Everything passengers need to know about prohibited and restricted belongings on Etihad Rail services, including important travel regulations designed to ensure safety, security, and convenience.
Etihad Rail Passenger Trains: Complete Guide to Prohibited and Restricted Items.
Passengers may bring household pets, such as dogs and falcons, on the train when placed inside an approved travel carrier, provided its dimensions remain within 55cm × 40cm × 23cm.
Etihad Rail has emerged as a major addition to the UAE’s modern transport network, offering passengers a convenient alternative to travelling by road. Instead of spending extended periods behind the wheel in congested traffic, travellers can now enjoy a more comfortable rail journey while taking in the changing landscapes along the route.
The launch of the Fujairah–Abu Dhabi passenger service on June 30 marked an important milestone in the development of the UAE’s railway network. Since the introduction of passenger services, interest in train travel has continued to grow among residents and visitors. With additional stations expected to become operational in the near future, more people are likely to choose rail travel for their journeys across the country.
As passenger numbers increase, understanding Etihad Rail’s travel regulations becomes increasingly important. Travellers should be aware of the belongings they are allowed to bring on board, as well as items that are prohibited or subject to specific restrictions, to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.
Prohibited Items
To maintain a safe, secure and comfortable environment for everyone travelling by train, Etihad Rail places restrictions on certain belongings that passengers are not permitted to bring on board. The following categories of items are prohibited and should be left behind before beginning your journey.
Explosives and explosive-related materials
Any item capable of causing an explosion is not allowed on passenger trains. This includes fireworks, ammunition and other explosive substances or devices that could present a serious safety risk to passengers, staff or railway infrastructure.Flammable or dangerous substances
Materials that can easily catch fire, release hazardous vapours or otherwise pose a danger are prohibited. Examples include petrol or gasoline, paint thinners, compressed gases, pressurised gas cylinders, aerosol containers and similar hazardous substances. Passengers should avoid carrying any material that could create a fire, explosion or toxic exposure risk.Firearms, knives and other weapons
Weapons are not permitted on passenger services. This restriction covers firearms, knives and other objects intended or capable of causing injury. Exceptions may apply to authorised personnel, such as law-enforcement officers, when they are carrying weapons as part of their official duties and in accordance with applicable regulations.Illegal or prohibited drugs
Any narcotic, illegal drug or other substance prohibited under UAE law cannot be carried on board. Passengers should ensure that their luggage does not contain restricted substances, as possession or transportation of illegal drugs can result in serious legal consequences.Chemical and biological hazards
Substances that could create a chemical, biological or environmental hazard are prohibited. This includes materials that may be toxic, infectious, corrosive or otherwise dangerous to people or the surrounding environment. Items presenting such risks should not be packed in passenger luggage.Oversized, bulky or disruptive belongings
Passengers cannot bring luggage or other objects that are too large for the designated storage facilities or that could interfere with movement inside the train. Belongings must not block aisles, doorways, emergency exits or other areas needed for passenger safety. This restriction may apply to oversized suitcases, large boxes, musical instruments and bulky sporting equipment. Examples of sports-related items that may be restricted include surfboards, paddles, skis, snowboards, golf clubs and large sports bags.Items that cannot be safely secured
Every item carried onto the train must be capable of being stored safely in an appropriate designated area. Objects that cannot be secured properly may create hazards, particularly if they move during the journey or obstruct passenger areas. Plants and similar unsecured belongings may therefore fall under this restriction where they cannot be safely accommodated within the available storage arrangements.Commercial or trade-related goods
Items may not be accepted when their quantity, nature or packaging indicates that they are intended for commercial transportation rather than ordinary personal travel. Large quantities of goods or professionally packaged merchandise may need to be transported through an appropriate specialised service instead of being carried as passenger belongings.Goods prohibited by customs authorities
Passengers are also responsible for complying with UAE customs requirements. Any goods that customs authorities prohibit from being brought into the country are not permitted on the train. Travellers should check applicable customs regulations before carrying goods that may be subject to import restrictions or prohibitions.Alcoholic drinks
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on board Etihad Rail passenger services. The restriction applies regardless of the type of drink or its packaging. This means passengers should not carry alcoholic beverages in their luggage even if the product is unopened, sealed or legally purchased.Electronic smoking and vaping equipment
Electronic devices designed for smoking are prohibited on passenger trains. This includes electronic shisha products, vape devices, e-cigarettes and other electronic smoking apparatus. Passengers should ensure that such equipment is not included among their belongings when travelling.Items that may disturb or cause discomfort to others
Belongings that could create an unpleasant, offensive or disruptive environment for fellow passengers are also restricted. This may include objects that produce particularly strong or offensive smells. More broadly, any item that could endanger passengers, interfere with normal train operations or cause unreasonable distress or discomfort may be refused.Bicycles, scooters and personal transport devices
Bicycles and scooters are not permitted on board passenger trains, including electric scooters and other personal transportation devices. The restriction applies even when such equipment can be folded, dismantled or otherwise reduced in size. Passengers should make alternative arrangements for transporting these types of personal mobility equipment before travelling.
Important reminder for passengers
Before heading to the station, travellers should carefully check the contents of their luggage and remove anything that falls into a prohibited category. An item that appears harmless in everyday use may still be restricted when carried on a passenger train because of its potential impact on safety, security, passenger comfort or railway operations.
Passengers should also consider the size and nature of everything they intend to carry. Even if an object is not inherently dangerous, it may not be accepted if it is too bulky, cannot be stored securely or interferes with aisles, exits or designated passenger areas.
Those travelling with unusual, specialised or potentially restricted belongings should verify the applicable Etihad Rail requirements before arriving at the station. Checking the rules in advance can help avoid delays, refused items or complications during boarding.
Ultimately, these restrictions are designed to support a safe and pleasant journey for passengers, railway employees and other people using the network. Travellers are expected to follow the applicable rules and avoid bringing prohibited goods onto the train. When in doubt about a particular item, it is advisable to confirm whether it is permitted before setting out for the station.
Restricted Items
Etihad Rail permits passengers to carry certain belongings that may require additional conditions, limitations or advance arrangements. These restrictions are intended to ensure that luggage and special equipment can be transported safely without affecting other passengers, train operations or access to designated areas.
Passengers should review the requirements for restricted belongings before travelling, particularly when carrying large luggage, mobility equipment, baby items or medical devices. Meeting the relevant conditions in advance can help prevent difficulties during boarding and make the journey more convenient.
The following categories are subject to specific requirements:
1. Luggage Allowance
Passengers are permitted to take a limited amount of luggage with them when travelling on Etihad Rail services. Each traveller can carry up to two pieces of luggage free of charge, regardless of the type of ticket purchased.
Travellers should make sure their belongings remain within the applicable luggage allowance before arriving at the station. Carrying luggage beyond the permitted limit may result in additional restrictions or the passenger being unable to take the excess items on board.
It is also important to consider where luggage will be placed during the journey. Bags and personal belongings should be stored only in the areas provided for passengers and should not be left in locations where they could obstruct aisles, doors, exits or other areas required for safe movement.
Passengers travelling with multiple bags should therefore organise their belongings before departure and ensure that the total number of luggage items remains within the permitted allowance. Keeping luggage to the allowed limit can also make boarding and disembarking easier, particularly during busy travel periods.
The free allowance applies to each individual passenger rather than to a group as a whole. Therefore, travellers should plan their luggage according to the allowance assigned to each person on the booking.
2. Wheelchairs and Mobility Requirements
Passengers who require a wheelchair can use one on Etihad Rail services, but specific arrangements need to be made before travelling. A passenger intending to use a wheelchair should reserve a designated wheelchair space when making the booking.
Booking the appropriate space in advance helps ensure that the train can accommodate the passenger and their mobility requirements safely. Passengers should therefore avoid assuming that a wheelchair can simply be brought on board without prior arrangements.
There are also specific conditions concerning electric wheelchairs. Only electric wheelchairs fitted with integrated batteries installed by the manufacturer are permitted. This requirement is intended to ensure that the wheelchair and its battery configuration meet the applicable safety conditions for carriage on the train.
Passengers using an electric wheelchair should therefore check the type and installation of its battery before travelling. If the wheelchair uses a battery arrangement that does not meet the specified requirements, passengers may need to make alternative arrangements.
Those travelling with mobility needs are advised to provide accurate information during the booking process. Reserving the appropriate wheelchair space in advance can help railway staff prepare for the passenger’s arrival and ensure that the designated area remains accessible.
Wheelchair users should also ensure that their mobility equipment can be positioned within the space provided for it. The equipment should not extend into passenger walkways or interfere with doors, emergency routes or other areas needed for safe operation of the service.
3. Strollers and Baby Carriages
Parents and guardians travelling with young children may bring a stroller or baby carriage, provided certain conditions are met. The stroller must be used for a child travelling with the passenger and must be easily foldable or capable of being disassembled.
This requirement helps ensure that the stroller can be stored appropriately without occupying excessive space or obstructing passenger movement. A stroller that can be folded into a compact form is generally easier to accommodate during the journey.
Etihad Rail allows one stroller per child free of charge. Parents travelling with more than one child should therefore consider the number of strollers they intend to bring and ensure that the allowance is followed.
Before boarding, passengers should prepare the stroller for storage if required. Folding the stroller or dismantling it where appropriate can make it easier to place in the designated storage area and reduce the risk of it blocking an aisle or other passenger facilities.
Protective wrapping is also recommended for strollers and baby carriages. Wrapping can help protect the equipment from scratches or other damage during handling and storage. Parents may therefore wish to use suitable protective material before travelling, particularly when the stroller is being folded or transported separately from the child.
The stroller should not be left in a position where it could interfere with other passengers. Once it is no longer needed for moving the child through the station, passengers should follow the applicable storage requirements and keep the equipment in an appropriate location.
Families travelling with young children should also consider preparing the stroller before reaching the boarding area. Having a stroller that can be quickly folded and safely stored may make the boarding process more efficient and reduce inconvenience for the passenger and others around them.
4. Medical Equipment and Mobility Aids
Passengers who need medical equipment during their journey may be able to bring certain devices on board, subject to specific conditions. This can include equipment such as oxygen tanks and other mobility aids.
Passengers requiring such equipment should arrange the appropriate wheelchair seating when booking their journey. This ensures that the equipment can be accommodated within the space allocated for wheelchair users.
An important requirement is that the medical equipment must fit completely within the designated wheelchair seating area. Equipment should not extend into the aisle, obstruct access points or occupy areas needed by other passengers.
Travellers should therefore consider the dimensions of their medical equipment before making a booking. Large or unusually shaped devices may require additional consideration, particularly if they cannot be positioned safely within the allocated space.
Passengers using oxygen equipment or other essential medical devices should make the necessary arrangements before travelling rather than waiting until they arrive at the station. Providing relevant information during the booking process can help ensure that suitable seating and space are available.
Medical equipment should also be secured appropriately during the journey. Passengers should follow any instructions provided by railway personnel regarding where and how the equipment should be positioned.
Planning Your Journey With Restricted Items
Travelling with restricted belongings requires a little more preparation than travelling with ordinary personal luggage. Passengers should identify any special items they intend to bring and review the applicable requirements before arriving at the station.
This is particularly important for people travelling with wheelchairs, electric mobility equipment, medical devices or children’s strollers. Advance planning can help ensure that the appropriate space has been reserved and that the equipment meets the conditions for carriage.
Passengers should also avoid assuming that an item is automatically permitted simply because it is commonly used in everyday life. Special equipment may have specific carriage requirements because of its size, battery type, storage needs or impact on passenger accessibility.
For luggage, travellers should keep within the permitted number of pieces. Each passenger is entitled to carry up to two luggage items free of charge, regardless of ticket category. Keeping within this allowance helps passengers avoid issues when boarding.
Families travelling with children should remember that the stroller allowance is linked to the number of children travelling. One foldable or dismantlable stroller is accepted free of charge for each child, subject to the relevant conditions.
Passengers requiring wheelchair access should make the necessary reservation when purchasing their ticket. This is especially important because designated wheelchair spaces are intended to provide sufficient room for the passenger and qualifying mobility equipment.
Those carrying medical devices should likewise ensure that the equipment can fit inside the allocated wheelchair seating area. This requirement is important for maintaining clear passenger pathways and ensuring that other travellers can move around the train safely.
Why These Restrictions Matter
Restrictions on luggage and special equipment are not simply intended to limit what passengers can bring. They help Etihad Rail maintain an organised and accessible environment for everyone travelling on the service.
Keeping luggage within the permitted allowance helps prevent overcrowding in storage areas. Similarly, requiring wheelchairs and other mobility equipment to remain within designated spaces helps keep aisles and access routes clear.
The conditions for electric wheelchairs and medical equipment also provide a structured way to accommodate passengers with additional needs while maintaining appropriate safety standards.
Stroller requirements serve a similar purpose. A foldable or dismantlable stroller can be stored more efficiently and is less likely to interfere with passenger movement than a large, fully opened carriage.
Passengers can contribute to a smoother journey by preparing their belongings before departure. Folding strollers, checking luggage quantities, confirming wheelchair reservations and ensuring medical equipment fits within the allocated space are all useful steps to take before travelling.
What Passengers Should Check Before Departure
Before travelling on Etihad Rail, passengers carrying restricted belongings should consider the following:
Check the luggage allowance: Make sure each passenger has no more than the permitted number of free luggage pieces.
Arrange wheelchair seating: Passengers travelling with wheelchairs should reserve the appropriate wheelchair space during booking.
Verify electric wheelchair requirements: Ensure that an electric wheelchair uses an integrated manufacturer-installed battery.
Prepare strollers: Confirm that the stroller is easily foldable or can be disassembled.
Follow the stroller allowance: One stroller is permitted free of charge for each child travelling with the passenger.
Consider protective wrapping: Wrapping a stroller before travel is recommended to provide additional protection during handling.
Reserve appropriate space for medical equipment: Passengers carrying oxygen tanks or other mobility aids should book wheelchair seating where required.
Check equipment dimensions: Make sure medical equipment can fit completely within the designated wheelchair seating area.
Secure belongings properly: All equipment and luggage should be placed safely in the appropriate storage or allocated area.
Plan ahead: Passengers with special travel requirements should make the necessary arrangements before reaching the station.
Final Reminder
Restricted items can be carried on Etihad Rail services only when the applicable conditions are satisfied. Passengers should therefore check their belongings and make any required arrangements before beginning their journey.
The key requirements include staying within the two-piece luggage allowance per passenger, reserving wheelchair space when required, ensuring that electric wheelchairs have manufacturer-installed integrated batteries, and bringing only strollers that can be folded or disassembled. Medical equipment, including oxygen tanks and mobility aids, must also fit within the designated wheelchair seating area.
Taking these steps in advance can help passengers avoid unnecessary delays at the station and make boarding more straightforward. It also helps ensure that luggage, mobility equipment, medical devices and children’s accessories can be accommodated without obstructing other passengers or essential areas of the train.
Because travel policies and operational requirements can change, passengers should verify the latest Etihad Rail guidance before departure, particularly if they are travelling with specialised equipment or have accessibility requirements.
Luggage and Pet Travel Rules
Passengers travelling on Etihad Rail services should familiarise themselves with the luggage and pet-carriage requirements before arriving at the station. Following the applicable rules can help make boarding easier, ensure that personal belongings are stored safely and allow passengers travelling with animals to prepare the necessary arrangements in advance.
The luggage policy distinguishes between small personal belongings, standard carry-on bags and additional baggage. There are also separate conditions for passengers travelling with domestic pets or assistance dogs. Each category has specific requirements concerning size, storage, booking and supervision.
1. Personal Belongings Must Fit Under the Seat
Small personal belongings may be carried by passengers, provided they can be placed safely underneath the seat in front of them. Examples include a handbag, purse, laptop bag or similar compact personal item.
Passengers should make sure these belongings are small enough to fit completely within the available space beneath the seat. Personal items should not protrude into the aisle or interfere with the legroom or movement of other passengers.
Keeping smaller belongings under the seat also helps maintain an organised cabin environment. Passengers should avoid placing personal bags in walkways, near doors or in other areas where they could create an obstruction.
Before boarding, it is therefore useful to separate small essentials from larger luggage. Items that passengers may need during the journey, such as a handbag or laptop bag, can be kept in a compact personal bag that can easily be stored underneath the seat.
2. Carry-On Bags Have a Maximum Size
Standard carry-on luggage is subject to a specific size limit. A carry-on bag must not exceed 55cm in height, 40cm in width and 23cm in depth.
Passengers should check the dimensions of their luggage before travelling, particularly if they are using a suitcase, backpack or other structured bag. A bag that exceeds the permitted measurements may not qualify as standard carry-on luggage.
Once on board, approved carry-on bags should be placed in the overhead luggage racks provided for passengers. They should not be left in the aisle, near emergency exits or in other locations where they could obstruct movement.
Passengers should also make sure their luggage is positioned securely in the overhead storage area. Bags should not be placed in a way that could cause them to fall, interfere with other passengers or create an unnecessary safety risk.
Checking the dimensions at home can save time at the station. Travellers who are unsure about whether a particular bag meets the requirements should confirm its measurements before departure.
3. Additional Baggage Requires a Separate Request
The standard luggage allowance does not automatically cover baggage beyond the two permitted items. If a passenger needs to travel with additional luggage, arrangements must be made separately.
Requests for extra baggage can be submitted through the available Etihad Rail channels. Passengers may use the Etihad Rail app, official website, Contact Centre or a station to make the necessary request.
It is advisable to arrange additional baggage before travelling rather than arriving at the station with more luggage than permitted. Advance arrangements can help passengers understand whether the extra baggage can be accommodated and whether any additional requirements apply.
Passengers should also remember that the standard allowance and additional baggage arrangements are separate. Carrying extra luggage without making the required request may result in the additional items not being accepted.
When preparing for a journey, travellers should count their luggage carefully and determine whether they are within the standard allowance. If the number of bags exceeds the permitted amount, they should contact Etihad Rail through one of the approved channels before departure.
4. Pets Can Travel Under Specific Conditions
Domestic pets can be carried on Etihad Rail services, but passengers must follow the applicable requirements for transporting animals.
Pets such as dogs and falcons are permitted when they are placed inside an approved carrier. The carrier must not exceed the maximum dimensions of 55cm × 40cm × 23cm.
Passengers travelling with a pet should therefore select a suitable carrier that meets both the size and approval requirements. The carrier should provide an appropriate and secure environment for the animal while also complying with the space available for passenger belongings.
The pet must remain inside the approved carrier during the journey. Passengers should prepare the animal and carrier before boarding so that the pet can remain safely contained throughout the trip.
Because pet travel involves additional requirements, passengers should review the applicable conditions before arriving at the station. This can help prevent problems during boarding and ensure that the animal is transported in accordance with the railway’s rules.
5. A Pet Carrier Counts as the Carry-On Allowance
Passengers travelling with a pet should be aware that the pet carrier takes the place of the standard carry-on luggage allowance.
In other words, passengers cannot bring both a pet carrier and an additional standard carry-on bag under the same allowance. The carrier is treated as the permitted carry-on item for the journey.
This means travellers should plan their belongings accordingly. If they intend to travel with a dog, falcon or another permitted domestic pet, they should take into account the space occupied by the approved animal carrier when organising their luggage.
For example, a passenger should not expect to bring a qualifying pet carrier into the cabin and then also carry a separate suitcase of the same standard carry-on category. The pet carrier replaces that allowance.
Passengers may therefore need to consolidate their personal belongings or make separate arrangements for any additional baggage they wish to take. Planning in advance is particularly useful for passengers who need to carry both pet-related supplies and other personal items.
6. Pets Must Remain Inside the Carrier
Once the pet is travelling on the train, it must remain inside its approved carrier. Passengers are responsible for keeping the animal properly contained and under their control throughout the journey.
The carrier should remain securely closed and positioned appropriately. Pets should not be allowed to walk freely around the passenger cabin, aisles or other areas of the train.
Keeping animals inside their carriers helps protect the pet, its owner and other passengers. It also reduces the possibility of animals escaping, disturbing other travellers or interfering with normal train operations.
Passengers should therefore make sure the carrier is suitable for the animal and can be safely managed for the entire duration of the journey. Any preparation needed to keep the pet comfortable and secure should be completed before boarding.
Travellers should also remain attentive to their pet throughout the journey and ensure that the carrier remains under their control. The animal should not be left unattended or removed from the carrier unless permitted under the applicable rules.
7. Assistance Dogs Are Subject to Different Arrangements
Trained and certified Assistance Dogs are permitted to travel, but passengers must make arrangements in advance.
Unlike ordinary domestic pets, assistance dogs have specific travel requirements because they provide support to passengers with particular needs. Passengers intending to travel with a trained and certified Assistance Dog should therefore contact the Etihad Rail Contact Centre before their journey.
Advance booking is required. Travellers should not wait until the day of departure to notify the railway about an assistance dog. Providing the necessary information beforehand allows the appropriate arrangements to be made for the passenger and the animal.
Passengers should also ensure that the assistance dog meets the applicable training and certification requirements. Relevant documentation may need to be provided as part of the advance booking process.
Planning Your Journey With a Pet
Travelling with a pet requires more preparation than travelling with ordinary personal belongings. Before leaving for the station, passengers should check that the animal is permitted, that the carrier meets the specified requirements and that the carrier dimensions remain within the allowed 55cm × 40cm × 23cm limit.
The carrier should be ready before boarding and the pet should be safely secured inside it. Passengers should also remember that the carrier counts as their standard carry-on item.
If additional baggage is needed, the passenger should arrange it separately through the available Etihad Rail channels. This can include using the app, website, Contact Centre or station services.
For assistance dogs, advance contact with the Contact Centre is particularly important because the animal must be booked ahead of the journey.
Preparing Your Luggage Before Departure
Passengers can make the boarding process easier by organising their belongings before arriving at the station.
Small personal items should be packed so that they can fit underneath the seat. Standard carry-on luggage should be checked against the maximum dimensions of 55cm high, 40cm wide and 23cm deep and prepared for storage in the overhead luggage racks.
Travellers should then count their permitted luggage pieces. If they have more than the standard allowance, they should request additional baggage in advance through an approved Etihad Rail channel.
Passengers travelling with pets should prepare their approved carrier separately and make sure they understand that it replaces the standard carry-on allowance. They should not plan to bring both a pet carrier and a separate standard carry-on bag.
Key Rules at a Glance
The main luggage and pet requirements can be summarised as follows:
Small personal belongings, including handbags and laptop bags, should be compact enough to fit beneath the passenger’s seat.
A standard carry-on bag must remain within the maximum dimensions of 55cm × 40cm × 23cm.
Carry-on luggage should be placed in the overhead storage racks rather than in aisles or other restricted areas.
Passengers are allowed the standard number of permitted luggage pieces under the applicable allowance.
Any baggage beyond the permitted allowance must be requested separately through the Etihad Rail app, website, Contact Centre or at a station.
Domestic pets, including dogs and falcons, may travel when placed inside an approved carrier.
The pet carrier must not exceed 55cm × 40cm × 23cm.
A pet carrier takes the place of the standard carry-on allowance.
Passengers cannot combine a pet carrier with a separate standard carry-on bag under the same allowance.
Pets must remain inside their approved carrier during the journey.
The carrier and animal must remain under the passenger’s control.
Trained and certified Assistance Dogs are permitted, subject to the applicable requirements.
Assistance Dogs must be booked in advance through the Etihad Rail Contact Centre.
Final Advice for Travellers
Understanding the luggage and pet rules before travelling can help passengers avoid unnecessary complications at the station. The most important step is to check the size and number of bags being carried and determine whether any additional baggage arrangements are required.
Passengers travelling with domestic animals should select an appropriate approved carrier and remember that the carrier replaces the standard carry-on allowance. The animal must remain safely inside the carrier and under the passenger’s supervision throughout the journey.
Those travelling with trained and certified Assistance Dogs should contact the Etihad Rail Contact Centre in advance to complete the required booking arrangements.
By preparing luggage, pet carriers and any required requests ahead of time, passengers can make the boarding process more efficient and enjoy a smoother journey. Since railway policies and operational requirements may be updated, travellers should also verify the latest official Etihad Rail guidance before departure, particularly when travelling with pets, assistance animals or additional baggage.
