Etihad Rail has officially launched passenger services between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, cutting the intercity journey to 64 minutes and integrating the national railway with Dubai's Metro network. The September 30 launch introduces 10 daily departures—five in each direction—between Al Yalayis Station in Jumeirah Golf Estates and Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi.
The service offers a competitive alternative to the often congested E11 highway, with trains reaching speeds up to 200 km/h. Etihad Rail's passenger fleet comprises 13 trains, each capable of carrying up to 400 passengers, providing a high-capacity link between the UAE's two largest cities.
Schedule and fares
From Al Yalayis, trains depart at 6:14am, 7:14am, 1:14pm, 5:14pm and 6:14pm, arriving in Abu Dhabi 64 minutes later. Return services leave Abu Dhabi at 6:43am, 7:43am, 12:43pm, 4:43pm and 5:43pm. Fares start at AED39 in Comfort Class and AED109 in Premium Class, with pricing varying by service and travel date. All passengers receive guaranteed seating, Wi-Fi, charging points and dedicated luggage space, while Premium Class adds an upgraded onboard experience.
Direct Dubai Metro integration
A key feature of the new service is its seamless connection to Dubai's urban transport network. Al Yalayis Station is linked to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station via a 400-metre pedestrian bridge, giving passengers direct access to the Dubai Metro Red Line. The station also offers taxi, bus and ride-hailing connections, plus parking, making the railway part of a true door-to-door journey. This integration is particularly valuable for business travellers and tourists, who can now arrive in Dubai by intercity train and continue on the Metro without needing a car.
Expanding network: Dubai-Fujairah and Al Dhaid
The same launch introduces a direct Dubai-Fujairah service, with a journey time of around 70 minutes. The train leaves Fujairah's Madinat Al Hilal Station at 11:54am, arriving at Al Yalayis at 1:04pm; the return departs Dubai at 1:57pm and reaches Fujairah at 3:07pm. This builds on the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah passenger service that began on June 30.
Al Dhaid in Sharjah also joins the network from September 30, with two daily trains in each direction to Fujairah (25 minutes) and connections to Abu Dhabi (84 minutes). Fares from Al Dhaid start at AED19 in Comfort Class.
Future rollout
Etihad Rail's expansion continues on December 30, when services extend into the Al Dhafra region, adding Madinat Zayed, Liwa, Al Sila, Al Dhannah and Mirfa. Sharjah University City is scheduled to join on March 30, 2027. Ultimately, the passenger network will connect 11 cities and regions across the UAE, transforming a railway originally built for freight into a cornerstone of intercity travel.
For travel professionals, the Dubai-Abu Dhabi link is a significant development. It offers a reliable, scheduled alternative to road transport, with potential to reshape corporate travel, MICE events and leisure itineraries between the two emirates. As the network expands, tour operators and agents can expect new opportunities to package multi-city UAE experiences, leveraging the convenience of rail connections.
The launch also aligns with broader mobility trends in the region. Dubai's road network and AI traffic systems are preparing for 25% autonomous mobility by 2030, and rail will play a complementary role in reducing congestion. For airlines, the service could influence feeder traffic, as seen with flydubai's new Dubai-Pokhara route, which relies on efficient ground connections.
Etihad Rail's passenger service is a game-changer for the UAE's transport landscape, offering a fast, comfortable and sustainable way to travel between its two main cities. With fares starting at just AED39, it is set to attract both commuters and visitors, and its integration with Dubai Metro makes it a model for future intercity rail systems in the region.
