Etihad Rail Passenger Stations in the UAE: Complete List, Opening Dates, Routes and Travel Times (2026 Guide)
The UAE has officially launched the first phase of its long-awaited passenger railway network, marking a major milestone in the country's transportation infrastructure.
On 30 June 2026, Etihad Rail began operating its first passenger services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, introducing a faster and more sustainable way to travel across the Emirates.
The passenger railway forms part of the UAE's National Railway Programme, one of the country's largest infrastructure initiatives, designed to connect cities, residential communities, industrial hubs and economic centres through a modern rail network.
First Passenger Services Now Operating
The initial phase of passenger operations runs between Abu Dhabi Station, located in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, and Fujairah Station in the Al Hilal area.
The current timetable includes six daily services, consisting of:
Three trains from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah
Three return trains from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi
Operating at speeds of up to 200 km/h, the journey between the two cities takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, offering one of the fastest inter-emirate travel options in the country.
๐ Complete List of Confirmed Etihad Rail Passenger Stations
| Station | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | Mohammed Bin Zayed City | Operational |
| Fujairah | Madinat Al Hilal | Operational |
| Dubai | Jumeirah Golf Estates | Opening 30 Sep 2026 |
| Al Dhaid | Sharjah Emirate | Opening 30 Sep 2026 |
| Sharjah | University City | Opening 30 Mar 2027 |
| Al Sila | Al Dhafra Region | Planned |
| Al Dhannah | Al Dhafra Region | Planned |
| Al Mirfa | Al Dhafra Region | Planned |
| Madinat Zayed | Al Dhafra Region | Planned |
| Mezairaa | Al Dhafra Region | Planned |
| Al Faya | Abu Dhabi | Planned |
Once the planned phases are completed, the railway will connect 11 key cities and destinations, stretching from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah on the UAE's east coast.
Station Opening Timeline
Etihad Rail will continue expanding its passenger network in stages.
According to the announced rollout schedule:
Dubai Station and Al Dhaid Station will open on 30 September 2026.
Passenger stations across Al Dhafra are scheduled to begin operations on 30 December 2026.
Sharjah Station at University City will open on 30 March 2027, completing the first phase of the passenger network.
Where Are the Stations Located?
Abu Dhabi
The capital's passenger station is located in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, serving as the network's primary operational hub during the first phase.
Dubai
Dubai's future station will be located in Jumeirah Golf Estates.
During Etihad Rail's trial journeys in February 2026, it was confirmed that Dubai's approved Metro Gold Line will connect with Etihad Rail at Jumeirah Golf Estates and Meydan, creating an integrated transport link between the metro and national railway.
Sharjah
Sharjah's station will be built within the University City corridor, an area where ongoing road improvements and nearby real estate developments are already being planned around the future rail connection.
Fujairah
Fujairah's passenger station is located in Madinat Al Hilal and covers approximately 51,900 square metres.
According to Etihad Rail, the station is situated:
Around 12 minutes from Fujairah International Airport
Around 6 minutes from Umbrella Beach Corniche
Around 5 minutes from Sakamkam Fort
๐ Etihad Rail Journey Times
| Route | Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi โ Dubai | 57 minutes |
| Abu Dhabi โ Fujairah | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Abu Dhabi โ Ruwais | 70 minutes |
The new railway is expected to significantly reduce travel times between major UAE cities while providing a fast, reliable alternative to road transport.
๐๏ธ Etihad Rail Ticket Prices
| Class | Starting Fare |
|---|---|
| Comfort Class | AED 55 |
| Premium Class | AED 120 |
Passenger fares on the Abu DhabiโFujairah route currently start from AED 55 for Comfort Class and AED 120 for Premium Class.
Bookings are available through the official Etihad Rail website and mobile application using a secure digital ticketing system.
โจ Passenger Facilities
Etihad Rail is also working with local transport providers and technology platforms to improve first-mile and last-mile connectivity, making it easier for passengers to travel to and from railway stations.
Strong Demand Ahead of Launch
Passenger demand has been strong since bookings opened.
More than 10,000 tickets were sold before the official launch of passenger operations, reflecting significant public interest in the UAE's first national passenger railway.
Why the Network Matters
Etihad Rail expects passenger numbers to reach 36.5 million annually by 2030, highlighting the network's long-term role in the country's transport strategy.
The passenger railway builds on an already established freight network that transported more than:
6.5 million tonnes of sulphur
Over 10 million tonnes of aggregates
148,000 containers during 2025
The freight network has also removed more than 500,000 truck journeys from roads in Al Dhafra, improving transport efficiency and reducing congestion.
As additional stations open throughout 2026 and 2027, Etihad Rail will continue expanding its reach across the UAE, creating a modern railway system that links residential communities, economic centres and major destinations through a faster, more sustainable mode of transport.
