Etihad Rail passenger service officially began on 30 June 2026, connecting Abu Dhabi and Fujairah in 1 hour 45 minutes as the first stage of a national rail network that will eventually link 11 cities across the UAE. This is the single most significant change to transport in the UAE since the Dubai Metro, and the rollout is happening in clearly dated phases between now and March 2027. This guide covers everything currently confirmed: the launch timeline, every station and when it opens, ticket prices and how to book, journey times, what to expect on board, and the answers to the most common questions people are searching right now.
What Is Etihad Rail?
Etihad Rail is the UAE's national railway operator, established in June 2009 under Federal Law No. 2 to build, manage, and operate the country's freight and passenger rail network. The full network spans approximately 900 kilometres, running from Ghuwaifat on the Saudi Arabia border in the west to Fujairah on the east coast, connecting all seven emirates.
Freight operations have been running since 2016 and are now fully operational across the network, moving cargo between ports, industrial zones, and logistics hubs and taking a meaningful number of heavy trucks off UAE roads. Passenger services, the part everyone has been waiting for, begin their introductory phase on 30 June 2026.
When Does Etihad Rail Passenger Service Start?
Passenger rail in the UAE launches in stages, not all at once. Here is the confirmed rollout, station by station, as announced by Etihad Rail:
30 June 2026: Introductory operational phase begins, connecting Abu Dhabi's Mohamed bin Zayed City Passenger Train Station to Al Hilal City station in Fujairah. This is the only route available at launch.
30 September 2026: The network's official launch date. Dubai Train Station (Jumeirah Golf Estates) and Al Dhaid Train Station (Sharjah) open, extending the network westward and adding Sharjah's inland corridor.
30 December 2026: Stations in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi open, including Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, and the Liwa area.
30 March 2027: Sharjah's University City station opens, completing the initial passenger rail route across the UAE.
By the time this rollout finishes in March 2027, the network will connect 11 confirmed stations from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east, with annual ridership projected to exceed 36.5 million passengers.
Etihad Rail Stations: Complete List
| Station | Emirate / Region | Opening Date |
|---|---|---|
| Mohamed bin Zayed City | Abu Dhabi | 30 June 2026 |
| Al Hilal City (Fujairah) | Fujairah | 30 June 2026 |
| Jumeirah Golf Estates (Dubai) | Dubai | 30 September 2026 |
| Al Dhaid | Sharjah | 30 September 2026 |
| Al Sila | Abu Dhabi (Al Dhafra) | 30 December 2026 |
| Al Dhannah | Abu Dhabi (Al Dhafra) | 30 December 2026 |
| Al Mirfa | Abu Dhabi (Al Dhafra) | 30 December 2026 |
| Madinat Zayed | Abu Dhabi (Al Dhafra) | 30 December 2026 |
| Liwa / Mezaira'a | Abu Dhabi (Al Dhafra) | 30 December 2026 |
| University City | Sharjah | 30 March 2027 |
The two stations open right now, at launch, are Mohamed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi and Al Hilal City in Fujairah. Every other station on this list is announced and dated but not yet operational.
About the First Stations
Mohamed bin Zayed City Passenger Train Station was formally inaugurated by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, ahead of the June 30 launch. Etihad Rail has confirmed a shuttle bus service connecting the station to key locations across the capital, including ADNOC headquarters on Corniche Road West, the ADNEC Centre on Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, and Reem Mall on Al Reem Island.
Al Hilal City Station, Fujairah was the first passenger station to be fully completed. It sits 12 minutes by car from Fujairah International Airport, five minutes from Sakamkam Fort, and six minutes from Umbrella Beach. A large area of land surrounding the station is expected to develop into a major new residential district over time, similar to how station-area development has historically reshaped property markets near transit hubs elsewhere.
Journey Times Between Cities
| Route | Journey Time |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi to Fujairah | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Abu Dhabi to Dubai | Approximately 57 minutes |
| Dubai to Fujairah | Approximately 69 minutes |
| Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais | Approximately 70 minutes |
These are the journey times Etihad Rail has published for its standard passenger network. The Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route is the only one currently operating; the Abu Dhabi-Dubai and Dubai-Fujairah times will apply once Dubai's station opens in September 2026.
The Future High-Speed Line
In a separate and much faster development, Etihad Rail announced in 2025 a dedicated high-speed line between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, a 150-kilometre track designed to run at speeds of up to 350 km/h, cutting the journey between the two cities to just 30 minutes. This high-speed line is expected to be operational by 2030 and is distinct from the standard passenger network described above, which will continue running at up to 200 km/h.
Ticket Prices and How to Book
Launch Fares (Abu Dhabi to Fujairah)
| Class | Starting Fare |
|---|---|
| Comfort Class | AED 55 |
| Premium Class | AED 120 |
These are introductory fares for the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route and may change once the promotional period ends. Both classes include guaranteed seating and onboard Wi-Fi.
How to Book
Tickets became available for booking from 23 June 2026, ahead of the 30 June launch, through three channels:
Official website: book directly at etihadrail.ae, selecting departure station, destination, travel date, and class. A digital ticket with QR code is issued for mobile boarding.
Mobile app: the official Etihad Rail app, available on Google Play and the Apple App Store, offers the same booking functionality along with trip management and travel updates.
At the station: selected stations offer ticket counters and self-service kiosks for in-person purchases, though booking online in advance is recommended during busy periods since early demand has been very high.
What to Expect on Board
The passenger fleet consists of 13 trains built by CAF, each with capacity for up to 400 passengers and capable of speeds up to 200 km/h. Passenger services are operated by Etihad Rail Passenger Services, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and Keolis, one of the world's largest public transport operators.
Onboard, passengers can expect:
- Spacious, reclining seating with charging points for phones and laptops
- Air-conditioned coaches with large windows
- Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi on every train
- Dedicated luggage storage for larger suitcases, with overhead space for smaller bags
- Accessible restrooms and wheelchair-designated spaces
- Family-friendly seating areas, with allowances made for strollers and pushchairs Etihad Rail has also signed a contract with Italian luxury hospitality company Arsenale to develop a separate luxury train experience, expected to bring an Orient Express-style premium offering to parts of the network in future phases. Stations themselves are being built as more than transit points, with cafés, restaurants, retail outlets, and international hospitality brands planned across the network.
Comfort Class vs Premium Class
Comfort Class is designed for the majority of travellers, with spacious seating, air conditioning, charging ports, and a comfortable standard environment suited to everyday intercity travel.
Premium Class offers more space and a quieter environment, suited to business travellers or anyone who wants extra room to work or relax during the journey.
Both classes include guaranteed seating and onboard Wi-Fi. The difference is primarily about space and atmosphere rather than a major gap in core amenities.
Can Tourists Use Etihad Rail?
Yes, and tourists are expected to be among the biggest beneficiaries of the new network. Previously, visitors wanting to explore multiple emirates had to either rent a car or book an organised tour. Etihad Rail introduces a third option: independent intercity travel without the unfamiliarity of driving on UAE roads.
A practical example: a visitor based in Dubai could take the train to Abu Dhabi in the morning, spend the day at the Louvre Abu Dhabi or along the Corniche, and return the same evening, all without renting a car or arranging private transport. Once the Fujairah route is fully integrated with the rest of the network, the same applies to east coast day trips combining the train with time at the beach or in the Hajar Mountains.
Visitors should carry the same identification used when booking, typically a passport, and keep it accessible during the journey since it may be requested.
Who Should Use Etihad Rail?
Residents and daily commuters living in one emirate and working in another gain a predictable, traffic-free alternative to driving, particularly valuable once the Abu Dhabi-Dubai route opens in September 2026.
Business travellers can plan same-day return trips between emirates with a fixed, reliable journey time, something road travel cannot guarantee given variable traffic.
Families benefit from more space and flexibility than a long car journey, particularly with the accommodations made for strollers and luggage.
Students studying away from home gain an easier, more affordable way to travel back for weekends or holidays.
Tourists gain the freedom to explore multiple emirates independently without needing to drive or book organised tours.
Etihad Rail and Last-Mile Connectivity
A common question is what happens once you arrive at a station that isn't right next to your final destination. Etihad Rail and local transport authorities are actively building this connectivity in. In Abu Dhabi, shuttle buses will run between Mohamed bin Zayed City station and key destinations including ADNOC headquarters, ADNEC, and Reem Mall. In Dubai, the RTA is developing feeder bus and taxi integration to ensure last-mile access once Jumeirah Golf Estates station opens. Stations are generally designed with dedicated taxi ranks, drop-off and pick-up zones, and parking, with the specific mix of facilities varying by station.
Why Etihad Rail Matters for Property and Investment
Major rail infrastructure has historically reshaped property demand around the stations it serves, and Etihad Rail is expected to follow the same pattern. The land surrounding the new Al Hilal City station in Fujairah is already earmarked for major residential development, and similar station-area growth is likely as Mohamed bin Zayed City, Jumeirah Golf Estates, and the other confirmed stations come online through 2027. For investors and homebuyers, proximity to a confirmed Etihad Rail station is becoming a genuine factor in long-term property value, not just a convenience.
Masterpiece Property is a trusted real estate agency in Abu Dhabi that tracks exactly this kind of infrastructure development when advising clients on long-term property value. Whether you are considering a property near Mohamed bin Zayed City station or evaluating how the wider Etihad Rail rollout might affect demand across Abu Dhabi's communities, the team provides grounded, current guidance rather than speculation.
The agency covers apartments, villas, townhouses, and plots across Abu Dhabi's prime communities including Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, Al Raha Beach, Khalifa City, Masdar City, and Al Reef.
Contact Masterpiece Property today at 800 666 888 to discuss property opportunities connected to Abu Dhabi's growing transport infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Etihad Rail passenger service start?
The introductory phase begins on 30 June 2026, connecting Abu Dhabi's Mohamed bin Zayed City station to Fujairah's Al Hilal City station. The full network's official launch follows on 30 September 2026 with the opening of Dubai and Al Dhaid stations.
How much do Etihad Rail tickets cost?
On the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah launch route, fares start at AED 55 for Comfort Class and AED 120 for Premium Class. These are introductory fares and may change after the promotional period.
How long does the Abu Dhabi to Fujairah train take?
The journey takes 1 hour and 45 minutes, compared to several hours by road depending on traffic and route.
How long will Abu Dhabi to Dubai take on Etihad Rail?
Approximately 57 minutes on the standard passenger network once Dubai's station opens on 30 September 2026. A separate high-speed line planned for 2030 will eventually cut this to 30 minutes at speeds of up to 350 km/h.
Where can I buy Etihad Rail tickets?
Through the official Etihad Rail website, the Etihad Rail mobile app (available on Google Play and the App Store), or at ticket counters and self-service kiosks at selected stations. Booking opened on 23 June 2026.
How many stations does the Etihad Rail passenger network have?
11 confirmed stations across the initial rollout: Mohamed bin Zayed City, Al Hilal City (Fujairah), Jumeirah Golf Estates (Dubai), Al Dhaid (Sharjah), University City (Sharjah), and the Al Dhafra region stations of Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, and Liwa/Mezaira'a.
How fast do Etihad Rail trains go?
The standard passenger fleet reaches speeds of up to 200 km/h. A separate future high-speed line between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is designed for speeds up to 350 km/h.
Can tourists use Etihad Rail without a UAE residency or driving licence?
Yes. Tourists can book and travel using a passport for identification, with no UAE residency or driving licence required.
Can I bring luggage on Etihad Rail?
Yes. Smaller bags fit in overhead compartments, and dedicated space is provided for larger suitcases, similar to long-distance coach or domestic flight allowances.
Is Etihad Rail connected to Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports?
Direct airport connections are not yet confirmed for the initial launch stations, though last-mile connectivity through shuttle buses, taxis, and integration with local transport authorities is actively being developed as the network expands.
Who operates Etihad Rail passenger services?
Etihad Rail Passenger Services, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and Keolis, one of the world's leading public transport operators, runs the passenger network day to day.
