Etihad Rail everyday travel is set to change how people move across the UAE from 2026. Long drives and short flights between emirates will no longer be the only options. For the first time, passengers will be able to travel across the country using a national rail network built for daily use.
The Etihad Rail passenger service will run on a 900-kilometre network. It stretches from Al Sila in Abu Dhabi to Fujairah. The rail line will connect 11 cities and regions across all seven emirates. These include Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Al Dhaid. This makes Etihad Rail everyday travel a realistic option for commuters, families and business travellers.
Journey times are one of the biggest changes. Travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is expected to take about 57 minutes. Abu Dhabi to Fujairah will take around 105 minutes. Trains will run at speeds of up to 200 km/h. This cuts travel time by nearly a third compared to driving. A separate high-speed rail line is also planned. It will later link Abu Dhabi and Dubai in about 30 minutes.
Passenger trains will offer three classes. These are Economy, Family and First Class. All cabins will have luggage storage and foldable tables. Each train can carry up to 400 passengers. Daily services will increase as demand grows.
Major stations are planned in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah. These stations will link with metro, bus and shared mobility services. This improves last-mile connections.
Ticket booking will be mainly online. Smart gates will be used at stations. Prices and full timetables will be announced closer to launch.
Overall, Etihad Rail everyday travel marks a major shift in UAE transport. It brings faster journeys, better comfort and a new way to travel between emirates.
