Etihad Rail rules: Everything passengers can and can’t take on board train after Dubai launch

Etihad Rail conducts random security checks at stations and can refuse any item considered a safety or security risk.

Etihad Rail’s Al Yalayis passenger station in Dubai entered operation on September 30. Services connect Dubai with Abu Dhabi and Fujairah through the expanding national passenger network.

Passengers using the Dubai station face detailed baggage rules covering alcohol, vaping devices, bicycles, weapons, hazardous materials and bulky luggage. Etihad Rail also applies specific conditions to pets, mobility equipment, strollers and additional baggage.

Dubai joins the national passenger rail network

Al Yalayis Station brings Etihad Rail passenger services directly into Dubai after operations began between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on June 30 2026.

Dubai services started on September 30 2026, with Al Yalayis linked to Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. Etihad Rail had previously scheduled Dubai and Al Dhaid stations to open as part of the network’s second passenger phase.

Passenger demand had already reached more than 70,000 ticket sales during the introductory operating phase. Etihad Rail continues to expand service capacity as further stations enter operation.

Travellers boarding from Dubai must comply with the Passenger Charter before entering trains. Etihad Rail conducts random security checks at stations and can refuse any item considered a safety or security risk. Staff can also refer prohibited items to relevant authorities where required.

What passengers cannot take on Etihad Rail

Explosive materials are banned across Etihad Rail passenger services. Prohibited items include fireworks, ammunition and other explosive substances.

Flammable and hazardous materials cannot enter trains. Etihad Rail specifically identifies gasoline, paint thinners, compressed gases, pressurised gas cylinders and aerosol canisters among restricted substances.

Weapons are also prohibited. Firearms, knives and objects designed or adapted for use as offensive weapons cannot be carried by passengers. Authorised personnel, including law enforcement officers, are exempt where applicable.

Illegal drugs and chemical or biological hazards are barred from services. Materials capable of creating health risks for passengers or Etihad Rail personnel fall within the same prohibition.

Alcoholic beverages cannot be carried onboard. Etihad Rail applies the restriction regardless of whether bottles are sealed or legally purchased.

Electronic smoking equipment is also banned. Electronic shisha devices, vaping equipment, electronic cigarettes and similar apparatus cannot be carried on passenger trains.

Bulky luggage and bicycles are also banned

Etihad Rail prohibits luggage and equipment that cannot fit safely within designated storage areas.

Large boxes, oversized bags and bulky musical instruments can be refused. Sports equipment including surfboards, paddles, skis, snowboards and golf clubs also falls within the prohibited category when dimensions prevent safe storage.

Unsecured objects cannot travel if crews cannot place them safely within designated areas. Etihad Rail specifically includes plants within this category.

Commercial quantities of goods are also prohibited where packaging or volume indicates professional freight transport should have been used. Customs-prohibited goods cannot enter passenger services.

Items creating unreasonable discomfort can also be refused. Etihad Rail identifies objects producing strong odours alongside items capable of causing danger, disruption or distress.

Bicycles, scooters, electric scooters and other personal transport devices are prohibited. Folding or dismantling these items does not remove the restriction.

What passengers can carry onboard

Adults and children aged three and above can each carry two baggage items without additional charge.

A personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag must fit beneath the passenger’s seat. Cabin bags cannot exceed 55cm by 40cm by 23cm and must fit within overhead storage.

Passengers requiring additional baggage must request it through Etihad Rail’s app, website, Contact Centre or station facilities. Infants aged two and below do not receive a separate baggage allowance.

Strollers are accepted when passengers travel with the child using them. Equipment must fold or dismantle easily. One stroller per child can travel without additional charge.

Wheelchairs require a reserved wheelchair space. Electric wheelchairs must use integrated batteries installed by the manufacturer. Medical equipment must fit within the allocated wheelchair area when wheelchair seating has been booked.

Pets can travel inside an approved carrier measuring no more than 55cm by 40cm by 23cm. The carrier replaces the passenger’s standard cabin bag allowance. Pets must remain secured inside the carrier throughout the journey.

Etihad Rail rules apply across the passenger network, and passengers remain responsible for checking current conditions before travel.