Etihad Rail station opening dates, ticket prices and best scenic route
Etihad Rail’s passenger service is receiving a warm response from travellers across the UAE. Many passengers have praised the trains for their comfort, easy booking process and beautiful views.
The introductory passenger service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah began almost one month ago. Tickets have been in high demand, especially during weekends.
More Etihad Rail stations are scheduled to open in the coming months. Here is a simple guide to the station opening dates, current ticket prices, travel options and the most scenic route.
When will the Dubai Etihad Rail station open?
The next major Etihad Rail expansion is scheduled for .
Two new passenger stations are expected to open on that date:
- Dubai Station near Jumeirah Golf Estates
- Al Dhaid Station in Sharjah
The new stations will make it easier for passengers to travel between some of the UAE’s main cities and communities.
Etihad Rail station opening dates
The remaining passenger stations are planned to open in stages between late 2026 and early 2027.
September 30, 2026
- Dubai Station near Jumeirah Golf Estates
- Al Dhaid Station in Sharjah
November 30, 2026
- Madinat Zayed Station
- Liwa Station
Both stations are in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region. Etihad Rail said they will open earlier than first planned.
December 30, 2026
- Al Sila Station
- Al Dhannah Station
- Al Mirfa Station
These three stations are also located in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region.
March 30, 2027
- Sharjah University City Station
The University City station is expected to complete the first phase of the Etihad Rail passenger network.
How much do Etihad Rail tickets cost?
Passengers using the introductory Abu Dhabi to Fujairah service are being offered a 50 per cent launch discount.
- Comfort Class starts from Dh55. The regular starting fare is Dh109.
- Premium Class starts from Dh120. The regular starting fare is Dh239.
Ticket prices may change depending on the travel date, ticket type and selected class.
Etihad Rail has not yet announced ticket prices for all future routes. The fares are expected to be revealed closer to the opening date of each station.
What Etihad Rail ticket types are available?
Passengers can choose from three fare types within each travel class.
Saver
Saver is the lowest-priced option. It is best for passengers who are certain about their travel plans and do not expect to make changes.
Value
Value tickets include seat selection. Some booking changes may also be allowed under the ticket conditions.
Flex
Flex tickets offer more freedom to change a journey. Refunds may also be available, depending on the fare rules.
Discounted tickets are available for children and senior citizens.
Which is the most scenic Etihad Rail route?
The Abu Dhabi to Fujairah route is already being described as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the UAE.
The journey begins among the modern buildings of Abu Dhabi. The train then travels across wide desert areas and golden sand dunes.
As the train moves towards Fujairah, it passes through the Hajar Mountains and specially built tunnels. Near the end of the journey, passengers can see the east coast and the Gulf of Oman.
The route allows travellers to see the city, desert, mountains and sea during one train journey.
Etihad Rail’s first Emirati train captain, Ibrahim Al Hammadi, said few trains in the world offer the same variety of views.
Desert, mountain and sea in one journey.
Ibrahim Al Hammadi
How can passengers continue their journey?
Etihad Rail is being connected with local public transport services to help passengers complete the final part of their journey.
Stations are expected to provide access to:
- Public buses
- Shuttle buses
- Taxis
- Metro services where available
- Other local transport routes
Transport links at Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station
Shuttle buses from Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi connect passengers with three important locations in the capital:
- Adnoc headquarters on Corniche Road
- Adnec Centre on Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street
- Reem Mall on Reem Island
Two bus routes, MR1 and MR2, also connect Mohamed Bin Zayed City Train Station with the Main Bus Station and Al Zahya Bus Station in both directions.
Will passengers be able to use Nol cards?
The Dubai Etihad Rail station is planned to connect with the Dubai Metro, public buses and taxis.
Etihad Rail and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority are also working together on Nol card integration.
This could allow passengers to use the same Nol card for Etihad Rail and other public transport services in Dubai, making journeys easier and faster.
What will the full Etihad Rail passenger route cover?
When fully operational, the Etihad Rail passenger network is expected to cover about 900 kilometres and connect destinations across all seven emirates.
The route will stretch from Al Sila near the UAE-Saudi Arabia border in the west to Fujairah on the eastern coast.
The planned passenger stations include:
- Al Sila
- Al Dhannah
- Al Mirfa
- Madinat Zayed
- Mezairaa
- Mohamed Bin Zayed City
- Al Faya
- Dubai
- University City
- Sharjah
- Al Dhaid
- Fujairah
The passenger network is expected to make travel between the emirates easier and more comfortable. It could also help reduce the number of cars using major roads.
Etihad Rail frequently asked questions
When will the Dubai Etihad Rail station open?
The Dubai Station near Jumeirah Golf Estates is scheduled to open on September 30, 2026.
How much is an Etihad Rail ticket from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah?
Launch fares start from Dh55 for Comfort Class and Dh120 for Premium Class.
Which Etihad Rail route offers the best views?
The Abu Dhabi to Fujairah route offers views of city buildings, desert dunes, the Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman.
Can passengers use public transport after leaving the train?
Yes. Etihad Rail stations are being connected with buses, taxis, shuttle services and other local transport options.
Will Nol cards work on Etihad Rail?
Etihad Rail and Dubai’s RTA are working on Nol card integration for rail and public transport payments.
How long is the Etihad Rail passenger network?
The full passenger network is expected to cover about 900 kilometres across all seven emirates.