Imagine Abu Dhabi to Dubai and Dubai to Fujairah in just 50 minutes. There is no need to imagine anymore as Etihad Rail is going to make it happen starting later this year. In a significant update for locals and tourists alike, the first 11 stations on the 900-km-long Etihad Rail passenger service have just been disclosed.
Most of the stations are in the Abu Dhabi region, a couple of cities are in Sharjah, one is in Dubai and the last one is in Fujairah. To be supported by a fleet of 13 trains, the route connects nearly a dozen cities and regions from Sila to Fujairah. Expect operating speeds of up to 200 km/h and a passenger capacity of 400 per train.
You can expect the upcoming Etihad Rail passenger service to get incredibly popular among daily commuters and international tourists. 10 million passengers could be utilising the route, reducing congestion on roads. This means less automobile pollution, less time to reach a place, secure and comfortable seating, and seamless high-speed internet. There is also a bonus for tourists landing at Sharjah International Airport.
When is Etihad Rail passenger service launching?
Sooner than you might think. Though the official launch date is yet to be announced, the Etihad Rail passenger service is expected to be finally operational later in 2026. Featuring modern and comfortable seating, modern interior design, seamless internet connection and electric outlets at all seats, the trains are going to bring a revolution in the UAE’s public transport system.
Keep an eye out for more updates in the coming days. But so far, the official data suggests that the route is going to be supported by a fleet of 13 trains, connecting the first 11 cities and regions from Sila to Fujairah, including Mohamed Bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, University City in Sharjah and Al Hilal City in Fujairah.
Which will be the first 11 train stations of Etihad Rail passenger service?
Starting from Al Sila in Abu Dhabi to Al Hilal City in Fujairah, the upcoming Etihad Rail passenger service is going to connect 11 cities and regions, ushering in a fresh era in rail expansion in the UAE. The stations are strategically located to enable both locals and tourists to reap the maximum benefits. In addition, metros and feeder buses are also going to be optimised to provide an easy link from the train station to other parts of the Emirate.
| Etihad Rail passenger service stations | Highlights |
| Sila, Abu Dhabi | On one end of Etihad Rail Map, strategic location for the upcoming GCC Rail Project |
| Al Dhannah, Abu Dhabi | One of the largest cities in Abu Dhabi, useful addition for locals and tourists alike |
| Mirfa, Abu Dhabi | Coastal ambiance and fishing culture, great for tourists seeking a glimpse of scenic beaches in Abu Dhabi |
| Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi | Significant city in Abu Dhabi, important for international tourists |
| Mezaira’a, Abu Dhabi | Keeping you close to desert sceneries |
| Mohamed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi | Easy access to city centre in Abu Dhabi |
| Al Faya, Abu Dhabi | Keeping you close to Abu Dhabi city and Al Ain |
| Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai | Located South of Dubai, close proximity to Dubai Metro, easy access to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road |
| University City, Sharjah | Close to Sharjah International, useful for international tourists seeking traffic-free airport to hotel experience |
| Al Dhaid, Sharjah | Useful for commuters in Sharjah and Dubai, helpful for tourists seeking an easy route to explore Sharjah for day trips |
| Al Hilal City, Fujairah | Dubai to Fujairah in 50 minutes, easy connection to both Fujairah city and Qidfa |
Can Etihad Rail passenger service change Abu Dhabi to Dubai travel duration?
It certainly can. The highly anticipated Etihad Rail passenger service is going to begin operations in late 2026. You can travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in a matter of just 50 minutes. Isn’t it incredible? This means that if your flight lands at Zayed International, you can take the train and reach Dubai in less than an hour, beating traffic. Subsequently, this duration is also going to be almost halved as the upcoming Etihad Rail high-speed service proposes to complete your Abu Dhabi to Dubai trip in just 30 minutes. Basically, a game-changer, right?
Etihad Rail is also going to shorten the Dubai to Fujairah travel duration, enabling you to complete the journey in just 50 minutes. Basically, you can hold on to your hotel reservations in Dubai for a couple of days and pack lighter baggage to explore Fujairah – or, you can finish up your exploration of Dubai and get to Fujairah next. Sounds like a plan?
What are the expected Etihad Rail passenger train fares?
There has been no announcement on official fares yet. But one thing is clear: the ticket prices are going to be competitive, budget-friendly and optimised to cater to the needs of all kinds of passengers. You can expect a lot of comfort on these trains, in addition to high-speed internet connection and electric outlets at all seats. Early hints suggest the fares could be similar to the rates at some high-end intercity buses or even cheaper. If you are used to taking a taxi from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, expect to pay a much lesser amount for the train ride.
Connecting 11 cities and regions from Sila to Fujairah, the upcoming inauguration of Etihad Rail passenger service is going to usher in a fresh era in the UAE’s public transportation. The first 11 stations just announced are strategically decided to enable maximum benefits of locals and tourists alike. Subsequently, metros, feeder buses and taxis are going to be ramped up further to facilitate last-mile access for more passengers. Zoom through scenic landscapes at up to 200 km/h and reach your favourite destination in a matter of minutes or a bit more than an hour. Your experience on the train is going to be much more magical than you currently expect it to be. Of course, considering the reputation of the UAE and its infrastructure, the trains are also going to be highly reliable.
Keep an eye out for more updates.
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