Complete Guide to Train Travel in Saudi Arabia

Whether you are a solo backpacker exploring heritage sites, a pilgrim traveling between holy cities, or a family seeking smooth and stress-free transit across regions, rail travel offers an insider’s seat to Arabia's changing vistas. Smooth leather seats, panoramic windows, air-conditioned quiet cabins, and generous luggage allowances make train travel in Saudi Arabia a standout experience.

This guide covers everything you need to know about navigating Saudi Arabia’s train networks, major routes, ticketing procedures, class options, distance metrics, local transport costs, and key attractions near every major railway station.

Understanding the Saudi Railway Network

Saudi Arabia operates two primary rail networks managed by Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR):

• Haramain High-Speed Railway: A modern high-speed bullet train network connecting the western cities of Makkah, Jeddah, King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), and Madinah. Trains run at speeds up to 300 km/h, covering distances in a fraction of driving time.

• SAR North-South & East-West Passenger Lines: Long-distance regional trains connecting Riyadh (the capital) with northern and eastern cities including Majmaah, Qassim, Hail, Al Jouf, Qurayyat, Dammam, Abqaiq, and Hofuf (Al Ahsa).

1. Haramain High-Speed Express: Makkah to Madinah via Jeddah & KAEC

The Haramain High-Speed Railway is a masterpiece of modern transport engineering. Designed to facilitate rapid travel between western coastal hubs and holy sites, this electric railway carries passengers across golden coastal plains in air-conditioned luxury.

Key Destinations on this Route:

A. Jeddah (Jeddah Central & King Abdulaziz International Airport Stations)

Jeddah serves as the primary coastal gateway. The train station inside King Abdulaziz International Airport allows air travelers to board the high-speed train directly upon landing.

Distance from city centre: Airport Station is approx. 20 km north of central Jeddah; Sulimaniyah Station is 10 km east of central Jeddah.

Mode of transportation and rates: Taxis or rideshare apps (Uber/Careem) to the Corniche or Al-Balad cost around USD 12–25. High-speed train tickets from Jeddah to Madinah cost USD 30–65 depending on Economy vs Business Class.

Things to do near Jeddah Station:

• Explore the historic coral-stone alleyways of Al-Balad (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• Walk along the Jeddah Corniche and watch King Fahd Fountain shoot water into the sky

• Visit the floating Al-Rahma Mosque along the Red Sea edge

• Shop for spices, perfumes, and textiles in traditional souks

B. King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC)

KAEC is a master-planned modern coastal city focused on leisure, water sports, and beach resorts. The station itself is a sleek architectural gem.

Distance from capital city / central hubs: Approximately 100 km north of Jeddah / 400 km west of Riyadh

Mode of transportation and rates: High-speed train from Jeddah to KAEC takes 30 minutes and costs USD 15–30. Local taxi shuttles inside KAEC cost USD 10–20.

Things to do near KAEC Station:

• Relax on pristine private beaches along Yam Beach

• Enjoy water sports including jet skiing, paddleboarding, and snorkeling

• Play round of golf at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club

• Dine at oceanfront restaurants along the Bay La Sun promenade

C. Madinah (Madinah Haramain Station)

Madinah is a peaceful city of immense spiritual and historic importance. The state-of-the-art Haramain Station sits on the city perimeter, connected to the Prophet's Mosque area by continuous shuttle buses and taxi lines.

Distance from city centre: Approximately 9 km east of the Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi)

Mode of transportation and rates: Dedicated SAPTCO shuttle buses from station to central hotel zone cost around USD 3–5. Taxis cost USD 10–18. Haramain train tickets from Jeddah or Makkah range between USD 25 and USD 85.

Things to do near Madinah Station:

• Visit the historic Quba Mosque, the first mosque built in Islamic history

• Walk along the historic Mount Uhud battle site and archers' hill

• Explore date palm groves and sample famous Ajwa dates

• Dine at traditional Madinah restaurants along King Fahd Road

2. SAR East Line: Riyadh to Hofuf (Al Ahsa) and Dammam

Connecting the modern capital of Riyadh on the central Najd plateau with the oil-rich Eastern Province along the Arabian Gulf, the SAR East Line is ideal for business travelers, weekend explorers, and heritage seekers.

Key Destinations on this Route:

A. Riyadh (Riyadh SAR Station)

The bustling central metropolis serves as the starting terminus for both Eastern and Northern passenger lines. Modern terminal facilities feature VIP lounges, cafes, and car rental desks.

Distance from city centre: Riyadh Railway Station is located approx. 8 km east of central King Fahd Road business district.

Mode of transportation and rates: Riyadh Metro line connections or rideshare apps cost USD 8–18 to central hotels. Train tickets from Riyadh to Hofuf cost USD 15–35; Riyadh to Dammam costs USD 25–50.

Things to do near Riyadh Station:

• Visit the historic mud-brick fortress of Al Masmak in the Old Town

• Explore the National Museum of Saudi Arabia and Murabba Palace

• Enjoy panoramic city views from the Sky Bridge at Kingdom Centre

• Dine at fine restaurants inside Bujairi Terrace overlooking At-Turaif

B. Hofuf (Al Ahsa Oasis Station)

Hofuf is the urban heart of Al Ahsa, one of the world's largest natural palm oases. Stepping off the train brings you within minutes of lush palm groves, limestone caves, and ancient mud-brick forts.

Distance from capital city: Approximately 320 km east of Riyadh (approx. 2 hours 15 minutes by train)

Mode of transportation and rates: SAR train ticket from Riyadh costs USD 15–35. Local taxis or car rental in Hofuf cost USD 10–25 for short trips / USD 40–70 per day for rental car.

Things to do near Hofuf Station:

• Explore the cool naturally ventilated limestone caves of Al Qarah Mountain

• Walk through the historic Ibrahim Palace and Al Koot Heritage Quarter

• Shop for hand-woven crafts and spices at Souq Al Qaysariya

• Sample world-renowned Khalas dates directly from local palm groves

C. Dammam & Al Khobar Terminus

The coastal city of Dammam serves as the final Eastern terminus. Adjacent to Al Khobar, this vibrant metropolitan area offers seaside promenades, Gulf seafood, and easy access to Bahrain via the King Fahd Causeway.

Distance from capital city: Approximately 400 km east of Riyadh (approx. 3.5 hours by train)

Mode of transportation and rates: Train ticket from Riyadh costs USD 25–50. Taxis from Dammam Station to Al Khobar Corniche cost USD 12–22.

Things to do near Dammam Station:

• Stroll along the scenic Al Khobar Corniche and visit the Water Tower

• Rent dune buggies or relax on horseshoe beaches at Half Moon Bay

• Explore contemporary art exhibitions at Ithra (King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture)

• Enjoy fresh Arabian Gulf seafood along the waterfront

3. SAR North Line: Riyadh to Hail, Al Jouf, and Qurayyat

The SAR North Line is an extraordinary engineering feat cutting through the heart of the central desert and northern provinces. Offering comfortable daytime passenger cars as well as overnight sleeper trains, this route takes travelers deep into historic desert regions.

Key Destinations on this Route:

1. Majmaah & Qassim (Buraydah & Onaizah)

Passing through central agricultural plains, this section brings you into the agricultural heartland famous for date palm plantations, wheat fields, and traditional Arabian architecture.

Distance from capital city: Qassim Station is approximately 330 km northwest of Riyadh (approx. 2.5 hours by train)

Mode of transportation and rates: Train tickets from Riyadh cost USD 20–40. Car rental in Qassim costs around USD 35–60 per day.

Things to do near Qassim Station:

• Visit the world's largest seasonal date market in Buraydah (August–September)

• Explore heritage mud-brick architecture at Souq Al Musawwam in Onaizah

• Tour organic agricultural farms and citrus groves

• Taste regional traditional dishes like Kleycha (spiced date-filled pastries)

2. Hail (Hail Railway Station)

Hail is the gateway to the red dunes of the Nefud Desert and the world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage rock art sites at Jubbah.

Distance from capital city: Approximately 640 km northwest of Riyadh (approx. 4.5 hours by train)

Mode of transportation and rates: Daytime train or overnight sleeper car from Riyadh costs USD 30–75. Taxis or 4x4 rentals cost USD 35–70 daily.

Things to do near Hail Station:

• Take a day trip to Jubbah to see ancient petroglyphs carved thousands of years ago

• Explore A'arif Fort perched high on a hill overlooking Hail city

• Dune bash or camp under the stars in the Great Nefud Desert

• Experience legendary Hail hospitality and regional spiced coffee

3. Al Jouf & Qurayyat (Far North Border Terminus)

The northernmost reach of the railway brings travelers close to ancient oasis settlements, olive orchards, and the borderlands of Jordan.

Distance from capital city: Approximately 900–1,100 km north of Riyadh

Mode of transportation and rates: Long-distance sleeper train tickets cost USD 50–120 depending on private cabin selection. Car rentals cost USD 40–70 per day.

Things to do near Al Jouf Station:

• Explore the ancient stone fortress of Marid Castle and Omar Mosque in Dumat Al Jandal

• Visit extensive olive groves and sample award-winning regional olive oils

• Discover the mysterious standing stones at Rajajil

• Trek along northern desert plateaus

Onboard Classes & Amenities: What to Expect

Saudi trains are modern, immaculate, and equipped with amenities designed for maximum comfort:

1. Business Class / First Class

• Seating: Extra-wide plush leather seats in a 2+1 configuration with generous legroom, reclines, and power sockets.

• Services: Complimentary hot meals, premium dates, Saudi coffee, fruit juices, and dedicated host service. Access to private station lounges with complimentary refreshments.

2. Economy Class

• Seating: Comfortable 2+2 seat configuration with fold-down tray tables, overhead luggage racks, and charging ports.

• Services: Access to the onboard cafeteria car serving coffee, snacks, sandwiches, and hot beverages.

3. Private Sleeper Cabins (SAR North Overnight Trains)

• Amenities: Lockable private compartments with comfortable bunk beds, fresh linens, reading lights, and complimentary breakfast boxes—ideal for long overnight journeys between Riyadh and the far north.

Tips for Your Trip

• Book Tickets Early: High-speed Haramain routes and weekend long-distance SAR trains sell out quickly. Book online via official apps (SAR or Haramain Railway) 2 to 4 weeks in advance for best prices and seat selection.

• Arrive Ahead of Time: Train stations operate with airport-style security bag scans. Arrive at least 30–45 minutes prior to departure. Boarding gates close 10–15 minutes before the train leaves.

• Luggage Allowances: Standard tickets allow one large suitcase (up to 25 kg) plus one hand carry bag. Excess luggage fees apply for additional pieces.

• Dress Code & Etiquette: Dress comfortably and modestly. Air conditioning inside stations and train cars can be quite cool, so carrying a light jacket or scarf is recommended.

Riding the rails in Saudi Arabia bridges the gap between ancient desert heritage and modern luxury. As high-speed lines expand and connect more regions across the Kingdom, train travel stands out as the ultimate way to journey safely, comfortably, and sustainably across Arabia's vast and captivating landscapes.