First Etihad Rail passenger train completes Dubai-Abu Dhabi journey in 1 hour: Check details
Dubai's first Etihad Rail passenger train service reportedly began on Wednesday, connecting it to Abu Dhabi and Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
People gather inside a new Etihad Rail station in Dubai on September 29, 2026. (File Photo/AFP)The first Etihad Rail passenger train departed the newly-inaugurated Al Yalayis Station in Dubai at 6:14 am and arrived in Abu Dhabi at 7:18 am, according to a Gulf News report, completing the journey in 1 hour and two minutes.
The return service also took approximately the same time, departed at 7:43 am and reached Dubai at 8:47 am, it added.
According to news reports, Etihad Rail will be operating 10 daily passenger services between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and six between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. The trains can travel at speeds of up to 200 kmph and carry up to 400 passengers, Gulf News reported.
The Etihad Railways had earlier announced that the passenger services will commence in phases. The next phase, between Zayed City and Liwa stations, is expected to commence on November 30, followed by the remaining Al Dhafra stations set to open on December 30, 2026.
According to a statement on the Etihad Rail website, the Sharjah Station will open next year on March 30.
According to the official website, passenger ticket bookings were open for the Dubai-Abu Dhabi and Dubai-Fujairah routes across various time slots.
Fares differed depending on seat availability, journey type, and class of service, offered in Comfort and Premium.
To book a ticket, users can either visit the website or download the Etihad Rail mobile app.
Enter the required details as asked. Complete the payment to confirm your booking.
According to Khaleej Times, two siblings, Mehreen and Zayaan, skipped school on Wednesday to take a trip on the first Etihad Rail early in the morning.
"We had to wake up earlier than when we have to for school. But it was worth it. It felt good to be part of history being made," the report quoted Mehreen as saying.
Furthermore, Indian expat Abhishek, who works in Abu Dhabi, usually drives between the two emirates, but on Wednesday he took the morning train, Khaleej Times reported.
"It takes me about 1.5 hours to get to Abu Dhabi and 2.5 hours to drive back due to a lot of traffic towards Sharjah," he said.
According to the report, he added, "I am exploring the train. Getting to the station was really smooth. If getting to my office is just as smooth, I might just take the train every day. It would save me so much time and effort."
Anushka Awasthi is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times, where she covers politics, geopolitics, and major national and international developments. She holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), New Delhi. Passionate about India's political landscape, Anushka believes that politics shapes every aspect of society, from public policy to everyday life. This drives her to deliver timely, accurate, and researched news that helps readers make sense of everyday developments. Before joining Hindustan Times, Anushka worked with the Zee News English website, reporting extensively on Indian politics and international affairs. During her tenure, she also wrote a range of interviews and analytical stories, focusing on key political and international affairs events. Her reporting is driven by a strong interest in journalism and a dedication to balanced reporting. She strives to present news with clarity and context in the digital era. She aims to ensure that readers stay informed about issues that matter. Outside the newsroom, she enjoys planning her next travel adventure to various corners of India, reading classical books, and binging sitcoms. A coffee enthusiast, she is always on the lookout for new places and experiences.Read More
