What has launched
Tickets went on sale on 23 June 2026 and an introductory Abu Dhabi to Fujairah service began on 30 June. The formal passenger service, covering Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid in Sharjah and Fujairah, began on 30 September 2026. Further stations are scheduled: Al Dhafra stations on 30 December 2026 and Sharjah (University City) on 30 March 2027, according to reports at the time of launch.
The stations named in reports are Mohamed Bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, Al Yalayis in Dubai (in the Jumeirah Golf Estates area), University City in Sharjah and a station in Fujairah. None is in a city centre, so allow time and money for a taxi at each end.
Journey times and fares, as reported
Reports at launch gave a Dubai to Abu Dhabi journey of about 64 minutes, with initial service of five direct trains each way, and fares starting at about Dh39 in Comfort class and Dh109 in Premium. Abu Dhabi to Al Dhaid was reported at about 84 minutes with fares from Dh19, Dubai to Fujairah at about 70 minutes and Abu Dhabi to Fujairah at about 1 hour 45 minutes. Trains run at up to 200 km/h and carry up to 400 passengers.
These figures come from news coverage of the launch, and earlier announcements gave faster times that were later revised. Fares also vary by flexibility tier. Confirm on Etihad Rail's own app or website before you buy.
Using it well
The train is an easy way to do Abu Dhabi and Dubai without a car, and the Al Dhaid stop puts Sharjah Safari within reach. The Fujairah line opens the east coast without the mountain drive. Plan the last stretch: how you get from the station to your hotel or attraction matters more than the 64 minutes. For ideas of where to go from each stop, see our guides to Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the east coast.
Practical points before you book
Fares vary by flexibility tier, from a cheaper Saver fare to a flexible one, and by class. Comfort includes guaranteed seating, Wi-Fi, power at every seat and luggage space, and Premium adds wider reclining seats, more legroom and refreshments. Reports said Dubai's Nol card system is integrated, letting riders combine rail with local public transport through a single QR code.
The first Fujairah and Al Dhaid services are the most useful for sightseeing: the train takes the mountain drive out of a trip to the east coast, and the Al Dhaid stop is the one nearest to Sharjah Safari. In each case, book the onward taxi or driver in advance, because the stations sit outside the towns.
Questions people ask
How long does the train from Dubai to Abu Dhabi take?+
About 64 minutes, according to reports at the launch of the service.
How much does Etihad Rail cost?+
Launch reports gave fares from about Dh39 in Comfort class and Dh109 in Premium between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with variation by flexibility tier. Check the operator's own site.
Where are the stations?+
Mohamed Bin Zayed City (Abu Dhabi), Al Yalayis (Dubai), Al Dhaid (Sharjah) and Fujairah, with Al Dhafra and Sharjah University City stations scheduled for later.
