Etihad Rail Launches Passenger Service Connecting Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Dhaid, and Fujairah
Etihad Rail has officially commenced passenger services between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, expanding its network to include direct connections to Al Dhaid and Fujairah, marking a significant milestone for UAE connectivity.
Etihad Rail has launched its passenger services, establishing direct rail connections between major UAE cities including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Dhaid, and Fujairah. This new phase follows the successful operation of the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah line, which has already served over 150,000 passengers since its opening on June 30.
Service Details and Connectivity
The Dubai-Abu Dhabi route offers five direct connections daily in each direction. Departures from Dubai are scheduled at 6:14, 7:14, 13:14, 17:14, and 18:14. From Abu Dhabi, trains depart at 6:43, 7:43, 12:43, 16:43, and 17:43. Tickets are priced at AED 39 for Comfort class and AED 109 for Premium class, available through the Etihad Rail website, app, and station ticket machines.
The trains operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h and can accommodate up to 400 passengers. Both Comfort and Premium classes offer amenities such as power outlets for laptops, free Wi-Fi, and catering services.
In Dubai, the Etihad Rail station is smoothly connected to the Jumeirah Golf Estates metro station via a pedestrian walkway, facilitating intermodal travel. The integration with Dubai's Nol system allows passengers to combine train and public transport using a single QR code. Also, stations provide access to buses, taxis, and car rental services.
Expanding Network and Future Plans
Beyond the Dubai-Abu Dhabi link, the network also includes a daily round trip connecting Dubai to Fujairah, with a journey time of approximately 70 minutes. The Al Dhaid station in Sharjah has opened concurrently with the new services. Future expansions include the opening of Al Dhafra stations by late December, followed by additional Sharjah stations in March 2027.
Looking ahead, Etihad Rail is also developing a high-speed line between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This future service is projected to reduce travel time to just 30 minutes, with trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h. The current passenger service operates as a joint venture between Etihad Rail and Keolis.
Questions, answered
- What are the ticket prices for Etihad Rail's new passenger service?
- Tickets for the new Etihad Rail passenger service cost AED 39 for Comfort class and AED 109 for Premium class.
- How can passengers buy tickets for Etihad Rail?
- Passengers can purchase tickets via the Etihad Rail website, its official app, or at ticket machines located within the stations.
- What amenities are available on board the Etihad Rail passenger trains?
- Trains offer power outlets for laptops, free Wi-Fi, and a catering service in both Comfort and Premium classes.
- How does Etihad Rail connect to public transport in Dubai?
- In Dubai, the Etihad Rail station is connected to the Jumeirah Golf Estates metro station via a pedestrian walkway, and the service integrates with the Nol system for combined train and public transport travel using a single QR code.
- What are the future expansion plans for Etihad Rail's passenger network?
- Future plans include the opening of Al Dhafra stations by late December, additional Sharjah stations in March 2027, and the development of a high-speed line between Abu Dhabi and Dubai that will reduce travel time to 30 minutes.
This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.
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