Etihad Rail adds six extra weekend services on Dubai-Abu Dhabi route: How to book

In response to an unprecedented surge in passenger demand, Etihad Rail has announced six additional weekend services on its newly launched Dubai-Abu Dhabi passenger route. Operating today and tomorrow (Oct 3, Saturday and Oct 4, Sunday), these extra services will inject more than 2,000 additional seats into the network to accommodate the rush of weekend commuters.

The decision comes after premium tickets for today's journeys sold out within just two hours of going on sale. While comfort class seats remained available on several trains, transport officials have strongly advised passengers to book their journeys well in advance. An Etihad Rail spokesperson revealed that commuters are currently booking their tickets an average of 10 days ahead of their travel date to secure their preferred slots.

A rapid and seamless connection
The landmark passenger service connecting Dubai's Al Yalayis station with Abu Dhabi's Mohammed bin Zayed City station officially commenced on September 30. Operating at speeds of up to 200 km/h, the high-speed trains complete the journey between the two emirates in approximately 64 minutes, offering a competitive and stress-free alternative to highway commuting.

Flexible ticket options and discounts
Passengers can choose from three distinct ticket categories tailored to different travel needs: Saver, Value, and Flex. Under the Saver option, seats are automatically allocated, and the ticket is non-refundable. For an additional AED 20, the Value ticket allows passengers to select their preferred seat and make changes to their booking. Meanwhile, the Flex ticket, priced at an additional AED 50, offers maximum freedom with seat selection, unlimited booking amendments, and full refund options. Generous discounts are also available, with children aged between 2 and 17 receiving a 50% discount on adult fares, while senior citizens enjoy a 20% concession.

How to book and connect
Commuters can easily secure their seats via the official Etihad Rail mobile app, website, or directly at the passenger stations. To ensure seamless last-mile connectivity, Al Yalayis station features a dedicated pedestrian bridge directly linking passengers to the Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station. This allows travellers to transition effortlessly to the Dubai Metro Red Line and access other parts of the city. Beyond the flagship Dubai-Abu Dhabi corridor, the Etihad Rail network also connects passengers to Al Dhaid in Sharjah and Fujairah, with ongoing expansion projects poised to bring even more destinations onto the national rail network.

Extra service schedule for the weekend
To help plan your weekend journey, here are the timings for the newly added services:
• Abu Dhabi to Dubai: Departs at 12.14 pm, arriving at approximately 1.18 pm
• Dubai to Abu Dhabi: Departs at 1.43 pm, arriving at approximately 2.47 pm
• Abu Dhabi to Dubai: Departs at 4.43 pm, arriving at approximately 5.47 pm