For years, the only real choices between Dubai and Abu Dhabi were the car, the bus or an expensive taxi. That changed on 30 September 2026. You can now sit back on a train, skip the traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road, and reach the capital in about an hour for as little as AED 39.
Etihad Rail, the UAE’s national railway, opened its Dubai station that day, connecting Dubai with Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. It’s one of the biggest changes to UAE travel in a generation, and people are curious: how much does it really cost, when do the trains run, where exactly is the station, and what are the rules on board?
Here’s everything you need to know before your first trip.
Quick answer: Etihad Rail runs from Dubai Al Yalayis Station (Jumeirah Golf Estates, linked to the Metro Red Line) to Mohamed Bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi in about one hour. Comfort fares start from AED 39 and Premium from AED 109. At launch there are five trains a day in each direction. Book on etihadrail.ae, the Etihad Rail app or station ticket machines.
What Is Etihad Rail?
Etihad Rail is the UAE’s national railway. Its network stretches about 900 km, from Ghuwaifat on the Saudi border to Fujairah on the east coast. For years it carried only freight. In 2026, it started carrying people.
Passenger service began on 30 June 2026 with an introductory route between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. The full network launch followed on 30 September 2026, when the Dubai and Al Dhaid (Sharjah) stations opened. The Dubai station was inaugurated on 28 September by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arriving by train from Abu Dhabi.
The trains can reach 200 km/h and carry around 400 passengers each, with Comfort and Premium classes. Interest has been huge: more than 10,000 tickets were sold even before the very first passenger journey in June.
Etihad Rail Ticket Prices
Fares vary by date and demand, a bit like airline tickets, so always check the live price when booking. These are the starting fares published so far:
| Route | Journey time | Comfort from | Premium from |
| Dubai to Abu Dhabi | About 1 hour | AED 39 | AED 109 |
| Dubai to Fujairah | About 1 hour 10 minutes | AED 29 to AED 39 | Varies |
| Abu Dhabi to Fujairah | About 1 hour 45 minutes | AED 55 (launch fare) | AED 120 (launch fare) |
A few things to know about fares:
- Launch discounts won’t last forever. The Abu Dhabi to Fujairah prices were introduced with a 50% launch discount. Etihad Rail lists full fares of about AED 109 (Comfort) and AED 239 (Premium) on that route, so expect prices to rise when offers end.
- Children travel cheaper. Children’s tickets have been offered at a 50% discount.
- Cancellations can be refunded, depending on the ticket conditions. Read the terms before you pay.
Comfort or Premium: which should you choose?
Comfort Class is the standard option and the one most passengers book. Seats are comfortable, the carriages are modern and air-conditioned, and it’s more than enough for a one-hour journey. Premium Class costs more and offers a more spacious, upgraded seating experience. For a short Dubai to Abu Dhabi hop, Comfort is usually the smart choice. Premium makes more sense on the longer Fujairah routes or if you want to work in peace.
Etihad Rail Timetable: Dubai to Abu Dhabi
At launch, there are five trains a day in each direction between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. From Dubai Al Yalayis Station, departures are scheduled at:
| Departs Dubai (Al Yalayis) | Arrives Abu Dhabi (MBZ City) |
| 6:14 am | About 7:18 am |
| 7:14 am | About 8:18 am |
| 1:14 pm | About 2:18 pm |
| 5:14 pm | About 6:18 pm |
| 6:14 pm | About 7:18 pm |
The last train from Abu Dhabi reaches Dubai at around 6:47 pm. There’s also a direct service between Dubai and Fujairah. Timetables are expected to grow as the network expands, so check the Etihad Rail website or app for your travel date.
Planning a commute? With only five trains each way, the schedule suits early commuters and day trips better than late evenings. If you need to return late, plan another way home.
Where Are the Etihad Rail Stations?
Dubai: Al Yalayis Station
Dubai’s station is Dubai Al Yalayis Station, at Jumeirah Golf Estates along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road in south Dubai. A footbridge links it to the Dubai Metro Red Line, so you can arrive by Metro and walk straight across. You can use your nol card for onward journeys around Dubai. The station is open daily from 5 am to 11 pm.
Abu Dhabi: Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station
In Abu Dhabi, trains arrive at Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station, which opened in June 2026. It’s on the mainland rather than on Abu Dhabi island, so allow extra time and transport if you’re heading to the Corniche or downtown.
Other stations and what’s coming next
| Station | Emirate | Opening |
| Al Hilal City | Fujairah | Open since 30 June 2026 |
| Al Dhaid | Sharjah | Open since 30 September 2026 |
| Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed | Abu Dhabi (Al Dhafra) | Planned for 30 December 2026 |
| University City | Sharjah | Planned for 30 March 2027 |
How to Book Etihad Rail Tickets
- Go to etihadrail.ae or download the Etihad Rail app.
- Choose your departure and arrival stations, date and number of passengers.
- Pick a train time and class (Comfort or Premium) and check the live fare.
- Enter passenger details. Keep your ID handy; passengers may be asked to show it.
- Pay by card and save the QR code ticket on your phone.
You can also buy tickets from vending machines and support desks at stations, but booking ahead is safer, as early trains have been popular.
Etihad Rail vs Driving: Is the Train Worth It?
For many people, yes. Here’s a rough comparison for one person travelling from south Dubai to Abu Dhabi:
| Train (Comfort) | Driving | |
| Ticket or fuel | From AED 39 | About AED 40 to AED 50 in fuel at October 2026 prices |
| Tolls and parking | None | Possible Salik charges in Dubai, plus parking |
| Journey time | About 1 hour, no traffic | 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic |
| Stress | Read, rest or work | Driving, radars and traffic |
With fuel prices at their highest level of 2026 this month (Special 95 is AED 4.28 a litre), the train is especially attractive for solo travellers. For a family of four, driving may still work out cheaper, though children’s discounts narrow the gap. If you do drive, keep an eye on your Salik balance and check your traffic fines regularly.
Etihad Rail Rules and Fines You Should Know
This is the part people are talking about this week. Etihad Rail’s Passenger Charter sets clear rules, and breaking them can be expensive:
| Offence | Fine |
| Putting your feet on the seats | AED 200 |
| Littering | AED 200 |
| Bringing or drinking alcohol on board | AED 200 |
| Being intoxicated on trains or at stations | AED 200 |
| Ignoring staff instructions or refusing to leave the platform | AED 200 |
| Smoking or vaping on trains or at stations | AED 500 |
| Causing a train delay | AED 500 |
| Boarding or leaving a moving train | AED 500 |
| Commercial filming or photography without permission | AED 500 |
| Serious safety breaches (for example, misusing doors or emergency equipment) | Up to AED 5,000 |
| Other offences | AED 100 to AED 10,000, at Etihad Rail’s discretion |
Etihad Rail staff can also refuse travel, remove passengers or issue temporary bans, with no refund for anyone removed for breaking the rules. Random security checks may take place at stations.
Other practical rules
- Arrive at least 20 minutes early so you don’t miss your train.
- E-scooters are not allowed on board.
- Carry valid ID, such as your Emirates ID or passport.
- There’s no re-entry once you’ve left the station with a used ticket.
- Personal photos are fine, but commercial filming needs written permission.
What If Your Train Is Delayed or Cancelled?
If Etihad Rail cancels your trip, you’ll be offered rebooking or another transport option where available. If you miss a rail-to-rail connection because of an Etihad Rail delay, you’ll be rebooked on the next available service at no cost. This guarantee doesn’t cover taxis, parking, the Dubai Metro or other transport operators, so leave some buffer if you have a flight or important appointment.
Who Is Etihad Rail Best For?
The train isn’t the perfect fit for every trip yet, but it’s a great option for:
- Day-trippers heading to Abu Dhabi for meetings, family visits or sightseeing.
- Weekend travellers escaping to Fujairah’s mountains and beaches without the long drive.
- People without a car, who previously relied on buses or costly taxis between emirates.
- Visitors and tourists who want to see more of the UAE in a relaxed, scenic way.
It’s less convenient if you live far from the stations or need to travel late at night, since the timetable is still limited. As more trains and stations are added, it should become a realistic option for daily commuting too.
Tips for Your First Etihad Rail Journey
- Book early for morning trains. The 6:14 am and 7:14 am departures are popular with commuters.
- Plan the last mile. Both the Dubai and Abu Dhabi stations sit outside the city centres, so check how you’ll get from the station to your final destination.
- Use the Metro in Dubai. The footbridge to the Red Line makes Al Yalayis one of the easiest stations to reach without a car.
- Pack light. Large items like e-scooters aren’t allowed, and you’ll be walking between platforms and connections.
- Keep your ticket on your phone. The QR code is scanned at the gates, so make sure your battery isn’t flat.
- Bring a snack and water for longer trips, but leave alcohol at home.
Final Word: Try It at Least Once
Etihad Rail is still young, with a limited timetable and more stations to come, but it already offers something the UAE never had: a fast, calm and affordable way to travel between emirates without touching a steering wheel. Whether it’s a day trip to the capital, a weekend in Fujairah or a regular commute, it’s worth trying, especially while launch fares last.
Official sources: Etihad Rail and RTA Dubai.This article is based on official announcements and news reports published up to 9 October 2026. Fares, timetables and rules can change, so confirm the details with Etihad Rail before travelling. Last updated: 9 October 2026
