Etihad Rail passenger tickets now live: How to book, 50% discount on fares, ticket types and routes

Dubai: From next week, Etihad Rail will launch its first passenger route and you can already start pre-booking your trip. UAE residents can now go online and book an inter-emirate passenger train journey.Etihad Rail has opened bookings for its Abu Dhabi-Fujairah service, which begins on June 30 and will reduce the journey from one hour and 45 minutes. There is also a 50 per cent launch discount on ticket fares, and the Etihad Rail website already shows most tickets sold out for some trips on launch day.Here's how to secure your seat..Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.

.Etihad rail launch dates and timelineThe Etihad Rail passenger service will roll out in phases across the UAE between 2026 and 2027: June 30, 2026: Passenger services begin between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah as part of an introductory operational phase.September 30, 2026: Dubai Train Station and Al Dhaid Train Station open with the official launch phase.December 30, 2026: Stations in Al Dhafra open as part of the network's expansion.March 30, 2027: Sharjah Train Station opens, marking the full completion of the route..Ticket prices and classesEtihad Rail offers two main travel classes, with promotional introductory fares currently available:Comfort class: Fares reduced from Dh109 to Dh55Premium class: Fares reduced from Dh239 to Dh120.Ticket tiers: Saver, value, and flexPassengers can choose from three ticket options depending on the level of flexibility required:Saver (Best for fixed plans): No changes or refunds are permitted. A fee applies for seat selection, otherwise seats are automatically allocated 24 hours before scheduled departure. Tickets cannot be transferred to other passengers.Value (Best for some flexibility): Includes complimentary seat selection. Unlimited free changes can be made up to 72 hours before the train's scheduled departure. After this window, each change incurs a Dh20 fee plus any applicable fare difference. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.Flex (Best for maximum flexibility): Includes complimentary seat selection. Unlimited free changes are allowed prior to departure and up to 30 minutes thereafter. A full refund is available if cancelled 24 hours or more before departure, while a 30% cancellation fee applies on the day of travel. Tickets can be transferred to other passengers before boarding..How to book Etihad Rail ticketsTickets can be booked online via the official Etihad Rail website - etihadrail.ae or the Etihad Rail mobile app. During the introductory phase, bookings are exclusively available for travel between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.Select route and date: Open the app or website, select your departure and arrival stations (Abu Dhabi or Fujairah), and choose a travel date from 30 June 2026 onwards.Choose class and tier: Select your preferred time and choose between Comfort or Premium class. You can upgrade your ticket tier here by adding Dh10 for Value or Dh20 for Flex.Return journey: Repeat the process for your return dates if booking a round trip.Enter passenger details: Input your full name, email address, and mobile number.Add optional extras: You can opt to add a shuttle bus booking for Dh10.Payment: Securely pay online using a credit card, debit card, or phone wallet. Once confirmed, you will receive a digital ticket. (Note: Physical ticket vending machines are also available at the stations)..Train timings and station locationsThe initial journey runs between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. Both stations operate Monday to Sunday from 5am to 11pm.Station locationsAbu Dhabi Station: Located in Mohamed Bin Zayed City.Fujairah Station: Located in Al Hilal City, Fujairah.Daily train scheduleFrom Abu Dhabi to Fujairah: Direct trains depart at 8:19am, 1:53pm, and 6:39pm.From Fujairah to Abu Dhabi: Direct trains depart at 5:34am, 10:59am, and 5:28pm..Etihad Rail shuttle bus servicesPassengers can easily commute to and from the Abu Dhabi Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station using the official Etihad Rail Shuttle Bus Service for Dh10.The service currently connects the station to three major destinations across Abu Dhabi:ADNOC Headquarters (Corniche Road West, Al Khubeirah Area, Corniche)ADNEC Centre (Al Khaleej Al Arabi St, Al Rawdah)Reem Mall (Al Reem Island)Full shuttle bus timetables can be viewed directly on the Etihad Rail app and website..Baggage allowance and policyAdults and children aged 3 and above can bring up to two items of luggage free of charge, regardless of their ticket type. Infants under 3 years old do not have a separate luggage allowance.Personal item: (e.g., handbag, laptop bag) Must fit comfortably under the seat in front of you.Carry-on bag: Maximum dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 23cm. This must be stored in the overhead luggage racks.Important rules: All luggage must be clearly labelled with your name and contact details. Passengers must be able to carry, lift, and store their own bags without assistance. For safety reasons, luggage must not block aisles, doors, or emergency exits. Requests for additional baggage must be made in advance..Station facilities and onboard experienceStation amenitiesEtihad Rail stations are equipped with modern facilities to ensure a smooth journey:Ticket vending machines and information/support desksWaiting areas and dedicated family waiting areasPrayer rooms and toiletsFood, beverage, and retail outletsCar parks, pick-up/drop-off areas, taxi/e-hailing zones, and bus stopsFirst aid rooms.The onboard experienceThe passenger fleet consists of 13 trains, each capable of carrying up to 400 passengers. Passengers can look forward to a reliable, smooth journey featuring:Guaranteed seatingOnboard Wi-FiModern amenities designed for passenger comfort.What will the Etihad Rail passenger journey actually look like? First look.Sneak peek: Etihad Rail’s first completed passenger rail station is here.First Etihad Rail passenger station completed as UAE network nears rollout .Video: Etihad Rail's first passenger station is fully ready