Etihad Rail’s First Passenger Service Adds a New Option for Abu Dhabi-Fujairah Travel

The UAE’s national rail network is moving into its next passenger stage. Etihad Rail’s introductory passenger service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah is scheduled to begin on June 30, 2026, with ticket booking available through the Etihad Rail app and official website.

The route connects Mohamed bin Zayed City Passenger Train Station in Abu Dhabi with Fujairah Station in Al Hilal City. The journey is expected to take about one hour and 45 minutes, giving residents and visitors a fixed-schedule rail option for a trip that usually depends on road conditions.

The announcement came as Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, inaugurated the Mohamed bin Zayed City Passenger Train Station and witnessed the unveiling of the wider UAE passenger rail network.

Fares, Schedule, and Booking

Introductory fares for the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route start at AED 55 for Comfort Class and AED 120 for Premium Class. Gulf News reported that these launch fares reflect a 50 per cent discount from standard fares of AED 109 and AED 239.

During the introductory phase, Gulf News listed three daily Abu Dhabi-to-Fujairah departures at 8:19am, 1:53pm, and 6:39pm, with return services from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi also scheduled daily. Passengers should still check the Etihad Rail app or website before travelling, as timings, availability, ticket types, and booking conditions can change.

Etihad Rail’s passenger fleet includes 13 trains, each with capacity for up to 400 passengers. Passenger services will be operated by Etihad Rail Passenger Services, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and Keolis.

What Comes Next

The Abu Dhabi-Fujairah service is the introductory phase of a wider rollout. According to Abu Dhabi Media Office and WAM, Dubai Train Station and Al Dhaid Train Station are scheduled to open with the official launch on September 30, 2026. Stations in Al Dhafra are expected to follow on December 30, 2026, with Sharjah Train Station scheduled for March 30, 2027.

For people travelling between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, the service introduces a new alternative to private cars, taxis, ride-hailing, or longer road-based journeys. Its usefulness beyond the launch period will likely depend on timetable reliability, station access, parking and shuttle options, ticket availability, and how smoothly the wider network connects more emirates.

Key Takeaways

• Etihad Rail’s introductory passenger service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah is scheduled to begin on June 30, 2026, with a journey time of about one hour and 45 minutes.
• Launch fares start at AED 55 for Comfort Class and AED 120 for Premium Class, with booking available through the Etihad Rail app and official website.
• The wider passenger network is expected to expand in phases, with Dubai, Al Dhaid, Al Dhafra, and Sharjah stations scheduled between September 2026 and March 2027.

Sources: Abu Dhabi Media Office, WAM, Gulf News, Khaleej Times.

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