If you searched for an “Abu Dhabi metro to Fujairah,” here’s the important clarification: this isn’t a metro — it’s Etihad Rail, the UAE’s brand-new national passenger railway, and it’s already running. The first passenger route, connecting Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, launched on 30 June 2026, and the next major milestone — the opening of the Dubai Train Station — is scheduled for 30 September 2026. This guide covers everything currently confirmed: prices, journey times, the full rollout timeline, and exactly when Dubai joins the network.
Etihad Rail Is Now Live: Abu Dhabi to Fujairah
Etihad Rail’s introductory passenger service began operating on 30 June 2026, connecting Abu Dhabi Station (Mohamed Bin Zayed City) with Fujairah Station (Al Hilal City). It’s the UAE’s first true intercity passenger train, running on a dedicated 900+ km national rail network originally built for freight and now expanding into passenger service across the country — with Dubai next in line.
The journey between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah takes just 1 hour and 45 minutes, a significant cut compared to driving the same route by road. Trains run several times a day in each direction — sample timetables show departures as early as 5:34 AM from Fujairah and as late as 6:39 PM from Abu Dhabi, with three daily services currently scheduled each way.
Etihad Rail Ticket Prices (2026)
Etihad Rail operates two travel classes on the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route:
| Class | Standard Fare | Launch Discount (50% off) |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort Class | AED 109 | AED 55 |
| Premium Class | AED 239 | AED 120 |
Etihad Rail is currently offering a 50% launch discount on both classes to encourage early adoption, meaning a one-way Comfort Class ticket costs just AED 55, and Premium Class is AED 120. It’s worth booking soon if you want to take advantage of this introductory pricing, as it’s expected to be temporary.
Passengers can also add optional shuttle transfers to Reem Mall, ADNEC, or Abu Dhabi Corniche for an extra AED 10, and seat selection is available for a small additional fee.
A note on Abu Dhabi–Dubai pricing: As of now, Etihad Rail has not yet published official ticket prices for the Abu Dhabi–Dubai leg, since the Dubai Train Station doesn’t open until 30 September 2026. Based on distance and the existing Abu Dhabi–Fujairah pricing structure, expect Comfort and Premium fares in a similar range once bookings open — we’ll update this guide the moment official Dubai pricing is confirmed.
When Does the Dubai Train Station Open?
This is the question most people searching “Abu Dhabi metro to Fujairah” or “Etihad Rail Dubai” actually want answered: the Dubai Train Station is scheduled to open on 30 September 2026, alongside the Al Dhaid Station in Sharjah’s interior. Once operational, this will connect Dubai directly into the Etihad Rail network for the first time, allowing travel between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Fujairah on a single national rail line — with Abu Dhabi to Dubai travel expected to take under 60 minutes at speeds of up to 200 km/h.
This is the milestone that effectively completes the “Abu Dhabi–Dubai–Fujairah” corridor that most residents and travelers are actually asking about.
Full Etihad Rail Passenger Network Rollout Timeline
Etihad Rail’s passenger network is being rolled out in phases rather than all at once. Here’s the confirmed schedule:
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 23 June 2026 | Ticket booking opens via the Etihad Rail app and website |
| 30 June 2026 | Introductory service launches: Abu Dhabi ↔ Fujairah |
| 30 September 2026 | Official network launch: Dubai Train Station and Al Dhaid Station (Sharjah) open |
| 30 December 2026 | Al Dhafra stations open |
| 30 March 2027 | Sharjah Train Station opens |
Additional cities may be added following future feasibility studies, expanding the network further across the UAE over time.
How to Book Etihad Rail Tickets
Tickets are booked directly through the official Etihad Rail mobile app or website — there is currently no third-party booking channel. Booking opened on 23 June 2026, ahead of the introductory Abu Dhabi–Fujairah launch, and the same app will be used to book Dubai-route tickets once that station opens on 30 September 2026.
The Trains: Speed, Fleet & Comfort
Etihad Rail’s passenger fleet consists of 13 trains, each with capacity for up to 400 passengers, split between Comfort and Premium Class cabins. Premium Class offers wider seating, extra legroom, and a more business-class feel, while Comfort Class is the standard economy option. Trains are capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h, making this by far the fastest ground transport option once the Dubai–Abu Dhabi leg goes live.
How Does This Compare to Driving or the Bus?
Until the Dubai Train Station opens, most Dubai residents traveling toward Abu Dhabi or Fujairah will still rely on the existing options: the E100/E101/E102 intercity buses to Abu Dhabi (around AED 25, 1.5–2.5 hours), a metered taxi (roughly AED 25 fare estimate available via our calculator), or driving yourself. If your trip starts in Abu Dhabi, you can get an instant fare estimate with our free Abu Dhabi Taxi Fare Calculator — useful for comparing against Etihad Rail pricing once the Dubai leg launches, or for reaching the Abu Dhabi Train Station itself if you’re not driving.
Once you’re in Dubai and connecting onward via Dubai Metro, our Dubai Metro Fare Calculator and Nol Card Fare Calculator can help you plan the local leg of your journey to or from the new Dubai Train Station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an Abu Dhabi metro to Fujairah? No — this is not a metro, it’s Etihad Rail, the UAE’s new national intercity passenger train. The Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route launched on 30 June 2026.
How much does the Etihad Rail ticket from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah cost? Comfort Class is AED 55 and Premium Class is AED 120 during the current 50% launch discount, down from standard fares of AED 109 and AED 239.
How long does the Abu Dhabi to Fujairah train take? The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
When does Etihad Rail open in Dubai? The Dubai Train Station is scheduled to open on 30 September 2026, connecting Dubai directly into the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah rail network.
How much will the Abu Dhabi to Dubai Etihad Rail ticket cost? Official pricing for the Abu Dhabi–Dubai route has not yet been announced. It’s expected to be released closer to the Dubai Train Station’s 30 September 2026 opening.
How do I book an Etihad Rail ticket? Tickets can only be booked through the official Etihad Rail mobile app or website; booking opened on 23 June 2026.
How fast are Etihad Rail’s trains? Etihad Rail’s passenger trains can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h.
When will Sharjah get its own Etihad Rail station? The main Sharjah Train Station is scheduled to open on 30 March 2027, following the Al Dhaid station opening on 30 September 2026.
Final Thoughts
Etihad Rail has officially moved from concept to reality — the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah train is running today, and the Dubai Train Station’s 30 September 2026 opening is the milestone that will finally connect Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Fujairah on one seamless rail line. Until then, buses, taxis, and driving remain the fastest way to reach Abu Dhabi from Dubai — plan your trip and compare costs with our free Abu Dhabi Taxi Fare Calculator.
Disclaimer: Launch dates, fares, and schedules are set by Etihad Rail and subject to change. Always confirm current pricing and timetables via the official Etihad Rail app or website before booking.