How to Buy Etihad Rail Tickets
Tickets are sold on the official website, in the Etihad Rail app, at station ticket machines and through the contact centre.
Where to buy, how booking works, fare types, payment methods, change and refund rules, and practical tips before you travel.
Etihad Rail is transforming passenger travel in the United Arab Emirates by connecting major cities with a modern railway network. Whether you are a UAE resident or a visitor planning your first journey, understanding how the booking process works will help you travel with confidence.
On this page you will learn where to buy Etihad Rail tickets, how to complete your reservation, available ticket types, payment methods, cancellation rules, and useful travel tips. As new passenger routes become available, this guide will be updated to reflect the latest official information.
Where to Buy Etihad Rail Tickets
Passengers can purchase tickets through the official Etihad Rail booking channels when sales are available. The easiest option is online booking, which allows you to compare schedules, fares, and travel classes before completing payment.
- Official website
- Official mobile application
- Authorized sales channels (when announced)
Online: Website and App
The main way to buy. All fares (Saver, Value and Flex) are available, along with seat selection and booking management.
Station Ticket Machines
Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) accept bank cards and AED cash. The Saver fare is not sold through the machines.
Contact Centre
800 RAIL (800 7245), 24/7. WhatsApp: +971 2 807 8888, email: support@etihadrail.ae.
On Board
In some cases, Etihad Rail staff can issue a ticket for immediate travel. Only the Flex fare is available, paid by card or digital wallet; cash is not accepted.
Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Tickets
1. Choose Your Stations
Select your departure and destination stations from the available passenger network.
Current stations: Abu Dhabi (Mohamed Bin Zayed City), Dubai (Al Yalayis), Al Dhaid and Fujairah.
2. Select Your Travel Date
Choose the preferred travel date and review available departures.
Schedules and seat availability vary by day, so always check your specific date.
3. Pick Your Train
Compare journey times and available fare options.
For example, five trains a day run in each direction between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
4. Select a Travel Class
Choose the ticket class that best matches your comfort and budget.
Classes are Comfort and Premium; fares within each class are Saver, Value and Flex.
5. Enter Passenger Details
Provide the required passenger information exactly as requested during booking.
The name must match the ID document you will carry on the journey.
6. Pay Securely
Complete payment using one of the supported payment methods.
Cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and other compatible digital wallets.
7. Receive Your Ticket
Your electronic ticket is normally delivered digitally and can be presented during boarding. It is available in the app and in the confirmation email, and the QR code is scanned at the station gates.
Ticket Types
Depending on the route and service, different fare categories may be available. Flexible tickets generally provide more freedom to change travel dates, while lower-cost fares may have additional restrictions.
| Fare Type | Suitable For | Typical Features |
|---|---|---|
| Saver | Budget travellers | Lowest fare with more restrictions |
| Value | Most passengers | Balanced price and flexibility |
| Flex | Business travellers | Greater flexibility for changes |
Fare Conditions in Detail
| Condition | Saver | Value | Flex |
|---|---|---|---|
| Date and time changes | Not permitted | Free up to 72 hours before departure, then AED 20 + fare difference | Before departure and up to 30 minutes after (+ possible fare difference) |
| Refund | No | No | Full refund more than 24 hours before; 30% fee after that |
| Seat selection | Paid; otherwise assigned automatically 24 hours before | Free | Free |
| Transfer to another passenger | No | No | Yes, before boarding via the contact centre |
| Available at station machines | No | Yes | Yes |
Payment Methods
Most online bookings support secure electronic payment methods, including major credit and debit cards. International visitors can usually use internationally accepted payment cards where supported.
- Website and app: credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and other compatible digital wallets.
- Station ticket machines: credit and debit cards, AED banknotes.
- On board: card or digital wallet only; cash is not accepted.
When paying with a foreign card, your bank may apply its own exchange rate and fees.
Can Tourists Buy Etihad Rail Tickets?
Yes. International visitors are expected to be able to purchase passenger tickets when available. During booking, passengers should provide the requested identification details and carry valid identification while travelling.
Etihad Rail is not limited to UAE residents. Carry an ID document (such as a passport) that matches the details on your ticket, as it may be checked during the journey.
Ticket Prices
The final ticket price depends on several factors including the selected route, travel class, fare category, booking period, and promotional offers. Checking prices early can help you find the most suitable option.
| Route | Comfort from | Premium from |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai – Abu Dhabi | AED 39 | AED 109 |
| Dubai – Fujairah | AED 29 | AED 89 |
| Abu Dhabi – Fujairah | AED 55 | AED 120–169 |
| Abu Dhabi – Al Dhaid | AED 59 | AED 149 |
| Al Dhaid – Fujairah | AED 19 | AED 49 |
Saver fares on checked departures; not fixed prices for all dates.
Children 2–17
Infants under 2
on an adult’s lap
Passengers 60+
Changing or Cancelling a Ticket
Cancellation and modification policies depend on the selected fare. Flexible tickets generally provide more options for changing travel dates, while discounted fares may have stricter conditions.
- Saver: no changes and no refunds.
- Value: free changes up to 72 hours before departure, then AED 20 + fare difference; non-refundable.
- Flex: changes until departure and up to 30 minutes after; full refund if cancelled more than 24 hours before, then a 30% fee.
- No-show: no refund.
Accessing Your Ticket
Most passengers will receive a digital ticket containing booking information and a QR code where applicable. Keeping the confirmation email and mobile ticket available before arriving at the station is recommended.
The QR code is scanned at the automatic gates when entering the platform. For a combined Metro + train journey booked through the Nol integration, a single QR code is used.
Travel Tips
- Arrive at the station early.
- Carry valid identification.
- Check luggage rules before departure.
- Review station facilities in advance.
- Verify your departure platform.
- Remember that the gates close 2 minutes before departure.
- Book early at busy times, as Saver seats sell out first.
Common Booking Problems
Payment Failed
Verify your payment method and try again.
If it still fails, try Apple Pay / Google Pay or another card; foreign banks sometimes block a first payment in the UAE.
No Confirmation Email
Check your spam folder and ensure your email address was entered correctly.
Your booking also appears in the Etihad Rail app.
Incorrect Passenger Information
Contact customer support as soon as possible if corrections are required.
800 RAIL (800 7245), WhatsApp +971 2 807 8888, support@etihadrail.ae.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy Etihad Rail tickets online?
Yes, online booking is the primary purchasing method, through the official Etihad Rail website or mobile app.
Can tourists use Etihad Rail?
Yes, visitors can purchase tickets subject to the official booking requirements. Carry a valid ID that matches your ticket.
Do I need to print my ticket?
Digital tickets are generally sufficient unless official instructions state otherwise. The QR code is scanned at the gates.
Can I change my booking?
This depends on the fare conditions selected during purchase: Value and Flex can be changed, Saver cannot.
Can I buy a ticket at the station?
Yes, at the Ticket Vending Machines (all fares except Saver), paying by card or AED cash.
How late can I buy a ticket?
Up to 5 minutes before departure. The gates close 2 minutes before the train leaves.
Can I pay for Etihad Rail with a Nol Card?
Etihad Rail has its own booking system. Since October 2026 it has been integrated with Nol, so a train + Dubai Metro journey can be booked through Etihad Rail as a single trip with one QR code. Check the payment conditions when booking.
What is the cheapest ticket?
The cheapest route currently is Al Dhaid – Fujairah, from AED 19 in Comfort on the Saver fare.
Conclusion
Buying Etihad Rail tickets is designed to be simple and convenient. By choosing your route, selecting the appropriate fare, and completing secure online payment, you can prepare for a comfortable railway journey across the UAE.
Before booking, we also recommend checking our guides covering the railway map, train schedules, stations, routes, and ticket prices to help you plan your trip efficiently.
Information is current as of October 2026. Fares, fare rules and conditions of carriage may change, so check them when booking.