Etihad Rail UAE Passenger Service Launches: Fares, Stations and Travel Times Explained
Three services run daily in each direction on the Abu Dhabi to Fujairah route. Departures from Fujairah: 5.34am, 10.59am and 5.28pm. Departures from Abu Dhabi: 8.19am, 1.53pm and 6.39pm.
The UAE's first national passenger train service launched on 30 June 2026, connecting Abu Dhabi and Fujairah in one hour and 45 minutes. It is the opening phase of a wider network that will eventually reach Dubai, Sharjah and the western regions of Abu Dhabi.
The Mohamed bin Zayed City passenger station in Abu Dhabi was inaugurated by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, ahead of the launch. Services are operated by Etihad Rail Passenger Services, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and Keolis, one of the world's leading public transport operators.
Fares and how to book
On the Abu Dhabi to Fujairah route, fares start at AED 55 for Comfort Class and AED 120 for Premium Class. These are introductory prices, representing a 50 per cent discount on standard fares, available for a limited period. Tickets are available through the Etihad Rail app and website.
Timetable
Three services run daily in each direction on the Abu Dhabi to Fujairah route.
Departures from Fujairah: 5.34am, 10.59am and 5.28pm.
Departures from Abu Dhabi: 8.19am, 1.53pm and 6.39pm.
Travel times
- Abu Dhabi to Fujairah: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Abu Dhabi to Dubai: 57 minutes (from September 2026)
- Abu Dhabi to Al Dhannah (Al Ruwais): 1 hour 10 minutes
A separate high-speed line between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with trains projected to reach 350 km/h, is under development and expected to cut travel time between the two cities to around 30 minutes by 2030.
Confirmed stations and opening dates
- Mohamed bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi: open from 30 June 2026
- Al Hilal, Fujairah: open from 30 June 2026
- Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai: 30 September 2026
- Al Dhaid, Sharjah: 30 September 2026
- Al Dhafra stations (Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezairaa): 30 December 2026
- University City, Sharjah: 30 March 2027
Once fully operational, the network will connect 11 cities and regions across the UAE, from Al Sila near the Saudi border to Fujairah on the east coast.
What's on board
The fleet comprises 13 trains, each carrying up to 400 passengers. Onboard features include Wi-Fi, charging points at every seat, foldable tray tables, generous legroom and food and beverage services. Stations include cafés, restaurants, retail outlets and automated ticketing machines.
What officials said
Etihad Rail Chairman Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan described the launch as "a defining moment in the development of the UAE's national transport ecosystem, harnessing the latest technologies and innovations to deliver a modern, safe and highly efficient mobility system." He added that integrating railway stations with other transport modes would improve connectivity between cities and key economic and tourism destinations.
Sheikh Khaled affirmed that the project reflects the UAE's vision for a fully integrated transport network, enhancing inter-emirate connectivity and supporting sustainable growth.
The bigger picture
Etihad Rail said the UAE Railway Programme creates opportunities worth AED 200 billion, while passenger rail is expected to generate around AED 91 billion in economic and social benefits over the next 50 years. Annual ridership is projected to reach 36.5 million by 2030.
Freight services have been running since the national network became fully operational in 2023, building on an earlier sulphur freight route that launched in 2016. In 2025, the network transported more than 6.5 million tonnes of sulphur and over 10 million tonnes of aggregates.
