Etihad Rail UAE 2026: Tickets, Routes, Stations, Fares & Timings

Etihad Rail passenger trains are now operating in the UAE. The first scheduled passenger service launched between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on 30 June 2026, giving travellers a new way to move between emirates without driving or flying.

The passenger network is being introduced in phases. Dubai and Al Dhaid stations are scheduled to open on 30 September 2026, followed by Zayed City and Liwa on 30 November 2026, the remaining Al Dhafra stations on 30 December 2026, and Sharjah Station on 30 March 2027.

This guide explains the current Etihad Rail routes, ticket prices, stations, journey times, booking process and what passengers can expect onboard.

Last updated: 2 September 2026

Quick answer: Etihad Rail is open for passenger travel. The current scheduled passenger route connects Mohamed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi with Al Hilal City in Fujairah. The journey takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes, with fares starting from AED 55 in Comfort Class and AED 120 in Premium Class. The network will expand to Dubai and Al Dhaid on 30 September 2026.

Is Etihad Rail Open for Passengers?

Yes. Etihad Rail officially began scheduled passenger operations on 30 June 2026.

The first paying passenger service departed Fujairah at 5:34 am and arrived at Mohamed bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi at 7:19 am.

The launch marked the beginning of scheduled inter-emirate passenger rail travel in the UAE. More than 10,000 tickets had already been sold before the first services began, according to Etihad Rail.

For now, the operating passenger route connects Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. More stations are opening in stages through March 2027.

Etihad Rail Opening Dates: 2026 and 2027

The passenger network is not opening everywhere at once. Etihad Rail is introducing services in phases.

Station or Route	Opening Date	Status
Abu Dhabi to Fujairah	30 June 2026	Operating
Dubai Station	30 September 2026	Scheduled
Al Dhaid Station	30 September 2026	Scheduled
Zayed City Station	30 November 2026	Scheduled
Liwa Station	30 November 2026	Scheduled
Remaining Al Dhafra stations	30 December 2026	Scheduled
Sharjah Station	30 March 2027	Scheduled

The schedule is important because older information online may simply say that Etihad Rail passenger services will start in 2026. That is no longer accurate. Passenger operations have already started, but the wider network is still being rolled out.

Current Etihad Rail Passenger Route

As of September 2026, Etihad Rail’s scheduled passenger service connects:

Mohamed bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi → Al Hilal City, Fujairah

The direct journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

The introductory operating phase has included up to six services per day between the two cities, providing morning, afternoon and evening travel options.

Train schedules can change according to the travel date and operational requirements, so passengers should check the Etihad Rail booking platform before travelling rather than relying on an old timetable.

Abu Dhabi to Fujairah Train Timings

The timetable published when passenger operations began included three daily departures in each direction.

Route	Published Departure Times	Approximate Journey
Abu Dhabi to Fujairah	8:19 am, 1:53 pm, 6:39 pm	About 1 hour 45 minutes
Fujairah to Abu Dhabi	5:34 am, 10:59 am, 5:28 pm	About 1 hour 45 minutes

Important: These are the timings published during the introductory operating period. Always check the official booking system for your specific date because departure times and service frequency may change.

Etihad Rail Ticket Prices

Etihad Rail currently offers two main passenger classes: Comfort Class and Premium Class.

Officially announced starting fares for the Abu Dhabi to Fujairah route are:

Class	Fare From
Comfort Class	AED 55
Premium Class	AED 120

Actual fares can depend on the passenger type, ticket conditions, class and travel date.

Etihad Rail also offers different ticket conditions, so passengers should compare the flexibility and change or cancellation rules shown during booking instead of choosing only by price.

Fares for routes involving Dubai, Al Dhaid, Sharjah and other upcoming stations may differ from the current Abu Dhabi to Fujairah prices.

How to Book Etihad Rail Tickets

Passengers can purchase Etihad Rail tickets through the official Etihad Rail website or mobile application.

The normal booking process is straightforward:

1. Select your departure station and destination.
2. Choose your travel date.
3. Select an available departure time.
4. Choose Comfort Class or Premium Class.
5. Select the available fare type and ticket conditions.
6. Enter the passenger details.
7. Choose available seats or additional options where offered.
8. Complete payment and receive your ticket digitally.

Booking online before travelling is advisable, particularly around weekends, public holidays and popular travel periods.

Demand has been strong since launch. Etihad Rail reported more than 70,000 tickets sold by early August 2026, just over a month after scheduled passenger operations began.

Etihad Rail Stations

The passenger network will eventually connect several cities and regions across the UAE. Some stations are already operating, while others have confirmed future opening dates.

Station	Area	Passenger Status
Mohamed bin Zayed City Station	Abu Dhabi	Open
Al Hilal City Station	Fujairah	Open
Dubai Station	Jumeirah Golf Estates area	Opening 30 September 2026
Al Dhaid Station	Sharjah Emirate	Opening 30 September 2026
Zayed City Station	Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi	Opening 30 November 2026
Liwa Station	Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi	Opening 30 November 2026
Other Al Dhafra stations	Western Abu Dhabi	Opening 30 December 2026
Sharjah Station	Sharjah	Opening 30 March 2027

The station rollout should not be confused with the much larger UAE National Rail Network used for freight. Passenger services use the national railway infrastructure but are being opened to travellers gradually.

Etihad Rail Dubai: When Will the Dubai Station Open?

Etihad Rail’s Dubai passenger station is scheduled to open on 30 September 2026.

The station is located in the Jumeirah Golf Estates area, close to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. Its location is particularly important because Etihad Rail is being developed as part of a wider public transport system rather than as an isolated railway.

Connections with Dubai’s existing transport network are expected to make it easier for passengers to continue their journey after arriving by train.

Dubai’s opening will be one of the biggest stages of the passenger rollout because it will place the UAE’s largest city directly on the scheduled inter-emirate passenger rail network.

Travellers planning journeys involving Dubai should check Etihad Rail after the station opens for confirmed routes, travel times and fares.

Etihad Rail Al Dhaid Station

Al Dhaid Station in the Emirate of Sharjah is also scheduled to begin passenger operations on 30 September 2026.

Al Dhaid is located inland from Sharjah city and gives the passenger railway an important connection through the central and eastern side of the country.

The station should be particularly useful for residents and visitors travelling between the east coast and other parts of the UAE.

When Will Etihad Rail Sharjah Station Open?

Sharjah’s main passenger station is scheduled to open on 30 March 2027.

This is different from Al Dhaid Station, which is located within the Emirate of Sharjah but opens earlier on 30 September 2026.

That distinction is important for passengers. Someone searching for an Etihad Rail train from central Sharjah should not assume the city’s main station is already operating when Al Dhaid opens.

Etihad Rail in Al Dhafra, Liwa and Zayed City

Etihad Rail is also extending scheduled passenger services into Abu Dhabi’s western Al Dhafra region.

Zayed City and Liwa stations are scheduled to open on 30 November 2026. Their opening was brought forward as part of plans to improve access to the region during its events and festival season.

The remaining Al Dhafra passenger stations are scheduled to begin operations on 30 December 2026.

This western section is particularly significant because the national railway itself continues towards Al Ghuwaifat on the UAE’s border with Saudi Arabia.

Comfort Class vs Premium Class

Etihad Rail gives passengers a choice between Comfort and Premium accommodation.

Comfort Class

Comfort Class is the lower-priced option and is designed for regular intercity travel.

Passengers can expect guaranteed seating, comfortable legroom, complimentary Wi-Fi, and access to power for electronic devices.

It is likely to be the most practical choice for commuters, families and travellers who mainly want an affordable and comfortable journey between Emirates.

Premium Class

Premium Class provides a higher level of comfort.

The experience includes larger reclining seats, additional legroom and enhanced onboard service. Food and drink provisions can also differ from Comfort Class.

Premium Class currently starts from AED 120 on the Abu Dhabi to Fujairah route.

What Is Available Onboard Etihad Rail?

The passenger trains have been designed for both leisure and business travel.

Confirmed passenger features include:

• Guaranteed seating
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Power and charging facilities at seats
• Comfortable legroom
• Luggage storage
• Premium Class seating
• Food and drink services
• Facilities designed to support passengers with accessibility needs

Each passenger train can carry up to approximately 400 passengers. Etihad Rail’s passenger fleet includes 13 trains, with trains capable of operating at speeds of up to 200 km/h.

Can Children Travel on Etihad Rail?

Yes. Families can travel on Etihad Rail, and the passenger experience has been designed with family travel in mind.

Child fares may be lower than adult fares, while infants under certain age conditions may be able to travel without a separate seat. Exact passenger categories and prices should be checked during booking because fare rules can change.

Children should travel according to the supervision and ticket rules shown by Etihad Rail when the reservation is made.

Is Etihad Rail Accessible for Wheelchair Users?

Etihad Rail has included accessibility as part of its passenger service design.

Designated wheelchair spaces and priority seating are available subject to capacity and booking conditions. Passengers requiring assistance should check the accessibility options when booking and arrange any required support in advance.

Can You Take Luggage on Etihad Rail?

Yes. Passenger trains include luggage storage, making the service suitable for day trips, weekend travel and visits between emirates.

Passengers should still check the latest baggage allowance for their ticket before travelling, particularly when carrying large suitcases or unusual items.

How Fast Is Etihad Rail?

Etihad Rail passenger trains are designed to operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h.

Actual journey speed varies by route and operating conditions.

The current non-stop journey between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. For many travellers, the advantage is not simply top speed. Rail also provides a more predictable journey without having to personally deal with road traffic and long-distance driving.

Getting to and From Etihad Rail Stations

Etihad Rail is intended to work with existing public transport rather than replace it.

Passengers may be able to continue journeys using buses, taxis, Metro services or other local transport depending on the station.

This last part of the journey is important when deciding whether rail is the best option. A train may be faster between two stations, but passengers should also consider the time required to travel between their home, hotel or workplace and the station.

Before booking, check:

• How far the station is from your starting point
• Available bus, Metro or shuttle connections
• Taxi availability
• Parking arrangements if driving to the station
• How early you should arrive before departure

Etihad Rail Passenger Network vs Freight Network

It is important to understand that the UAE National Rail Network is larger than the currently operating passenger network.

The national railway spans around 900 kilometres and runs from Al Ghuwaifat near the Saudi Arabian border to Fujairah on the UAE’s east coast.

Freight trains were operating across the national network before scheduled passenger services began.

The freight system connects important ports, industrial areas and logistics centres and helps move goods around the UAE.

Passenger trains use the national railway infrastructure, but passenger stations and scheduled services are being introduced separately in phases.

This is why seeing Etihad Rail tracks in an emirate does not automatically mean passengers can currently board a train there.

Does Etihad Rail Connect All Seven Emirates?

The wider national railway infrastructure has been built to strengthen connectivity across the UAE, but scheduled passenger service is not currently available from every emirate.

Passenger operations began with Abu Dhabi and Fujairah and will expand through Dubai, Sharjah and Al Dhafra according to the announced rollout.

Etihad Rail has said feasibility studies will consider further expansion of the passenger network.

For travellers, the practical question should therefore be whether a passenger station and scheduled service are operating at their required origin and destination, rather than whether railway infrastructure exists in that emirate.

Will Etihad Rail Connect to Saudi Arabia?

The UAE National Rail Network extends west to Al Ghuwaifat on the UAE border with Saudi Arabia.

The infrastructure has been developed with wider regional rail connectivity in mind and forms part of the broader vision for an integrated GCC railway system.

However, travellers should not confuse the border connection of the rail infrastructure with an international passenger service.

There is currently no regular Etihad Rail passenger train that passengers can book from the UAE to Saudi Arabia.

If an international passenger service is announced in the future, ticketing, border controls, station arrangements and travel requirements would need to be confirmed separately.

Will Etihad Rail Connect the UAE With Oman and Other GCC Countries?

Regional rail integration remains an important long-term transport goal in the Gulf.

Etihad Rail is involved in projects and partnerships intended to improve cross-border rail connectivity, but passengers should distinguish between infrastructure projects, freight connections, and bookable international passenger trains.

For now, Etihad Rail’s scheduled passenger service should be treated primarily as a growing domestic UAE transport network.

Why Etihad Rail Matters for Travel in the UAE

For decades, travelling between most UAE cities has largely depended on cars, taxis, buses and domestic road transport.

Passenger rail adds another option.

The biggest practical advantages could include more predictable intercity journey times, less need for long-distance driving, easier travel for people who do not own cars, and better connections between cities as more stations open.

The effect will become clearer after Dubai, Sharjah and more Al Dhafra stations join the network.

Etihad Rail is therefore not simply a new tourist attraction or infrastructure project. It has the potential to become part of everyday travel for residents, workers, students, families and visitors moving between different parts of the UAE.

Should You Use Etihad Rail or Drive?

The best option depends on your trip.

Etihad Rail may make more sense when your starting point and destination are reasonably close to the stations, you want to avoid driving for several hours, or you want to work, relax or use your phone during the journey.

A car may still be more convenient when you are travelling to an area far from the railway station, carrying significant luggage or making several stops during the same trip.

As more stations open and local transport connections improve, rail should become practical for a larger number of journeys.

Etihad Rail UAE: Key Dates to Remember

Date	Milestone
30 June 2026	Scheduled Abu Dhabi to Fujairah passenger service began
30 September 2026	Dubai and Al Dhaid stations scheduled to open
30 November 2026	Zayed City and Liwa stations scheduled to open
30 December 2026	Remaining Al Dhafra stations scheduled to open
30 March 2027	Sharjah Station scheduled to open

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Etihad Rail open to the public?

Yes. Scheduled passenger services started on 30 June 2026 between Mohamed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi and Al Hilal City in Fujairah.

How much is an Etihad Rail ticket?

Fares on the Abu Dhabi to Fujairah route start from AED 55 for Comfort Class and AED 120 for Premium Class. Prices for other routes may differ as the network expands.

How do I book Etihad Rail tickets?

Passengers can book Etihad Rail journeys through the official Etihad Rail website and mobile application. Select your stations, travel date, departure time, class, and fare conditions before completing payment.

How long is the Etihad Rail journey from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah?

The direct passenger journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

When will Etihad Rail open in Dubai?

Dubai’s Etihad Rail passenger station is scheduled to open on 30 September 2026. The station is located in the Jumeirah Golf Estates area.

When will Etihad Rail open in Sharjah?

Al Dhaid Station in the Emirate of Sharjah is scheduled to open on 30 September 2026. Sharjah’s main passenger station is scheduled to open on 30 March 2027.

Where is the Abu Dhabi Etihad Rail station?

The operating Abu Dhabi passenger station is in Mohamed bin Zayed City.

Where is the Fujairah Etihad Rail station?

Fujairah’s passenger station is located in Al Hilal City.

Does Etihad Rail go to Saudi Arabia?

The UAE National Rail Network reaches Al Ghuwaifat on the border with Saudi Arabia, but there is currently no regular international Etihad Rail passenger service that travellers can book between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Does Etihad Rail connect all seven emirates?

The national railway infrastructure provides wide coverage across the UAE, but scheduled passenger services are being introduced in phases and are not currently available from every emirate.

How fast does Etihad Rail travel?

Etihad Rail passenger trains are capable of speeds of up to 200 km/h.

Is Wi-Fi available on Etihad Rail?

Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is part of the Etihad Rail passenger experience, along with power facilities at passenger seats.

Can I take luggage on Etihad Rail?

Yes. Passenger trains provide luggage storage. Travellers should check the latest baggage rules when booking, especially for larger items.

Final Word

Etihad Rail has moved from a future transport project to a service that UAE residents and visitors can actually use.

The Abu Dhabi to Fujairah route is already operating, while the next major expansion arrives on 30 September 2026 when Dubai and Al Dhaid join the passenger network. Further stations across Al Dhafra and Sharjah will follow through March 2027.

Because routes, fares and schedules are developing quickly, travellers should check the latest Etihad Rail booking information before making a journey.

Arab1 will continue updating this guide as new Etihad Rail stations, routes, fares and passenger services are officially announced.