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Etihad Rail passenger trains now link Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with Al Dhafra stations due from 30 November

1 min read

A modern passenger train crossing open desert on an elevated track under a clear sky Trade and Logistics
A modern passenger train crossing open desert on an elevated track under a clear sky

Ten daily services run between the two cities in about 64 minutes, fares start at AED 39, and Madinat Zayed and Liwa stations are planned next.

Etihad Rail's passenger network now connects Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid and Fujairah, after services to Dubai began on 30 September, TravelMole reported on 8 October 2026. The first Abu Dhabi to Fujairah trains started on 30 June.

Between Abu Dhabi and Dubai the journey takes about 64 minutes, with 10 services a day. Comfort Class fares start at AED 39 and Premium Class costs AED 109. A pedestrian bridge links the Dubai station with Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station on the Red Line, and Nol integration lets passengers combine rail, metro, tram and bus trips with one QR code.

Stations at Madinat Zayed and Liwa in the Al Dhafra region are planned for 30 November, with more Al Dhafra stations scheduled for 30 December and a Sharjah connection for March 2027. The network is ultimately meant to serve 11 cities and regions from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east.

About 150,000 passengers used the nonstop Abu Dhabi to Fujairah service in its first three months. Services are run by Etihad Rail Mobility, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and the French operator Keolis. Tickets are sold through the Etihad Rail app and website and at station machines.

For employers, a fixed-time rail link between the two largest cities widens the area staff can commute from, and the Al Dhafra stations bring the western region, home to much of the oil and gas industry, onto the same network.

Sources