Places to Visit by Train in the UAE
Discover new places, plan a weekend getaway and explore the Emirates with Etihad Rail. From Dubai’s iconic skyline to Fujairah’s coastline and Abu Dhabi’s cultural landmarks, find inspiration for your next trip.
Travelling by train can be a convenient way to explore the United Arab Emirates without driving between emirates. Etihad Rail passenger services connect Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah and Al Dhaid, giving residents and visitors more options for intercity travel.
The best destination depends on what you want to experience: city attractions, museums, beaches, local culture or a relaxing day away from home. Use this guide to discover places worth adding to your itinerary and learn how to continue your journey after arriving at the train station.
Before you travel: A train station is not necessarily next to the attraction you want to visit. Some places require a taxi, bus or another local transport connection. Check the route, return train and onward transport before booking.
Train Routes and Journey Times at a Glance
| Route | Journey time | Trains per day | Comfort from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai ↔ Abu Dhabi | 57–64 min | 5 each way | AED 39 |
| Dubai ↔ Fujairah | 1 h 10 min | 1 each way | AED 29 |
| Fujairah → Abu Dhabi | 1 h 51 min (2 h 24 min via Dubai) | 3 | AED 55 |
| Al Dhaid → Abu Dhabi | 1 h 24 min | 2 | AED 59 |
| Al Dhaid ↔ Fujairah | 25 min | 2 each way | AED 19 |
Based on the Etihad Rail booking site for travel in late October and early November 2026. Fares are one-way Saver fares for one adult and can change by date. Check the live train schedule before you travel.
Best Places to Explore by Train
Start with the destinations served by the current Etihad Rail passenger network. Each guide below includes ideas for places to visit and practical tips for planning the journey.
Dubai
Explore Dubai’s famous skyline, waterfront promenades, shopping districts and historic neighbourhoods. The city offers options for first-time visitors, families and anyone looking for a full day of sightseeing.
Places to add to your itinerary
- Downtown Dubai: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain.
- Dubai Marina: waterfront walks, restaurants and skyline views.
- Old Dubai: Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and Dubai Creek.
- JBR: beachside walks and dining.
How to plan your visit
Dubai’s Etihad Rail station is in the Al Yalayis area near Jumeirah Golf Estates. A pedestrian connection links the station with Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station, allowing onward travel on the Dubai Metro. Check local transport connections for your chosen attraction.
The Dubai Metro Red Line from Jumeirah Golf Estates runs towards Dubai Marina, JBR and Downtown Dubai, so most of the places above can be reached without a taxi.
Explore the Dubai – Abu Dhabi train route →
Explore the Dubai – Fujairah train route →
Abu Dhabi
The UAE capital is a great choice for travellers interested in grand architecture, museums, cultural experiences and waterfront scenery. You can build an itinerary around one landmark or combine several stops in a full-day visit.
Places to add to your itinerary
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: one of the city’s best-known landmarks.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi: art, architecture and exhibitions.
- Qasr Al Watan: a presidential palace open to visitors.
- Corniche: a waterfront area for a walk and city views.
How to plan your visit
The passenger station is in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, outside the main tourist areas. Arrange onward transport to the attractions you want to visit. If you plan to see several locations in one day, group them geographically to reduce time spent travelling across the city.
The station is opposite Dalma Mall and next to Mussafah Bus Station. The Etihad Rail booking site also lists city stops such as ADNOC Headquarters – Corniche, ADNEC Center – Al Rawdah, Reem Mall – Al Reem Island and Miral Express – YAS Mall, which can help you reach the Corniche or Yas Island.
Explore the Abu Dhabi – Dubai train route →
Explore the Abu Dhabi – Fujairah train route →
Fujairah
Located on the UAE’s east coast, Fujairah is a good option for travellers who want a change of scenery. Discover local heritage, coastal views and the landscapes of the Hajar Mountains region.
Places to add to your itinerary
- Fujairah Fort: a historic landmark overlooking the city.
- Umbrella Beach: a coastal area for a walk and a meal by the sea.
- Al Bidya Mosque: a historic mosque north of Fujairah city.
- Al Aqah and Snoopy Island: coastal scenery and marine activities farther north.
How to plan your visit
Fujairah Station is in the Al Hilal City area of Sakamkam. Plan local transport in advance, especially if you want to visit beaches or attractions outside the city centre. Al Aqah and Snoopy Island require a longer onward journey and are better suited to a carefully planned day trip.
From the station it is about 5 minutes by car to Sakamkam Fort, 6 minutes to Umbrella Beach Corniche and 8 minutes to the city centre and Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
Explore the Dubai – Fujairah train route →
Explore the Abu Dhabi – Fujairah train route →
Al Dhaid, Sharjah
Al Dhaid offers a different perspective on the UAE, away from the best-known coastal city centres. The area is associated with agriculture, date palms and the landscapes of inland Sharjah.
Things to explore
- Local markets: look for regional produce and dates when markets are operating.
- Inland landscapes: explore the agricultural surroundings and local scenery.
- Sharjah’s wider region: consider combining the visit with other attractions if onward transport allows.
How to plan your visit
Al Dhaid Station provides a rail connection between the inland Sharjah area and other served destinations. Confirm the locations you intend to visit and arrange local transport before travelling. This destination is especially suitable for travellers interested in exploring beyond the major cities.
Read the Al Dhaid Station guide →
Explore the Al Dhaid – Abu Dhabi train route →
Ideas for a Day Trip by Train
Not sure where to go first? Choose a trip based on your interests and the amount of time you have available.
A Day of Sightseeing in Dubai
Explore a city neighbourhood, visit a landmark and finish with a walk by the waterfront. Use the Metro and other local transport to connect your stops.
Best for: first-time visitors, families and city breaks.
Culture and Architecture in Abu Dhabi
Choose one or two major cultural landmarks, leave enough time for visits and travel between locations by taxi or other available transport.
Best for: culture, museums and architecture.
Coastal Scenery in Fujairah
Combine a visit to the city with a coastal stop if your train times and local transport connections allow enough time for the return journey.
Best for: beaches, scenery and a change of pace.
Important: These are itinerary ideas, not guaranteed same-day travel schedules. Check the available trains in both directions, the opening hours of attractions and the time needed for transfers before making plans.
Which Day Trips Work With the Current Timetable?
| Day trip | Same-day return? | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai ↔ Abu Dhabi | Yes | Five trains a day in each direction, about an hour each way, leave plenty of time for sightseeing. |
| Al Dhaid → Fujairah | Yes | Take the 09:41 train (arrives 10:06) and return on the 17:17 train (arrives in Al Dhaid at 17:42). |
| Fujairah → Al Dhaid | Yes | Take the 06:05 train (arrives 06:30) and return on the 19:51 train (arrives in Fujairah at 20:16). |
| Dubai → Fujairah | Not by train | The only train from Dubai arrives in Fujairah at 15:07, and the next train back to Dubai leaves at 11:54 the following day. Plan an overnight stay or return by road. |
| Fujairah → Dubai | Not by train | The 11:54 train arrives in Dubai at 13:04, but the only train back leaves Dubai at 13:57. Return the next day or by road. |
Based on the timetable shown on the official Etihad Rail booking site for late October and early November 2026. Times can change, so always confirm both directions before booking.
How to Plan Your Train Trip
A little preparation can make your journey easier, particularly when your destination is some distance from the railway station.
- Choose your destination Decide what you want to see and check which Etihad Rail station is most convenient for your plans.
- Check trains and tickets Confirm departure times, journey duration, ticket prices and the availability of a suitable return service.
- Arrange local transport Check how to get from the station to each attraction. Allow extra time for transfers, meals and unexpected delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you travel by train in the UAE?
Etihad Rail passenger services currently connect Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah and Al Dhaid. Available journeys and departure times depend on the selected date and route. Check the current timetable before travelling.
Can you visit tourist attractions directly by train?
Not always. Etihad Rail connects cities and designated passenger stations, while many tourist attractions are elsewhere in each emirate. You may need a taxi, Metro, bus or other local transport to reach them.
Can you visit Dubai or Abu Dhabi on a day trip?
A day trip may be possible depending on your starting point, available train times and the attractions you want to visit. Check the return schedule and allow sufficient time for transfers before choosing your itinerary. Between Dubai and Abu Dhabi there are currently five trains a day in each direction, so a same-day return is usually easy. Between Dubai and Fujairah there is only one train a day each way, which does not allow a same-day return by train.
Is Fujairah a good destination for a weekend trip?
Fujairah is worth considering if you are interested in coastal scenery, local heritage and outdoor activities. Some beaches and attractions are outside the city centre, so arrange transport and check journey times in advance.
Where can I find the latest Etihad Rail timetable?
Visit our Etihad Rail train timetable page to check available departures and plan your journey. Always confirm the details for your travel date before booking.
Are more destinations expected to become accessible by train?
Etihad Rail is developing its passenger network in phases. New stations and routes may expand future travel options. Check official announcements for confirmed opening dates and operational status before planning a trip to a future station.
Ready to Explore the UAE by Train?
Find your route, compare available departures and prepare your next trip with our Etihad Rail travel guides.
UAE Train is an independent travel information website and is not the official website of Etihad Rail. Train schedules, fares, station facilities and local transport connections may change. Confirm current details with the relevant operator before travelling.