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Etihad Rail Launches Dubai to Abu Dhabi Trains: Timetable and Prices

2026-09-30

Passenger trains now run between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Etihad Rail's Dubai–Abu Dhabi passenger service launched on 30 September, with the first train leaving Dubai's Al Yalayis Station at 6.14am and arriving in Abu Dhabi at 7.18am.

For people who travel between the two cities, the train is a new way to make the trip on a fixed timetable. For property buyers, it brings Dubai's first Etihad Rail passenger station to Jumeirah Golf Estates.

Etihad Rail Timetable and Journey Time

The line connects Mohammed Bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi with Al Yalayis Station in Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai. Trains reach speeds of up to 200 km/h and have two classes, Comfort and Premium.

There are five trains in each direction every day. From Abu Dhabi, trains leave at 6.43am, 7.43am, 12.43pm, 4.43pm and 5.43pm. From Dubai, they leave at 6.14am, 7.14am, 1.14pm, 5.14pm and 6.14pm. Each trip takes 64 minutes.

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Ticket Prices and Fare Types

Comfort fares start at AED 39 and Premium fares at AED 109. The final price depends on the fare type and seat availability.

There are three fare types:

Saver is for fixed plans. The seat is assigned automatically, and the ticket cannot be changed or refunded.
Value includes free seat selection and allows changes under the fare rules, but it is non-refundable.
Flex allows free seat selection and changes, and refunds are available under the cancellation conditions.

Tickets are sold on etihadrail.ae, in the Etihad Rail app and at station ticket machines, up to five minutes before departure if seats remain.

Interest was high on launch day. Both classes on the 1.14pm train from Dubai sold out, along with Premium seats on the 6.14am train.

On Board: Comfort and Premium Class

Comfort Class has seats with padded headrests, foldable tables, charging points, Wi-Fi and luggage space. Premium Class has wider reclining seats, extra legroom, Wi-Fi and charging, plus free drinks and snacks, with more food available to buy.

Both classes have space for wheelchair users. The onboard menu is built around Emirati flavours and produce from local farms.

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Al Yalayis Station in Jumeirah Golf Estates

Al Yalayis Station is in Me'aisem First, next to Jumeirah Golf Estates and directly opposite the Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station. A 400-metre elevated walkway links it to the Dubai Metro Red Line.

This means people who live along the Red Line can reach the train by Metro. For drivers, parking costs AED 5 per hour, AED 30 for five hours or more, and AED 40 overnight between 1am and 5am.

The station has Wi-Fi, ticket machines, waiting areas including a family area, a first aid room, toilets, a prayer room, and pick-up and drop-off points.

More transport is coming to the area. Jumeirah Golf Estates will also be on the AED 34 billion Dubai Metro Gold Line, which is due to open in September 2032.

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Mohammed Bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi

At Mohammed Bin Zayed City Station, passengers have ticket machines, departure screens, several cafés, a WHSmith, a premium lounge and prayer rooms. When booking online, passengers can add a shuttle bus or car rental to their ticket.

Beyond Dubai and Abu Dhabi

The Dubai route is the second stage of Etihad Rail's passenger network, after the line between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. A direct train from Dubai to Fujairah is also on the timetable. It leaves at 1.57pm, and the journey takes about 70 minutes.

Sources: Gulf News, The National

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