Asan Tata— October 29, 2026Travelling across the UAE by train has become a real option for families, and the fare rules now make it cheaper for children and older passengers. Etihad Rail, the country’s national passenger train service, offers a 50% discount for children and a 20% discount for senior citizens. The discounted fares appear on the official booking website, and they were confirmed in reports published on 25 October 2026.
The headline figures are striking. A child’s ticket starts from just AED 10, while a senior citizen’s ticket starts from AED 16. These are the lowest fares on the network, not the price of every journey. Your actual fare depends on the route you choose and whether you travel in Comfort Class or Premium Class. Still, for a family trip or a visit to relatives in another emirate, the savings can be large.
This guide explains who qualifies, what each route costs, and how to book. It also covers the small rules that catch people out, such as age checks and travelling with infants. Fares can change over time, so always check the price shown at checkout before you pay.
Quick Answer
Etihad Rail gives children a 50% discount and senior citizens aged 60 and over a 20% discount on fares. Children aged 2 to 17 pay from AED 10, and senior citizens pay from AED 16, according to fares shown on the official booking website and reported on 25 October 2026. Infants under the age of two travel free when they sit on an adult’s lap. Adults aged 18 to 59 pay the standard fare unless another approved discount applies. Prices vary by route and class, so the fare for your exact journey is the one shown when you book.
Who Gets a Discount on Etihad Rail?
Etihad Rail’s Passenger Charter sets out the fare categories. Children receive the biggest saving, with half-price tickets across the network. Senior citizens receive a smaller but still useful saving of one-fifth off the fare. The discounts apply to both UAE nationals and residents, according to the charter summaries published when the passenger service launched.
Age matters more than anything else here. The booking system prices each passenger by age, so enter each traveller’s correct age when you book. Passengers may be asked to show valid identification to confirm their age, so carry an Emirates ID or passport when you travel. Using a discounted fare you are not entitled to can lead to a penalty, so do not guess a child’s age to fit a lower band.
Child Fares: 50% Off for Ages 2 to 17
Children aged 2 to 17 receive 50% off the standard fare. This is the single most generous discount on the network, and it applies in both Comfort Class and Premium Class. The cheapest child ticket reported on the booking website is AED 10 in Comfort Class on the short Al Dhaid to Fujairah route.
The saving is easy to see on longer routes too. A child’s ticket between Dubai and Abu Dhabi costs AED 20 in Comfort Class and AED 55 in Premium Class. Between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, a child pays AED 28 in Comfort Class and AED 60 in Premium Class. These are the starting fares for those routes, and the price can be higher on busier services or at peak times.
Child Fares by Route
The table below shows the starting child fares reported on the official booking website on 25 October 2026. Treat these as the lowest fares for each route, not a fixed price for every departure.
| Route | Comfort Class | Premium Class |
|---|---|---|
| Al Dhaid to Fujairah | From AED 10 | From AED 25 |
| Dubai to Fujairah | From AED 15 | From AED 55 |
| Dubai to Abu Dhabi | From AED 20 | From AED 55 |
| Abu Dhabi to Fujairah | From AED 28 | From AED 60 |
| Abu Dhabi to Al Dhaid | From AED 30 | From AED 75 |
Senior Fares: 20% Off for Passengers 60 and Over
Senior citizens aged 60 and over receive a 20% discount on fares. The cheapest senior ticket reported on the booking website is AED 16 in Comfort Class on the Al Dhaid to Fujairah route. As with child fares, the discount applies in both classes, and the final price depends on the route and the service you choose.
On the popular Dubai to Abu Dhabi route, a senior citizen pays AED 32 in Comfort Class and AED 88 in Premium Class. Between Fujairah and Abu Dhabi, the senior fare starts at AED 44 in Comfort Class and AED 96 in Premium Class. These fares make the train an attractive option for older travellers who may prefer not to drive long distances between emirates.
One point needs care. Reports describe the senior discount as open to both UAE nationals and residents, but booking-flow wording has varied in published guides. If you are a resident senior citizen, check that the discounted fare is actually applied at checkout before you pay. If the discount does not appear, do not assume it will be refunded later. Contact Etihad Rail or check the fare rules for your journey first.
Senior Fares by Route
The table below shows the starting senior fares reported on the official booking website on 25 October 2026. As with the child fares, these are the lowest fares, and busier services may cost more.
| Route | Comfort Class | Premium Class |
|---|---|---|
| Al Dhaid to Fujairah | From AED 16 | From AED 40 |
| Dubai to Fujairah | From AED 24 | From AED 88 |
| Abu Dhabi to Dubai | From AED 32 | From AED 88 |
| Fujairah to Abu Dhabi | From AED 44 | From AED 96 |
| Abu Dhabi to Al Dhaid | From AED 48 | From AED 120 |
Infants Travel Free, With One Condition
Infants up to the age of two travel free, provided they sit on an adult’s lap and do not need a separate seat. This is good news for parents with a baby, because it means a very young child adds nothing to the ticket cost. The infant does not receive a separate baggage allowance in this case.
The rule changes if your baby needs a seat of their own, or if more than one infant travels with the same adult. In both cases, a child ticket must be bought for the extra infant. Plan for this before you book, so you are not caught out at the station. When in doubt, buy the child ticket. It is far cheaper than a fine or a refused boarding.
Children Travelling Alone: The Age 14 Rule
Children under the age of 14 must travel with an accompanying adult. This rule is part of the Passenger Charter, and it applies even if the child holds a valid ticket. A child aged 14 or over may travel alone, subject to the normal ticket and identification rules.
Parents should plan around this rule when booking. If your child is under 14, an adult in your group must travel on the same service. Check that the adult’s ticket is booked for the same train, not just the same day. Train times and seat availability can differ between services, so book together in one booking where possible.
How to Book a Discounted Ticket
Booking is done online through the official Etihad Rail website or the Etihad Rail app. Tickets can also be bought at stations, but online booking is the main channel and the easiest way to see discounted fares. Follow these steps to book:
- Go to the official Etihad Rail website or open the app, and choose your departure and arrival stations.
- Select your travel date and preferred departure time, then choose Comfort Class or Premium Class.
- Enter each passenger’s details, including their correct age, so the right fare category is applied.
- Check that the child or senior discount appears in the fare breakdown before you pay.
- Pay by card or mobile wallet, and save the digital ticket with its QR code for the station gates.
Book in advance where you can. All passenger trips must be booked before departure, and published guides report that ticket sales close a few minutes before the train leaves. Arrive at the station in good time, and carry the identification documents you used at booking. Age checks at the station are routine, and having your ID ready keeps boarding smooth.
Why the Headline Fares Are Not the Whole Story
The AED 10 and AED 16 figures are the lowest fares on the network, and they apply to the shortest route in the cheapest class. Most journeys will cost more than this. Fares vary with distance, class, travel date and how full a particular service is. The price you see at checkout is the price for that service on that day.
This dynamic pricing is normal for rail services, but it means you should compare the fare for your actual departure time, not just the headline figure. A Friday evening train may cost more than a quiet weekday service on the same route. If your plans are flexible, try different departure times to find a cheaper fare. The discount itself does not change: children still get 50% off and seniors 20% off the fare for that service.
Tips for a Smooth Journey
Carry proof of age for every child and senior citizen in your group. An Emirates ID or passport works, and it avoids delays if staff check eligibility at the station. Keep the digital ticket ready on your phone, with the QR code visible, so you can pass through the gates quickly.
Finally, check the timetable for your travel date. Services run several times a day between the main cities, but times can vary. The Dubai to Abu Dhabi journey takes just over an hour, which makes it practical for a day trip. Plan your return journey at the same time as your outward trip, so you are not left searching for seats on a busy evening service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much discount do children get on Etihad Rail?
Children aged 2 to 17 receive a 50% discount on all fares. The cheapest child ticket reported on the booking website is AED 10 in Comfort Class on the Al Dhaid to Fujairah route.
What discount do senior citizens get on Etihad Rail?
Senior citizens aged 60 and over receive a 20% discount on fares. The cheapest senior ticket reported is AED 16 in Comfort Class on the Al Dhaid to Fujairah route.
Do infants need a ticket on Etihad Rail?
Infants up to the age of two travel free when they sit on an adult’s lap. If an infant needs a separate seat, or if more than one infant travels with the same adult, a child ticket must be bought for the extra infant.
Can a child travel alone on Etihad Rail?
Children under 14 must travel with an accompanying adult. Children aged 14 and over may travel alone, subject to the normal ticket and identification rules.
Are the AED 10 and AED 16 fares fixed prices?
No. These are the lowest fares on the network, for the shortest route in Comfort Class. Fares vary by route, class, travel date and how full the service is. The price shown at checkout is the fare for your journey.
Where do I book Etihad Rail tickets?
Book through the official Etihad Rail website or the Etihad Rail app. Tickets are also available at stations, but online booking is the main channel and the easiest way to see discounted fares.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only, based on fares shown on the official Etihad Rail booking website and reported on 25 October 2026. Fares, discounts and station services can change. Always confirm the fare, eligibility rules and timetable at checkout before you book or travel. This article is not affiliated with Etihad Rail.
Last Updated: 29 October 2026
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