Etihad Rail has begun regular passenger services between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with the first trains completing their morning journeys on time and a total of 10 services planned between the two emirates. The launch creates a new intercity rail option for work, leisure and onward travel through Dubai’s public transport network.
The first train from Dubai departed at 6.14am on Wednesday and reached Abu Dhabi within the estimated journey time, according to Khaleej Times, as reported by Economic Times. Train 702 left at 7.14am, while another service was scheduled for 1.14pm. The initial operating schedule is intended to serve passengers travelling between the two emirates as well as those using the route as a new travel experience.
The service also links intercity rail with Dubai’s existing metro, tram and bus systems. Passengers booking Etihad Rail tickets can add a Dubai Nol One-Day Pass for Dh22. The pass provides unlimited eligible journeys on Dubai Metro, Tram and buses through a single QR code, which is made available through the Etihad Rail app and the booking confirmation email.
The regular Nol One-Day Pass costs Dh22 per passenger, while the Gold Nol One-Day Pass costs Dh42. Gold pass holders can access first-class cabins on the Dubai Metro and Tram. The Gold pass can also be purchased by passengers who have booked a Comfort-class ticket on Etihad Rail.
Etihad Rail’s Dubai station at Al Yalayis is located near Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, also known as E311. The station serves areas including Al Furjan, Dubai Investment Park and Dubai South. Its location places the rail service within a wider transport network rather than treating the station as a standalone intercity terminal.
A direct pedestrian connection links Al Yalayis station with Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station on Dubai Metro’s Red Line. The footbridge outside the station is approximately 400 metres long, and the walk takes about five minutes, according to signage inside the station. From the Red Line, passengers can continue towards destinations across Dubai without arranging a separate private vehicle journey.
The reported approximate driving times from Al Yalayis include 10 minutes to Expo City, 17 minutes to Jumeirah Village Circle, 18 minutes to Dubai Hills, 22 minutes to Palm Jumeirah, 25 minutes to the Mall of the Emirates, 27 minutes to Al Maktoum International Airport, 29 minutes to Dubai Mall and 40 minutes to Dubai International Airport.
The integration of the rail ticket with a Nol day pass places emphasis on the connection between intercity and urban transport. For passengers travelling beyond the station, the pedestrian link to the Red Line provides a defined onward route through Dubai’s metro network. Etihad Rail’s regular passenger schedule will now determine how the new service functions as part of daily travel between the two emirates.
