Inside Etihad Rail: Stations, tickets, routes and travel speeds revealed
Passenger trains to connect 11 UAE cities at speeds of 200 km/h
DUBAI – Etihad Rail is gearing up to transform public transport across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the launch of its passenger train services in 2026.
This national project, spanning 900 kilometres across all seven emirates, will connect 11 cities and regions from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east. Once in full operation, it is expected to carry 36.5 million passengers annually, reducing road congestion and offering a faster, more sustainable mode of travel.
The service will dramatically cut journey times: Abu Dhabi to Dubai will take just 57 minutes, Abu Dhabi to Fujairah about 100 minutes, and Abu Dhabi to Ruwais around 70 minutes.
With passenger trains expected to run at speeds up to 200 km/h and high-speed lines under development, the UAE is preparing to usher in a new era of modern, sustainable rail travel.
Plans also include a high-speed service running at 350 km/h, which could reduce Abu Dhabi–Dubai travel to just 30 minutes.
Train designs
Etihad Rail unveiled its first passenger train models at the Global Rail 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi.
H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, officially inaugurated the second edition of Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference. Taking place from 30 September to 2 October 2025 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, under the theme… pic.twitter.com/J05q90CD9V
— Etihad Rail (@Etihad_Rail) September 30, 2025
Two types of trains will run: Chinese CRC coaches seating 365 passengers and Spanish CAF coaches seating 369. Both will follow a three-class system: Economy, Family, and First.
Economy Class features face-to-face seating in grey tones, while Family Class offers larger tables between opposing seats, ideal for group travel. First Class prioritises comfort with wide, adjustable chairs and extra legroom. Every carriage will include tray tables, overhead storage, and dedicated luggage rooms.
The trains, painted in silver with Etihad Rail’s signature black-and-red branding, will also feature modern comforts. Onboard amenities will include infotainment systems, charging stations, food and beverage service, spacious seating layouts, and advanced air-conditioning. Workspaces and reading areas will ensure commuters can make productive use of travel time.
In a luxury touch, Etihad Rail has signed a contract with Italian company Arsenale to deliver an Orient Express-style experience, expected to feature in selected cabins.
How will ticketing work?
Passenger stations will be equipped with smart gates for seamless boarding. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or via vending machines at stations. The vending machines, displayed at the Abu Dhabi exhibition, support cash, cards, and Apple Pay. Passengers will be able to select travel class, departure and arrival stations, and input any special requirements.
While fares are yet to be revealed, the system aims to provide fast, contactless access and smooth last-mile connectivity. In Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is preparing feeder buses and taxis to integrate with Etihad Rail stations.
Each station will also house retail outlets, family-friendly areas, and lounges, with Al Maktoum International Airport confirmed to have its own Etihad Rail connection once redevelopment is complete.
Etihad Rail routes
The network is designed to link the UAE’s most significant cities and regions. Passengers will be able to travel between Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Al Sila, Ruwais, Al Mirfa, and Al Dhaid.
The first confirmed stations include Fujairah’s Sakamkam, Sharjah’s University City, and Dubai’s Jumeirah Golf Estates, alongside Abu Dhabi. By 2026, services are planned to cover all emirates, with travel times reduced by 30–40 per cent compared to current road transport.
The project extends beyond the UAE’s borders. A new line is being developed with Oman Rail to connect Abu Dhabi and the Omani port city of Sohar. Trains will run at 200 km/h, making the Abu Dhabi–Sohar journey possible in one hour and 40 minutes, and Al Ain–Sohar in just 47 minutes.
Freight network
Etihad Rail’s passenger service is built on the same infrastructure as its freight operations, which are already in use with a fleet of 38 locomotives and over 1,000 wagons. The freight network removes 300 trucks from roads with every trip, cutting road transport emissions by 21 percent by 2050.