Passengers in the UAE can now book Etihad Rail trips, with ticket prices beginning at Dh55.
Dubai: Starting next week, passengers will be able to travel on Etihad Rail’s first passenger service, and advance bookings are already open. UAE residents can now reserve seats online for inter-emirate train journeys.
Etihad Rail has begun ticket sales for its Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route, scheduled to launch on June 30. The new service is expected to significantly cut travel times between the two emirates, with journeys taking as little as one hour and 45 minutes.
To mark the launch, Etihad Rail is offering a 50% introductory discount on fares. Demand appears strong, with the booking platform already showing limited availability and some departures nearly sold out on the inaugural day.
Etihad Rail Passenger Service: Launch Dates and Rollout Timeline
Etihad Rail’s passenger network will be introduced in stages across the UAE between 2026 and 2027, gradually expanding connectivity between key emirates and regions.
- June 30, 2026: Passenger operations commence on the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route as part of an introductory phase.
- September 30, 2026: The official launch phase begins with the opening of Dubai Train Station and Al Dhaid Train Station.
- December 30, 2026: New stations in Al Dhafra are added as the network expands.
- March 30, 2027: Sharjah Train Station opens, completing the planned passenger route and marking the full rollout of the service.
The phased launch is designed to progressively extend rail connectivity across the UAE while supporting growing demand for fast and sustainable inter-emirate travel.
Etihad Rail Ticket Prices and Travel Classes
Etihad Rail will operate with two main passenger classes, with discounted introductory fares currently available as part of its launch offer:
- Comfort Class: Reduced from Dh109 to Dh55
- Premium Class: Reduced from Dh239 to Dh120
The promotional pricing applies during the initial launch period, offering passengers significantly lower fares as the inter-emirate rail service begins operations.
Etihad Rail Ticket Tiers: Saver, Value, and Flex
Passengers on Etihad Rail can choose from three fare tiers based on how much flexibility they need when booking and travelling.
Saver (Best for fixed plans)
No changes or refunds are allowed. Seat selection is chargeable, otherwise seats are automatically assigned 24 hours before departure. Tickets are non-transferable.
Value (Best for some flexibility)
Includes free seat selection and allows unlimited changes up to 72 hours before departure. After that window, each change costs Dh20 plus any fare difference. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Flex (Best for maximum flexibility)
Includes complimentary seat selection and allows unlimited changes up to 30 minutes after departure. Cancellations made 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund, while cancellations on the day of travel incur a 30% fee. Tickets can also be transferred before boarding.
How to Book Etihad Rail Tickets
Passengers can book Etihad Rail tickets online through the official website etihadrail.ae or via the Etihad Rail mobile app. During the initial phase, bookings are available only for travel between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.
Step-by-step booking process:
- Select route and date: Choose departure and arrival stations (Abu Dhabi or Fujairah) and select a travel date from 30 June 2026 onwards.
- Choose class and ticket tier: Pick your travel time and select either Comfort or Premium class. You can upgrade to Value (add Dh10) or Flex (add Dh20).
- Return journey: Repeat the process to book a return trip if needed.
- Enter passenger details: Provide your full name, email address, and mobile number.
- Add extras (optional): Shuttle bus transfers can be added for Dh10.
- Payment: Complete payment using card or mobile wallet. A digital ticket is issued upon confirmation. Physical ticket machines will also be available at stations.
Train Timings and Stations
The first operational route runs between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, with stations open daily from 5am to 11pm.
Station locations:
- Abu Dhabi Station: Mohamed Bin Zayed City
- Fujairah Station: Al Hilal City, Fujairah
The service is designed for convenient inter-emirate travel, with both digital and on-ground booking options available.
Etihad Rail Daily Train Timings (Abu Dhabi–Fujairah Route)
From Abu Dhabi to Fujairah (direct services):
- 8:19am
- 1:53pm
- 6:39pm
From Fujairah to Abu Dhabi (direct services):
- 5:34am
- 10:59am
- 5:28pm
These schedules apply to the initial Abu Dhabi–Fujairah passenger service and provide three daily direct departures in each direction, covering morning, afternoon, and evening travel options.
Etihad Rail Shuttle Bus Services
Passengers can use the official Etihad Rail shuttle buses to travel to and from the Abu Dhabi Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station for a fare of Dh10.
The service currently connects the station with three key locations in Abu Dhabi:
- ADNOC Headquarters (Corniche Road West, Al Khubeirah area)
- Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC Centre)
- Reem Mall
Full shuttle bus schedules are available via the Etihad Rail mobile app and official website, allowing passengers to plan seamless connections between the train station and major city destinations.
Etihad Rail Baggage Allowance and Policy
Passengers aged 3 years and above are allowed to carry two pieces of luggage free of charge, regardless of ticket type. Infants under 3 years old are not entitled to a separate baggage allowance.
Personal item:
Items such as handbags or laptop bags must fit under the seat in front of the passenger.
Carry-on bag:
Maximum size allowed is 55cm x 40cm x 23cm, and it must be stored in the overhead luggage racks.
Important rules:
- All luggage must be clearly labelled with the passenger’s name and contact details
- Passengers must be able to lift and store their own luggage without assistance
- Bags must not obstruct aisles, doors, or emergency exits
- Requests for additional baggage must be made in advance
Station Facilities and Onboard Experience
Etihad Rail stations are designed with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable and efficient travel experience for passengers.
Station Facilities and Passenger Services
Etihad Rail stations are equipped with a range of modern amenities designed to support a comfortable and convenient travel experience for passengers:
- Ticket vending machines, along with information and customer support desks
- Standard waiting areas as well as dedicated family waiting zones
- Prayer rooms and restroom facilities
- Food and beverage outlets, plus retail shops
- Parking facilities, pick-up and drop-off zones, taxi and e-hailing areas, and bus connections
- First aid rooms for medical assistance
These facilities aim to ensure smooth passenger flow and provide essential services at all major stations.
Onboard Experience
Etihad Rail’s passenger service will operate a fleet of 13 trains, each with a capacity of up to 400 passengers.
Passengers can expect a comfortable and consistent travel experience, including:
- Guaranteed seating for every passenger
- Onboard Wi-Fi connectivity
- Modern interiors and amenities designed to enhance comfort throughout the journey
The service is designed to offer a smooth, reliable alternative for inter-emirate travel with a focus on convenience and passenger comfort.
