What is Etihad Rail, and how does it work?

Etihad Rail is the UAE's national rail network, developed to connect key population and industrial centers and shift more travel and freight from roads to rail. You can book your tickets online or at the stations, and the guide provides detailed information on the different stations, timetables, and ticket prices.

How do I book my tickets, and what ID is required at boarding?

You can book your tickets online or at the stations, and you'll need to present your ID at boarding. The guide provides more information on the booking process and required documents.

What can I expect onboard, and how do I make the most of my journey?

Onboard, you can expect comfortable seating, facilities, and arrival procedures. The guide provides more information on the onboard experience and tips to make the most of your journey.

Etihad Rail: Real Fares, Routes & How To Book

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MDT News Desk July 2, 2026Updated on October 19, 2026

Etihad Rail Passenger Service: Routes, Fares & How to Book

Etihad Rail‘s passenger service launched its trial phase on 30 June 2026, connecting Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed bin Zayed City station and Al Hilal City in Fujairah, a journey that takes 1 hour 45 minutes at up to 200 km/h, versus roughly 3 hours by road. The network rolled out further on 30 September 2026 with Dubai’s Al Yalayis station at Jumeirah Golf Estates (Abu Dhabi to Dubai runs about 57 minutes) and Al Dhaid in Sharjah.

Confirmed Fares

Abu Dhabi to Fujairah launched at AED 55 in Comfort Class and AED 120 in Premium Class, a 50% introductory discount on regular fares of AED 109 and AED 239. Dubai to Abu Dhabi starts from AED 39 in Comfort Class and AED 109 in Premium Class. Actual prices depend on the fare type (Saver, Value or Flex) and availability, so check etihadrail.ae for your route.

Also ReadEtihad Rail Late Policy: Gates Close 2 Minutes Before Departure

How to Book

Book through the official Etihad Rail website (etihadrail.ae), the Etihad Rail app (iOS and Android), or at ticket counters and self-service kiosks at the stations. Tickets can be bought up to five minutes before departure, subject to availability. Dubai’s RTA is the ticketing and payment partner for the service, so the nol card used on Dubai Metro and buses is expected to become a valid payment method too.

What to Expect

Arrive at least 20 minutes before departure with your ticket and a valid ID ready. The fleet runs 13 trains, each seating up to 400 passengers. Etihad Rail partnered with Italian hospitality company Arsenale on the onboard experience: infotainment, charging points, food and beverage service, and generous legroom.

Rollout Timeline

30 June 2026: Trial launch, Abu Dhabi-Fujairah
30 September 2026: Official network launch, Dubai (Jumeirah Golf Estates) and Al Dhaid (Sharjah) stations open
30 November 2026: Madinat Zayed and Liwa stations open
30 December 2026: Al Sila, Al Dhannah and Al Mirfa stations open
30 March 2027: Sharjah’s University City station opens, completing the initial rollout

The full network spans roughly 900 km and will eventually connect 11 stations across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah, with Etihad Rail targeting 36 million passengers a year by 2030. Dubai Airports leadership has also hinted at a future station at Al Maktoum International once its expansion completes, though that isn’t confirmed on any published timeline yet.

Also ReadEtihad Rail Car Rental: Thrifty Rail to Road From Dh80 a Day

Etihad Rail’s passenger service is real and running, not a future plan: Abu Dhabi to Fujairah in under two hours for AED 55 to 120, with Dubai now connected too as of 30 September 2026. Book via etihadrail.ae or the app, and arrive 20 minutes early with ID in hand.

Travelling from Sharjah? See the Al Dhaid station bus routes, times and fares. Need a car at the other end? Passengers can add a rental through Thrifty’s Rail to Road service.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the train take from Abu Dhabi?

Abu Dhabi to Fujairah takes 1 hour 45 minutes at up to 200 km/h, versus roughly 3 hours by road. Abu Dhabi to Dubai runs about 57 minutes.

When do the next stations open?

Madinat Zayed and Liwa on 30 November 2026, Al Sila, Al Dhannah and Al Mirfa on 30 December 2026, and Sharjah’s University City on 30 March 2027, completing the initial rollout.

Where to go next

💡 Quick FAQ & IntelligenceTap to Expand

Q: How much does an Etihad Rail ticket cost?

Abu Dhabi to Fujairah launched at AED 55 (Comfort) and AED 120 (Premium). Dubai to Abu Dhabi starts from AED 39 (Comfort) and AED 109 (Premium). Final prices depend on fare type and availability, so check etihadrail.ae.

Q: Where is the Dubai Etihad Rail station?

Al Yalayis Station at Jumeirah Golf Estates, linked by a pedestrian bridge to the Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro station on the Red Line. It opened on 30 September 2026.

Q: How do I book Etihad Rail tickets?

Via etihadrail.ae, the Etihad Rail app, or ticket counters and kiosks at the stations, up to five minutes before departure, subject to availability.

Q: Can I use my nol card on Etihad Rail?

RTA Dubai is the ticketing and payment partner, so the nol card is expected to become a valid payment method, though confirm current acceptance before travel.