Traveling between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is about to get much faster and easier. Etihad Rail has announced plans for a high-speed passenger train that will cut travel time between the two major cities to just 30 minutes.
This modern train will reach speeds of up to 350 kilometres per hour, connecting key areas like Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, as well as Dubai Creek in Jaddaf and Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai. This means faster, smoother, and more convenient journeys for everyone.
Previously, Etihad Rail estimated a 57-minute travel time for this route, but the new design cuts that time by nearly half. Compare that to the current 90-minute car drive, and it’s clear why this train could be a game-changer.
While the Abu Dhabi-to-Dubai train is the big news, it’s part of a larger project. The passenger trains will hold up to 400 people, include family-friendly features, and connect to metro and bus networks for easy onward travel. Other emirates like Sharjah and Fujairah will also be included in the first phase.
Etihad Rail has been working on this massive network since 2016. Once complete, it will stretch over 1,200 kilometres, linking all seven emirates and 11 cities. Regular passenger trains on this network will travel at speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour, making travel within the UAE more efficient and scenic.
The exact launch date for the Abu Dhabi-Dubai train hasn’t been confirmed yet, but early reports suggest it could start operating by 2030. When it does, long car rides will become a thing of the past as this high-speed rail brings a new era of transportation to the UAE.
