The Etihad Rail Passenger Guide: First Stations, Complete Routes, and Onboard Features

From the nation's first fully completed terminal—featuring crisp cream-and-grey interiors, expansive glass panels, clear digital signage, and automated smart barriers—the experience transitions into passenger cabins engineered for optimal comfort, equipped with generous legroom and high-speed Wi-Fi.

"We are very conscious that for many residents and families, this will be their first experience of rail travel," says Adhraa Almansoori, Executive Director of Commercial at Etihad Rail. "That is why so much thought has gone into the station experience... We want every passenger, no matter their age or background, to feel genuinely welcome from the moment they walk in."

Below is the definitive guide to the upcoming Etihad Rail passenger network rollout.

Phased Rollout & First Operational Stations

Will all Etihad Rail stations open simultaneously?

No. To guarantee the highest global standards of safety and operational efficiency, passenger services will launch in a carefully phased approach. The initial routes will bridge major economic and tourism hubs, connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah.

Which Etihad Rail stations open first?

The first three passenger stations scheduled to become operational are:

Mohamed bin Zayed City Station (Abu Dhabi)
Jumeirah Golf Estates Station (Dubai)
Fujairah Station (Fujairah).

Spotlight on Fujairah Station

Spanning an approximate footprint of 51,900 square meters, Fujairah Station is the first fully completed passenger terminal in the entire network. The terminal is strategically located near key landmarks, including Fujairah International Airport, Sakamkam Fort, and Umbrella Beach.

Standard amenities across all upcoming stations will include:

Intuitive multi-lingual digital signage
Climate-controlled passenger lounges
Dedicated staff assistance & accessibility features
Ample park-and-ride parking facilities

Complete Etihad Rail Passenger Stations List

Once the network is fully realized, Etihad Rail passenger route will feature stops at the following key locations:

Abu Dhabi
Dubai
Sharjah
Fujairah
Al Dhaid
Al Dhannah
Al Faya
Madinat Zayed
Mezaira A
Al Mirfa
Al Sila

Onboard Experience: UAE Train Classes & Cabin Features

The passenger fleet is designed to provide a seamless alternative to highway gridlock, accommodating up to 400 passengers per train at peak capacity.

What are the Etihad Rail Train Classes?

Passengers can choose between two distinct cabin tiers:

Comfort Class: Affordable, spacious, and highly functional for daily commuters.
Premium Class: Upgraded amenities tailored to business travelers and luxury seekers.

"Whether someone is in Comfort or Premium, the same care has gone into seating, legroom, connectivity, and the overall feel of the cabin," Almansoori notes.

Key cabin features:

Ergonomic seating with generous legroom
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and individual power outlets at every seat
Foldable tray tables and overhead storage racks
Dedicated luggage zones for larger baggage
Integrated family-seating options to keep parents and children together

Journey Times & Train Speed

Operating at top speeds of up to 200 km/h, the passenger fleet will run on a precise, synchronized schedule. By bypassing highway traffic, the rail network drastically cuts down inter-emirate travel times.

Expected travel times between key Emirates:

Abu Dhabi to Dubai train time: 57 minutes
Dubai to Fujairah train time: 69 minutes
Abu Dhabi to Fujairah train time: 105 minutes (1 hour and 45 minutes).