Etihad Rail passenger routes, stations, fares and timings: the 2026 guide
A detailed guide to Etihad Rail passenger routes between Fujairah and Abu Dhabi, the Dubai and Sharjah rollout, current fares, schedules and the separate high-speed project.
Published 3 October 2026 · By Naveed Murtaza
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What Etihad Rail service operates now?
The first paying passenger service began on 30 June 2026 between Al Hilal City in Fujairah and Mohamed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi. The non-stop journey was announced at about one hour and 45 minutes, with three departures in each direction during the initial timetable.
This is the national conventional passenger network, using trains designed for speeds up to 200 km/h. It is different from the freight operation that has run commercially across the national network since 2023.
Which stations open next?
Etihad Rail announced Dubai at Jumeirah Golf Estates and Al Dhaid in Sharjah for 30 September 2026. Five Al Dhafra stations were scheduled for 30 December 2026, followed by Sharjah University City on 30 March 2027.
Opening dates describe the phased network plan, not a promise that every origin-destination pair will immediately have the same frequency. Check the live journey planner before arranging a connection.
What do tickets cost?
Launch reporting listed Comfort Class at AED 55 as an introductory fare and Premium Class at AED 120 on the first route. A regular Comfort fare of AED 109 was reported, but the duration of the discount was not publicly fixed.
Treat these as launch-period figures, not permanent prices. The booking website or app is the authority for the fare available on a specific date and train.
Is the 30-minute Dubai–Abu Dhabi train operating?
No. The proposed fully electrified Abu Dhabi–Dubai high-speed railway is a separate project on dedicated infrastructure. Etihad Rail describes a target journey of about 30 minutes, but no public opening date, timetable or fare has been confirmed.
Do not confuse that future project with the conventional passenger station at Jumeirah Golf Estates or with current freight services.
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Important information note
This article provides general business information, not legal, tax, immigration or investment advice. Rules can change after publication; confirm your facts with the linked authority and a qualified adviser for your circumstances.