Dubai to Abu Dhabi by Train: Stations, Tickets and the One-Hour Journey
Etihad Rail now connects Dubai and Abu Dhabi by passenger train. Here is where the stations are, how long the ride takes and what to check before booking.
Etihad Rail passenger trains now connect Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The service changes the equation for business trips, day visits to the capital and anyone who would rather not drive between the two emirates.
The short answer: trains leave Al Yalayis Station near Jumeirah Golf Estates and arrive at Mohamed bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi. The published direct journey takes about 1 hour and 4 minutes. Fares start at AED39 in Comfort Class and AED109 in Premium Class.
However, “one hour by train” does not mean one hour from your hotel or home to your final address. Neither station is in the main tourist centre, so add the journey to the station, a pre-departure buffer and the final connection after arrival.
Where is the Dubai station?
Dubai Station, also referred to as Al Yalayis Station, is located by Jumeirah Golf Estates. A dedicated pedestrian bridge connects it to Jumeirah Golf Estates station on the Dubai Metro Red Line, making a car-free connection possible when your starting point is already close to the Metro.
Still, open your ticket and route before leaving. The rail station and Metro station have related names but are separate transport facilities, with a walk between them.
Where does the train arrive in Abu Dhabi?
The destination is Mohamed bin Zayed City Passenger Train Station. It is not on the Corniche or in central Abu Dhabi. Reaching a hotel, office, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Yas Island or another attraction requires an additional city transfer.
BellBoy tip: compare the full door-to-door journey, not only the hour on the train. The train may still win because it is predictable, even when the final leg requires a taxi.
The train ride is only the middle of the journey. Plan the station access and onward connection separately.
How much are tickets?
Comfort Class: from AED39 one way;
Premium Class: from AED109 one way.
These are starting fares rather than guaranteed prices for every departure. The final fare and seat availability depend on the date, time and train selected. Confirm the total during booking.
Timetable and journey time
At launch, the booking system showed five direct services in each direction per day, with the Dubai–Abu Dhabi ride taking roughly 1 hour and 4 minutes. Frequencies may change as the passenger network develops, so a long-lived guide should not rely on fixed departure times.
Select the current train in the Etihad Rail app or on the official website. If the trip leads to an important meeting, leave a buffer for station access, the Metro walkway and finding the correct platform.
How to buy a ticket
Tickets are available through the Etihad Rail app, the official website and station ticket machines. Save the ticket in the app or as an offline file as well as in your email.
Integration with Dubai’s Nol system can combine rail and public-transport stages through a QR-based journey, but check the exact terms shown for your booking before travel.
When the train makes particular sense
you do not want to drive on the E11;
a predictable arrival matters more than saving a few possible minutes;
your Dubai starting point connects conveniently to the Metro Red Line;
your onward destination is easy to reach from Mohamed bin Zayed City Station;
you are travelling when road traffic may be difficult to predict.
When a car may still be easier
A direct car can be more practical for several travellers, heavy luggage, multiple stops or a destination far from the Abu Dhabi station. Compare the total group cost, parking, taxis at both ends and genuine door-to-door time.
