Travelling within the Emirates is about to get a whole lot easier.
The UAE is pulling out all the stops to make travel across the country easy for everyone. The UAE’s long-awaited passenger rail network is finally on track. Etihad Rail will begin its introductory passenger services on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, marking a major milestone for transport across the Emirates.
The national railway has already been operating freight services, but the arrival of passenger trains will transform how residents and visitors move around the country. Designed to be faster, greener and more convenient than road travel, the network will connect key cities and regions across the UAE in phases.
Etihad Rail to begin passenger services
The first route will run between Abu Dhabi’s Mohamed bin Zayed City Passenger Train Station and Fujairah, with a journey time of just one hour and 45 minutes. Fares on the route will start from AED 55 for Comfort Class and AED 120 for Premium Class.
The official public launch of the UAE passenger rail network will take place on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, when Dubai Train Station and Al Dhaid Train Station in Sharjah come into operation. Passenger stations across Al Dhafra are scheduled to open on Wednesday, 30 December 2026, before the initial route is completed with the opening of Sharjah Train Station on Tuesday, 30 March 2027.
Etihad Rail reveals travel times
Etihad Rail is expected to enable smooth travel within the Emirates. Say goodbye to 90 minutes of travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, because this train will cut it to under an hour. Once operational, you can travel from Dubai to the capital in 57 minutes, and vice versa.
According to Etihad Rail, passengers will be able to journey from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah in 1 hour and 45 minutes, and travel to Al Ruwais in approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, significantly reducing the current journey time by bus or car.
Similarly, travelling to areas like Al Ruwais and Fujairah from Abu Dhabi will also see a major reduction in time. The Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais road trip, which normally takes about two hours and 30 minutes, will be cut to 70 minutes. Venturing off to Fujairah, which currently takes a little over two hours and 30 minutes, will also be reduced to one hour and 35 minutes. You’ll also be able to see the breathtaking landscape en route.
Etihad Rail unveils passenger stations
Once fully operational, Etihad Rail will link 11 cities and regions across the country, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Al Dhaid, Al Dhannah, Al Faya, Madinat Zayed, Mezaira’a, Al Mirfa and Al Sila.
Each train will carry up to 400 passengers and reach speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour. When the wider network is complete, Etihad Rail is expected to welcome millions of passengers each year, offering a new way to discover the UAE without getting behind the wheel.
The trains feature plush grey leather seats donning the railway logo. Once completed, these trains will also have a viewing gallery with reclining chairs that spin and large windows to enjoy the views outside.
Facts and figures
The first stage of development began in 2016, followed by the second stage in 2020. When fully operational, this network will span an impressive 1200 kilometres, linking all seven emirates and 11 cities across the UAE. These trains are set to reach speeds of up to 200km/h, cutting your travel time and offering scenic views.
The project is as much about sustainability as it is about speed. It’s taking special care to preserve the UAE’s natural beauty. It preserves the region’s flora and fauna, allowing travellers to enjoy the stunning views of its diverse landscapes.
Contact: www.etihadrail.ae