Dubai Gets Its First Etihad Rail Passenger Train: What Travellers Should Know
The UAE has entered a new phase of intercity travel with the expansion of its national passenger rail network. Etihad Rail’s Dubai passenger service began today, September 30, connecting Dubai with Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. The new service follows the launch of passenger operations between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah in June. (Image: Instagram/@etihad_rail)
The new service links Dubai’s Al Yalayis Station with Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi. The journey takes around 64 minutes, with trains operating in both directions. Passengers can also travel between Dubai and Fujairah. The journey from Madinat Al Hilal Station in Fujairah to Al Yalayis in Dubai takes about 70 minutes. (Image: Instagram/@etihad_rail)
For the Dubai-Abu Dhabi route, Comfort Class fares start at Dh39, while Premium Class tickets start at Dh109. For Dubai-Fujairah, fares start at Dh29 for Comfort Class and Dh89 for Premium Class. (Image: Instagram/@etihad_rail)
The Dubai-Abu Dhabi route will initially operate five trains a day. On the opening day, services from Al Yalayis are scheduled at 6:14 am, 7:14 am, 1:14 pm, 5:14 pm and 6:14 pm. There will initially be one daily Dubai-Fujairah service in each direction. (Image: Instagram/@etihad_rail)
Etihad Rail’s Al Yalayis Station is located near Jumeirah Golf Estates and has a pedestrian connection to the Dubai Metro network. A roughly 400-metre elevated walkway links the station with Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station. (Image: TriStateGuy/Wikimedia Commons)
The trains offer Comfort and Premium classes. Comfort Class includes Wi-Fi, power facilities and luggage space, while Premium Class offers wider seats, additional legroom and complimentary refreshments. (Image: Instagram/@etihad_rail)
The September 30 expansion is part of a larger phased rollout. Al Dhaid is also joining the passenger network, while additional stations in Al Dhafra are scheduled to open later. Sharjah’s University City Station is expected to be the final addition, with an opening planned for March 2027. (Image: Instagram/@etihad_rail)
With the network being expanded in stages, Etihad Rail is gradually creating a passenger rail link between more parts of the UAE, giving residents and visitors another way to travel across the country. (Image: Instagram/@etihad_rail)
