Dubai to Abu Dhabi in Under an Hour: Etihad Rail Announces AED 39 Fares
Commuting between the UAE's two largest emirates is about to get a massive upgrade. Etihad Rail has officially opened ticket sales for its highly anticipated passenger service, which is set to connect Dubai and Abu Dhabi starting September 30, 2026.
Revolutionizing the Daily Commute
For residents tired of the endless highway traffic, this new rail link offers a high-speed, cost-effective alternative. By choosing the train, commuters can bypass daily car journeys, avoiding the mounting costs of Salik charges, fuel, and parking fees. The service is specifically designed to enhance labor mobility, making it easier than ever for people to live in one emirate while working in another.
The new service will depart from the Al Yalayis Station in Dubai. Strategically located near Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), the station provides seamless connectivity for residents in:
- Al Furjan
- Dubai Investment Park (DIP)
- Dubai South
- Green Community
To make transfers even easier, the station features a 400-meter elevated walkway that connects directly to the Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro station.
Speed, Comfort, and Pricing
The rail network utilizes advanced trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h, with each trip accommodating approximately 400 passengers. Travelers can expect a swift journey, with travel times between the two emirates estimated to be between 57 minutes and 1 hour and 4 minutes.
Ticket Pricing Options:
- Comfort Class: AED 39 (one-way)
- Premium Class: AED 109 (one-way)
On the launch day, there will be five scheduled round trips. The very first train is slated to depart the Dubai Al Yalayis station between 6:14 a.m. and 6:15 a.m., arriving at the Mohammed Bin Zayed City station in Abu Dhabi at approximately 7:18 a.m.
Expanding the Network to Fujairah
The excitement doesn't end with the Abu Dhabi connection. On the same launch date, a new route from Dubai to Fujairah will also become operational. This service is expected to take approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, with Comfort class fares reportedly starting around AED 39.
The momentum for Etihad Rail is already building; following the initiation of the first phase between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah in June 2026, the network has already recorded over 70,000 ticket sales.
How to Secure Your Seat
Passengers can purchase tickets through the official Etihad Rail website or their mobile application. To cater to different needs, several fare categories are available, including:
- Saver
- Value
- Flex
Note: Please be aware that some fare options are non-refundable.