Know what’s allowed, what’s banned, and how to avoid delays during your journey.
As the UAE enters a new era of modern transport, Etihad Rail has introduced a detailed set of travel regulations outlining what passengers can and cannot bring onboard its trains, along with rules on passenger behaviour, child travel, pets, luggage, ticketing, and station access.
The guidelines aim to maintain the highest standards of safety, security, and comfort for all travellers as the national railway network prepares for wider passenger services.
The announcement comes after the launch of the first trial passenger services between Fujairah and Abu Dhabi, with the journey taking around 105 minutes on trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h, significantly cutting travel time between the two emirates.
Child and infant travel policies
According to Etihad Rail’s passenger guidelines, infants may travel free of charge when seated on an accompanying adult’s lap, with one infant allowed per paying adult. Families travelling with more than one infant must purchase a child ticket for each additional infant.
For children travelling alone, Etihad Rail has set a minimum age of 14 years for unaccompanied journeys. Children under 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult for the duration of the trip.
To support family travel, foldable strollers are allowed onboard, provided they are collapsed before boarding and stored securely so they do not block aisles, doors, or emergency exits.
Pets allowed under strict conditions
Passengers may travel with domestic pets, provided the animal is kept inside an approved carrier that meets size requirements.
Passengers must ensure pets remain securely contained and under control throughout the journey. Each traveller is permitted one pet carrier, which is counted as part of the allowed hand luggage under the railway’s travel policy.
Strictly prohibited items
Etihad Rail has introduced strict restrictions on items that are not allowed onboard.
Prohibited items include:
- Weapons of any kind
- Explosives and explosive materials
- Flammable and hazardous substances
- Narcotics and illegal drugs
- Alcoholic beverages
- Smoking devices and electronic cigarettes
To ensure safe and smooth movement within train carriages, oversized items that block aisles or storage areas are also not permitted. Bicycles, scooters, electric scooters, and electric bicycles are likewise prohibited.
Passengers are also prohibited from carrying any items that may pose a safety risk, cause inconvenience to others, or emit strong odours that could affect fellow travellers’ comfort.
Travellers are encouraged to review the full list of restricted and prohibited items before departure.
Food, drinks, smoking, and passenger conduct
Passengers are permitted to bring their own food and beverages onboard, provided they comply with the passenger charter.
However, they are advised to avoid items with strong odours or anything that may spill, stain train facilities, or inconvenience other passengers. Alcohol remains strictly prohibited.
Smoking and vaping are prohibited on all trains and within station facilities, except in designated smoking areas where available.
What is allowed on Etihad Rail?
1. Personal luggage and essential items
Passengers are generally allowed to carry personal luggage and travel bags within the specified weight and size limits, provided the items can be safely stored in designated storage areas.
Permitted items also include:
Permitted items onboard
Passengers may carry personal luggage and essential items within the operator’s approved weight and size limits, provided they can be safely stored in designated areas.
Allowed items include:
- Smartphones and personal electronic devices
- Laptops and tablets
- Essential personal medications
- Foldable strollers
- Wheelchairs and mobility aids for People of Determination
These measures are intended to ensure accessibility and inclusive travel services.
Safety-related restrictions
To protect passengers and railway infrastructure, several categories of materials are strictly prohibited, including:
- Flammable or explosive substances
- Hazardous or toxic chemicals
- Fuel and compressed gases
- Fireworks and pyrotechnic materials
- Radioactive substances
- Corrosive materials
- Any item that could endanger passengers or railway operations
Animals must also be transported in line with approved regulations and must not compromise passenger comfort, except where authorised service-animal provisions apply.
3. Unacceptable behaviour
Etihad Rail’s code of conduct prohibits any actions that may disturb other passengers or compromise safety, including:
- Smoking or vaping in unauthorised areas
- Tampering with safety equipment or emergency systems
- Blocking doors, aisles, or emergency exits
- Littering
- Playing audio devices at high volume
- Aggressive, abusive, or disruptive behaviour
4. Security and screening measures
Passengers and their luggage are subject to security screening at stations, in line with procedures commonly used across modern railway networks worldwide.
Travellers are also required to follow instructions issued by station staff and train crews, and to comply with all rules related to boarding, disembarking, and the use of station facilities.
Ticketing and booking rules
Etihad Rail strongly advises passengers to book tickets in advance, especially during peak travel periods, to secure preferred departure times and seating.
Tickets can be purchased up to five minutes before departure, subject to availability.
The operator also provides ticket vending machines at stations, although certain fare categories may not be available through these machines, and ticket sales close shortly before departure.
Passengers are advised to ensure they have a valid ticket before boarding. While onboard ticket purchases may be possible in limited cases, availability depends on the fare class and is managed directly by train staff.
Changes, cancellations, and refunds
The ability to modify or cancel a booking depends on the fare type purchased.
Some ticket classes allow changes to date and time, while others do not. Where permitted, bookings can be managed via the Etihad Rail mobile app, website, station ticket machines, or customer service centres, subject to seat availability and any applicable fare differences.
Refund eligibility also depends on the ticket type and the timing of cancellation. Some fare categories are non-refundable, while flexible tickets may be eligible for refunds under specified conditions.
Gate closure policy
Passengers are reminded that station gates close two minutes before scheduled departure.
Etihad Rail advises travellers to arrive early to allow sufficient time for security checks, ticket validation, and platform access.
The operator also emphasised that once passengers enter the secure departure area, they cannot re-enter using the same ticket if they leave the zone. Anyone who exits and wishes to return must purchase a new ticket before re-entering.
New standard for rail travel
As Etihad Rail moves toward full passenger operations, these regulations reflect its commitment to providing a safe, efficient, and world-class travel experience. By combining strict safety standards with passenger-friendly policies, the UAE’s national railway network is positioning itself as a major addition to the country’s transport infrastructure and a key pillar of future mobility.
