How long is Dubai to Abu Dhabi by train?

The Dubai to Abu Dhabi journey by Etihad Rail is planned to take approximately 50 minutes — compared to 90 minutes by road currently.

How does Etihad Rail compare to the current bus?

Currently the public bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi costs AED 25 and takes 2 hours. Etihad Rail will cut this to 50 minutes — 4x faster. The train is expected to be more expensive but significantly more convenient.

50min Dubai-Abu Dhabi1,200km Network2025-2026 Launch200km/h

Etihad Rail 2026: UAE Train Network Complete Guide

Q: Where are the Etihad Rail stations?

Planned passenger stations include Abu Dhabi, Dubai (location TBC — expected near Dubai World Central or Jebel Ali), and stops at Al Ain and other cities as the network expands.

Q: How much will Etihad Rail tickets cost?

Ticket prices have not been officially announced. Comparable rail journeys suggest AED 50-100 for Dubai-Abu Dhabi. Economy, business, and first class options are expected.

The UAE is building a national railway that will transform travel between emirates — Dubai to Abu Dhabi in 50 minutes, ending a car-dependent era.

Plan My UAE Trip Dubai + Abu Dhabi Guide

What is Etihad Rail?

Etihad Rail is the UAE's national railway project — a 1,200km rail network connecting all seven emirates from the Saudi border in the west to Fujairah on the East Coast. The project is funded by the federal government and operated by Etihad Rail, a state-owned enterprise.

The freight network (Stage 1) is already operational, carrying industrial goods including sulphur and aggregates. Stage 2 — extending the network to passenger services and connecting Dubai with Abu Dhabi — is in advanced stages with a passenger service launch targeted for 2025-2026.

Route	Current (Bus)	Etihad Rail (Planned)	Saving
Dubai to Abu Dhabi	2 hours (AED 25)	~50 minutes	70 min faster
Abu Dhabi to Al Ain	90 min (bus)	~30 minutes	60 min faster
Dubai to Fujairah	90 min (car)	~45 minutes (via rail)	45 min faster

Current Travel Options (While Rail Launches)

Until Etihad Rail passenger service launches, these remain the best ways to travel between UAE cities:

Dubai to Abu Dhabi: Public bus from Al Ghubaiba station, AED 25, 2 hours. Taxi/Careem AED 250-350, 90 min. Car rental AED 80/day.
Dubai to Sharjah: Public bus AED 5, 30-45 min. Taxi AED 30-50.
Dubai to RAK: Car/taxi AED 150-200, 60-75 min. No direct bus to Marjan Island.
Dubai to Fujairah: Car 90 min, taxi AED 200-300. Public bus available via Fujairah bus station.

Latest updates: For the most current Etihad Rail news and confirmed passenger launch dates, visit etihadrail.ae. The project is progressing steadily and the UAE government has confirmed 2026 as the target year for passenger operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Etihad Rail passenger service start?

Etihad Rail passenger service is targeted for 2025-2026. The freight network (Stage 1) is already operational across the UAE. Check etihadrail.ae for the latest confirmed launch dates as these have shifted over the years.

How long is Dubai to Abu Dhabi by Etihad Rail?

The Dubai to Abu Dhabi journey is planned to take approximately 50 minutes at speeds of up to 200km/h — compared to 90 minutes by road currently. This 40-minute saving will significantly change inter-city travel patterns in the UAE.

Where are the Etihad Rail stations?

Confirmed passenger stations include Abu Dhabi and stations along the western freight corridor. The Dubai station location is expected to be in the south of Dubai, near Expo 2020 / Dubai World Central area. Stations at Al Ain, RAK, and Fujairah are planned for later phases.

How much will Etihad Rail tickets cost?

Ticket prices have not been officially announced. Based on comparable regional rail, expect AED 30-80 for Dubai-Abu Dhabi. Economy, business, and first class options are expected, with family and tourist day-pass bundles likely.

How does it compare to the current bus?

The public bus Dubai to Abu Dhabi currently costs AED 25 and takes 2 hours. Etihad Rail will be around 50 minutes — 4 times faster. The train is expected to be more expensive than the bus but significantly cheaper than taxi and much more convenient.