Have you ever thought about traveling across Saudi Arabia by train instead of flying or driving? The country’s rail network has modernized rapidly, offering new high-speed routes and comfortable diesel services. If you’re curious how to make the most of this experience, read on.
Types of Trains
- Haramain High-Speed Railway: An electric line reaching 300 km/h, linking Mecca (Makkah) and Medina (Al-Madinah) with stops in Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City. It’s fast and designed to serve pilgrims and other travelers between the holy cities in around 2.5 hours.
- Riyadh–Dammam: A legacy diesel route across about 449 km, taking 4–5 hours. Speeds are moderate, but it connects the capital to the Eastern Province.
- North–South Railway: Runs from Riyadh to Al Qurayyat near the Jordan border. Trains on this modern diesel line can hit 160 km/h, with both daytime services (airline-style seating) and overnight sleeper cars that even allow car transport.
- Local Commuter and Metro Services: Riyadh is building a metro; Mecca has a seasonal “Mashaer Metro” during Hajj. These are less relevant for intercity travel but useful to know if you’re in the major cities.
Worried about juggling multiple train operators or complicated ticketing?
Railway Companies
- All major intercity services now fall under Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR). This consolidation means one unified system for Haramain, Riyadh–Dammam, and Riyadh–Qurayyat.
- The old Saudi Railways Organization (SRO) and Saudi Railway Company (SAR) merged, so you’ll only deal with SAR for passenger and freight.
- You might see “East Train” (for Eastern Province routes) or “North Train” (Riyadh–Qurayyat) on the SAR site, but it’s still one network.
- The separate Makkah Metro for Hajj is not part of SAR, and future metro systems in Riyadh or Jeddah also stand apart. For intercity trips, SAR is the single operator.
Do you prefer the convenience of online booking or want to buy in person?
Where to Buy Tickets
- SAR’s official website (sar.com.sa) offers an English interface, taking credit card payments, and sending you an e-ticket (QR code).
- The SAR mobile app lets you do the same on your phone.
- Haramain High-Speed bookings also go through SAR (the old haramainrr.com site redirects there).
- Station counters and kiosks in places like Riyadh, Dammam, Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah sell tickets, but ID (passport or Iqama) is required.
- Train seats can sell out around weekends or holidays, so booking ahead is wise. You can still try last-minute if seats are available.
Need a visual guide to plan your route?
Railway Maps
Saudi’s network is currently split into three main corridors:
- Haramain in the west (Mecca–Medina).
- Riyadh–Dammam in the east.
- Riyadh–Qurayyat in the north.
These lines do not connect directly with each other yet. For example, you can’t take a train from Jeddah to Riyadh until the future Landbridge project is built.
Station maps on SAR’s site show you each corridor clearly, helping you plan a route or see if you need other transport in between.
Wondering if trains are tidy and comfortable?
Cleanliness
- Saudi Arabia’s trains are new, well-maintained, and regularly cleaned.
- The Haramain uses Spanish-made Talgo sets, praised for their cleanliness, modern toilets, and spacious seating.
- North–South trains (by CAF) have similarly clean restrooms and even overnight cabins with fresh bedding.
- Stations resemble small airports: security checks, shiny floors, and staff constantly tidying up.
- Because seating is reserved, trains don’t get overcrowded, which helps maintain cleanliness.
Is speed important to you, or do you just want a relaxing journey?
Speed
- Haramain trains top out at 300 km/h, cutting Mecca–Medina travel down to about 2.5 hours.
- Riyadh–Dammam trains average closer to 110 km/h, finishing the journey in 4–5 hours.
- North–South passenger trains run at up to 160 km/h; Riyadh to Al-Qurayyat (~1,250 km) might take 13–14 hours on a day train or slightly more overnight.
- Plans to link Riyadh and Jeddah by rail in the future could offer more high-speed travel options.
Curious how to stay updated or navigate stations?
Travel Apps & Websites
- SAR Website & App: Book tickets, check schedules, get your QR boarding pass, and see real-time statuses.
- Train booking platforms like 12Go offer tickets for trains in Saudi Arabia.
- Google Maps may show train options between certain cities, but the SAR app is more accurate for final details.
- Stations display electronic boards with departures and gates, but the SAR app can alert you to any delays.
- SAR’s social media (e.g., Twitter) sometimes announces promotions or service notices in Arabic and English.
Train travel in Saudi Arabia is a comfortable, modern option that many visitors overlook. Do you want to experience the desert landscapes from a smooth, air-conditioned carriage or race between holy cities at 300 km/h? Whether you book online or purchase at the station, it’s easier than you might think. Saudi Arabia Railways is set on expanding under Vision 2030, so this is just the beginning of a growing network. Pack your passport, download the app, and prepare for a journey across new horizons. Safe travels!
