Direct answer: Etihad Rail’s Dubai passenger service starts on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. The published launch timetable has five daily trains each way between Dubai Al Yalayis and Abu Dhabi’s Mohamed Bin Zayed City station. Dubai departures are 6:14am, 7:14am, 1:14pm, 5:14pm and 6:14pm. One-way fares start at AED 39 in Comfort Class and AED 109 in Premium Class. Book through the official Etihad Rail website or mobile app.[1][3]
Check before you travel: Timetables, fares and availability can change. Use the live Etihad Rail booking system—not a screenshot of this guide—as the final authority for your trip.
Etihad Rail Dubai–Abu Dhabi timetable
The launch schedule lists five direct services in each direction. The timetable below shows a scheduled journey of 1 hour 4 minutes.[3]
Dubai to Abu Dhabi
| Dubai departure | Abu Dhabi arrival | Scheduled journey |
|---|---|---|
| 6:14am | 7:18am | 1h 4m |
| 7:14am | 8:18am | 1h 4m |
| 1:14pm | 2:18pm | 1h 4m |
| 5:14pm | 6:18pm | 1h 4m |
| 6:14pm | 7:18pm | 1h 4m |
Abu Dhabi to Dubai
| Abu Dhabi departure | Dubai arrival | Scheduled journey |
|---|---|---|
| 6:43am | 7:47am | 1h 4m |
| 7:43am | 8:47am | 1h 4m |
| 12:43pm | 1:47pm | 1h 4m |
| 4:43pm | 5:47pm | 1h 4m |
| 5:43pm | 6:47pm | 1h 4m |
You may see “57 minutes” in some launch coverage, while the ticketed times above span 64 minutes. Plan around the actual departure and arrival shown on your booking.[3][4]
Ticket prices and fare types
Published starting fares for Dubai to Abu Dhabi are:[3]
| Class | Starting one-way fare |
|---|---|
| Comfort | AED 39 |
| Premium | AED 109 |
These are starting fares, not a guarantee that every train will have that price. The final amount depends on availability and whether you select Saver, Value or Flex.[3]
- Saver: Automatic seat assignment; no changes; non-refundable.
- Value: Seat selection included; changes are subject to the fare conditions; non-refundable.
- Flex: Seat selection and greater change flexibility; refunds are subject to cancellation conditions.
Read the fare conditions shown during checkout before paying, especially if your return time may change.
Comfort vs Premium: what you get
Comfort Class includes standard seating, Wi-Fi, power and USB charging, and luggage space. Food and drinks can be purchased onboard.[1][3]
Premium Class adds wider reclining seats, more legroom, padded headrests, and complimentary drinks and snacks. Both classes include Wi-Fi and charging facilities.[3]
For a short intercity journey, Comfort is the budget choice. Premium may make more sense if extra space, a flexible fare or onboard refreshments matter to you. Compare the total checkout price and fare rules, not only the class label.
How to book Etihad Rail tickets
- Open the official Etihad Rail booking website or the Etihad Rail mobile app.
- Choose your origin, destination and travel date.
- Select a departure time.
- Pick Comfort or Premium Class.
- Compare Saver, Value and Flex conditions.
- Enter passenger details and add any available extras.
- Review the station, time, change/refund rules and final price.
- Pay and save the digital ticket sent through the app, mobile website or email.[3]
Ticket vending machines are also available at stations. Gulf News reports that tickets can be bought up to five minutes before departure when seats are available, but arriving that late is risky for a first trip.[3]
Booking safety checklist
- Type
etihadrail.aeyourself or use the official app. - Confirm that the origin says Dubai Al Yalayis, not a proposed future station.
- Recheck the travel date, direction and passenger names.
- Screenshot or download the ticket after payment.
- Keep the payment confirmation email.
- Check the app again before leaving for the station.
Where is the Dubai Etihad Rail station?
Dubai’s station is Al Yalayis Station in Jumeirah Golf Estates, close to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311). Road access is also available from E44 and D57.[3][4]
A pedestrian bridge connects Al Yalayis Station with Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station on the Dubai Metro Red Line. This makes a Metro-to-intercity-rail journey possible without relying entirely on a car.[3][4]
The station lists parking, ticket machines, waiting areas, a family waiting area, information services, first aid, prayer room, toilets, food and retail outlets, pick-up/drop-off areas, buses, taxis and e-hailing access.[3]
First-trip station checklist
- Allow extra time to find the correct entrance and platform.
- If using Metro, include time for the pedestrian transfer.
- If driving, check parking availability during booking.
- If using a taxi or ride-hailing app, select the exact Al Yalayis passenger station.
- Keep your ticket and ID easy to reach.
- Follow the live station screens if they differ from an older online timetable.
Dubai to Fujairah option
The booking platform also shows a direct Dubai–Fujairah service for September 30: departure from Dubai at 1:57pm and arrival in Fujairah at 3:07pm, a scheduled journey of about 70 minutes.[3]
Search the live booking system for your date because service frequency and fares may differ from the Dubai–Abu Dhabi route.
Do not confuse this service with the future high-speed train
The service opening at Al Yalayis is part of the UAE’s phased national passenger rail network. Etihad Rail’s official rollout says Dubai and Al Dhaid stations open on September 30, 2026, Al Dhafra stations on December 30, 2026, and Sharjah Station on March 30, 2027.[1][2]
Separate reports about a future high-speed Dubai–Abu Dhabi railway refer to another project. For travel now, use the station, timetable and duration displayed in the current Etihad Rail booking system.[4]
Quick decision guide
Choose the train if:
- the published departure times fit your schedule;
- Al Yalayis and Mohamed Bin Zayed City are convenient for your actual start and end points;
- you value a reserved seat, Wi-Fi and a predictable onboard environment; or
- you can connect efficiently by Metro, taxi or another local transport option.
Compare the full door-to-door trip before booking. Add the time and cost required to reach Al Yalayis, transfer at either end, park if needed, and wait before departure. A low rail fare does not automatically mean the train is the fastest or cheapest option for every address.
Frequently asked questions
When does Etihad Rail start from Dubai?
Dubai Al Yalayis Station is scheduled to open for passenger service on September 30, 2026.[1][2]
How much is the Dubai to Abu Dhabi train?
Starting one-way fares are AED 39 for Comfort Class and AED 109 for Premium Class. Actual prices depend on fare type and availability.[3]
How long is the Dubai to Abu Dhabi train journey?
The published launch timetable runs from 6:14am to 7:18am on the first morning service, which is 1 hour 4 minutes. Check the duration printed on your chosen service.[3]
Where is the Etihad Rail station in Dubai?
Al Yalayis Station is in Jumeirah Golf Estates, opposite and connected by pedestrian bridge to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station on the Red Line.[3][4]
How many trains run each day?
The published launch timetable lists five services each way between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Check live availability because frequency can change.[3]
Can I buy a ticket at the station?
Yes. Ticket vending machines are available, but advance booking is safer when demand is high or you need a specific departure.[3]