Etihad Rail passenger service starts today: Everything you need to know

Dubai: Passenger services on Etihad Rail begin today, June 30, with trains initially operating on the Abu Dhabi and Fujairah route.

From ticket prices to station locations, here's a complete guide on all you need to know before you travel.

The first two stations that will be open to public are in Fujairah and Abu Dhabi:

Abu Dhabi station

The station that opens in Abu Dhabi is the Mohamed bin Zayed City station, located opposite Dalma Mall.

Fujairah station

The Fujairah station is in Al Hilal City, near the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone.

The Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route tickets start from AED 55, while premium class tickets cost AED 120.

However, you can select from three options within the basic ‘comfort’ ticket:

Saver – AED 55

Value – AED 65

Flex – AED 75

These are the train timings for the Fujairah to Abu Dhabi route:

These are the train timings for the Abu Dhabi to Fujairah route:

You can book either through the Etihad Rail website – www.etihadrail.ae – or through the smartphone application ‘Etihad Rail’ app, available for Apple and Android devices.

If you are using the app, you will receive a digital ticket. You will also receive an email confirmation if you purchase the ticket through the website, which can be shown at the station.

If you buy a ticket at the station through the ticket vending machines, you will receive a paper ticket, which can be shown at the station.

Each passenger is allowed to bring up to two items of luggage on board free of charge, regardless of ticket type. Requests for additional baggage must be made in advance.

Make sure you clearly label your luggage with your name and contact details, and the luggage is stowed away safely in the overhead luggage racks, not blocking the aisles, doors, or emergency exits.

Maximum dimensions: 55cm (H) × 40cm (W) × 23cm (D).

If you have a value, flex or premium ticket, you can make changes to your ticket booking, based on the following rules:

Value: Unlimited free changes are permitted up to 72 hours before the train’s scheduled departure time. After that, each change will incur an AED 20 fee, in addition to any applicable fare difference.

Flex: Unlimited free changes are permitted, before the scheduled departure time and up to 30 minutes after train departure. In case you cancel the ticket 24 hours before departure time, you will receive a full refund. If the ticket is cancelled on the day of travel, a 30% cancellation fee applies.

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, available daily from 5am to 11pm.

There are three shuttle buses that operate in Abu Dhabi connecting passengers to and from the Mohamed bin Zayed station:

Shuttle bus schedule

To Mohamed bin Zayed Station

The shuttle service runs thrice a day – morning, afternoon and evening, following this schedule:

Morning

The shuttle service reaches the Mohamed bin Zayed station at 7.59am

Afternoon

The shuttle service reaches the Mohamed bin Zayed station at 1.33pm

Evening

The shuttle service reaches the Mohamed bin Zayed station at 6.19pm

Shuttle from Mohamed bin Zayed Station

Passengers who arrive at the Abu Dhabi station from Fujairah can also take the shuttle bus to the three locations in Abu Dhabi.

Morning

Afternoon

The shuttle buses will leave the station at 1.04pm and reach the three locations at the following times:

Evening

The shuttle buses will leave the station at 7.33pm and reach the three locations at the following times:

The service is available only through advance booking on the Etihad Rail app or website and cannot be booked at the station. When booking your tickets, click on ‘add-on’ and select the bus you wish to take. The service is free of cost.