Dubai to Abu Dhabi by Metro + Etihad Rail: The New Train Route
Update — this journey changed forever on 30 September 2026: Etihad Rail’s passenger service now links Dubai and Abu Dhabi directly, and the Dubai Metro connects straight into it by footbridge. The train takes about 1 hour 4 minutes from AED 39 — here’s the complete route, plus the bus option it replaces as the default.
The New Way: Metro + Etihad Rail
- Ride the Red Line to Jumeirah Golf Estates (R73) — on the Route 2020 branch, so board a train marked Expo 2020 (or change at Jabal Ali).
- Cross the dedicated pedestrian bridge linking the metro station directly to Etihad Rail’s Al Yalayis Station — Dubai’s intercity rail gateway.
- Board the train to Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station, Abu Dhabi. Around 10 daily services run (five each way, with extra trains added on busy weekends); the first morning departure leaves Al Yalayis just after 6 am.
- Arrive in ~64 minutes. From MBZ City Station, taxis, shuttle services and public buses connect onward into Abu Dhabi.
Tickets & Fares
- Comfort Class from AED 39; First (Premium) Class from AED 109 one way.
- Buy via the Etihad Rail app, website, or station ticket machines. Book ahead for peak weekend slots — early demand has been strong.
- Your rail ticket’s QR code integrates with Dubai’s public transport, covering the metro, tram and bus legs of the same journey — one ticket, door to door.
All Options Compared (One Way, 2026)
| Mode | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Metro + Etihad Rail | from AED 39 + metro fare | ~1 h 4 min on the train |
| Metro + E100/E101 bus | AED 28–33 | 2–2.5 h |
| Intercity taxi / ride-hailing | AED 250+ | ~1.5 h |
The train now wins on nearly every count: faster than the bus, a fraction of the taxi price, and immune to Sheikh Zayed Road traffic. Bring your Emirates ID/passport for intercity travel.
The Budget Alternative: Intercity Bus
The old champion still runs and still costs less. Green Line to Al Gubaiba for the E100, or Red Line to Ibn Battuta for the E101 — AED 25 by Nol, roughly every 15–30 minutes, about 2 hours to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. Pick it when every dirham counts or when your start point sits closer to the bus hubs than to the Route 2020 branch.
What’s Next
Etihad Rail’s network already serves Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah (direct from Dubai in ~1 h 10 min) and Al Dhaid in Sharjah, with more stations planned — and a separate high-speed Abu Dhabi–Dubai line (350 km/h, ~30 minutes) has been announced for the years ahead. Track developments on our updates page and the full Al Yalayis station guide.
Planning more journeys? Start from the Dubai Metro map with all stations — every line, station and fare zone on one page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a train from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Yes — since 30 September 2026, Etihad Rail runs around 10 daily passenger trains between Al Yalayis Station (Dubai) and Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station (Abu Dhabi), taking about 1 hour 4 minutes, from AED 39.
How do I reach the Dubai–Abu Dhabi train by metro?
Ride the Red Line’s Route 2020 branch to Jumeirah Golf Estates station — a dedicated pedestrian bridge connects it directly to Etihad Rail’s Al Yalayis Station.
How much is the train from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Fares start at AED 39 in Comfort Class and AED 109 in First (Premium) Class, booked via the Etihad Rail app, website or station machines — with a QR ticket that also covers connecting Dubai metro, tram and bus legs.