The countdown to one of the UAE’s most anticipated transport projects has officially entered its final stage.Etihad Rail has opened ticket bookings for its first passenger train service, giving residents and visitors the chance to secure seats ahead of the June 30 launch. The introductory offer includes a 50% discount on fares, with tickets starting from just Dh55 for the inaugural Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route.The launch marks the beginning of the UAE’s first inter-emirate passenger railway service, a project years in the making that is expected to transform travel between the country’s major cities and regions.
Etihad rail ticket prices
Passengers booking the first services are currently benefiting from promotional launch fares.According to the booking platform, Comfort Class tickets have been reduced from Dh109 to Dh55, while Premium Class fares have dropped from Dh239 to Dh120 under the limited-time introductory offer. The promotion applies to the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route, which becomes operational on June 30.Etihad Rail has also introduced fare categories similar to those used by airlines, allowing passengers to choose between Saver, Value and Flex tickets depending on how much flexibility they require. Introductory pricing is expected to remain in place for a limited period before transitioning to a broader fare structure.Additional discounts are available for certain passenger groups. Children aged between two and 17, as well as passengers aged over 60, qualify for reduced fares, while infants under the age of two can travel free when seated on a guardian’s lap.
How to book Etihad Rail tickets?
Bookings are now available through the Etihad Rail mobile application and the official booking website. Passengers can select their preferred travel date, class and fare type before completing payment online.The initial timetable shows three direct services operating in each direction daily.From Abu Dhabi, trains are scheduled to depart at 8:19am, 1:53pm and 6:39pm. From Fujairah, services are listed at 5:34am, 10:59am and 5:28pm.Demand has already proven strong. Within hours of bookings opening, several launch-day services were either sold out or had very limited availability remaining, highlighting the excitement surrounding the country’s first passenger railway service.
Abu Dhabi to Fujairah in just 1 hour
The inaugural route will connect Abu Dhabi Station in Mohamed Bin Zayed City with Fujairah Station in Al Hilal City. The journey is expected to take approximately one hour and 45 minutes, significantly reducing travel times between the two emirates.While the June 30 launch focuses on Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, it is only the first phase of a much larger national network.Etihad Rail has confirmed that additional stations will open in stages, with Dubai and Al Dhaid scheduled to join the network on September 30. Al Dhafra stations are expected to follow in December, while Sharjah’s station is planned to open in March 2027.The wider network is designed to create a more connected UAE, offering residents an alternative to long-distance road travel and supporting future economic growth across the emirates.
Looking ahead
Etihad Rail says passengers can expect a modern intercity travel experience built around comfort and convenience.The trains offer guaranteed seating, onboard Wi-Fi and dedicated passenger amenities. The fleet consists of 13 trains, each capable of carrying up to 400 passengers.Stations have also been designed with extensive facilities, including parking areas, prayer rooms, family waiting areas, food and beverage outlets, retail stores, taxi zones, bus connections, ticket counters and accessibility features.Officials hope the service will eventually do for inter-emirate travel what the Dubai Metro did for urban transport providing a faster, more convenient and sustainable way to move around the country.