Etihad Rail adds 6 weekend trains as Abu Dhabi-Dubai seats sell fast
Etihad Rail has added 6 extra Abu Dhabi-Dubai trains this weekend after strong demand. Here are the new times, fares and how to get a seat before they go.
By Vadim Kouznetsov, published
Etihad Rail has put on 6 extra trains between Abu Dhabi and Dubai this weekend, 3 on Saturday 3 October and 3 on Sunday 4 October, after demand outstripped seats in the first days of passenger service. If you are hunting for Etihad Rail Dubai to Abu Dhabi train tickets, the new departures add about 1,000 seats a day, but the best seats are going quickly.
The passenger line opened on 30 September, linking Al Yalayis station in Dubai with the capital. On weekdays, 10 services run between the 2 cities, 5 in each direction.
Extra Etihad Rail weekend trains: the new times
According to Khaleej Times, the extra services run at the same times on both days:
| Departure | Direction |
|---|---|
| 12:14 | Abu Dhabi to Dubai |
| 13:43 | Dubai to Abu Dhabi |
| 16:43 | Abu Dhabi to Dubai |
The trip takes about 1 hour 4 minutes, with trains reaching up to 200 km/h. For many commuters, that means a fixed journey time with no Sheikh Zayed Road traffic to worry about.
Tickets for the extra trains went on sale on Friday 2 October at 2pm. Premium seats for Saturday were gone within 2 hours, while Comfort class seats were still largely available, the paper reported.
Etihad Rail ticket prices and fare types
Comfort class starts at AED 39 and Premium at AED 109, according to Gulf Business. On top of the class, you choose a fare type:
- Saver: the cheapest option. Your seat is assigned automatically and the ticket is non-refundable.
- Value: AED 20 more. You can make changes and pick your seat for free.
- Flex: AED 50 more. Refundable, with changes and seat selection included.
Discounts apply to some passengers:
- Children aged 2 to 17 pay 50% of the adult fare.
- Senior citizens get 20% off.
For a family day trip, the half-price child fares add up quickly. Our Etihad Rail passenger service guide covers the wider network.
How to book Etihad Rail Dubai to Abu Dhabi train tickets
You can buy tickets in 3 ways:
- The Etihad Rail app.
- The Etihad Rail website.
- At the station, including ticket vending machines.
Al Yalayis station is linked by a pedestrian bridge to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro station on the Red Line, and you can add a 1-day Nol ticket through the Etihad Rail app. Our Etihad Rail Dubai transport integration guide explains how the station fits with the Metro and buses.
Tips for when trains sell out
Khaleej Times reports that passengers are booking about 10 days ahead on average, so walk-up travel at weekends is risky for now. A few practical moves:
- Book early in the week for Friday to Sunday travel, and check the app as soon as new services are announced.
- Pick Comfort over Premium if Premium is full. It still gives you a guaranteed seat.
- Pay AED 20 for Value if your plans might shift. A Saver ticket cannot be changed or refunded.
- Try the less obvious times. Midday and early afternoon trains may have space when morning and evening ones are full.
- Recheck later. Etihad Rail added these trains within days of launch, so more capacity could follow if demand holds.
For people weighing a job in the other emirate, the line could make a daily commute far more realistic. If that is you, browse live UAE jobs in both cities.
Key takeaway
Etihad Rail's first weekend is busier than expected, and the 6 extra trains add about 1,000 seats a day on 3 and 4 October. Comfort tickets from AED 39 are the easiest to get, Premium sells out fast, and booking several days ahead is the safest bet.
FAQ
How much is the Etihad Rail train from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Comfort class starts at AED 39 and Premium at AED 109. Value fares cost AED 20 more and Flex fares AED 50 more than the Saver price.
How long does the Etihad Rail train take from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?
The journey takes about 1 hour 4 minutes. Trains travel at up to 200 km/h.
Where do I buy Etihad Rail tickets?
Book through the Etihad Rail app, the Etihad Rail website or at the station. At weekends, booking ahead online is the safer choice.
Can I get a refund on an Etihad Rail ticket?
Only Flex tickets are refundable. Saver tickets are non-refundable, and Value tickets allow changes but not a refund.
Do children travel free on Etihad Rail?
Children aged 2 to 17 pay 50% of the adult fare. Senior citizens receive a 20% discount.
Further reading
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