Etihad Rail Passenger Services will officially begin on June 30, bringing the UAE one step closer to a connected national rail network. The long-awaited passenger service marks a major milestone for the country, offering a new way to travel between emirates while reducing journey times and improving connectivity.
The launch comes after years of development on the Etihad Rail network, which has already been transporting freight across the UAE. Passenger services will now be introduced in phases, with additional stations opening throughout 2026 and into 2027.
Tickets for the inaugural service are already available through the Etihad Rail website and mobile app. Comfort Class fares start from AED 55 for the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route, while Premium Class tickets for the launch service were unavailable at the time of writing, highlighting strong demand ahead of the network’s debut.
Where Will Etihad Rail Passenger Services Operate First?
The introductory phase of passenger operations will begin on June 30, connecting Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed Bin Zayed City Passenger Train Station with Fujairah. The journey is expected to take approximately one hour and 45 minutes.
The network will then expand gradually over the coming months. Dubai’s station at Jumeirah Golf Estates and the Al Dhaid station in Sharjah are scheduled to open on September 30, 2026. Several stations across Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region, including Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Liwa and Al Faya, are expected to begin operations on December 30, 2026.
The first phase of the passenger network will be completed when the Sharjah University City station opens in March 2027.
Once operational, the initial route will connect key destinations across the UAE, stretching from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah on the east coast. Authorities have also indicated that future expansion to additional emirates will be explored through further feasibility studies.
Faster Journeys and a More Comfortable Travel Experience
One of the biggest benefits of the new rail service will be significantly shorter travel times. Travelling between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is expected to take just 57 minutes, while the journey between Dubai and Fujairah will take around one hour and nine minutes. Travellers heading from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah can expect a journey time of approximately one hour and 44 minutes.
Passenger trains will operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h, with travel times expected to be 30 to 40 per cent faster than some existing transport options. A separate high-speed rail project between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is also planned, with trains expected to reach speeds of up to 350 km/h.
Each train will accommodate around 400 passengers across economy, family and first-class sections. Onboard facilities are expected to include charging points, food and beverage services, spacious seating, dedicated work and relaxation areas, and advanced air-conditioning systems.
Passenger stations will also feature cafés, restaurants and retail outlets, creating convenient transport hubs for travellers. Looking ahead, Etihad Rail aims to serve more than 36 million passengers annually by 2030, positioning rail travel as a key part of the UAE’s future transport network.
