The UAE's national passenger railway keeps growing. After launching Abu Dhabi–Fujairah services on 30 June 2026, Etihad Rail opened its Dubai station on 30 September, bringing it into the network along with the passenger benefits travellers can expect on board. For a private trip across the Emirates, this adds a quiet, comfortable intercity option that pairs neatly with chauffeured touring.
Dubai joined the passenger network on 30 September
The Dubai station sits at Jumeirah Golf Estates along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, linked by a dedicated footbridge to the Jumeirah Golf Estates metro station and about 30 minutes from Al Maktoum International Airport. It is part of a national network that has connected Abu Dhabi and Fujairah since 30 June 2026, a run of roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes. Al Dhaid opened on the same date as Dubai. Al Dhafra follows on 30 December 2026, with Sharjah due in March 2027.
On board, Etihad Rail offers Comfort and Premium classes, free Wi-Fi, power and USB sockets at every seat, and a trolley service with snacks and drinks. Every adult and child aged three and above may carry two pieces of luggage free of charge, regardless of fare, with a cabin bag up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm. Fare tiers (Saver, Value, Flex) differ mainly on how freely you can change a booking. Launch fares started from Dh55 in Comfort and Dh120 in Premium under a 50 percent introductory discount, and more than 10,000 tickets were sold ahead of the railway's first-ever passenger service, the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route, on 30 June 2026.
What it means for a private UAE itinerary
For a traveller moving privately rather than in a group, the railway has become an easy premium leg between emirates without the long highway drive. The most seamless way to use it is door to door: a chauffeured car and guide meet you at each station, so the rail covers the distance while your private programme handles the sightseeing, timing and any detours. The pairing works especially well for a private Abu Dhabi and Dubai tour, where the train covers part of the distance between emirates while a chauffeured car handles the specific stops on the programme. A broader overview of getting around Dubai and the UAE, from the metro to car rental, is in gett.travel's guide How to Get Around Dubai and the UAE.
It fits Abu Dhabi and Dubai combinations especially well, and opens the east coast around Fujairah for a comfortable day out, such as a private Fujairah mountains and wadi day tour. A private car still wins for full flexibility, hidden viewpoints and door-to-door discretion, so the smartest plans mix both. Our team can weave the station into a bespoke route built around your travel dates.
Since 30 September Dubai has been on the intercity rail map, giving private travellers a calm premium leg between emirates that pairs perfectly with chauffeured touring.
