Etihad Rail passenger rules: Pets on board, luggage rules, travelling with children, and more

Dubai: With Etihad Rail passenger services being introduced this week, between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, if you’re planning to take the trip on the very first train service, there are some basic dos and don’ts that you need to keep in mind before you begin planning your journey.

The first operational trips between Fujairah and Abu Dhabi were launched on Monday, June 30, shortening the distance between the two emirates to only about 105 minutes, on board trains that reach speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour.

Here are some key rules you need to remember if travelling on Etihad Rail:

There are several options for booking your tickets – ideally, you should book them in advance through the Etihad Rail website – www.etihadrail.ae – or the smartphone app. However, you can also buy the tickets at the station or through their contact centre – +971 4518 2050.

Ticket sales close five minutes before the scheduled departure time and boarding gates close two minutes before departure. Etihad rail advises passengers to arrive at least 20 minutes before their train’s departure time.

Passengers must travel with a ticket issued in their own name and carry valid proof of identity that matches the ticket. This may be checked during the journey.

Children up to two years of age travel free when seated on an accompanying adult’s lap. However, they do not get a separate luggage allowance.

Children up to 14 years of age must travel accompanied with an adult, while children over 14 can travel alone.

Ticket discounts: Children aged two to 17 can travel at a 50% discount.

Each passenger may bring up to two items of luggage free of charge: one personal item that fits under the seat and one carry-on bag measuring up to 55cm x 40cm x 23cm.

Luggage must be clearly labelled and must not block aisles, doors or emergency exits.

Strollers are allowed free of charge but must be folded before travel.

Etihad Rail allows passengers to travel with domestic pets, including dogs and falcons, when transported in an approved carrier with maximum dimensions of 55cm × 40cm × 23cm.

The pet carrier will be considered within the carry-on luggage allowance, so passengers cannot travel with both a pet carrier and a separate carry-on bag.

Pets must always remain inside the carrier and under the passenger’s control. One pet carrier per passenger is permitted.

Trained and certified Assistance Dogs are permitted and must be booked in advance via the contact centre - +971 4518 2050.

Etihad Rail prohibits several items on board, including dangerous or flammable items like smoking devices, e-cigarettes, vapes and electronic shisha.

Bicycles, scooters, e-scooters and e-bikes are also not permitted, even if they can be folded.

Large or disruptive items, bulky sports equipment, plants, strong-smelling items and anything that cannot be safely stored may also be refused, according to the Etihad Rail Passenger Charter.

There is clear signage along the train to inform passengers of the designatetd areas where it is permitted to consume food and drinks.

Smoking, including vaping and electronic smoking devices, is strictly prohibited at the stations as well as on trains.

Etihad Rail has two coach types - comfort (starting from AED 55) and premium (starting from AED 120). Within comfort, you can choose from three ticket categories:

Saver – AED 55

Value – AED 65

Flex – AED 75

You are allowed to bring in your own food and beverages for the train ride, but Etihad Rail advises passengers to avoid food with strong odours or items that are likely to spill and disturb fellow travellers.

You can also purchase food from the food trolley, if you are travelling in Comfort Class. Premium Class passengers get complimentary snacks and can also purchase food items from a wide variety of options that are available on board.

Refunds and ticket changes depend on the type of ticket you have purchased.

Saver tickets cannot be changed or refunded. Value tickets allow date and time changes, but not refunds. Flex tickets offer the most flexibility, including changes before departure and up to 30 minutes after, subject to conditions. These details are clearly listed out at the time of purchasing the ticket.

While you can change the booking date and time, changing your route is not permitted, regardless of the ticket type you have purchased.