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Ahead of public passenger operations beginning on September 30, we got an early preview of Etihad Rail’s Abu Dhabi–Dubai service, travelling from Mohamed Bin Zayed City to Dubai Al Yalayis in 68 minutes on the UAE national rail network
Ahead of the start of public passenger operations on September 30, 2026, we had an exclusive preview of Etihad Rail’s Abu Dhabi–Dubai passenger train service, part of the wider UAE rail and UAE national rail network rollout. We boarded the train from Abu Dhabi Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station to Dubai Al Yalayis Station for an early look at what inter-emirate rail travel in the UAE will feel like. Our journey on the Dubai to Abu Dhabi train route took approximately 68 minutes. There was no traffic to contend with, the ride was smooth and quiet, and the overall experience felt genuinely futuristic. For anyone used to driving between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, perhaps the biggest difference is obvious. Once you are on board, the journey time is predictable and the road is no longer your concern.
Strong Wi-Fi and time you can actually use
The onboard Wi-Fi remained strong, allowing us to stay connected and keep messaging throughout the journey on the Etihad Rail UAE rail service.
That could be one of Etihad Rail’s biggest advantages for commuters in the UAE national rail system. Instead of spending the journey concentrating on traffic, passengers can work, read or simply relax. Etihad Rail also provides guaranteed seating, onboard power and luggage space.
Meanwhile, the train moves quickly and efficiently, with a capacity of up to 400 passengers and a maximum speed of 200 km/h.
Premium Class adds food to the experience
We travelled in Premium Class, where the journey also included food.
Watching the desert slip past the window, we had low-fat yoghurt, a turkey sandwich and banana bread, with fresh, locally sourced food adding another layer to the experience.
It made the journey feel less like simply getting from one emirate to another and more like travel time that can actually be enjoyed on the UAE rail network.
Dubai station links directly with the Metro
Dubai Al Yalayis Station is connected to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station by a dedicated pedestrian bridge, giving passengers direct access to the Dubai Metro Red Line.
Other onward options include taxis, buses and private pick-up and drop-off. Passengers can also add a Nol One-Day Pass when booking through Etihad Rail, with the train ticket and Nol pass provided through a single QR code.
Ten daily journeys between Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Public passenger operations begin on September 30, 2026, with 10 daily journeys on the Dubai to Abu Dhabi train route under Etihad Rail. Etihad Rail will also operate six daily journeys between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah as part of the expanding UAE national rail network.
Fares on the Abu Dhabi–Dubai route start from AED 39 for Comfort Class and AED 109 for Premium Class, while Etihad Rail’s wider UAE rail network offers fares from AED 29 and AED 89 respectively.
Tickets are available through the Etihad Rail app, website and station ticket machines.
A glimpse of a new way to travel
Etihad Rail says more than 150,000 passengers used its introductory Abu Dhabi–Fujairah services, with customers typically booking around 10 days in advance.
Our preview of the Etihad Rail Dubai to Abu Dhabi train experience made the appeal easy to understand. The journey took just 68 minutes, with no traffic to deal with, a quiet cabin, reliable Wi-Fi and the freedom to spend the journey doing something other than driving.
The desert simply slips past the window.
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