As trial passenger operations run between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, Etihad Rail outlines strict rules for luggage, pets, strollers, and prohibited items.
ABU DHABI, UAE — Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s National Rail Network, has officially unveiled its comprehensive passenger guidelines and travel regulations. The announcement comes as the network progresses with trial passenger operations between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, reducing travel time to approximately 105 minutes with trains operating at speeds of up to 200 km/h. The new framework establishes strict codes of conduct, luggage limits, and safety measures to ensure a seamless experience for all commuters.
Luggage, Bicycles, and Prohibited Items
Passengers are permitted to bring personal luggage and travel bags, provided they fit securely within the designated onboard storage spaces and comply with the operator’s size and weight limits. However, to maintain safety and passenger mobility, oversized items that block aisles or emergency exits are strictly banned.
Important Restriction: Bicycles, manual scooters, electric scooters (e-scooters), and electric bicycles (e-bikes) are completely prohibited onboard train carriages.
Additionally, dangerous goods, materials that pose safety risks, and items emitting strong odors that could compromise passenger comfort are prohibited. All passengers and their baggage will undergo standard security screening at station checkpoints.
Rules for Pets and Strollers
Domestic pets are allowed onboard under highly specific conditions. Each passenger is permitted to bring one pet, which must remain securely enclosed inside an approved carrier throughout the journey. This carrier will be counted as part of the passenger’s standard hand luggage allowance.
For families traveling with young children, foldable strollers are permitted. However, they must be folded before boarding the train and stored safely in designated areas to avoid obstructing paths.
Child Travel Policy
Etihad Rail has instituted clear age-related policies for minors:
- Infants: One infant may travel free of charge if seated on the lap of an accompanying adult. If a family travels with more than one infant, an additional child ticket must be purchased for each infant.
- Unaccompanied Minors: Children must be at least 14 years old to travel alone. Anyone under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult throughout the entire journey.
Onboard Conduct, Food, and Smoking
While passengers are welcome to bring their own food and beverages, they are advised against bringing items with strong odors or those prone to spilling and staining the facilities. Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited onboard.
Furthermore, smoking and vaping are entirely banned inside the trains and all station facilities, except within explicitly designated outdoor smoking zones where available. Disruptive behavior, littering, tampering with safety equipment, or playing loud audio are strictly forbidden under the passenger code of conduct.
Ticketing and Gate Closures
Etihad Rail recommends booking tickets well in advance via its website, official mobile application, or station counters. Key ticketing policies include:
- Booking Window: Tickets can be purchased up to five minutes before the scheduled departure, subject to availability.
- Gate Closure: Station gates close exactly two minutes before departure. Passengers are urged to arrive early for security checks.
- Secure Zone Re-entry: Once a passenger enters the secure departure area and exits, they cannot re-enter using the same ticket; a new ticket must be purchased.
- Cancellations and Refunds: Changes to bookings depend heavily on the fare category, with flexible tickets allowing adjustments while promotional or budget categories remain non-refundable.
