interview
Everything You Need to Know to Use Dubai’s First Intercity Passenger Train
Where to go, how to book and why you might want a window seat.
Dubai’s next big transport opening comes with a seat, a view and no responsibility for the driving. Etihad Rail passenger services from Dubai are scheduled to begin on 30 September 2026, connecting the emirate with Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. Tickets are already on sale.
Etihad Rail is the UAE’s national railway, with a passenger network planned to connect 11 cities and regions, stretching from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east. Stations are opening in phases, with Dubai joining the passenger network on 30 September 2026. Think intercity journeys with reserved seats, rather than another Metro line.
To say we are excited to try the new public transport is a major understatement.
Etihad Rail is the UAE’s national railway, with a passenger network planned to connect 11 cities and regions, stretching from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east. Stations are opening in phases, with Dubai joining the passenger network on 30 September 2026. Think intercity journeys with reserved seats, rather than another Metro line.
To say we are excited to try the new public transport is a major understatement.
Where can you travel from Dubai?
Creek Island is the taller, more urban and more polished side of the community. This is where you find Creek Marina, Central Park, many of the best-known restaurants, Address Creek Harbour, Vida Creek Harbour and much of the waterfront activity. It is better suited to residents who want cafés, restaurants and the marina close to home. It also attracts more visitors, particularly during winter weekends, public holidays and events.
Housing is predominantly in high-rise towers, with views varying between the water, Downtown skyline, park, internal community and active construction plots.
Housing is predominantly in high-rise towers, with views varying between the water, Downtown skyline, park, internal community and active construction plots.
Abu Dhabi: 57 minutes by train
Abu Dhabi. Photo credits: PIKE
Abu Dhabi. Photo credits: PIKE
The Dubai-Fujairah journey takes approximately 70 minutes, making the east coast an appealing option for a short break. Fujairah Fort is a good starting point for a heritage outing. For a longer stay, the emirate offers beaches, mountain scenery and coastal destinations including Al Aqah and Dibba. Arrange your hotel transfer separately, particularly for resorts farther north. Arriving in Fujairah does not mean arriving at your sun lounger.
Fujairah: 70 minutes by train
Al Dhaid in inland Sharjah is also scheduled to open on 30 September, although bookings were not yet available in the latest report checked. Keep it on your list for a future day trip.
The town offers a different pace, with an oasis landscape, a historic fort and Souq Sharia’t Al Dhaid. The souq has cafés, local crafts and seating overlooking the historic irrigation channel. This is inland Sharjah, so do not mistake it for a station in Sharjah city.
The town offers a different pace, with an oasis landscape, a historic fort and Souq Sharia’t Al Dhaid. The souq has cafés, local crafts and seating overlooking the historic irrigation channel. This is inland Sharjah, so do not mistake it for a station in Sharjah city.
Al Dhaid: to be determined
Where do you board in Dubai?
Trains depart from Al Yalayis Station, near Jumeirah Golf Estates and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. A dedicated pedestrian bridge connects it to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station. Allow time to walk across and find your platform. If taking a taxi, specify the Etihad Rail station rather than the neighbourhood.
Al Yalayis Station. Photo credits: PIKE
How much are tickets, and how do you book?
Surprisingly, not everything is sold-out yet. Introductory Dubai-Abu Dhabi fares start at AED39 in Comfort Class and AED109 in Premium Class. Comparing advertised Comfort fares, Fujairah is the cheapest destination from Dubai, starting at AED29 one way. Al Dhaid fares were not yet available at the time of checking. Prices vary by departure and fare type.
Book through the Etihad Rail website or an official app. Choose your stations and travel date, compare departures, select your class and fare, enter passenger details, then pay and save the confirmation. Check your return options at the same time.
Comfort and Premium describe the cabin. Saver, Value and Flex describe ticket flexibility, including conditions for seat selection, changes and refunds. Read those conditions before paying, especially if your plans are likely to change.
Book through the Etihad Rail website or an official app. Choose your stations and travel date, compare departures, select your class and fare, enter passenger details, then pay and save the confirmation. Check your return options at the same time.
Comfort and Premium describe the cabin. Saver, Value and Flex describe ticket flexibility, including conditions for seat selection, changes and refunds. Read those conditions before paying, especially if your plans are likely to change.
What to know before boarding?
Arrive at least 20 minutes before departure. Boarding gates close two minutes before the train leaves. Bring identification matching your ticket and keep the ticket ready to scan.
Your luggage allowance includes a personal item that fits under the seat and a carry-on no larger than 55×40×23cm. Label your bags and be prepared to lift and store them yourself. Bicycles and e-scooters are not permitted.
Check the departure screen and find your assigned carriage and seat. Wheelchair spaces must be reserved during booking.
Your luggage allowance includes a personal item that fits under the seat and a carry-on no larger than 55×40×23cm. Label your bags and be prepared to lift and store them yourself. Bicycles and e-scooters are not permitted.
Check the departure screen and find your assigned carriage and seat. Wheelchair spaces must be reserved during booking.
What is the train like inside?
Just like everything in Dubai, comfort is standard. Here, it is also the name of the entry-level class. The interior is stylish, with charcoal seating, warm beige finishes and large windows that give the scenery room to compete with your phone for attention.
By the way, for the views, consider a daylight journey towards Fujairah. Farmland, palms and mountain scenery make looking out of the window a perfectly respectable plan for the trip.
Comfort has spacious leather seats, good legroom and folding tray tables. Passengers can buy refreshments from a trolley. Premium adds even wider seating, deeper recline and features including a leg rest and phone stand. Snacks and drinks are included (with additional items available to purchase). Both classes include complimentary Wi-Fi, universal power sockets and USB charging.
By the way, for the views, consider a daylight journey towards Fujairah. Farmland, palms and mountain scenery make looking out of the window a perfectly respectable plan for the trip.
Comfort has spacious leather seats, good legroom and folding tray tables. Passengers can buy refreshments from a trolley. Premium adds even wider seating, deeper recline and features including a leg rest and phone stand. Snacks and drinks are included (with additional items available to purchase). Both classes include complimentary Wi-Fi, universal power sockets and USB charging.
The new UAE passenger train. Video credits: Etihad Rail
Where will the railway expand next?
Madinat Zayed and Liwa are scheduled to open on 30 November 2026, followed by Al Sila, Al Dhannah and Al Mirfa on 30 December. Sharjah University City is planned for 30 March 2027.
For a leisure trip, we are most excited about Liwa. Its oasis, historic forts and access to the vast Empty Quarter make it a compelling reason to plan a desert weekend. Moreeb Dune alone gives the destination a dramatic landmark. You will still need onward transport to resorts and desert attractions, and direct services from Dubai should be checked once timetables appear. But the prospect of starting a Liwa escape by train has already earned a place on our travel list.
For a leisure trip, we are most excited about Liwa. Its oasis, historic forts and access to the vast Empty Quarter make it a compelling reason to plan a desert weekend. Moreeb Dune alone gives the destination a dramatic landmark. You will still need onward transport to resorts and desert attractions, and direct services from Dubai should be checked once timetables appear. But the prospect of starting a Liwa escape by train has already earned a place on our travel list.
The railway expansion plan. Photo credits: Etihad Rail website
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Date of the article's release: summer 2026