Route network, ticket prices, timings and how to book

The long-anticipated Etihad Rail passenger railway service has finally launched. A landmark new addition to the UAE’s public transport network, Etihad Rail is set to make travel between the emirates even more accessible, seamless and speedy.

While Etihad Rail is currently in soft launch, there’s major expansion plans set to come, both later this year and in the years to come, which will eventually see the train connect the UAE with its neighbours in Saudi Arabia and Oman.

If you’re planning a trip, here’s everything you need to know about Etihad Rail. 

Where does Etihad Rail go?

Etihad Rail launched its introductory phase on June 30, operating its inaugural journey between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.

Services to Dubai Train Station and Al Dhaid Train Station will be added on September 30, followed by stations in Al Dhafra on 30 December. The route will be completed on March 30 next year with the opening of Sharjah Train Station.

Where are the stations?

Etihad rail route network

The first 10 stations have already been confirmed as:

Al Sila Station, Abu Dhabi (opens December 30)

Al Dhannah Station, Abu Dhabi (opens December 30)

Al Mirfa Station, Abu Dhabi (opens December 30)

Liwa Station, Abu Dhabi (opens December 30)

Madinat Zayed Station, Abu Dhabi (opens December 30)

Abu Dhabi Mohammed Bin Zayed Station, Abu Dhabi (now open)

Dubai Station, Dubai (opens September 30)

Sharjah University City Station, Sharjah (opens March 30, 2027)

Al Dhaid Station, Sharjah (opens September 30)

Fujairah Station, Fujairah (now open)

How regular are the services?

Etihad Rail

There are currently three trains per day between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah:

The morning train leaves Fujairah bright and early at 5.34am, arriving into Abu Dhabi at 7.19am. The next train leaves Fujairah at 10.59am and arrives into Abu Dhabi at 12.44pm, while the final train of the day leaves Fujairah at 5.28pm and arrives into Abu Dhabi at 7.13pm.

On the reverse route, the morning train leaves Abu Dhabi at 8.19am, arriving in Fujairah at 10.04am. The afternoon train leaves Abu Dhabi at 1.53pm and arrives in Fujairah at 3.38pm. The evening train leaves Abu Dhabi at 6.39pm, pulling into Fujairah at 8.24pm.

How long does it take?

The current route between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah has cut travel time between the two emirates to just 1 hour and 45 minutes.

When services launch between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, it’s expected that the journey between the emirates will take 57 minutes.

What are the seating options?

etihad rail seats

There are two ticket classes onboard Etihad Rail: 

Comfort class is the entry level ticket. This gets you a comfortable seat with standard legroom, complimentary WiFi and access to a power socket and USB charging. There’s an onboard food and beverage trolley that you can purchase drinks and snacks from.

Premium class tickets are Etihad Rail’s version of a first class train ticket. You get a wider seat that reclines, extra legroom, plus the complimentary WiFi and power socket and USB charging that also comes in Comfort class. Exclusively for Premium class passengers, there’s complimentary beverages and snacks.

How much are tickets?

Fares on the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route are currently half price, with adult fares priced from Dhs55 for Comfort Class and from Dhs120 for Premium Class.

Tickets for children start from Dhs28, for children aged 2 to 17, while infants aged two and under who sit on your lap ride the Etihad Rail for free.

Comfort Class tickets have three tiers: 
– Saver, which comes with an automatically assigned seat, no changes and no refunds available
– Value, which comes with complimentary seat selection, change permitted, but no refunds (+ Dhs10)
– Flex, which comes with complimentary seat selection, change permitted, and is refundable if your plans change (+ Dhs20)

Premium Class tickets also have the same three tiers: 
– Saver, which comes with an automatically assigned seat, no changes and no refunds available
– Value, which comes with complimentary seat selection, change permitted, but no refunds (+ Dhs10)
– Flex, which comes with complimentary seat selection, change permitted, and is refundable if your plans change (+ Dhs30)

After the introductory period, the full price for adult fares will start from Dhs109 for comfort and Dhs239 for premium.

There’s special rates for seniors, with over 60s paying from Dhs44 for Comfort and from Dhs96 for Premium during the initial launch. From September 30, senior fares will start from Dhs88 for Comfort and Dhs192 for prmium.

How do you book tickets?

You can book tickets now via etihadrail.ae and also via the official Etihad Rail app.

How many trains are operating?

The passenger rail fleet comprises 13 trains, each with a capacity of up to 400 passengers.

Shuttle services

In Abu Dhabi, Etihad Rail operates an official shuttle service that gets you to and from Abu Dhabi Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station, with three shuttle routes across the city. These are:

– ADNOC Headquarters – Corniche Road West, Al Khubeirah Area, Corniche

– ADNEC Centre – Al Khaleej Al Arabi St-Al Rawdah-W59 01

– Reem Mall – Al Reem Island

Is it pet-friendly?

Yes. Domestic pets are permitted onboard if they are kept inside an approved carrier that meets the permitted size requirements.