The UAE's first proper intercity train service for everyday travellers is nearly here. Tickets for Etihad Rail's Dubai to Abu Dhabi route are now on sale, with the new Dubai station opening on September 30, 2026. Fares start at Dhs39 in Comfort class, or Dhs109 if you want Premium — a fraction of what a taxi between the two cities costs.

The journey itself takes just 1 hour and 4 minutes, all direct. On launch day, five trains will run in each direction. Leaving Dubai, departures are at 6.14am, 7.14am, 1.14pm, 5.14pm and 6.14pm. Heading the other way, Abu Dhabi trains leave at 6.43am, 7.43am, 12.43pm, 4.43pm and 5.43pm. The early services make it a realistic option for commuters, while the afternoon and evening slots suit day-trippers and weekend wanderers.

Booking happens through the Etihad Rail website or app. The Dubai stop is officially named Al Yalayis Station, located at Jumeirah Golf Estates near Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311). That placement serves Al Furjan, Dubai Investment Park and Dubai South — handy if you're flying out of Al Maktoum airport or staying in the newer southern districts. The same day sees Al Dhaid Station open in Sharjah.

This is part of a staged national rollout. Fujairah's Mohammed Bin Zayed City and Al Hilal stations are already running. A bigger wave arrives December 30, 2026, adding Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Liwa and Al Sila — which opens up Al Dhafra region and the edge of the Empty Quarter by rail. Sharjah's University City follows in March 2027.

For travellers, this changes the practical maths of a UAE trip. Until now, getting between Dubai and Abu Dhabi meant a car, an intercity bus, or a pricey taxi. A rail link means you can base yourself in Dubai for the beaches and dining, then spend a day seeing the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or the Louvre Abu Dhabi without renting a car. And if you're bound for Liwa's dunes or the western coast later in the year, the expanded network should make those trips far less dependent on long drives.

Just keep in mind the station locations aren't in the city centres — Al Yalayis sits well south of Downtown Dubai — so you'll likely still need a metro ride or taxi to connect.