Etihad Rail Passenger Routes 2026: When Does It Open?

When Etihad Rail passenger services start in 2026

The first public passenger trains on Etihad Rail will begin running in the second half of 2026. RTA and Etihad Rail confirm that trial runs finish by June 2026, with revenue service planned from October. The initial timetable covers the 135 km line between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with four daily trains each way.

Cities and stations on the first route

Passengers can board or alight at five stops on the opening corridor: Abu Dhabi Central, Dubai Investment Park, Jebel Ali, Al Maktoum International, and Dubai South. The full journey takes 47 minutes at a top speed of 200 km/h. Later phases will add Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah by 2029.

Ticket prices and booking process

One-way adult fares start at 75 AED for economy and 120 AED for business class on the Abu Dhabi-Dubai leg. Children under 12 pay half price. Tickets go on sale three months before launch through the official Etihad Rail app and website. Cash, card and Nol card top-ups will all be accepted at station counters.

Timetable and frequency in 2026

Trains will depart every three hours from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm. Early morning and late evening services will be added once daily ridership exceeds 8,000 passengers. All departures are shown in real time on the RTA app and station displays.

Connections with other transport

Every Etihad Rail station links directly to existing RTA metro, bus and taxi ranks. At Dubai South you can transfer to the metro Red Line extension without leaving the paid area. Abu Dhabi Central connects to the new bus terminal and future metro Line 1. DEWA and Etihad Rail have also installed EV charging at all park-and-ride facilities.

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