Etihad Rail. ARCHIVE
The long-awaited train ride between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is now a reality, with Etihad Rail opening its Dubai-Abu Dhabi passenger service to the public on Wednesday (September 30).
The first train bound for Abu Dhabi left Al Yalayis Station, next to Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, at 6:14am, giving commuters and families a new option for travelling between the two emirates.
Passengers on the inaugural service were also treated to a complimentary breakfast of paratha omelette.
The Dubai station is the third passenger station to open on the growing Etihad Rail network, following the launch of the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah service on June 30. Etihad Rail had announced that the Dubai and Al Dhaid stations would open on September 30 as part of the next phase of the national passenger rail network.
The new Dubai-Abu Dhabi service connects Al Yalayis Station with Mohamed bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi, with the journey expected to take about one hour and four minutes. Comfort Class tickets start at Dh39, while Premium Class fares start at Dh109.
Five trains will operate in each direction between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, providing 10 services in total.
For passengers travelling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, the first service is scheduled at 6:13am and the last at 6:14pm, with five trips a day. In the opposite direction, services from Abu Dhabi to Dubai start at 6:43am, with the final trip at 5:45pm.
From Dubai Metro to Etihad Rail
For Dubai residents, one of the biggest advantages of the new station is its connection to the existing Dubai Metro network.
Al Yalayis Station has direct access to the Dubai Metro Red Line through a 400-metre elevated pedestrian walkway, making it possible for passengers to connect between the two rail systems without relying solely on road transport.
The station is also planned to become an interchange with the future Gold Metro Line when that line opens in 2032. Etihad Rail says the passenger network is being developed as an integrated transport system connecting cities, communities and key destinations across the UAE.
Al Dhaid also joins passenger network
Al Dhaid Station in Sharjah also began welcoming passengers on Wednesday, becoming another new stop on the passenger rail network.
The Al Dhaid-Fujairah service takes about 25 minutes, with Comfort Class fares starting at Dh19 for morning journeys and Premium Class fares at Dh79. Services between Al Dhaid and Abu Dhabi also began on Wednesday.
The expansion marks another step in the phased rollout of the UAE’s national passenger railway. The network began with Abu Dhabi-Fujairah services in June, followed by Dubai and Al Dhaid in September. Further stations are scheduled to open later, including Al Dhafra in December 2026 and Sharjah in March 2027.
Other passenger routes
The Dubai-Fujairah service is also available, with fares starting at Dh29. The Dubai-Fujairah train departs once daily at 1:57pm, while the Fujairah-Dubai service runs once daily at 11.54am. The journey takes about one hour and 10 minutes. ICA/Expat Media
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