Etihad Rail’s Passenger Service Launches June 30, Connecting Abu Dhabi and Fujairah in 1 Hour 45 Minutes
Etihad Rail has officially announced the commencement of its passenger rail service, set to begin operations on June 30, 2026. This inaugural route will connect Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, allowing travelers to complete the journey in just 1 hour and 45 minutes. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the UAE, which is among the few countries in the region to offer an intercity passenger rail service.
Passenger Rail Service: The Phased Launch, Date by Date
The June 30 launch represents the initial phase of a broader rollout of the passenger rail network. Following this, Dubai and Al Dhaid stations are scheduled to open on September 30, 2026, with stations in the Al Dhafra region set to follow on December 30, 2026. The route will be fully completed with the addition of the Sharjah station on March 30, 2027. The formal inauguration of the entire network is anticipated for September 30, coinciding with Dubai’s station becoming operational.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of the Mohamed bin Zayed City Passenger Train Station by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. This event transformed the announcement into a notable occasion, with the station now open for operations and the first paying passengers expected to board within a week.
What It Costs and How to Book
Ticket prices for the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route will start at AED 55 for Comfort Class and AED 120 for Premium Class. As of June 23, 2026, customers can book tickets and plan their journeys through the Etihad Rail mobile app and official website. This launch of the booking window coincides with the announcement of the launch date, enabling potential passengers to secure their spots on the inaugural trains.
Passenger Rail Service: What The Trains Offer?
The rail line spans 900 kilometers and will eventually connect 11 stations from Al Sila on the Saudi border to Fujairah on the east coast. The project has been executed by over 7,500 experts, contributing more than 24.5 million man-hours to its development.
Etihad Rail’s passenger trains are designed to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h, significantly reducing travel times by 30 to 40 percent compared to existing transport options. Each train will accommodate approximately 400 passengers and will feature amenities such as Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, charging points, and food and drink services.
The service will utilize two different train models: Chinese-built CRC coaches, which carry around 365 passengers, and Spanish-manufactured CAF coaches, accommodating approximately 369 passengers.
In a move to enhance convenience for passengers, an agreement was signed in 2024 between the Roads and Transport Authority and Etihad Rail, allowing travelers to use their nol cards for fare payment on the rail service. This integration is particularly beneficial for Dubai residents, facilitating seamless transitions between metro and train services.
Journey Times That Change the Calculation
The travel time from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah is confirmed to be approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, while the journey from Abu Dhabi to Dubai will take around 57 minutes. Additionally, trips from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and from Dubai to Fujairah will each take only 50 minutes.
Plans for an independent high-speed train service are also in the works, which could potentially reduce travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to just 30 minutes at speeds of up to 350 km/h. While the standard network is set to open this month, no specific launch date has been announced for the high-speed line.
Once operational, the network is expected to accommodate around 36.5 million passengers annually, contingent on effective connectivity with local transport options such as metro, bus, taxi, and e-hailing services.
What It Means for UAE Residents?
Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, emphasized that the launch of the passenger rail service signifies a pivotal advancement in the UAE’s transportation infrastructure, promising a modern, safe, and efficient travel experience.
This development is particularly noteworthy for a nation historically reliant on road transport. The new rail service provides a viable alternative for commuters traveling between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, as well as for tourists wishing to explore Fujairah without the need for rental cars. The introduction of this service transforms the travel landscape, offering options that were previously unavailable.
Source: timesofdubai.ae
Read all the latest developments and breaking updates in the Latest News section.
Published on 2026-06-23 12:55:00 • By the Editorial Desk
