Imagine being able to travel across the UAE without the usual stress — no sitting in traffic for hours, no hunting for parking, and definitely no airport queues or delayed flights. That kind of ease has always felt a bit out of reach, especially for something as simple as getting from Abu Dhabi to Dubai or Fujairah. Big changes are rolling in — quite literally.
The Etihad Rail Passenger Service is finally on the horizon, and it’s set to completely reshape how we move around the UAE. What started off as a freight-only project is now growing into a sleek, high-speed rail network that’s all about people. And not just any trains — think of silent, smooth, streamlined carriages designed with comfort in mind, cutting travel times and ending those long-distance trips once and for all.
The Etihad Rail Passenger Service is on the horizon, and it will revolutionize how we get around the UAE. What started off as a freight-only project is now growing into a sleek, high-speed rail network that’s all about people. And not just any trains — think smooth, quiet, modern carriages designed for comfort, cutting travel times and making those long drives a thing of the past.
Whether you’re heading to a business meeting in Abu Dhabi, catching up with friends in Sharjah, or planning a relaxing weekend in Fujairah, this new rail system is going to make the journey quicker, easier, and a lot more pleasant.
Here’s everything we know about the new train route so far!
When Will Etihad Rail Passenger Service Begin to Operate?
If you’ve been eagerly waiting to ride the Etihad Rail passenger train, you won’t have to wait too much longer. The official start date for the passenger service is 2026 — and while that might still feel a little way off, considering how fast things move in the UAE, it’s practically around the corner.
Construction on the network is already full steam ahead (pun intended), with the freight phase already operational across several sectors. The passenger network is the next step, and progress has been picking up pace over the last year. Tunnels have been drilled through mountains, bridges have gone up in the middle of the desert, and stations are beginning to take shape. This isn’t just a futuristic pipe dream anymore — it’s very real and happening.
And when it does launch in 2026, expect the first phase to cover the most populated and highly travelled routes, like Abu Dhabi to Dubai and onward to Sharjah and Fujairah. Once it kicks off, the goal is to expand quickly, covering all seven emirates and possibly even extending into Oman.
So yes, the countdown is on. By 2026, train travel in the UAE will no longer be something you fantasise about — it’ll be part of your everyday life.
Ticket Price
The one thing everyone wants to know — how much will Etihad Rail cost? Official fares, so far, haven’t been announced yet, but this we do know: fares will be competitive, budget-friendly, and designed for all types of travelers.
Early hints from insiders suggest that the ticket fares will be aligned with what you’d pay for a high-end intercity bus service or even cheaper in some cases. So if you’re used to taking a private car from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, expect to pay significantly less for the train — and arrive faster, too.
Etihad Rail is expected to introduce a tiered fare structure, with multiple classes of seating — economy, business, and first-class. Just like you’d find on a flight, your ticket price will depend on how much comfort or luxury you’re after. Want a quiet cabin, more legroom, and onboard food? Go premium. Just need a seat and Wi-Fi? Stick with the standard.
There’s also talk of monthly commuter passes, something that would be a game-changer for people who live in one emirate and work in another. Whether you’re commuting daily or taking a weekend break, the cost is going to make train travel a very attractive option. There’s also talk of monthly commuter passes, something that would be a game-changer for people who live in one emirate and work in another.
Which Stations Are Covered?
Etihad Rail isn’t just about connecting two or three cities — it’s about building a truly national railway network. The full passenger route will stretch across approximately 1,200 km, covering 11 key cities and regions across the UAE, from the western edges of Abu Dhabi to the far-flung coasts of Fujairah.
Here’s a complete list:
- Abu Dhabi City
- Dubai (likely around Jebel Ali and central areas)
- Sharjah
- Ajman
- Umm Al Quwain
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Fujairah
- Al Ain
- Ruwais
- Al Sila (near the Saudi border)
- Ghuwaifat
That’s not even counting future expansion plans, like the highly anticipated rail link to Oman, which will connect Abu Dhabi to Sohar in just under two hours. Each station will serve as more than just a boarding point. Think transport hubs with easy access to taxis, buses, and even bike rentals. The stations themselves are being designed with the UAE’s flair for futuristic architecture and practical functionality. You’ll see cafes, co-working spaces, prayer rooms, and family-friendly facilities all integrated within the stations.
What makes this project even more impressive is the way it connects rural, industrial, and urban zones. That means more job opportunities, more regional tourism, and better access to services across the board. Whether you’re a tourist, a commuter, or just exploring your own country, Etihad Rail’s station network will make the entire UAE feel a whole lot smaller — in the best way possible.
Features Of the Train
Etihad rail is set to flip the entire train journey experience. This isn’t some rattly old ride — it’s a whole new experience, designed with the passenger in mind from start to finish.
For starters, you’ll have options. There’ll be three seating classes to choose from: Economy if you’re looking for something affordable, Business if you want a little more breathing room, and First Class if you’re in the mood for a more premium vibe. No matter where you sit, though, comfort is the name of the game.
Expect proper reclining seats (yes, the kind you can actually relax in), your own reading light so you’re not stuck in the dark, USB charging ports to keep your phone alive, and tray tables that don’t feel like they’ll collapse under the weight of a laptop. It’s thoughtful, it’s modern, and it’s clear that Etihad Rail isn’t just getting people from place to place — they’re making the ride something to look forward to.
Each train will feature Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can stay online during the journey — whether you’re working remotely or bingeing the latest series. There’ll also be onboard food and beverage services, especially in the higher classes, with curated menus that go beyond your usual snack box.
The train is also family-friendly, with individual luggage space, clean onboard bathrooms, and priority boarding for the mobility-impaired. The trains are even super-quiet and ultra-smooth, reducing all that constant rattling you experience on conventional train systems.
And yes, climate control is a big deal. With the UAE’s temperatures, you can expect powerful but silent air conditioning, keeping the cabins perfectly cool no matter the desert heat outside.
All in all, Etihad Rail’s passenger trains are shaping up to feel more like a business-class lounge on wheels — practical, efficient, and surprisingly pleasant to ride.
Dubai To Abu Dhabi In Under an Hour
If you’ve ever spent a weekday morning crawling along Sheikh Zayed Road, you know just how much of a game-changer this next part is: the Etihad Rail passenger train will take you from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in just 50 minutes. That’s right — something that usually takes 90 minutes or so by car, depending on traffic, will be a speedy train ride that’s quicker, smoother, and far less stressful.
But how is that even possible? Well, the trains zip along at up to 200 km/h along newly built, straight-as-a-die tracks designed only for high-speed passenger rail travel. These aren’t retrofitted freight lines; they’re custom-built for this purpose.
More importantly, the entire travel experience will be frictionless. You won’t be dealing with endless highway exits, toll gates, or surprise bottlenecks. Just arrive at the station, grab a coffee, and board the train. By the time you’ve finished answering a few emails or watching an episode of your favourite show, you’ll be pulling into your destination.
For daily commuters, this is an absolute godsend. Imagine leaving your home in central Abu Dhabi at 7:30 AM and walking into your Dubai office by 8:30 — without ever touching a steering wheel. And if you’re travelling for leisure, say from Abu Dhabi to a concert in Dubai, you can enjoy the night without worrying about parking or driving back tired.
Etihad Rail has said they’re prioritizing reliability and punctuality, so trains will run on a fixed, frequent schedule, likely every 30–60 minutes during peak hours. With so much of our lives spent stuck in traffic, this one-hour train ride could actually give us back something even more precious than time — peace of mind.
1 AED