Public transport between the two largest cities in the UAE has become more convenient with the launch of the new Etihad Rail passenger service connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The route officially began operations on September 30, 2026, marking a significant expansion of the UAE's first national passenger rail network. Furthermore, this service provides a connection between Dubai and Fujairah, offering travelers an additional way to explore the country without complete reliance on road transport.
The journey from Dubai to Abu Dhabi takes about an hour. Starting fares are 39 AED (173.73 SAR, approximately 9.35 EUR) for Comfort Class and 109 AED (485.65 SAR, approximately 26.13 EUR) for Premium Class.
The new line connects Al Jalais Station in Dubai, located near Jumeirah Golf Estates, with Mohammed bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi. At the start, the trains can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h and accommodate up to 400 passengers. Ten trains run daily between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with additional services connecting Abu Dhabi with Fujairah.
The station in Dubai is connected to the Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station by a special pedestrian bridge, allowing passengers to continue their journey using the city's public transport system.
This new route may be particularly useful for visitors staying in Dubai who wish to spend a day in Abu Dhabi, as well as for tourists planning to visit multiple destinations in the UAE in one trip.
Introductory fares between Dubai and Abu Dhabi are available for booking through the Etihad Rail website and mobile application, as well as at ticket vending machines at the stations. Shuttles are also provided between central areas of Abu Dhabi, including Corniche, Reem Mall, and ADNEC Centre, and Mohammed bin Zayed City Station; the cost of these services is 10 AED.
The connection to Dubai is part of a broader expansion of the Etihad Rail passenger network. The latest expansion also opens Al Dhaid in Sharjah, with other routes planned to join in the coming months. Madinat Zayed and Liwa are scheduled to open in November, followed by Al Sila, Al Dannah, and Al Mirfa in December. The Sharjah University City is expected to join the network in March 2027.
Some of these routes may be of particular interest to visitors seeking to see another side of the UAE, beyond the skyscrapers of Dubai and the main attractions of Abu Dhabi. For example, Liwa is known for its vast desert landscapes and annual motorsport events, while Al Mirfa provides access to the western coastline and nearby mangrove areas.
The expanding railway network of the UAE is also part of broader plans to improve rail connectivity in the Persian Gulf. Plans were previously discussed for a railway connecting six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Currently, there is no confirmed completion date for a fully connected Gulf rail network.
Saudi Arabia already operates several passenger rail routes, and metro systems are available in cities such as Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh.
Nevertheless, for travelers, the latest developments in the UAE are significant in themselves. The new link between Abu Dhabi and Dubai offers a relatively affordable alternative to road transport and opens up the possibility of combining more cities and landscapes of the country in a single trip.
