Passengers travelling to or from Dubai can pair their Etihad Rail journey with a nol One-Day Pass, with prices starting from Dh22.
The pass allows unlimited travel on eligible Dubai Metro, Tram and RTA bus services on the day it is activated.
Passengers can choose from two options:
- Regular pass: Dh22
- Gold pass: Dh42
For added convenience, the Etihad Rail ticket and nol One-Day Pass can be accessed using a single QR code.
At Al Yalayis Station, a dedicated pedestrian bridge provides a direct connection to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station on the Red Line. This allows passengers to switch between Etihad Rail and the Dubai Metro without needing to book a taxi.
Note: The nol One-Day Pass can be activated within 90 days of purchase, meaning passengers are not required to use it on the same day as their Etihad Rail journey. Once activated, however, the pass remains valid only until midnight that day rather than for a full 24-hour period.
3. Check different train times to find lower fares
Ticket prices on Etihad Rail can differ depending on the departure time, even for journeys between the same stations. Checking several departure options before booking could therefore help passengers secure a lower fare.
For example, a Comfort Class journey from Abu Dhabi to Dubai costs Dh39 for the 6.43am departure. The same route on the 4.43pm service costs Dh49, making the earlier journey Dh10 cheaper.
Tip: Before finalising your booking, check fares for different departure times on the Etihad Rail website or app. If your schedule is flexible, travelling earlier or later could help you find a lower-priced ticket.
4. Take an RTA bus to Dubai’s Etihad Rail station
Passengers do not necessarily need to drive or rely on a taxi to get to Al Yalayis Station.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) operates the F38 feeder bus, providing a connection between Etihad Rail’s Al Yalayis Station and Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station. The route also serves nearby areas such as Dubai Production City and Dubai Sports City.
According to the S’hail app, fares on the bus service start from Dh3, making it an affordable option for passengers travelling to or from the Etihad Rail station.
Alternatively, travellers can take the Dubai Metro Red Line to Jumeirah Golf Estates Station and then use the dedicated pedestrian footbridge for direct access to Al Yalayis Station.
Tip: Check the RTA S’hail app for the latest bus routes and schedules before starting your journey. It is also advisable to allow sufficient time to transfer from the Metro or bus to the Etihad Rail boarding gates.
5. Cut taxi costs in Abu Dhabi with Dh10 shuttle buses
Passengers arriving at Mohammed Bin Zayed City Station can avoid relying solely on taxis by using Etihad Rail’s dedicated shuttle bus services.
The shuttles connect the railway station with three key locations in Abu Dhabi:
- ADNOC headquarters on Corniche Road
- ADNEC Centre on Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street
- Reem Mall on Reem Island
Shuttle tickets cost Dh10 and must be reserved while booking an Etihad Rail journey online.
Passengers also have the option of using Abu Dhabi’s public bus network. The MR1 route connects Mohammed Bin Zayed City Station with Abu Dhabi Main Bus Station in Al Wahda, while the MR2 service provides a connection to Al Zahya Bus Station.
