Etihad Rail just added six extra trains between Dubai and Abu Dhabi this weekend, and it didn’t take long to figure out why. The route is barely a week old and already pulling in more passengers than expected, so the operator decided to squeeze in more services to keep up.
That works out to over 2,000 additional seats across Saturday, October 3, and Sunday, October 4, with three extra trains running on each day. For anyone trying to lock in a weekend trip, that’s a welcome bit of breathing room.
It’s a quick turnaround too. The Dubai-Abu Dhabi passenger line only opened on September 30, and it’s already proving popular enough with commuters and travelers that Etihad Rail felt the need to expand capacity within days.
More Than 2,000 Seats Added This Weekend
Saturday alone got over 1,000 new seats spread across three fresh services. Sunday followed the same pattern: three more trains, another 1,000-plus seats on offer.
These extra services went live for booking at 2 pm on Friday, October 2, UAE time, giving travelers a head start on planning their weekend around the new departure slots.
The reason behind the expansion is pretty straightforward: people booked up the original weekend trains fast. Etihad Rail noted that some of the premium seats on the first few services sold out quickly, so if you’re hoping to travel at a specific time, booking ahead is probably a smart move.
Etihad Rail Extra Train Timings
The new trains run the same schedule on both Saturday and Sunday, shuttling between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
| Route | Departure Time | Approx. Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi to Dubai | 12:14 pm | 1:18 pm |
| Dubai to Abu Dhabi | 1:43 pm | 2:47 pm |
| Abu Dhabi to Dubai | 4:43 pm | 5:47 pm |
These added slots fill out the afternoon and early evening, giving passengers a bit more choice outside the usual peak windows. Since seat availability can shift quickly, it’s worth checking the official booking platform before heading out.
Dubai-Abu Dhabi Etihad Rail Journey Takes Around 64 Minutes
The route links Al Yalayis Station in Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, with Mohammed Bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi, and the trip takes roughly 64 minutes end to end.
Etihad Rail’s passenger trains can hit speeds of up to 200 km/h, which makes this a genuine alternative to the long, often congested drive along the Dubai-Abu Dhabi highway for anyone who’d rather skip the traffic.
There’s also a handy connection on the Dubai side. A pedestrian bridge links Al Yalayis Station directly to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station, so passengers can hop onto the Dubai Metro Red Line once they arrive.
Etihad Rail Ticket Prices and Classes
Fares on this route start at Dh39 for Comfort Class and Dh109 for Premium Class, though the exact price depends on which service and ticket type you go for.
There are three ticket categories to pick from. Saver tickets come with automatic seat allocation and aren’t refundable. Value tickets cost an extra Dh20 but let you choose your seat and make changes to your booking.
Then there’s Flex, which adds Dh50 to the fare but gives you the most room to adjust plans: seat selection, unlimited amendments, and a full refund if your plans change.
Discounts Available for Children and Senior Citizens
There’s some relief for families and older travelers too. Kids between 2 and 17 years old get a 50% discount off the adult fare.
Senior citizens qualify for a 20% concession. As always, it’s worth double-checking the latest eligibility rules at the time of booking so you end up with the right ticket category.
Also Read: KHDA School Inspections Are Back: What Dubai Parents Need to Know
How to Book Dubai-Abu Dhabi Etihad Rail Tickets
Booking is simple enough: the official Etihad Rail website, the mobile app, or in person at the stations all work.
Given how fast demand has picked up since launch, anyone with a specific departure time in mind should book early. The extra weekend trains help, but seats can still run out during busier hours.
And for travelers heading further into Dubai, the Metro link at Al Yalayis Station is a nice bonus. Just cross the pedestrian bridge after arriving, and you’re plugged straight into the city’s Metro network.
Etihad Rail Passenger Network Continues to Expand
Dubai-Abu Dhabi is just one piece of a much bigger picture. Etihad Rail’s passenger network already reaches places like Al Dhaid in Sharjah and Fujairah, and more stations are expected to join as the national rail service keeps growing.
The bigger goal here is tying the emirates together more tightly, giving people more ways to move between cities without relying solely on the roads.
As for this particular route, the fact that six extra services were needed within days of launch says a lot about how quickly demand has taken off since the Dubai-Abu Dhabi line began running on September 30.