Etihad Rail has confirmed that every passenger may carry two pieces of luggage free of charge on board its trains, regardless of the ticket type booked, while stressing that any additional baggage must be arranged in advance.
Baggage rules for passengers
As part of its guidance for travellers, the company said passengers should clearly label their luggage with their name and contact details. It also stressed that each traveller must be able to carry, lift and store their own bags without assistance.
For safety reasons, baggage must not be placed in aisles or near doors and emergency exits.
The permitted free allowance is two items of luggage for each adult or child aged three years and above. No separate baggage allowance is provided for children under the age of three.
Where to store items on board
The rail operator set out the storage rules as follows: personal items, such as handbags or laptops, should be placed under the seat, while cabin luggage must not exceed maximum dimensions of 55 cm in height, 40 cm in width and 23 cm in depth, and should be stored in the designated overhead luggage racks.
Accessibility and support services
The company said it remains committed to providing a smooth and comfortable travel experience that preserves the dignity of passengers, including people of determination and anyone who may need additional assistance during the journey.
Stations have been fitted with full facilities including step-free routes, accessible toilets, tactile guidance paths and clear signage in both Arabic and English, alongside designated wheelchair spaces and priority seating, subject to availability and the conditions outlined in the Passenger Charter.
Passengers who use wheelchairs or mobility aids are encouraged to bring them on their journey, and where needed are advised to travel with a companion holding a valid ticket. Trained and approved assistance dogs are also permitted, provided prior coordination is made through the contact centre.
For safety reasons, the regulations require any permitted electric wheelchair to be fitted with original batteries and secured by the manufacturer, and prohibit wheelchairs fitted with modified or unapproved batteries.
Bus links to Abu Dhabi station
The company also confirmed the provision of dedicated bus services linking passengers with Abu Dhabi Station in Mohamed bin Zayed City via three key routes operating in both directions across the capital’s main areas. These are: the ADNOC main building route on West Corniche Road (Al Khubaira), the ADNEC Abu Dhabi Centre route on Arabian Gulf Street (Al Rawdah), and the Reem Mall route on Al Reem Island.
The service is designed to make it easier for passengers to reach the station directly without the hassle of searching for parking or alternative transport, while allowing the bus-link option to be added easily when booking a train ticket at checkout or later after the booking has been completed.
Passenger rail service gains momentum
The first passenger train service in the UAE began on 30 June, when its first scheduled journey from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi welcomed its initial passengers, marking a key milestone in the development of the country’s transport sector as part of the preparatory operation of passenger rail services.
The service has seen strong demand since ticket sales opened, with more than 10,000 tickets sold before operations began. Passengers on board have been offered a modern, integrated travel experience that includes guaranteed seating, Wi-Fi, charging points at every seat, generous luggage space, and premium class services designed to deliver the highest levels of comfort and luxury.