Ramadan 2025: Haramain rail handles 3,400 trips, cuts Mecca–Medina travel to 2 hours

Dubai: With Ramadan in full swing, Saudi Arabia has ramped up operations on its Haramain High Speed Railway, deploying more than 3,400 trips throughout the holy month to accommodate a sharp increase in Umrah pilgrims and visitors.

The expanded service offers over 1.6 million seats, providing a fast, efficient, and congestion-free travel alternative between the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

The high-speed rail service, which connects Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, and King Abdulaziz International Airport, has become a cornerstone in Saudi Arabia’s strategy to modernize its transport infrastructure and improve mobility for religious pilgrims.

Officials said the railway has helped reduce traffic congestion significantly while meeting surging travel demand during one of the busiest times of the Islamic calendar.

Operated by Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) in partnership with the line’s operating company, the Haramain network is among the fastest electric train systems in the world, reaching speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour.

Launched in 2018, it was specifically designed to streamline the movement of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, offering a safe and modern alternative to road travel.

To manage the Ramadan influx, SAR has implemented a comprehensive plan covering scheduling, passenger services, and station operations.

The journey between Mecca and Medina now takes just over two hours—cutting travel time dramatically and enhancing the pilgrim experience.

The railway features five major stations, including the expansive terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport, which spans over 105,000 square meters and ranks as the world’s largest airport-linked train station.

The facility includes six train platforms and integrates directly with the airport, easing the burden on road networks and allowing seamless transit for arriving and departing travelers.

The Haramain fleet comprises 35 electric trains, each accommodating 417 passengers across 13 cars, offering both business and economy class cabins.

Amenities include onboard entertainment, food service carts, accessible features for passengers with disabilities, and premium hospitality for business travelers.

Beyond the train cabins, the stations offer a comprehensive suite of services—medical clinics, security and emergency response centers, mosques, retail outlets, restaurants, cafes, pharmacies, and business lounges.

Passengers also have access to transportation links to the Grand Mosque, as well as hotel booking, banking services, luggage handling, and shuttle buses and taxis, reinforcing the station's role as a full-service mobility hub.