How to Buy Train Tickets in the UAE
Buy Etihad Rail tickets online, in the app or at station machines; use a Nol Card for the Dubai Metro.
Where to buy, how much tickets cost, which fare to choose, how to change or cancel a booking and how Etihad Rail tickets work with the Dubai Metro and Nol Card.
Planning a train journey across the United Arab Emirates? In this guide, you will learn how to buy an Etihad Rail train ticket, where to purchase it, how much tickets cost, which fare to choose, how to change or cancel a booking, and how Etihad Rail tickets differ from the Dubai Metro and Nol Card payment system.
The most important thing to know is that Etihad Rail and Dubai public transport use different ticketing and payment systems. Tickets for intercity Etihad Rail passenger trains are purchased separately, while Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram and Dubai buses use the Nol system.
Where Can You Buy a Train Ticket in the UAE?
| Transport | Where to Buy a Ticket | Payment System |
|---|---|---|
| Etihad Rail | Official website, mobile app, ticket vending machines, contact centre | Etihad Rail ticket (combined QR ticket with the Metro available via Nol integration) |
| Dubai Metro | Ticket vending machines, ticket offices, Nol Card | Nol |
| Dubai Tram | Nol Card or Nol Red Ticket | Nol |
| Palm Monorail | Its own ticketing system | Separate ticket |
If you are travelling between emirates, for example on the Dubai – Abu Dhabi, Dubai – Fujairah, Abu Dhabi – Fujairah or Al Dhaid (Sharjah) routes, you need an Etihad Rail ticket.
If you are travelling within Dubai by metro or tram, you will need a Nol Card or Nol Red Ticket.
How to Buy an Etihad Rail Ticket Online
The most convenient way to purchase an Etihad Rail train ticket is to use the operator’s official website or mobile app. Online booking allows you to check available services, choose your travel class and select a suitable fare type.
Step 1. Choose Your Route
Select your departure station and destination station.
For example, when travelling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, select:
- Departure: Dubai Al Yalayis Station
- Destination: Mohammed Bin Zayed City Station
For other routes, select the relevant Etihad Rail passenger stations available in the booking system — currently Abu Dhabi (MBZ City), Dubai Al Yalayis, Al Dhaid and Fujairah.
Step 2. Choose Your Travel Date
Select the date on which you plan to travel. The system will then display the available trains for that day.
Schedules and seat availability may vary depending on the date, so always check the specific travel date before completing your booking.
Step 3. Choose Your Departure Time
Select the most suitable train from the available departures.
Depending on the route and date, several passenger trains may operate during the day — for example, five trains a day in each direction between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Step 4. Choose Your Travel Class
Etihad Rail passenger trains offer Comfort Class and Premium Class, depending on the route and seat availability.
It is important to understand that travel class and fare type are two different things. For example, you can choose Comfort Saver or Comfort Flex, as well as different fares within Premium Class.
Step 5. Choose Your Fare
Etihad Rail offers three main fare types:
- Saver — minimum flexibility;
- Value — additional options for changing your journey;
- Flex — maximum flexibility.
The fare type determines whether you can change your ticket, receive a refund and select your seat.
Step 6. Enter Passenger Details
Enter the required passenger information and contact details.
Before making the payment, carefully check the passenger name, travel date, departure and destination stations, departure time, travel class and selected fare.
Step 7. Pay for Your Ticket
After checking the booking details, complete the payment using the available payment method. Once the payment is successful, your booking and electronic ticket will be issued, with a QR code that is scanned at the station gates.
Where Can You Buy an Etihad Rail Ticket?
Etihad Rail offers several official ways to purchase passenger tickets. The best option depends on whether you want to book your journey in advance or purchase a ticket shortly before departure.
1. Official Etihad Rail Website
The official Etihad Rail website is one of the main ways to book a passenger journey.
Online booking allows you to check available services and fares and select a seat according to the conditions of the chosen fare.
2. Etihad Rail Mobile App
The Etihad Rail mobile app allows passengers to purchase tickets and manage their bookings digitally.
Your electronic ticket can also be accessed directly through the app.
3. Ticket Vending Machines at Stations
Etihad Rail passenger stations have Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs). These machines allow passengers to purchase tickets directly at the station.
Ticket vending machines accept credit and debit cards as well as AED banknotes.
4. Etihad Rail Contact Centre
If you need assistance with a booking or have other questions, you can contact Etihad Rail customer support.
- 800 RAIL (800 7245)
- Contact centre: 24/7
- WhatsApp: +971 2 807 8888
- Email: support@etihadrail.ae
Etihad Rail also provides chat and other digital customer support channels.
5. Buying a Ticket Shortly Before Departure
An Etihad Rail ticket can be purchased up to 5 minutes before the scheduled departure time. After that, ticket sales for the service are closed. Automated boarding gates close 2 minutes before departure.
Last-minute purchase is possible only if seats are available. If you need to travel on a specific train, especially during periods of high demand, it is recommended to book your ticket in advance.
How Much Does an Etihad Rail Train Ticket Cost?
The price of an Etihad Rail ticket depends on the route, travel date, travel class, fare type and seat availability. Therefore, there is no single fixed price for all trains.
For example, when checking a service between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the following Saver fares were available:
Comfort Class
Example Saver fare, Dubai – Abu Dhabi
Premium Class
Example Saver fare, Dubai – Abu Dhabi
For the same checked departure in Premium Class, the following options were displayed:
| Fare | Example Adult Price |
|---|---|
| Premium Saver | AED 109 |
| Premium Value | AED 129 |
| Premium Flex | AED 199 |
Starting Fares on Other Routes
| 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 |
These are example prices for the checked departure and are not fixed fares for all dates. Always check the current price for your selected train before purchasing.
Etihad Rail Fares: Saver, Value or Flex?
When purchasing an Etihad Rail ticket, it is important to consider not only the price but also the conditions of the fare. If your plans may change, the cheapest ticket may not always be the best option.
| Condition | Saver | Value | Flex |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ticket changes | Not permitted | Free changes up to 72 hours before departure | Before departure and up to 30 minutes after scheduled departure |
| Changes after the free period | Not available | AED 20 + possible fare difference | Fare difference may apply |
| Refund | Not available | Not available | Full refund if cancelled more than 24 hours before departure |
| Cancellation within 24 hours | No refund | No refund | 30% cancellation fee |
| Seat selection | May be charged; seat automatically assigned 24 hours before departure | Complimentary | Complimentary |
| Ticket transfer | Not permitted | Not permitted | Permitted before boarding |
Saver
Saver is the least flexible fare and is suitable for passengers who know their travel date and time with certainty.
A Saver ticket cannot be changed or refunded. Seat selection may be available for an additional fee, and if a seat has not been selected in advance, it is automatically assigned 24 hours before departure.
Value
Value provides more flexibility for changing your journey.
Up to 72 hours before the scheduled departure, the travel date and time can be changed an unlimited number of times free of charge.
After that, a change fee of AED 20 applies, plus any difference between the original and new fare.
A Value ticket is non-refundable.
Flex
Flex is the most flexible Etihad Rail fare.
The travel date and time can be changed until the scheduled departure and for 30 minutes after the scheduled departure, subject to seat availability and any applicable fare difference.
If the ticket is cancelled more than 24 hours before departure, a full refund may be available. If it is cancelled within 24 hours of travel, a 30% cancellation fee applies.
A Flex ticket can also be transferred to another passenger before boarding through the Etihad Rail contact centre.
Discounts and Special Fares for Etihad Rail Passengers
Etihad Rail provides special conditions for certain passenger categories.
| Category | Age / Condition | Fare Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 18–59 years | Standard fare |
| Child | 2–17 years | 50% discount |
| Infant | 0–2 years | Free when travelling on an accompanying adult’s lap |
| Passenger aged 60+ | 60 years and above | 20% discount |
| Wheelchair user | Passenger travelling in a wheelchair | Dedicated spaces are provided; separate Wheelchair User category in the booking system (charged at the adult fare on checked services) |
Etihad Rail may request documentation confirming eligibility for a special fare.
Children under 14 years old must travel accompanied by an adult.
Infants under two years old can travel free of charge on the accompanying adult’s lap. If the child requires a separate seat or one adult is travelling with more than one infant, a child ticket must be purchased.
Comfort or Premium: Which Class Should You Choose?
Etihad Rail passenger trains offer two main travel classes: Comfort Class and Premium Class.
| Feature | Comfort | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Standard passenger seating | Yes | Yes |
| Enhanced level of comfort | Standard | Yes: wider seats, extra legroom |
| Wi-Fi | Available | Available |
| Device charging | Available | Available |
| Drinks | Available for purchase | Complimentary drinks |
| Saver / Value / Flex fares | Available | Available |
It is important not to confuse these two concepts: Comfort and Premium are travel classes, while Saver, Value and Flex are fare types.
For example, Premium Saver and Premium Flex are both Premium Class fares, but they have different ticket change and refund conditions.
How to Change an Etihad Rail Ticket
The possibility of changing a ticket depends on the fare type you purchased.
| Fare | Change Conditions |
|---|---|
| Saver | Changes are not permitted |
| Value | Unlimited free changes to the travel date and time up to 72 hours before departure; after that AED 20 + possible fare difference |
| Flex | Unlimited changes to the travel date and time before departure and within 30 minutes after scheduled departure |
If the new ticket costs more than the original ticket, the passenger pays the difference. If the new ticket is cheaper, the difference is not refunded.
How to Cancel an Etihad Rail Ticket
Refund eligibility also depends on the fare type.
| Fare | Cancellation Conditions |
|---|---|
| Saver | No refund |
| Value | No refund |
| Flex | Full refund when cancelled more than 24 hours before departure |
| Flex within 24 hours | 30% cancellation fee |
| No-show | No refund |
Etihad Rail Ticket Payment Methods
Available payment methods depend on the purchase channel.
Purchasing Through the Website or App
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Other compatible digital wallets
Ticket Vending Machines
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- AED banknotes
The Saver fare is not available for purchase through ticket vending machines.
Buying a Ticket Directly on the Train
When purchasing a ticket for immediate travel from an Etihad Rail staff member on the train, payment is made by bank card or digital wallet.
Cash is not accepted on the train. Only the Flex fare is available for this type of purchase.
Can You Buy an Etihad Rail Ticket at the Station?
Yes. Etihad Rail passenger stations have Ticket Vending Machines, which can be used to purchase a ticket if seats are available.
However, purchasing online through the official website or mobile app is usually more convenient. It provides a wider choice of fares and allows you to select a seat in advance according to the conditions of the fare.
If you are travelling during a period of high demand, it is recommended to book your ticket in advance.
Dubai Metro Tickets and Nol Card
Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram do not use the Etihad Rail ticketing system. They are part of Dubai’s RTA public transport network and use the Nol payment system.
Nol Card is also used on Dubai buses and other forms of RTA public transport.
Therefore:
- Dubai → Abu Dhabi by Etihad Rail: Etihad Rail ticket
- Dubai Metro: Nol Card or Nol Red Ticket
- Dubai Tram: Nol Card or Nol Red Ticket
- Dubai buses: Nol Card or Nol Red Ticket
- Palm Monorail: separate ticketing system
- Etihad Rail + Dubai Metro in one journey: a combined QR ticket can be booked through Etihad Rail thanks to Nol integration
How Much Does Dubai Metro Cost?
The cost of a Dubai Metro journey depends on the number of transport zones travelled through. When using a Silver Nol Card, the system automatically calculates the fare based on the zones travelled.
| Journey | Silver Nol | Gold Nol | Red Ticket Regular | Red Ticket Gold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Within 1 zone | AED 3 | AED 6 | AED 4 | AED 8 |
| 2 adjacent zones | AED 5 | AED 10 | AED 6 | AED 12 |
| More than 2 zones | AED 7.50 | AED 15 | AED 8.50 | AED 17 |
How Much Does a Nol Card Cost?
| Card Type | Price | Initial Balance | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Nol Card | AED 25 | AED 19 | 5 years |
| Gold Nol Card | AED 25 | AED 19 | 5 years |
| Personal Nol Card | AED 70 | AED 20 | 5 years |
| Nol Red Ticket | AED 2 | Depends on the loaded fare | 90 days / up to 10 trips |
How to Buy a Nol Card in Dubai
Nol Cards can be purchased at Dubai Metro stations through ticket vending machines and ticket offices.
Buying a Nol Card from a Ticket Vending Machine
- Go to a Ticket Vending Machine.
- Select Nol Card.
- Choose Silver or Gold.
- Top up the card if necessary.
- Pay the required amount.
- Collect your Nol Card.
Nol Red Ticket
The Nol Red Ticket is designed for passengers who use public transport occasionally.
The ticket costs AED 2 to issue. You can then load up to 10 individual trips or up to 5 daily passes.
For tourists staying in Dubai for a short time and making only a small number of journeys, the Red Ticket can be a convenient option.
Which Ticket Should Tourists Choose?
| Your Journey | Recommended Option |
|---|---|
| Several days using Dubai Metro | Silver Nol Card |
| One or several Metro/Tram journeys | Nol Red Ticket |
| Dubai Metro Gold Class | Gold Nol Card |
| Dubai → Abu Dhabi | Etihad Rail ticket |
| Dubai → Fujairah | Etihad Rail ticket |
| Abu Dhabi → Fujairah | Etihad Rail ticket |
| Abu Dhabi or Fujairah → Al Dhaid | Etihad Rail ticket |
| Dubai Metro + Etihad Rail in one journey | Combined Etihad Rail QR ticket with Nol integration |
Can Tourists Buy Train Tickets in the UAE?
Yes. Tourists can use Etihad Rail passenger trains as well as Dubai’s public transport network.
For Etihad Rail, tourists can purchase tickets through the operator’s official booking channels.
For Dubai Metro and Tram, tourists can purchase a Nol Card or Nol Red Ticket at the relevant ticketing facilities.
When travelling on Etihad Rail, passengers must carry a valid identity document that matches the details on their ticket. The document may be checked during the journey.
Which Payment Method Is Best for Tourists?
For purchasing an Etihad Rail ticket, the most convenient option is usually an international credit or debit card or a supported digital wallet such as Apple Pay or Google Pay.
When paying with a foreign bank card, your bank or payment provider may apply its own exchange rate and additional fees.
For Dubai Metro, tourists can purchase a Nol Card or Nol Red Ticket directly at the station and top up the balance as needed.
What Should You Check Before Your Journey?
Before travelling to the station, make sure you have all the necessary information:
- Departure station
- Destination station
- Travel date
- Departure time
- Travel class
- Fare type
- Passenger name
- Electronic ticket on your phone
- Valid identity document
For an Etihad Rail journey, it is recommended to arrive at the station in advance to allow enough time for any necessary procedures before boarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy an Etihad Rail ticket online?
Yes. Etihad Rail passenger tickets can be purchased through the official website and mobile app.
Can I buy an Etihad Rail ticket at the station?
Yes. Passenger stations have Ticket Vending Machines.
How many minutes before departure can I buy a ticket?
A ticket can be purchased up to 5 minutes before the scheduled departure time. After that, ticket sales for the service are closed.
Can I buy an Etihad Rail ticket directly on the train?
Yes, in certain circumstances an Etihad Rail staff member can issue a ticket for immediate travel. Only the Flex fare is available for this type of purchase. Payment is made by card or digital wallet, and cash is not accepted.
What is the cheapest Etihad Rail ticket?
Saver is the most restricted fare and is generally suitable for passengers looking for the lowest available price. The actual fare depends on the route, date, class and seat availability. The cheapest route currently is Al Dhaid – Fujairah, from AED 19.
Can I get a refund for a Saver ticket?
No. Saver tickets are non-refundable.
Can I change a Saver ticket?
No. Changes to Saver tickets are not permitted.
Can I change a Value ticket?
Yes. Up to 72 hours before the scheduled departure, changes to the travel date and time can be made free of charge. After that, an AED 20 fee plus any applicable fare difference applies.
Can I change a Flex ticket?
Yes. A Flex ticket allows unlimited changes to the travel date and time before departure and within 30 minutes after the scheduled departure time, subject to seat availability and any applicable fare difference.
Can I get a refund for a Flex ticket?
Yes. A full refund may be available if the ticket is cancelled more than 24 hours before departure. A 30% cancellation fee applies when cancelling within 24 hours.
Can I change the destination station on an Etihad Rail ticket?
No. Changes to the route, including the departure or destination station, are not permitted.
Can I transfer an Etihad Rail ticket to another person?
Transfer is permitted for Flex tickets subject to the applicable conditions and before boarding. Saver and Value tickets are non-transferable.
Do I need an Emirates ID to travel on Etihad Rail?
Passengers must carry a valid identity document that matches the details on their ticket. Etihad Rail is not limited to UAE residents, so tourists can also use the passenger services.
How much is a ticket from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
When checking the booking, the Saver fare was AED 39 in Comfort Class and AED 109 in Premium Class. The price may vary depending on the date, service, class and seat availability.
What is the difference between Comfort and Premium?
Comfort and Premium are different travel classes. The conditions for ticket changes and refunds are determined by the fare type — Saver, Value or Flex.
Can I pay for Etihad Rail with a Nol Card?
Nol Card is used for RTA public transport in Dubai, while Etihad Rail has its own booking and payment system. Since October 2026 the two systems have been integrated: a journey combining the train and the Dubai Metro can be booked through Etihad Rail as a single trip with one QR code. Check the payment conditions when booking.
Can I use a Nol Card on the Dubai Metro?
Yes. Nol Card is used on Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram and other RTA public transport services.
How much does a Dubai Metro ticket cost?
The standard Silver Nol fare is AED 3 within one zone, AED 5 for two adjacent zones and AED 7.50 when travelling through more than two zones.
How much does a Silver Nol Card cost?
A Silver Nol Card costs AED 25, including AED 19 of initial balance.
What is a Nol Red Ticket?
A Nol Red Ticket is designed for passengers who use public transport occasionally. The issue fee is AED 2, after which individual trips or daily passes can be loaded onto the ticket.
Which Nol Card is best for tourists?
If you plan to use the metro and tram regularly for several days, a Silver Nol Card is usually more convenient. For a small number of journeys, the Nol Red Ticket may be suitable.
Key Information About Etihad Rail Tickets
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Operator | Etihad Rail |
| Online booking | Official website and mobile app |
| Purchase at stations | Ticket Vending Machines |
| Latest ticket purchase | Up to 5 minutes before departure |
| Contact centre | 800 RAIL (800 7245) |
| +971 2 807 8888 | |
| support@etihadrail.ae | |
| Fare types | Saver, Value, Flex |
| Travel classes | Comfort, Premium |
| Passenger stations | Abu Dhabi (MBZ City), Dubai (Al Yalayis), Al Dhaid, Fujairah |
Conclusion
Buying a train ticket in the UAE is relatively simple once you understand the difference between the country’s main transport systems.
For intercity journeys between the emirates, Etihad Rail is used. Tickets can be purchased through the official website or mobile app, from a ticket vending machine at the station, or through the contact centre.
For Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram and other Dubai public transport services, the Nol system is used — Silver Nol Card, Gold Nol Card or Nol Red Ticket depending on the type of journey.
When booking Etihad Rail, it is especially important to distinguish between the Comfort/Premium travel classes and the Saver/Value/Flex fare types. The class determines the level of service, while the fare determines the conditions for changes, refunds and seat selection.
If your plans are fixed, the Saver fare may be the most economical option. If your journey may need to be changed, consider Value or Flex. Always check the current price, schedule and fare conditions for your specific train before making the payment.
Information is current as of October 2026. Fares, fare rules and conditions of carriage may change.