RIYADH: Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has announced a major expansion of the Haramain High-Speed Railway’s services for the upcoming 2026 Hajj season, increasing capacity to more than 2.21 million seats. This represents an additional 210,000 seats compared with last year, alongside 5,308 scheduled trips — an 11 percent rise in operations to meet growing pilgrim demand.
According to a report, the Hajj transport operations will begin on May 5, with the first departures from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to Makkah.
The network will deploy a fleet of 35 trains, each capable of reaching speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour. Covering a 453-kilometer corridor, the journey between Makkah and Madinah will take about two hours, with five stations connecting the route: Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport, and King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC).
The report says that the expansion is part of Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy and supports the broader Vision 2030 goals to enhance mobility and improve services for pilgrims. Since its launch in October 2018, the Haramain High-Speed Railway has operated year-round, serving commuters, tourists, and pilgrims alike, and continues to play a central role in modernizing travel between the Kingdom’s two holy cities.
This expansion is part of Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy and aligns with the broader Vision 2030 goals to enhance mobility and improve services for pilgrims.
It may be recalled here that launched in October 2018, the Haramain High-Speed Railway has become a vital transport link for pilgrims, commuters, and tourists. Operating year-round, it continues to play a central role in modernizing travel between the Kingdom’s two holy cities.
