How to Take the Etihad Rail Train Between Dubai and Abu Dhabi: Stations, Fares, Timetable and Tickets

News summary: Dubai station opens on 30 September as tickets go on sale

On 22 September 2026, The National’s Alexander Christou reported that Etihad Rail, the UAE’s national railway, has opened bookings for passenger trains between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Dubai’s Al Yalayis station is due to open on 30 September 2026, connecting Dubai to the national passenger rail network for the first time. Gulf News and Khaleej Times reported the ticket launch on the same day. Until now, Etihad Rail’s passenger service, which began on 30 June 2026, has run only between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. With the Dubai station open, travellers between the two cities gain an option that doesn’t involve driving or taking an intercity bus.

Key takeaways

• This guide is for expats, commuters and visitors who travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and for anyone comparing where to live and how to commute between the two cities.
• It covers where the stations actually are and how to get to and from them, fares and the change and refund rules for the three ticket types (Saver, Value and Flex), the trains currently listed on the official timetable, and the rules on luggage and children’s tickets.
• Three limits to know up front: the Abu Dhabi station is in Mohamed Bin Zayed City, not the city centre; early services are concentrated in the morning and evening; and the cheapest ticket, Saver, can be neither changed nor refunded.

Where are the Dubai and Abu Dhabi stations? Metro, shuttle bus and driving connections

Dubai: Al Yalayis station and the Metro Red Line

The Dubai station’s official name is Dubai Al Yalayis Station (it appears as “Dubai Station” on Etihad Rail’s online timetable). According to The National, it sits in Me’aisem First next to Jumeirah Golf Estates, opposite the Jumeirah Golf Estates station on the Dubai Metro Red Line, and the two are linked by an elevated walkway of about 400 metres. By car, the station can be reached via roads including the E311, E44 and D57.

If you live along the Red Line, you can take the Metro to Jumeirah Golf Estates and walk across to the train. One thing to keep in mind: Etihad Rail’s connection protection doesn’t cover the Dubai Metro. If a Metro delay makes you miss your train, the loss is yours.

Abu Dhabi: MBZ City station and the official shuttle bus

The Abu Dhabi terminus is Abu Dhabi Station in Mohamed Bin Zayed City (ME10), referred to in official press releases as Mohammed Bin Zayed City Station (MBZ City station). It is open daily from 05:00 to 23:00, with parking, a waiting area, a family waiting area, ticket machines, food and drink, a prayer room, a first-aid room, a drop-off zone, a bus stop, a taxi and ride-hailing area, and car rental.

MBZ City station is not in central Abu Dhabi or near the Corniche, so you will need onward transport after you arrive. Etihad Rail offers three main options:

1. Etihad Rail shuttle bus: runs between Abu Dhabi Station and designated stops, timed around train arrivals and departures. The stops listed on the official website include ADNEC Center (Al Rawdah), ADNOC Headquarters (Corniche) and Reem Mall (Al Reem Island). The shuttle must be booked in advance through the app or website; it cannot be booked at the station.
2. Taxis and ride-hailing: the station has a dedicated pick-up area.
3. Public buses: Etihad Rail works with Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre to link the train with the city’s bus and taxi network, and the station has its own bus stop.

The Journey Planner in the app and on the website lets you enter a start point and destination and see connecting options such as Metro, shuttle bus, taxi and walking. Available options vary by station.

Driving and parking

Etihad Rail says every station has parking and recommends reserving a space in advance under “Add-ons” in the app or on the website. Parking charges depend on the station and how long you stay; no standard rate has been published, so check the price shown at booking. Every station also has a drop-off zone if someone is driving you.

Etihad Rail fares, classes and ticket types

Comfort vs Premium: what’s the difference?

According to The National, Gulf News and Khaleej Times, one-way fares between Dubai and Abu Dhabi start from Dh39 in Comfort Class and from Dh109 in Premium Class. These are starting prices: the actual fare depends on ticket type, date and seat availability, so check the booking screen. Etihad Rail says the price shown at checkout includes all taxes and fees.

Under Etihad Rail’s Passenger Charter, the main differences between the two classes are:

Saver, Value and Flex: change and refund rules

Each class comes in three ticket types, which differ in whether you can change or cancel. This is the part worth a minute of your time before you buy.

A few rules apply to every ticket:

• No route changes: you can’t change the departure or arrival station on any ticket type.
• Fare differences: if the new train costs more, you pay the difference (plus any applicable fee); if it costs less, the difference isn’t refunded.
• Didn’t travel and didn’t cancel = no-show: the ticket is void and no ticket type is refunded.
• Return journeys are treated separately: each leg follows its own ticket-type rules, and cancelling or missing one leg doesn’t automatically affect the other.

A simple way to decide: if your plans are fixed and you can accept losing the fare if you miss the train, Saver may suit you. If your plans are mostly set but might shift, Value lets you change for free up to 72 hours before departure. If your plans are uncertain or only firm on the day, Flex has the most generous change and refund terms, though it may cost more; check the actual price difference on the booking screen.

Children, infants and seniors

If you want your infant to have their own seat, or one adult is travelling with two or more infants, you’ll need to buy a child ticket for the infant. Children aged 14 and over can travel on their own.

Dubai–Abu Dhabi trains and journey time: the current official timetable

According to Etihad Rail’s official timetable (22 September 2026 version), from 30 September each train between Dubai Station and Abu Dhabi Station takes 64 minutes, with four trains in each direction, concentrated in the morning and early evening. The timetable is still being updated and services may change:

Some notes:

• The first train leaves Dubai at 06:14 and reaches Abu Dhabi at 07:18. The last train from Dubai arrives in Abu Dhabi at 19:18, and the last train from Abu Dhabi arrives in Dubai at 18:47.
• Media reports said there would be five return trips on launch day, plus one train from Dubai to Fujairah (reported at Dh39 and about 1 hour 10 minutes). The 22 September version of the official timetable shows four trains in each direction and does not list a Dubai–Fujairah service. Check the website and app for the actual number of trains.
• There are currently no midday trains between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, so check the timetable before planning a lunchtime trip.
• Etihad Rail says timetables may differ during Ramadan, at weekends and on public holidays, and that services will be adjusted according to demand. Check the latest timetable again before you travel.

The Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route continues on the schedule that began on 30 June, with fares from AED55 in Comfort and from AED120 in Premium (according to an official press release).

Booking, boarding and luggage

How to book and pay

All Etihad Rail trains require a reservation, and you can’t board without a valid ticket. There are four ways to buy:

1. Etihad Rail app (iOS and Android): Etihad Rail says the app is the fastest way to book and offers the full range of ticket types. You can choose seats in advance, manage bookings and receive real-time notifications.
2. Etihad Rail website: similar features to the app, and you can book as a guest without registering an account.
3. Station ticket machines: accept cards or AED banknotes (change is issued as an e-voucher), but do not sell Saver tickets.
4. Customer contact centre: 800 RAIL (800 7245), daily from 05:00 to 23:00.

Online payment accepts credit and debit cards and digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Ticket sales close 5 minutes before departure. The Train Master on board can sell tickets for that train, but only Flex tickets, and only by card or digital wallet, not cash.

Note that the Dubai Metro’s nol card and Abu Dhabi’s TAMM cannot currently be used to buy Etihad Rail tickets; tickets are sold only through Etihad Rail’s own channels.

Arrival time, ID and ticket gates

• ID: tickets are issued in your name. Carry valid identification that matches the name on the ticket, as you may be asked to show it during ticket checks. Tourists can also travel.
• E-tickets: open your e-ticket on your phone and scan the QR code at the gate; no printing needed. You can print a paper ticket at a ticket machine if you prefer.
• Arrival time: Etihad Rail advises arriving 10 to 20 minutes early (the Passenger Charter says at least 20 minutes). Gates close 2 minutes before departure, after which you can’t get onto the platform.
• No re-entry: if you leave after passing through the gate, you’ll need a new ticket to get back in.

Luggage, strollers and prohibited items

Under the Passenger Charter, every passenger can bring two pieces of luggage free of charge, whatever their ticket type:

• A personal item (handbag or laptop bag) that fits under the seat.
• A cabin-size bag no larger than 55cm (height) × 40cm (width) × 23cm (depth), stored on the overhead rack.
• Children aged 3 and over get the same two-piece allowance as adults; infants have no allowance of their own and share the accompanying adult’s.
• Extra luggage must be requested in advance through the app, website, customer contact centre or at a station, and is subject to Etihad Rail’s approval.
• Bags must carry a name and contact tag, and you must be able to carry and stow them yourself without blocking aisles or doors.
• Strollers must be folded before boarding; one free stroller per child.
• Bicycles, e-scooters and e-bikes are not allowed on board.

A trolley service sells snacks and soft drinks. You can bring your own food, but not alcohol, and it’s best to avoid strong-smelling or easily spilled food.

Train, car or bus: five things to compare

With the railway open, driving and intercity buses are no longer the only ways to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Which suits you best depends on where you start, where you’re going and how much flexibility you need. Five things to compare:

1. Door-to-door time, not just journey time: the train’s 64 minutes is station to station. In Dubai, add the time to reach Al Yalayis (Metro plus the walk, or driving); in Abu Dhabi, add the connection from MBZ City station to your destination. The farther your destination is from the station, the bigger this share becomes.
2. Whether the timetable fits: trains are currently concentrated in the morning and evening, which suits typical office hours. Trips starting at midday or late at night may not fit the train at all.
3. Flexibility and cancellation cost: driving and buses let you change plans at the last minute. A Saver train ticket can’t be changed or refunded, so keeping flexibility means choosing Value or Flex, and the cost changes accordingly.
4. Luggage and group size: one person with no more than two cabin-size pieces will find the train fairly simple. With large luggage, a bigger group or a bicycle, driving may be easier. The 50% child discount and 20% senior discount can shift the cost comparison for family trips.
5. Risk in the connections: Etihad Rail protects you if a rail-to-rail connection is delayed, but the Metro, shuttle buses, taxis and parking aren’t covered, so leave buffer time for connections.

A practical step: take one route you travel often, use the app’s Journey Planner to work out the door-to-door time and total cost, and compare it with your usual experience driving or taking the bus.

Common misconceptions and risks

Misconception 1: “I can just buy a ticket at the station.”
Every train requires a reservation, ticket sales close 5 minutes before departure, and Saver tickets aren’t sold at ticket machines. Popular trains may sell out, so book in advance in the app or on the website.

Misconception 2: “Abu Dhabi Station is in the city.”
The Abu Dhabi station is in Mohamed Bin Zayed City, not the city centre or the Corniche. The official shuttle bus must be booked in advance and can’t be booked at the station, so sort out the last leg before you set off.

Misconception 3: “If I miss my train, I can take the next one.”
Tickets are valid only for the train booked; if you miss it, the ticket is void and you need to buy a new one. The only exception is Flex, which can be changed free of charge up to 30 minutes after departure (plus any fare difference). If you miss a rail-to-rail connection because of an Etihad Rail delay, Etihad Rail will put you on the next train free of charge.

Misconception 4: “If the Metro or shuttle is late, Etihad Rail is responsible.”
Etihad Rail’s connection protection covers rail-to-rail connections only. It doesn’t cover third-party services such as the Dubai Metro, Abu Dhabi shuttle buses, taxis or parking.

Risk to note: return tickets aren’t linked.
The outbound and return legs each follow their own ticket-type rules. Cancelling one leg doesn’t automatically cancel the other, so handle each separately.

Three common travel scenarios

Scenario 1: an expat who lives in Dubai and works in Abu Dhabi
Someone living along the Dubai Metro Red Line wants to switch to the train a few days a week. In the morning they can leave Dubai at 06:14 or 07:14, and in the evening return from Abu Dhabi at 16:43 or 17:43. The part that needs planning is the leg from MBZ City station to the office: if the office is near an official shuttle stop, they can book the shuttle in advance; otherwise they need to factor in the time and cost of a taxi or bus. For a steady weekly commute at fixed times, it’s worth comparing the price gap between Saver and Value before deciding. Because connection delays aren’t covered, it’s best not to cut the return journey too fine.

Scenario 2: a two-day business trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi with luggage
A business traveller with a cabin bag and a laptop bag fits exactly within the free two-piece allowance, as long as the cabin bag is no larger than 55 × 40 × 23cm. If the return time isn’t settled, they could buy Value or Saver for the outbound leg and Flex for the return, since each leg’s ticket type can be chosen separately. They should remember to carry valid ID that matches the name on the ticket.

Scenario 3: an expat family on a weekend trip
Two adults travelling with an 8-year-old and a 1-year-old: the 8-year-old travels on a child ticket at 50% off, and the 1-year-old travels free on an adult’s lap but has no luggage allowance of their own. A folded stroller goes on board free of charge. Weekend timetables may differ from weekdays, so check that day’s trains in the app before leaving, and allow time to reach the station and get through the gates.

Dubai–Abu Dhabi train FAQ

How long does the train from Dubai to Abu Dhabi take?

According to Etihad Rail’s official timetable, each train from Dubai’s Al Yalayis station to Abu Dhabi’s MBZ City station takes 64 minutes. Some media reports put it at about 57 minutes; both refer to the same route, and the official timetable is the one to go by. This is station-to-station time, so add your connections at each end for the door-to-door total.

How much is a train ticket from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

According to UAE media reports, one-way fares start from Dh39 in Comfort and from Dh109 in Premium. Actual fares vary with ticket type (Saver, Value or Flex), date and seat availability, and the price shown at checkout includes taxes and fees. Child tickets are 50% off and seniors aged 60 and over get 20% off.

Can I use my nol card on Etihad Rail?

Not at the moment. Etihad Rail tickets can only be bought through the official app, website, station ticket machines or customer contact centre. Neither the Dubai Metro’s nol card nor Abu Dhabi’s TAMM can be used to buy tickets. Etihad Rail says it will announce any new integration in future.

Can I change or cancel my ticket after buying it?

It depends on the ticket type. Saver can’t be changed or refunded. Value can be changed free of charge up to 72 hours before departure, after which each change costs AED 20 plus any fare difference, and it isn’t refundable. Flex can be changed free of charge from before departure until 30 minutes after departure; cancelling more than 24 hours before departure gets a full refund, and cancelling within 24 hours incurs a 30% fee. No ticket type allows you to change the departure or arrival station.

Can I bring a large suitcase on the train?

Each passenger can bring two pieces of luggage free of charge: a personal item that fits under the seat, and a cabin-size bag no larger than 55 × 40 × 23cm on the overhead rack. Anything beyond that number or size must be requested in advance through the app, website, customer contact centre or at a station, and acceptance depends on Etihad Rail’s reply. Bicycles and e-scooters are not allowed.

Can children travel on Etihad Rail alone?

Children aged 14 and over can travel alone; under-14s must be accompanied by an adult. Child tickets for ages 0 to 17 are 50% off. Infants under 2 travel free on an adult’s lap, with one free infant per adult. Proof of age may be requested.

How do I get from Abu Dhabi Station into the city?

Abu Dhabi Station is in Mohamed Bin Zayed City. You can book Etihad Rail’s official shuttle bus to stops including ADNEC Center, ADNOC Headquarters (Corniche) and Reem Mall, but it must be booked in advance in the app or on the website and can’t be booked at the station. Taxis, ride-hailing and buses are also available at the station.

What happens if my train is cancelled or delayed?

Under the Passenger Charter, if your train is delayed by 30 minutes or more before departure, you can choose not to travel and rebook. If a train is cancelled, you’ll be offered free rebooking or alternative transport, and Etihad Rail says it will contact passengers within one hour of the cancellation. If disruption happens after you board, Etihad Rail will arrange to get you to the rail destination on your ticket.

Planning life in the UAE? Ask Zagdim

The train is just one part of life in the UAE. Weighing up Dubai versus Abu Dhabi, or have questions about renting, visas or everyday arrangements there? Ask Zagdim. We keep adding practical information on living and relocating in the UAE.

Disclaimer

This article is general information and does not constitute legal, financial or other professional advice. It is based mainly on Etihad Rail’s official website, Passenger Charter, online timetable and official press releases from 2026, together with reporting by major UAE media. Fares, timetables, ticket rules and connection arrangements may change at any time; the Etihad Rail website, app and latest official announcements take precedence.

Information as of September 2026; check Etihad Rail’s latest official announcements.

References

Etihad Rail – Passenger Charter / Etihad Rail – Help/FAQs / Etihad Rail – Abu Dhabi Station / Etihad Rail – Shuttle stop: ADNEC Center- Al Rawdah / Etihad Rail – Live Schedule (official timetable) / Etihad Rail – Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed inaugurates MBZ City Passenger Train Station and witnesses unveiling of UAE passenger rail network (2026-06-23) / Etihad Rail – The UAE’s First National Passenger Rail Service Begins as Etihad Rail Welcomes First Paying Passengers (2026-06-30) / Etihad Rail – Etihad Rail Passes 70,000 Tickets Sold As Passengers Begin Planning Their Lives Around Rail (2026-08-03) / The National – Tickets go on sale for landmark Dubai-Abu Dhabi Etihad Rail service for Dh39 (2026-09-22) / Gulf News – Etihad Rail Dubai-Abu Dhabi tickets now on sale ahead of September 30 launch (2026-09-22) / Khaleej Times – Tickets for Etihad Rail from Dubai to Abu Dhabi starting September 30 now on sale (2026-09-22)