Passenger trains between Dubai and Abu Dhabi started running on Wednesday 30 September 2026. The first train left Al Yalayis station in Jumeirah Golf Estates at 6:14am. Etihad Rail now runs 10 trips a day between the two cities and 6 a day between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.
Key facts
| Dubai station | Al Yalayis, Jumeirah Golf Estates |
| Abu Dhabi station | Mohamed Bin Zayed City |
| Journey time | About 57 minutes to 1 hour 4 minutes |
| Trips | 10 a day Dubai–Abu Dhabi; 6 a day Abu Dhabi–Fujairah |
| Dubai to Fujairah | About 1 hour 10 minutes |
| First train from Dubai | 6:14am (then 7:14am) |
| Fares | Comfort from AED 39, Premium from AED 109 |
| On board | Guaranteed seat, free Wi-Fi, charging points, luggage space |
| Booking | Etihad Rail app, etihadrail.ae, station ticket machines |
Gulf Business reported fares of AED 39 (Comfort) and AED 109 (Premium). Gulf Today reported starting fares of AED 29 and AED 89 on launch day, which may reflect early-booking prices — check the app for the fare on your date.
Is it cheaper than driving?
With petrol at AED 4.28 a litre for Special 95 from 1 October, a sedan uses roughly AED 50–60 of fuel one way between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, before Salik and parking. For one person the AED 39 train ticket is cheaper. For a family of three or four, driving usually still costs less. See today’s petrol prices and our commute options guide.
Getting to Al Yalayis station
- Metro: the station sits next to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro station on the Red Line; an indoor footbridge between them was reported as nearly complete in the week before launch.
- Car: parking is available outside the station.
- Taxi or ride-hailing from Dubai Marina, JLT or Al Barsha is the quickest option for most people in west Dubai.
More stations are planned at Madinat Zayed, Liwa, Al Dhafra and Sharjah’s University City through 2027. Our earlier guide covers the full station list: Dubai finally gets its train station.
Common questions
How much is the Etihad Rail ticket from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Fares start at AED 39 in Comfort class and AED 109 in Premium, according to Gulf Business. Prices can vary by date, so check the Etihad Rail app.
How long is the train from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
About one hour from Al Yalayis in Dubai to Mohamed Bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi.
What time is the first train from Dubai?
The first departure from Al Yalayis is at 6:14am, followed by 7:14am.
Published 1 October 2026, based on Gulf Business, Gulf Today and Khaleej Times reporting of 30 September 2026.
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