Ready to ride the UAE’s first passenger train? After months of anticipation, Etihad Rail has officially started carrying passengers between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah during the introductory phase. More stations will join the network on September 30, 2026, when Dubai Train Station and Al Dhaid Train Station open.

Before you set off, make sure you know the passenger rules.

Etihad Rail has published passenger guidelines covering travel with children and pets, prohibited items, onboard rules, and the fines that apply for breaking them.

Passenger guidelines

Children and family travel

  • Infants travel free when sitting on an accompanying adult’s lap. One infant can travel free with each adult. A child ticket is required for every additional infant
  • Children must be at least 14 years old to travel unaccompanied
  • Strollers are allowed onboard, but they must be folded before boarding and stored safely without blocking aisles, doors or emergency exits

Pets onboard Etihad Rail

  • Household pets are allowed if they are kept inside an approved carrier that meets the size requirements
  • Pets must remain inside the carrier and stay under the passenger’s control throughout the journey
  • One pet carrier is allowed per passenger, and it counts as the passenger’s hand luggage allowance

Prohibited items

  • Weapons, explosives, flammable or hazardous materials
  • Narcotic substances or alcoholic beverages
  • Oversized items that block aisles or storage areas
  • Bicycles, electric bicycles, and scooters, including electric scooters
  • Items that create a safety risk, cause disturbance or produce strong odours

Carrying prohibited or restricted items in breach of the Passenger Charter results in AED 200 fine.

Food, drinks and smoking

  • You can bring your own food and drinks onboard, but avoid anything with strong odours or that could spill or stain the train
  • Alcoholic beverages are not permitted onboard (fine AED 200)
  • Smoking and electronic smoking devices are only permitted in designated smoking areas, where available (fine AED 500)

List of Etihad Rail Fines

AED 200 fines

  • Travelling without a valid ticket or failing to present a ticket when requested
  • Sitting in a reserved seat without permission
  • Travelling in a higher class than the ticket allows
  • Littering on trains, in stations or railway facilities
  • Placing feet on train seats
  • Entering or remaining on trains or in stations while intoxicated or otherwise unfit to travel

AED 500 fines

  • Disruptive, abusive, threatening or intimidating behaviour
  • Spitting or soiling trains or stations
  • Causing delays to train services
  • Commercial photography or recording without prior written approval
  • Boarding or getting off a train while it is moving or between stations

AED 5,000 fines

  • Activating emergency equipment without a genuine reason or misusing emergency exits
  • Throwing objects inside, at or from trains or station platforms
  • Entering railway tracks, restricted areas or railway facilities without permission
  • Damaging trains or station property, including graffiti and vandalism

Etihad Rail also said other violations not specifically listed may carry fines between AED 100 and AED 10,000, depending on the nature and severity of the offence.

Ready to board? Don’t hesitate to check out the Best Things to Do in Fujairah.