Saudi Arabia’s Haramain High-Speed Railway set to carry over two million pilgrims this Hajj season

Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has intensified operations for the 1446 AH Hajj season via the Haramain High-Speed Railway, one of the fastest train services globally, with speeds reaching up to 300km/h.

The railway will operate over 4,700 trips during the season, offering more than two million seats — an increase of over 400,000 compared to last year, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The expansion reflects SAR’s ongoing efforts to streamline pilgrim transportation and enhance the overall Hajj experience.

Connecting key cities

The Haramain High-Speed Railway is a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s national transport infrastructure. Spanning 453 kilometres of electrified track, it links the holy cities of Mecca and Medina with major hubs including Jeddah Central Station, King Abdulaziz International Airport, and King Abdullah Economic City.

The Jeddah airport station, the largest of its kind globally in terms of airport integration, allows seamless transfer between air and rail travel. Pilgrims arriving by air can board the train without leaving the airport, ensuring a smooth and efficient travel experience.

‘Hajj Without a Baggage’ initiative

In collaboration with other government agencies, SAR is also continuing its ‘Hajj Without a Baggage’ program for the second year.

This initiative transports pilgrims’ luggage directly from their departure airports to their accommodations in Mecca, allowing them to travel baggage-free on the Haramain Railway.

Aligning with Vision 2030

SAR’s enhanced services align with Saudi Vision 2030 goals to modernise infrastructure and provide safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable public transport.

The Haramain Railway remains a vital component in raising the quality of services available to pilgrims and supporting the Kingdom’s strategic development goals.