On Thursday 1 October 2026, I rode the brand-new Etihad Rail passenger train from Dubai to Abu Dhabi with my husband, Shunto. It was the second day of service from the Dubai station, and we took a morning train to visit the LIVEX exhibition at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi.
I grew up in Ras Al Khaimah, and for my whole life travelling between emirates has meant a car or a bus. So I was genuinely excited to try the UAE’s first intercity passenger railway. Here is an honest, practical review: where the Dubai station is, how to buy tickets, what the train is like inside, and how to get around from the Abu Dhabi station.
Fares, timetable and parking were checked against the Etihad Rail website and Khaleej Times, the Metro bridge opening against Gulf News, and the exhibition details against ADNEC. The ride itself was on 1 October 2026.
- Dubai to Abu Dhabi takes about one hour, from AED 39 — close to the bus fare, but with a predictable journey time.
- Even Comfort (standard) class felt premium: good seats, plenty of power sockets, free Wi-Fi and clean toilets.
- Book early in the app or online. The same-day fare we saw at the station machine was roughly double what we paid.
- The Abu Dhabi station is outside the city centre. ADNEC was a 20–25 minute taxi ride.
- Watch out for non-rotating seats (about half face backwards) and the gap between the two morning trains and the next one after midday.
What is Etihad Rail?
Etihad Rail is the UAE’s national railway. Built first as a freight network, it began passenger service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on 30 June 2026, and on 30 September 2026 Dubai’s Al Yalayis Station opened, linking Dubai and Abu Dhabi in about an hour. Passenger trains run at up to 200 km/h. It is the first railway to connect the emirates, with future links planned to the northern emirates such as Ras Al Khaimah and on to Oman and Saudi Arabia.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Operator | Etihad Rail (UAE national railway) |
| Dubai station | Al Yalayis Station (Jumeirah Golf Estates) |
| Abu Dhabi station | Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station (opposite Dalma Mall) |
| Journey time | About 1 hour (64 minutes scheduled) |
| Fares | Comfort from AED 39 / Premium from AED 109 |
| Frequency | Five trains each way per day (at launch) |
| Booking | Website, official app or station machines (QR code to board) |
Watch the ride
We filmed the whole day — the station, the train, the exhibition and the ride home — for our YouTube channel. The video is in Japanese, but the station and train footage speaks for itself.
Video: Riding Etihad Rail from Dubai to Abu Dhabi (YouTube, about 35 minutes, in Japanese)
Video chapters (tap to jump)
- 0:56 Dubai’s Al Yalayis Station: location and tour
- 3:48 Premium lounge and free food
- 6:15 Ticket prices
- 6:55 Boarding: Comfort class seats and facilities
- 9:42 Free breakfast in standard class
- 19:12 Arriving at Abu Dhabi station
- 20:32 LIVEX exhibition at ADNEC
- 24:49 Back to Abu Dhabi station for the 12:43 train
- 28:21 Biryani served just before arrival
- 29:59 Opening celebrations at the Dubai station
Our trip at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday 1 October 2026 (day two of the Dubai station) |
| Outbound | Dubai (Al Yalayis Station) 7:14 → Abu Dhabi (Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station) |
| Return | Abu Dhabi 12:43 (Fujairah-bound via Dubai) → off at Dubai |
| Class | Comfort (standard) |
| Fare | AED 39 one way, booked in advance in the app |
| Journey time | About one hour (64 minutes scheduled) |
| Purpose | LIVEX 2026 at ADNEC (29 September – 1 October) |
Where is Etihad Rail’s Dubai station? Al Yalayis, Jumeirah Golf Estates
Dubai’s station is Al Yalayis Station, inside Jumeirah Golf Estates and right next to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station on the Red Line. If the name is hard to remember, just head for Jumeirah Golf Estates.
From our video: Al Yalayis Station, the Etihad Rail station in Dubai
A roughly 400-metre pedestrian bridge links the rail station with the Metro. It was not yet open when we travelled on 1 October, but Etihad Rail announced it would open on 15 October (Gulf News, 14 October), so you should now be able to walk across from the Metro.
If you drive, there is paid parking at the station; at launch, half-day and full-day parking were both listed at AED 30. A nice surprise: staff drove us by buggy from the station to our parked car — even though it was barely a one-minute walk.
Inside, the station is spacious and spotless, with Starbucks, a shop, Etihad Rail merchandise and even an English-speaking information robot. The network map shows stations planned across 11 cities and regions of the UAE; what is open today is only the beginning.
From our video: The bright, spacious concourse at Al Yalayis Station
The area around Jumeirah Golf Estates is being developed as a residential community with parks, schools and retail. If you are interested in homes near the station, feel free to contact us.
Etihad Rail tickets and fares: buy in the app, scan a QR code
Tickets are sold on the Etihad Rail website, in the official app and at station ticket machines. We booked in the app: timetable, seat class and card payment are all in one place, and on the day you simply scan your QR code at the gate — very much like rail travel in Europe.
| Class | One-way fare (Dubai–Abu Dhabi) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | From AED 39 | Free Wi-Fi, power and USB, luggage space |
| Premium | From AED 109 | More spacious seats, premium station lounge |
These are starting prices; the actual fare depends on the fare type (Saver, Value or Flex) and availability. When we checked the station machine on the day, the fare was about twice the AED 39 we had paid in the app, and some trains reportedly sell out. Once your plans are set, book early.
From our video: The station ticket machines — booking ahead online was cheaper
On the cheapest fare your seat is assigned automatically; choosing a seat needs a higher fare type. You still get a fixed seat number, and our two tickets were assigned side by side. The booking form also asks for your gender.
Who can use the lounge?
Both the Dubai and Abu Dhabi stations have a lounge for Premium ticket holders (upstairs in Abu Dhabi), much like an airline business-class lounge. During the opening days, cake, juice and candy floss were also handed out for free in the station itself.
From our video: The lounge for Premium ticket holders
Etihad Rail timetable Dubai–Abu Dhabi: five trains each way, about one hour
| Dep. Dubai | Arr. Abu Dhabi | Dep. Abu Dhabi | Arr. Dubai |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6:14 | 7:18 | 6:43 | 7:47 |
| 7:14 | 8:18 | 7:43 | 8:47 |
| 13:14 | 14:18 | 12:43 | 13:47 |
| 17:14 | 18:18 | 16:43 | 17:47 |
| 18:14 | 19:18 | 17:43 | 18:47 |
Launch timetable; arrival times calculated from the scheduled 64-minute journey. Dubai = Al Yalayis, Abu Dhabi = Mohamed Bin Zayed City. Always check the official website or app before travelling.
Services cluster in the morning and from midday onwards: miss the two morning trains and the next one is after lunch. The timetable clearly targets commuters, so pick your train before you plan the rest of your day. Frequencies should grow as ridership does.
Can you do Abu Dhabi as a day trip?
Easily. Take the 7:14 from Dubai to arrive at 8:18, then the 17:43 back to reach Dubai at 18:47 — around nine hours in Abu Dhabi. Just remember that 17:43 is the last train from Abu Dhabi to Dubai.
From our video: The platform, with platform screen doors
On board: “Is that first class?”
We travelled in Comfort, the entry class, yet the seats were soft, the recline is adjusted by hand, the headrest cushion is comfortable, and there is generous overhead and suitcase space. When Shunto posted a photo of his seat, a British friend replied: “Are you in first class?”
From our video: A Comfort class seat
- Power: plug sockets plus plenty of USB-C and USB-A ports
- Wi-Fi: free, no password, connected instantly
- Toilets: very clean, with a wide door
- Ride: smooth even at the 200 km/h top speed — comfortable enough to nap
From our video: The onboard toilet was spotless
An hour is enough to get real work done on a laptop — an hour you would otherwise spend behind the wheel.
Note: seats do not rotate
Unlike Japan’s bullet trains, the seats cannot be turned around, so about half of each carriage faces backwards. It does not bother me, but Shunto dislikes it and moved to a forward-facing seat. If you get motion sick, choose a fare type that lets you pick your seat.
The view: mostly desert
The scenery is mostly desert, with UAE trees and patches of green, until the city comes into view near Abu Dhabi. Think of it less as a sightseeing train and more as a relaxing way to travel.
From our video: The view: desert and patches of green
The surprise free meals
The biggest surprise was the food. On the morning train we were first given a small box of chocolates and date sweets, then a set with a cup of fruit and dates, pastries, a cheese and omelette sandwich and juice, plus a choice of karak tea or coffee — all free, in standard class. A trolley also comes through selling drinks and snacks.
From our video: The free breakfast on our morning train: fruit, dates, pastries, juice and coffee
On the midday return, chicken biryani was served — but only about three minutes before we reached Dubai. Most passengers had no time to eat before getting off, and everyone around us was surprised. The service is clearly still finding its rhythm.
From our video: Chicken biryani on the way back — served just before Dubai
Staff told us the food is served every day, but we could not find any official information on it. We travelled right after the launch, when free food was also being handed out in the stations, so expect changes — or a charge — in future.
Abu Dhabi station and onward travel: ADNEC was 20–25 minutes by taxi
The Abu Dhabi terminus is Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station, opposite Dalma Mall and close to Mussafah bus station — well away from the Corniche and the city centre. The criticism that “the Abu Dhabi station is far out” is fair.
For a single destination, though, it worked well. ADNEC was a 20–25 minute taxi ride, there were plenty of taxis waiting, and Careem worked normally. Staff again gave us a buggy ride to the taxi rank. The station building is almost identical to Dubai’s — inside, you could hardly tell them apart.
From our video: Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi
LIVEX, without the drive
LIVEX, organised by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport, is a liveability and investment exhibition, and around 80% of the floor was real estate: Aldar, Modon and Eagle Hills among others, plus an Etihad Rail stand. Until now, visiting an Abu Dhabi exhibition from Dubai meant driving; taking the train made it effortless.
What we noticed on the way back
Our 12:43 return train was running through to Fujairah via Dubai. If you fall asleep and miss your stop, you will end up on the east coast — so stay alert.
The return train was also a different design: fabric seats without the headrest cushion. Shunto preferred the outbound train; I actually like fabric seats. The rolling stock may differ by route, so it is a bit of luck which one you get. Either way, it is cleaner and more comfortable than many trains elsewhere.
From our video: The return train had fabric seats and a different design
Back in Dubai, the station was in full celebration mode: a mascot, robots, free candy floss, and a Dubai Police Rolls-Royce and Cybertruck on display outside.
From our video: A Dubai Police Rolls-Royce on display outside the Dubai station
Dubai to Abu Dhabi: train vs bus, taxi and car
| Mode | One-way cost (approx.) | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Etihad Rail (Comfort) | From AED 39 | About 1 hour (station to station) |
| Intercity bus (from Ibn Battuta) | About AED 25 | From about 1 h 45 min (traffic dependent) |
| Taxi | About AED 330–420 | Traffic dependent |
| Driving yourself | Fuel etc. | About 1.5 hours (around 140 km) |
Indicative figures based on media reports and our own experience; excludes travel to and from the stations.
The train costs only about AED 14 more than the bus, with a predictable journey and app booking. As Shunto put it: “If you don’t have a car, this is the obvious choice. Tourists used to have only the bus or a very expensive taxi.”
If you do drive, it depends on the trip. Touring several places in Abu Dhabi still calls for a car, but for a single destination like an exhibition, the train is far easier than a long drive home after a working day.
How Etihad Rail changes life in the UAE
On the train I kept thinking of my mother, who for a time drove from Ras Al Khaimah to Dubai or Sharjah almost every day. It was exhausting, and I could not help wishing this train had existed back then.
A friend of mine is in a similar situation today: her husband’s office moved to Abu Dhabi and he now has to go there about once a week. They live in JLT, close to Jumeirah Golf Estates, so when I told her about Etihad Rail the day before, she was delighted.
- Two-city living: living in Dubai and working in Abu Dhabi (or the reverse) becomes realistic without driving
- Tourism: visitors can combine Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the east coast around Fujairah far more easily
- What’s next: more stations are planned, with long-term plans to reach the northern emirates such as Ras Al Khaimah, and links to Oman and Saudi Arabia
From finding a home near the station to visas, bank accounts and SIM cards, our relocation support covers the practical side — including two-city living between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
In Europe, the Eurostar lets you cross borders by train; one day Etihad Rail may play a similar role in the Gulf. For the full station list and future plans, see Etihad Rail Explained.
Verdict: cheap, clean and predictable
There are launch-phase gaps — backward-facing seats, limited frequencies — but travelling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi in about an hour, from AED 39, in a spotless train is a real change. Shunto summed it up: “It’s cheap and it’s beautifully clean. Honestly, no complaints.” Next time, we want to try Premium.
- Book early in the app or online — same-day station fares can be much higher
- Decide between the morning trains (6:14, 7:14) and the afternoon ones
- If you dislike facing backwards, pick a fare that includes seat selection
- Allow time for the taxi from Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station
- On Fujairah-bound trains, do not miss your stop in Dubai
FAQ
What is Etihad Rail?
Etihad Rail is the UAE’s national railway. Passenger service started between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on 30 June 2026, and Dubai’s Al Yalayis Station opened on 30 September 2026, linking Dubai and Abu Dhabi in about an hour at up to 200 km/h.
Can I turn up and buy a ticket on the day?
Station machines sell tickets, but the same-day fare we saw was roughly double what we paid in the app, and some trains reportedly sell out. Book in the official app or online as soon as your date is set.
How much is Etihad Rail from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Comfort starts from AED 39 one way and Premium from AED 109. Fares vary by fare type and availability and can be higher on the day at the station, so book early in the official app or online.
How long does it take and how many trains are there?
The scheduled journey is 64 minutes, and it felt like almost exactly an hour. At launch there were five trains in each direction per day, with nothing between the two morning trains and the early-afternoon service.
Where is the Dubai station?
Al Yalayis Station in Jumeirah Golf Estates. A roughly 400-metre pedestrian bridge links it to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station on the Red Line; the bridge was announced to open on 15 October 2026.
How do I get from the Abu Dhabi station into the city?
Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station is outside the centre, so a taxi or ride-hailing app is easiest. ADNEC took us about 20–25 minutes by taxi.
Is food served on board?
On the Dubai station’s second day, Comfort passengers received a free breakfast and, on our midday train, biryani. Staff said it is served daily, but there is no official information, so it could change or become chargeable.
Can I do a day trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Leave Dubai at 7:14 (arrive 8:18) and return on the 17:43 (arrive Dubai 18:47) for about nine hours in Abu Dhabi. The 17:43 was the last train back at launch.
Sources
- Etihad Rail official website (timetable, fares, booking)
- Khaleej Times: Etihad Rail Dubai bookings now open (fares, timings, parking)
- Gulf News: Al Yalayis–Metro pedestrian bridge opening announcement (14 October 2026)
- ADNEC: Liveability and Investment Exhibition (LIVEX 2026)
- SAMURAI REAL ESTATE: Etihad Rail Explained
This article is based on our ride on 1 October 2026 and information available on 16 October 2026. Timetables, fares, onboard service and station facilities may change; always check the official Etihad Rail website or app before you travel.