I Took the UAE's New Train Service From Dubai to Abu Dhabi—Here’s What It's Like

For as long as I’ve lived in the UAE—almost 16 years—trips between Abu Dhabi and Dubai have meant getting in a car and joining the steady stream of traffic heading south, confined behind the wheel for an hour or two, depending on the day's traffic. It’s a ritual familiar to commuters and sightseers alike. But now, that journey is changing. Etihad Rail has launched its first passenger service between the UAE's two biggest cities, offering a fresh perspective—and speed—on a route long confined to the road.

Dubai joined the UAE’s national passenger rail network on Wednesday, September 30, when Al Yalayis Station opened beside Jumeirah Golf Estates. On the same day, passenger services extended to Al Dhaid in Sharjah. These two additions mark the second major stage of Etihad Rail's rollout, following on from the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route, which began operating in June as part of a phased expansion that will bring the 10 announced passenger stations into operation by the end of March 2027.

After opening its doors to much fanfare on Wednesday evening, a rumble of excitement is still palpable the following morning as I arrive at Al Yalayis’ vast, glassy facade to test the experience. Here’s what to expect when you ride Etihad Rail from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.

Station experience

Dubai’s station is suitably forward-thinking. A dedicated pedestrian bridge will soon connect it directly to Dubai Metro’s Red Line, while Nol integration lets passengers add a day pass for the bus, tram and metro to their rail ticket via a QR code. The interior is expansive, with grand, high ceilings and well-designed, comfortable armchair seating unlike the train-station pews I am used to. Hospitality is woven into the experience from the off, with free Arabic coffee offered to all passengers and a dedicated lounge with complimentary food and drinks for those traveling in Premium class. For those traveling in standard class with Comfort tickets, there’s a Starbucks, Shot Neighbourhood Coffee, WHSmith and soon-to-open McDonald's, along with a vending machine selling affordable hot meals. Access to the two platforms is via escalators, a lift, or stairs, all well-signed and large enough to accommodate passenger volumes.

Tickets

Purchasing tickets at the station is simple, with easy-to-use touchscreens manned by helpful staff members. After entering a few details, passengers receive both a digital and physical copy of their tickets—certainly a perk if you’re keen to collect a piece of inaugural memorabilia. Though prices are higher when purchased in person, starting from Dh60 ($16) for Comfort or Dh130 ($35) for Premium, compared with Dh39 ($10) and Dh129 ($35) when purchased online.

The onboard experience

Boarding begins at Platform 2, where Etihad Rail staff guide passengers to the correct carriages. Stepping onto the train felt surreal, an experience previously confined to my trips aboard. Carriages are decked out with high-end finishes—including charging ports, foldable tables, shutters and free Wi-Fi—making it clear you’re in a country where comfort is a valued commodity. The cushioned seats in Comfort offer ample room, while the Premium seats recline, giving passengers even more space to sit back.

As the train pulls away from the station, Arabic coffee and chocolates are handed out, later followed by a snack box with two shawarma sandwiches, a cake and a bottle of water, all included in the ticket price. A highlight of Comfort class is the karak (which you have to request from staff). Dreamed up by Emirati chef Maitha Warshaw, the spiced tea is intensely creamy and sweet, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan praised its flavor during the train’s inaugural voyage.

While the scenery visible from the train might not be as pretty as the mountainous route from Fujairah, the windows offer an interesting, previously unseen view of the emirate as you journey through industrial zones, farmland, and arid desertscapes. The ride takes one hour and four minutes, averaging 200 kilometres per hour, 150 km/h less than the planned high-speed service that will roll out in the coming months, set to take just 35 minutes to travel between the emirates.

Arriving in Abu Dhabi

As you approach Mohamed bin Zayed City, it's clear you’ve reached the capital, with the platform and station bustling with commuters. The station’s location puts you in the heart of the residential area of the same name, which is close to Dalma Mall and Mussaffah. For those wanting to venture further into the emirate, there’s a Dh10 ($3) shuttle bus between here and the ADNOC headquarters on Corniche Road West, the ADNEC Centre on Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, and Reem Mall on Reem Island.

For those who are among the first to take advantage of this new way to travel across the UAE, it might feel like a novel experience, but this route will soon become an essential part of everyday life for the many people who make the regular journey between the country's two biggest hubs. And after years spent behind the wheel on Sheikh Zayed Road, it's certainly a welcome change to let someone else steer the way.

This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller Middle East.