Operating three times a day in both directions, the journey takes less than two hours, offering passengers views of golden dunes and the Hajar Mountains between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.
With the launch of Etihad Rail’s passenger services on June 30, 2026, weekend travel across the UAE has taken on a new dimension. The first route linking Abu Dhabi and Fujairah has quickly gained popularity among residents, offering a scenic and convenient alternative to long road journeys.
Operating three times daily in both directions, the service completes the journey in around one hour and 45 minutes. Passengers travel from Abu Dhabi’s city landscape across golden desert dunes before reaching the dramatic Hajar Mountains of Fujairah.
Since services began, tickets have been in high demand, particularly during weekends, with UAE residents praising the convenience, comfort and scenic experience of travelling by train.
Khaleej Times spoke to three families who have already completed the journey to understand how Etihad Rail is changing the way residents explore the country.
‘The train gave us back our time’
For working mother Raya Al Baroudi, who lives in Abu Dhabi but is originally from Kalba, the new rail service has addressed a challenge she has faced for years — travelling home without the journey becoming tiring for her and her children.
“The main motivation was finding a comfortable and safe way to travel and avoiding the strain of driving for two and a half hours with children, especially immediately after work,” she said. “The train offers a chance to rest and unwind after a long day instead of dealing with the fatigue of being on the road.”
Al Baroudi travelled from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah, the emirate closest to her hometown, and said the experience surpassed her expectations. “It was truly wonderful, with a warm welcome and excellent hospitality. For the children, it was much easier than long car journeys and gave them more room to relax and enjoy the trip.”
The journey itself became an experience for her children, who were fascinated by the views along the route. “They were excited and very happy. They enjoyed seeing the landscapes across different parts of the country, spotting camels, antelopes, deer and livestock, while also learning about trees, plants and the mountain scenery along the way,” she said.
Al Baroudi also highlighted the service’s benefits for her elderly mother. “This option is also ideal for my mother, allowing her to travel comfortably to her appointments in Abu Dhabi and return to Kalba without the exhaustion of a long drive.”
‘Luxurious in every sense of the word’
For Abu Dhabi resident Asma Al Marzouqi, an employee and mother of seven, the launch of Etihad Rail’s passenger service marked a moment she had been eagerly awaiting since plans for a national passenger railway were first announced.
When the inaugural Fujairah route opened, she and her family booked their tickets immediately.
“From the first moment the idea of Etihad Rail was introduced, we had been waiting for the day we could travel between emirates by train,” she said. “When the first Fujairah to Abu Dhabi journey was announced, we were very excited and booked straight away. Since we were not travelling abroad, we decided to explore beautiful Fujairah instead.”
The family chose Premium Class, with fares starting from Dh120 per ticket. “The journey was luxurious in every sense of the word. From the moment we arrived at the station, the facilities were impressive, the seats were comfortable and the hospitality was excellent,” she said.
Al Marzouqi also planned the trip in advance by researching hotels close to Fujairah station. “I checked the map to find the station location and nearby hotels. We booked the Sea Hotel, which was about 10 minutes away by car. When we reached Fujairah station, there were plenty of taxis available. We took one to the hotel and travelled around Fujairah by taxi — it genuinely felt like we were on a holiday abroad.”
She is already looking forward to more rail journeys. “We will definitely continue using Etihad Rail. Our next plans are to travel by train to Al Dhafra, Dubai and Sharjah, God willing. My children were extremely happy; it truly felt like a real travel experience.”
A quick trip with a big impact
For Umm Rashid Al Zahmi from Fujairah, the appeal was simple — a family leisure trip. She and her family travelled by train from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi and back, describing the experience as comfortable and enjoyable for passengers of all ages.
“It was a wonderful and very comfortable experience, and it was much more enjoyable for the children,” she said. “It is definitely a fun and easier way to travel for the whole family.”
Although the trip was short, it made a lasting impression. “We already have another trip planned in a week, and my children are very excited to experience it again,” she added.
What you need to know
Etihad Rail currently operates three daily services between Mohamed bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi and Al Hilal City Station in Fujairah.
Introductory fares start at Dh55 for Comfort Class and Dh120 for Premium Class, with discounts available for children aged 2 to 17 and seniors aged 60 and above.
Tickets can be booked through the Etihad Rail website or mobile app. Passengers are advised to arrive at least 20 minutes before departure.
Ticket holders can use free parking at the Abu Dhabi station, while a Dh10 shuttle service connects the station with Reem Mall, Adnoc headquarters and Adnec. Taxis are available at Fujairah station for onward journeys.
What’s next for Etihad Rail
The Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route is only the first phase of Etihad Rail’s passenger network. On September 30, 2026, services will expand to include the Dubai Station near Jumeirah Golf Estates and the Al Dhaid Station in Sharjah.
Additional stations in Al Dhafra and Sharjah’s University City are planned through late 2026 and into 2027.
Once fully operational, the 900km network will connect 11 cities and regions across all seven emirates, stretching from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah on the east coast.
