Etihad Rail: Abu Dhabi to Fujairah by train in just 1 hour 45 minutes
Etihad Rail: Abu Dhabi to Fujairah by train in just 1 hour 45 minutes
The UAE has entered the age of intercity rail. Etihad Rail's first passenger service now links Abu Dhabi and Fujairah in one hour and forty-five minutes, gliding past deserts and mountains to the emirate's rugged east coast. Here is everything a traveller needs: schedule, stations, fares and how to fit it into your UAE trip.
Running
Etihad Rail's introductory passenger phase between Abu Dhabi (Mohammed Bin Zayed City) and Fujairah (Al Hilal City) is operating, with the wider network, including a Dubai station, set to expand from late September 2026.
For years, the UAE's gleaming highways did all the heavy lifting between its emirates. Now there is a smoother, quieter and rather more romantic option. Etihad Rail, the country's national railway, has launched its first passenger service, and it connects the capital, Abu Dhabi, with the mountainous east-coast emirate of Fujairah in a swift one hour and forty-five minutes.
For the millions of travellers who visit the UAE each year, this is a genuinely exciting development. It opens up Fujairah, long a hidden gem of beaches and mountains, as an easy day trip or weekend escape from Abu Dhabi. As a travel desk that plans UAE journeys constantly, we want to walk you through exactly how it works.
Abu Dhabi to Fujairah train schedule
During the introductory phase, three direct trains run in each direction every day. Here is the schedule as published for the launch. Always reconfirm live times before you travel.
| Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|
| 8:19 AM | 10:04 AM |
| 1:53 PM | 3:38 PM |
| 6:39 PM | 8:24 PM |
| Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|
| 5:34 AM | 7:19 AM |
| 10:59 AM | 12:44 PM |
| 5:28 PM | 7:13 PM |
Stations, fares and what to expect
The introductory service is designed to be simple, comfortable and affordable. Here are the key details at a glance.
Stations
Abu Dhabi: Mohammed Bin Zayed City. Fujairah: Al Hilal City. Check station locations and transfers when you plan.
Frequency
Three direct trains daily in each direction during the introductory phase, with more expected as the network grows.
Journey time
Around 1 hour 45 minutes (105 minutes), city to city, far quicker and calmer than the drive.
Comfort
Modern trains with comfortable seating and scenic desert-to-coast views, reportedly from about AED 55 in Comfort Class.
Before you book
Schedules and fares for a newly launched service can change as it settles in. Confirm the latest timings, prices and booking details on the official Etihad Rail website or app before you travel. Tickets are sold via etihadrail.ae and the Etihad Rail app.
A new way to see the UAE
This is more than a train; it is a shift in how you can experience the Emirates. Driving between Abu Dhabi and the east coast meant hours behind the wheel. Now the same trip is a relaxed sit-back-and-watch experience, and it unlocks a side of the UAE many visitors never reach.
- Fujairah made easy. Its beaches, the Hajar mountains and the historic Al Bidyah area become a comfortable day or weekend trip from the capital.
- Skip the traffic. No long highway drive, no parking, just a smooth, scenic ride between two emirates.
- Great value. Reported introductory fares make it an affordable addition to any UAE itinerary.
- The start of a network. With a Dubai station and further stops rolling out, this is the first step toward rail travel across the whole country.
The UAE's rail network is just getting started
The Abu Dhabi to Fujairah link is the opening chapter of a much larger story. Etihad Rail is rolling out a national passenger network in phases, with a Dubai station and additional stops planned as the service expands across the Emirates.
For travellers, the direction is thrilling: a future where you can hop between the UAE's great cities and hidden corners on fast, comfortable trains. Getting familiar with the first route now means you are ready to make the most of the network as it grows. [EXTERNAL LINK: official Etihad Rail website - etihadrail.ae]
What to see in Fujairah
Fujairah is the UAE's quiet counterpoint to the glittering big cities: mountains meeting the sea, heritage over high-rise, and a slower, more natural pace. Here is what makes the train ride worth it.
- East-coast beaches. Golden sands and clear waters along the Gulf of Oman, popular for swimming, snorkelling and diving.
- Al Bidya area. Home to one of the oldest mosques in the UAE, a small and deeply atmospheric piece of history.
- The Hajar mountains. Dramatic peaks and wadis right on the coast, a striking contrast to the desert interior.
- Fujairah Fort and heritage. Centuries-old forts and traditional villages that tell the emirate's story.
- Markets and local life. Roadside fruit and pottery markets and an unhurried, welcoming atmosphere.
It is the kind of place best enjoyed without a rush, which is exactly why arriving relaxed by train, rather than frazzled after a long drive, suits it so well.
Tips for a smooth Etihad Rail journey
- Book ahead on the app. Reserve through etihadrail.ae or the Etihad Rail app, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Arrive early. Reach the station with time to spare for a calm, stress-free boarding.
- Carry your ID. Keep your identification and booking handy for a smooth check.
- Plan your onward transfer. Arrange a taxi or car at your destination station to reach beaches or hotels.
- Grab a window seat. The desert-to-mountain-to-coast scenery is half the experience.
Let us build your UAE trip
The UAE remains one of the most popular and rewarding destinations for our travellers, and additions like Etihad Rail only make it better. Here is how we help you enjoy it seamlessly.
- Flights and stays. Well-timed flights to the UAE and comfortable hotels in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and beyond.
- Smart itineraries. Day trips and multi-city plans that weave in experiences like the Abu Dhabi to Fujairah train.
- Visa and insurance. UAE visa assistance and travel insurance, all handled by one certified team.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Etihad Rail journey from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah?
The journey takes about 1 hour 45 minutes (105 minutes) city to city, a significant saving over the road trip between the two emirates.
How many Etihad Rail trains run each day on this route?
During the introductory phase, three direct trains run in each direction every day between Abu Dhabi (Mohammed Bin Zayed City) and Fujairah (Al Hilal City). Confirm current timings on the official Etihad Rail channels.
Which stations does the Abu Dhabi to Fujairah service use?
The service connects Mohammed Bin Zayed City station in Abu Dhabi with Al Hilal City station in Fujairah.
How much does an Etihad Rail ticket cost and where do I book?
Introductory fares have been reported from around AED 55 in Comfort Class, with higher Premium Class options. Tickets are sold via the official etihadrail.ae website and the Etihad Rail app. Always confirm the latest fares before booking.
Can Beyond Travels include the Etihad Rail experience in my UAE trip?
Yes. We plan complete UAE trips including flights, hotels, visas, insurance and itineraries that can feature scenic experiences like the Abu Dhabi to Fujairah train.
Planning a UAE escape? Let's put you on the right track
From flights and hotels to visas and clever itineraries that include Etihad Rail, Beyond Travels makes your UAE journey effortless. No obligation, no fee just to enquire.
Written by the Beyond Travels travel desk, your IATA and TICO certified travel and visa partner in Thane and Toronto.
Disclaimer: Etihad Rail schedules, fares, stations and service phases are set by Etihad Rail and can change without notice, especially during the introductory period. This article reflects information available at the time of writing and is not affiliated with Etihad Rail. Always confirm current timings, fares and booking details on the official etihadrail.ae website or app before you travel.