The launch of Etihad Rail’s passenger service between Abu Dhabi and Dubai marks a new chapter in transportation across the United Arab Emirates, offering a faster and more comfortable alternative to highway travel. Starting today, five trains will run daily in each direction, connecting the two emirates and reducing travel time with speeds reaching up to 200 kilometers per hour.
The rail service links Mohammed Bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi with Al Yalayis Station in Dubai’s Jumeirah Golf Estates. Each train offers two classes—Comfort and Premium—with fares beginning at 39 dirhams. Passengers can select from three fare types: Saver, Value, and Flex, each providing different options regarding seat selection, changes, and refunds. Saver fares assign seats automatically and do not allow ticket changes or refunds, while Value fares offer complimentary seat selection and allow changes but remain nonrefundable. Flex fares are the most adaptable, permitting free seat selection, changes, and refunds within cancellation policies.
Both stations are equipped with modern amenities designed to enhance the travel experience. Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed Bin Zayed City Station features ticketing machines, digital departure screens, multiple cafés, a WHSmith store, a premium lounge, and prayer rooms. Al Yalayis Station in Dubai offers Wi-Fi, ticket machines, waiting areas including a family zone, a first aid room, washrooms, a prayer room, and designated pickup and drop-off points.
The train schedule provides a structured timetable to accommodate daily commuters and travelers. Departures from Abu Dhabi occur at 6:43 a.m., 7:43 a.m., 12:43 p.m., 4:43 p.m., and 5:43 p.m., with corresponding arrivals in Dubai at 7:47 a.m., 8:47 a.m., 1:47 p.m., 5:47 p.m., and 6:47 p.m. In the reverse direction, trains depart Dubai at 6:14 a.m., 7:14 a.m., 1:14 p.m., 5:14 p.m., and 6:14 p.m., reaching Abu Dhabi at 7:18 a.m., 8:18 a.m., 2:18 p.m., 6:18 p.m., and 7:18 p.m. Additionally, a direct service from Dubai to Fujairah is scheduled to begin on September 30, departing at 1:57 p.m. and arriving approximately 70 minutes later at 3:07 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Etihad Rail website and app, as well as at ticket vending machines located in the stations. Passengers select their departure and arrival stations, travel date and time, class, and fare type, and can also add extras such as shuttle bus service or car rental. Tickets are available up to five minutes before departure, subject to availability, and are delivered digitally or can be printed at the stations.
Beyond efficient transit, the onboard experience includes cultural touches such as Arabic coffee, karak tea, and flavored chocolates, aiming to showcase the heritage of the UAE alongside modern convenience. This new rail connection is expected to facilitate smoother travel and strengthen links between two of the country’s busiest metropolitan areas.