For a picturesque way to cross Saudi Arabia while staying on schedule, train travel is one of the most comfortable options for tourists, pilgrims, and Umrah travelers. With modern routes linking major cities, Saudi Arabia’s rail network offers a budget-friendly way to city-hop while enjoying desert landscapes, mountain views and smooth onboard services.

Saudi Arabia Railways operates passenger services on the North Line between Riyadh and Qurayyat, the East Line between Riyadh and Dammam, and the Haramain High-Speed Railway between Makkah and Madinah. SAR also operates the Mashair Train in Makkah.

The East Train connects Riyadh with Dammam, stopping at Hofuf and Abqaiq. Hofuf is located in Al Ahsa, a famous oasis known for its palm groves, natural springs and date production. The North Train runs from Riyadh to Qurayyat near the Jordanian border, with stops including Al Majmaah, Qassim, Hail and Jouf, offering travelers a view of rocky landscapes and desert scenery along the way.

For pilgrims and visitors traveling between the holy cities, the Haramain High-Speed Railway is one of the Kingdom’s most important transport links. It connects Makkah, Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport, King Abdullah Economic City and Madinah, operating at speeds of up to 300 km/h.

Many travelers prefer the train because the seats are comfortable, the coaches are air-conditioned and the journey is easy to plan. “I prefer the train because its seats are comfortable and it is air-conditioned,” says Muhammad Ali, who often travels from Madinah to Jeddah. “There are tables in front of the seats, so I can work on my laptop during the trip, and the time passes quickly.”