Etihad Rail Adds Six Extra Weekend Trains Between Abu Dhabi and Dubai After Strong Demand

DUBAI, 3 October 2026 — Etihad Rail has laid on extra trains between Abu Dhabi and Dubai this weekend, responding to a rush for tickets in the first days of the new passenger link.

Three additional services run today, Saturday 3 October, and three more tomorrow, according to The National and Dubai Eye 103.8. Between them they release more than 2,000 extra seats. The company described the early appetite for travel as "exceptional," and tickets for the added trains went on sale at 2pm on Friday.

The extra timetable

On both Saturday and Sunday, the additional departures are:

• 12.14pm: Abu Dhabi to Dubai

• 1.43pm: Dubai to Abu Dhabi

• 4.43pm: Abu Dhabi to Dubai

These sit on top of the ten daily services that were launched when the route opened on Wednesday 30 September. Reports say each train can carry about 400 passengers. Arabian Post noted that part of the new capacity was being taken up soon after it was released, and that the extra trains are a response to demand and not a permanent change to the timetable.

A new link between the UAE's two biggest cities

The route connects Al Yalayis Station, in Dubai's Jumeirah Golf Estates, with Mohammed Bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi. The journey takes about 64 minutes. Gulf News lists Comfort Class fares from Dh39 and Premium Class from Dh109, with prices varying by service.

For many residents, an hour on a train is an attractive alternative to the drive on one of the country's busiest roads, particularly with petrol prices climbing this month. Etihad Rail itself describes the service as an added option intended to improve connections between emirates, rather than a replacement for other forms of transport.

The wider passenger network

The 30 September launch did more than join the two cities. It also opened Al Dhaid Station in Sharjah and brought direct services to Fujairah, taking the number of operating passenger stations from two to four.

Khaleej Times reported that passengers can book from Al Dhaid with fares starting at Dh19. The Al Dhaid–Fujairah trip takes around 25 minutes, and the Al Dhaid–Abu Dhabi journey about one hour and 24 minutes. The station, in the Muragabat area, is listed as open from 5am to 11pm every day. It has a prayer room, a waiting area, 26 parking spaces including seven for electric vehicles, and connections to local bus routes.

Dubai to Fujairah takes roughly 70 minutes, with fares from Dh29, according to Arabian Post.

Fares and journey times at a glance

Fares are the lowest shown on the booking platform in reports from Gulf News, Arabian Post and Khaleej Times, and they vary by departure. Six extra trains carrying around 400 passengers each would account for roughly 2,400 seats, which is consistent with the "more than 2,000" figure reported.

Celebrating the launch

To mark the occasion, Etihad Rail staged laser shows at its stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah on Thursday and Friday evenings, running from 7pm until 1am. The company said the displays celebrated the official launch of a network connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid and Fujairah.

What comes next

Further growth is planned. Reports citing The National say about ten stations are expected to be operating by the end of March. Etihad Rail's planned high-speed line between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is a separate project from the current passenger service.

Tips for weekend travellers

• Book early. If the sell-out of the opening days is any guide, popular departures fill quickly, and last-minute seats may be limited.

• Check the exact station. In Dubai, trains use Al Yalayis Station in Jumeirah Golf Estates, which is not in the city centre. Plan how you will get there.

• Compare ticket classes. Premium costs more than Comfort, so choose based on whether the extra space is worth it for your trip.

• Use the official booking platform. Timetables and fares can change, and the operator's own channels carry the latest information.

The strong start suggests that residents are ready to use rail for intercity travel. How demand holds up once the novelty fades, and whether the timetable grows to match, will be among the things to watch in the coming weeks.