For years, “national rail network” felt like one of those UAE mega-projects that would always be five years away. Then Abu Dhabi Station opened in Mohamed bin Zayed City. It wasn’t a rendering anymore. It was a working train, and you could book a seat on it.
This is the station every other stop on the Etihad Rail map connects back to. Maybe you want to know how to get from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah. Maybe you’re waiting on the Dubai or Sharjah legs. Or maybe you just want to know what a ticket costs and what’s onboard. Here’s what’s confirmed so far.
What Is Abu Dhabi Station?
Abu Dhabi Station is the everyday name for the Mohamed bin Zayed City Passenger Train Station. It’s the first stop on Etihad Rail’s passenger network to actually open. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, opened it shortly before the introductory service began. That alone shows how much weight the government has put behind this project.
It’s also the western anchor of a line built to link 11 cities and towns across the country.
Short version: it’s Etihad Rail’s flagship passenger hub. It connects the capital to Fujairah, Dubai, Sharjah and everywhere else on the map.
Where Is Abu Dhabi Station Located?
The station sits inside Mohamed bin Zayed City, opposite Dalma Mall. Planners chose this spot mainly because it plugs easily into the capital’s existing road network. Nobody wants a train station that needs a 40-minute drive just to reach the platform, and that seems to have driven the decision.
Abu Dhabi Station Routes: Where Can You Actually Travel Right Now?
Abu Dhabi to Fujairah Train
The first live route runs from Abu Dhabi Station to Al Hilal City station in Fujairah. The trip takes about one hour and 45 minutes. Drive the same stretch through the Hajar Mountains at peak hours, and the train quickly becomes the easier choice.
The bigger win isn’t even the time saved. It’s the predictability. Road conditions on that route can shift fast. The train timetable doesn’t.
Three direct trains run each way, every day:
Departure (Abu Dhabi) | Arrival (Fujairah) |
8:19am | 10:04am |
1:53pm | 3:38pm |
6:39pm | 8:24pm |
Fujairah to Abu Dhabi runs on a similar schedule. The earliest morning service leaves Fujairah at 5:34am and reaches Abu Dhabi by 7:19am.
When Does the Abu Dhabi to Dubai Train Start?
Dubai Train Station and Al Dhaid Train Station open together on September 30, 2026, alongside the network’s official launch. From that date, Abu Dhabi Station plugs straight into the country’s busiest emirate. Etihad Rail expects the journey to run close to an hour.
When Does Abu Dhabi Station Connect to Sharjah?
Sharjah Station, in the University City area, is the last piece of the puzzle. It opens on March 30, 2027. That date closes the loop on the full west-to-east route.
Full Network Rollout Timeline
Milestone | Date |
Abu Dhabi to Fujairah introductory service | June 30, 2026 |
Dubai and Al Dhaid stations open | September 30, 2026 |
Al Dhafra region stations open | December 30, 2026 |
Sharjah Station opens | March 30, 2027 |
Tracking Dubai’s side of things too? Our piece on the Dubai Metro Blue Line is worth a read. The two networks are expected to link up once both are fully running.
What's Onboard the Train?
The fleet has 13 trains. Each one carries up to 400 passengers across Comfort and Premium cabins. You’ll find charging points, an infotainment system, decent legroom and food and drink service onboard, more than most UAE bus routes offer. Premium class adds extra space for anyone who wants to work or stretch out on the ride.
How to Book Abu Dhabi Station Tickets
You can book tickets through the Etihad Rail app or website. Sales open ahead of each phase’s launch date.
How Much Does a Ticket From Abu Dhabi Station Cost?
Fares are confirmed for the Abu Dhabi to Fujairah route, the only one running right now. Comfort class starts at AED 55. Premium class starts at AED 120. Both prices reflect a 50% launch discount off the regular AED 109 and AED 239 rates.
Etihad Rail hasn’t announced when the discount ends. More than 5,000 tickets sold in the first two days alone, so it’s fair to assume the offer won’t last forever.
Comfort class splits into three fare tiers:
Tier | Price | What you get |
Standard | AED 55 | Automatic seat assignment, no changes, non-refundable |
Value | AED 65 | Free seat selection, ticket changes allowed |
Flex | AED 75 | Seat selection, changes and refunds |
You can also add a shuttle bus for AED 10 alongside your ticket. Etihad Rail hasn’t announced fares for the Dubai, Al Dhafra or Sharjah legs yet, since those routes open later. Check Etihad Rail’s own booking platform closer to your travel date for the latest numbers.
Getting To and From Abu Dhabi Station
The station wasn’t built to stand alone. Shuttle buses link it to Reem Mall, ADNOC’s headquarters and ADNEC. That covers a good share of the places people actually need to reach once they step off the train.
The RTA is tackling this same last-mile problem across the wider network. Our piece on Dubai’s transport projects gives useful context.
Is There Parking at Abu Dhabi Station?
The station sits close to existing roads, since it’s inside Mohamed bin Zayed City. Getting there by car shouldn’t be painful. Parking details do change, though, so check Etihad Rail’s official channels before you drive over.
What Facilities Does Abu Dhabi Station Have?
Etihad Rail describes the concourse as open and easy to navigate. Expect clear signage and enough waiting space to handle real passenger volumes, not just launch-day crowds. Azza Al Suwaidi, the airline’s Deputy Chief Executive, said the design goal was simple: make the station feel intuitive, not confusing.
How Does Abu Dhabi Station Fit Into the National Railway Program?
Abu Dhabi Station is one piece of the UAE’s National Railway Program. The idea goes back to 2021 and the “Fifty Projects” initiative. The passenger line runs on top of Etihad Rail’s freight network, which had already been operating for months before anyone could buy a passenger ticket.
The long-term goal is bold: around 10 million passengers a year once all 11 stations open.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)n
Mohamed bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi, opposite Dalma Mall.
June 30, 2026, for the introductory Abu Dhabi to Fujairah service.
About 1 hour and 45 minutes.
From September 30, 2026, once Dubai Train Station opens.
From AED 55 for Comfort class and AED 120 for Premium class, both at the current launch discount.
Yes, shuttle buses run to Reem Mall, ADNOC headquarters and ADNEC.
11, spread across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah.
