UAE Launches New Passenger Rail Service Connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi in Under an Hour
Etihad Rail's new network aims to provide a swift, reliable, and congestion-free travel alternative, with tickets starting at £8.
The United Arab Emirates has introduced a new passenger rail service, Etihad Rail, significantly reducing travel time between Dubai and Abu Dhabi to approximately one hour.
This new network marks the UAE's first fully-integrated national passenger railway system, connecting 11 cities and regions via strategically located stations. The initiative aims to offer a comfortable, modern, and efficient travel experience, moving away from the rail operator's previous focus on freight transport.
Etihad Rail announced in early 2025 that the initial four stations would be established in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. The Dubai and Al Dhaid stations commenced operations on September 30, 2026.
Tickets for the Dubai to Abu Dhabi route are priced at AED39 (£8) for comfort class and AED109 (£22.40) for premium seats. Over 70,000 tickets have already been sold across the UAE as the network expands.
The system is designed for passenger comfort, featuring ergonomic seating, contemporary interiors, comprehensive Wi-Fi coverage, and individual power outlets at each seat. Services are scheduled to operate with precision, offering a reliable alternative to road travel and mitigating congestion.
Each train has a capacity of up to 400 passengers and is capable of reaching speeds of up to 125 miles per hour. This speed allows for journeys between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to be completed in as little as 50 minutes, a considerable decrease from the current 90-minute road journey.
Further expansion of the Etihad Rail passenger network is planned, with Liwa and Madinat Zayed stations scheduled to open on November 30, 2026. Most remaining stations are slated for a December 30, 2026, opening, followed by Sharjah on March 30, 2027.
Azza Al Suwaidi, chief operating officer of Etihad Rail, noted the growing integration of the service into travelers' plans. "People aren't simply trying the train out of curiosity. They're planning around it," Al Suwaidi stated. "When customers are booking nearly two weeks ahead, it tells us passenger rail is already becoming part of how people organise their journeys. That is an important sign that rail is beginning to establish itself as a natural travel choice across the UAE."