Dubai to Abu Dhabi train launches with fares from £8

Travellers can now take a direct passenger train between Dubai and Abu Dhabi for as little as 39 UAE dirhams, around £8, giving visitors a new alternative to taxis, coaches and hire cars between the two cities.

Etihad Rail launched services between Dubai and Abu Dhabi on 30 September 2026, with the scheduled journey taking around 64 minutes. Five trains currently operate in each direction each day, with Comfort Class fares starting from 39 dirhams and Premium Class from 109 dirhams.

Where does the Dubai train leave from?

Dubai services use Al Yalayis Station at Jumeirah Golf Estates, which has a particularly useful connection for tourists. A dedicated pedestrian bridge links the railway station directly with Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station, allowing passengers to continue across Dubai using the Metro.

Tickets can be booked through Etihad Rail, while the new service has also been designed to connect with local public transport once passengers arrive.

At the other end, trains terminate at Mohamed bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi. The station is not in central Abu Dhabi, so visitors heading onwards to areas including the Corniche, Saadiyat Island or Yas Island will still need a taxi, bus or other connection.

A new way to combine Dubai and Abu Dhabi

The low starting fare could make the railway particularly useful for visitors planning to split a holiday between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Instead of arranging a private transfer or driving between the emirates, travellers now have a scheduled rail journey taking just over an hour.

The Dubai launch forms part of the wider Etihad Rail passenger network being introduced across the UAE. Passenger services initially began between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah before expanding to include Dubai and Al Dhaid.

Sharjah’s main passenger station is expected to join the network in March 2027, making rail an increasingly practical option for tourists travelling between different parts of the UAE

Image credits: Etihad Rail