One travelled by Etihad Rail, the other by car — and the train arrived around four minutes earlier.
Abu Dhabi: Same starting point, same destination — but two very different ways to make the journey.
Two friends travelling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi decided to put Etihad Rail’s new passenger service to a real-world test by comparing it with driving.
Dmitrii Mednikov travelled by car, while his friend Rodion boarded the first Etihad Rail journey from Dubai’s Al Yalayis Station to Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi. Both started their timers to see who would arrive first.
When they compared their arrival times, the train had reached Abu Dhabi around four minutes earlier.
“We came here to compare, who will be faster, train or car. And the train won,” Rodion said.
‘This is next level’
For Dmitrii, the comparison was not simply about which option was faster. He said the biggest difference was the overall experience of the journey.
“It is definitely easier and more comfortable to be sitting in a train than stuck in traffic in a car or spending a lot of time finding a parking spot,” he said.
He believes the advantage of travelling by train could become even more noticeable when roads are at their busiest.
“During peak hours, the train would definitely be the fastest option,” he added.
Rodion, meanwhile, was impressed by the train itself after experiencing the new service.
“Inside, it is very, very beautiful train. We are from Russia and we remember trains in Russia, but this is next level. Very modern, one of the best trains I have experienced,” he said.
A quiet and comfortable journey
Travelling in Comfort Class, Rodion said the journey remained quiet and comfortable despite the train travelling at high speed.
“It was quiet and nice,” he said.
The two expats made the trip to Abu Dhabi to explore the city while also experiencing the UAE’s new inter-emirate passenger rail service.
Etihad Rail connects Al Yalayis Station in Dubai with Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi, operating five trains daily in each direction, with fares starting from Dh29. The first passenger train from Dubai arrived in Abu Dhabi at 7.18am.
