Abu Dhabi: Etihad Rail has confirmed that ticket prices on its Dubai-Abu Dhabi passenger services can vary depending on demand, travel times and seat availability, with fares during peak periods costing up to Dh40 more than off-peak rates.
The confirmation comes after passengers noticed higher fares on some services over the weekend, with several trains also nearing full capacity.
Peak-Time Fares Rise With Demand
For a Sunday, October 11 service departing Dubai at 5:14pm, a Premium Class ticket was listed at Dh149, compared with an off-peak fare of Dh109.
Only one seat remained in that cabin at the time, while Comfort Class tickets on the same train were priced at Dh59.
Weekend fares between Dubai and Abu Dhabi were listed between Dh49 and Dh149, with several cabins already sold out for the upcoming weekend.
Etihad Rail Explains Flexible Pricing
Etihad Rail said ticket prices depend on several factors, including the service selected, travel date and time, ticket class and category, and when the booking is made.
The rail operator said its different ticket categories are designed to meet the needs of passengers travelling for daily commutes, business, family visits and weekend trips.
Passengers can check fares, compare available options and book tickets through the Etihad Rail website or mobile app. Tickets can also be purchased through station vending machines, subject to availability.
Strong Demand for UAE Passenger Rail
Etihad Rail launched passenger services between Dubai’s Al Yalayis station in Jumeirah Golf Estates and Abu Dhabi’s Mohamed bin Zayed station on September 30.
The journey takes around one hour and four minutes, with 10 direct services operating daily between the two emirates.
Demand has been particularly strong since the Dubai service launched, prompting Etihad Rail to introduce six additional trains last weekend.
Passenger services on the UAE’s national rail network began between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on June 30, before expanding to Dubai and Al Dhaid.
Etihad Rail’s Liwa station is expected to open before the Liwa Festival begins on December 11.
