The UAE’s passenger rail era is about to begin, with Etihad Rail launching its first introductory passenger service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on June 30, 2026.
The long-awaited service will cut the journey between the two emirates to just 1 hour and 45 minutes, offering residents, commuters and tourists a new way to travel across the country without relying on road transport.
Here is a complete guide to the launch date, stations, route, ticket fares, booking options and what passengers can expect.
When will Etihad Rail passenger services start?
Etihad Rail’s introductory operational phase will begin on June 30, 2026, with passenger services running between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.
This is not the full nationwide launch yet. The wider UAE passenger rail network is scheduled to officially launch on September 30, 2026, when Dubai Train Station and Al Dhaid Train Station are expected to open.
More stations will then be added in phases, with Al Dhafra stations scheduled to open on December 30, 2026. The route is expected to be completed with the opening of Sharjah Train Station on March 30, 2027.
Which route will launch first?
The first passenger service will operate between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.
The route is designed to connect the UAE capital with the east coast, reducing travel time between the two emirates to 1 hour and 45 minutes.
This introductory phase is expected to give passengers their first experience of inter-emirate train travel in the UAE before more stations and routes are added to the network.
Which stations will be open first?
For the initial phase, passengers will be able to travel between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.
In Abu Dhabi, the newly inaugurated Mohamed bin Zayed City Passenger Train Station will play a key role in the passenger network. The station was inaugurated on June 23, 2026, as part of the unveiling of the UAE passenger rail network.
The station has been designed with passenger movement, operational readiness, customer service and future capacity in mind.
What are the future Etihad Rail stations?
Once fully developed, the passenger rail network is expected to connect 11 cities and regions across the UAE.
The full station list includes:
- Abu Dhabi
- Dubai
- Sharjah
- Fujairah
- Al Dhaid
- Al Dhannah
- Al Faya
- Madinat Zayed
- Mezaira’a
- Al Mirfa
- Al Sila
The network will be introduced in phases, meaning not all stations will open at the same time.
What are the ticket prices?
Ticket fares on the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route will start from:
- AED55 for Comfort Class
- AED120 for Premium Class
Passengers should check the Etihad Rail app or official website before travelling, as prices may vary depending on availability, travel date, class and booking conditions.
How can passengers book Etihad Rail tickets?
Passengers can book journeys and purchase tickets through Etihad Rail’s official booking channels. Bookings opened from June 23, 2026, through:
- The Etihad Rail mobile application
- The official Etihad Rail website
Travellers are advised to book in advance, especially during the introductory launch period, when demand is expected to be high.
How long will the journey take?
The Abu Dhabi to Fujairah journey will take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Etihad Rail’s passenger trains are capable of reaching speeds of up to 200km/h, significantly reducing travel times between key cities and regions across the UAE.
For comparison, once the wider network is operational, the Abu Dhabi to Dubai journey is expected to take around 57 minutes.
What train classes are available?
The first announced fare categories are Comfort Class and Premium Class.
Comfort Class will offer the lowest starting fare on the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route, while Premium Class will provide a higher-tier travel option for passengers looking for added comfort.
Further details on class features, baggage policies and onboard services should be checked through Etihad Rail’s official booking platforms before travel.
What will the onboard experience be like?
Passengers can expect a modern travel experience designed around comfort, convenience and efficiency.
The passenger fleet includes 13 trains, with each train able to carry up to 400 passengers. Onboard dining options are also expected to be available, allowing travellers to purchase food and beverages during the journey.
The stations are also being developed as more than simple boarding points. They are expected to include cafés, restaurants, retail outlets and international brands, creating a more complete travel experience for passengers before and after their journeys.
Why is the launch important?
The launch of Etihad Rail passenger services marks a major milestone in the UAE’s transport development.
The passenger rail network is part of the UAE Railway Programme and is designed to support more integrated travel between cities, residential communities, business hubs and tourism destinations.
It is also expected to provide a more sustainable transport option, reduce reliance on road travel and improve connectivity between emirates.
Key dates to remember
- June 23, 2026: Bookings open through the Etihad Rail app and website.
- June 30, 2026: Introductory passenger service begins between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.
- September 30, 2026: Official wider network launch, with Dubai and Al Dhaid stations scheduled to open.
- December 30, 2026: Al Dhafra stations scheduled to open.
- March 30, 2027: Sharjah Train Station scheduled to open, completing the route.
