The Haramain High-Speed Railway connecting Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah carried over 2 million passengers during the first quarter of 2026, according to data released by Saudi Arabia's transport authority. The figures come as the Kingdom scales up rail operations ahead of the Hajj season.

Record Rail Usage Across Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's entire rail network transported over 45 million passengers in Q1 2026. The urban rail sector accounted for the largest share at 42 million passengers, led by the Riyadh Metro with 31 million riders. The Haramain High-Speed Railway's 2 million passengers represent a significant volume on the intercity route that is most relevant to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

The Eastern Railway carried 349,000 passengers while the Northern Railway served approximately 218,000 travellers during the same period. Freight operations also performed strongly, with over 4 million tonnes of minerals and cargo moved across the network.

What This Means for Hajj Pilgrims

The Haramain High-Speed Railway is the primary rail link between the three cities most pilgrims visit - Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah. The service operates at speeds up to 300 km/h, covering the full Makkah-to-Madinah journey in approximately 2 hours. For pilgrims, this is significantly faster and more comfortable than the 4-5 hour road journey.

Key stations for pilgrims include:

  • Makkah station (Al Rusaifah): Located approximately 8 km from Masjid al-Haram
  • Madinah station: Near Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport, about 10 km from Masjid an-Nabawi
  • Jeddah station: Connected to King Abdulaziz International Airport

During the Hajj season, additional services are typically scheduled to accommodate increased demand. Pilgrims can book tickets through the SAR (Saudi Arabia Railways) website or app.

Growing Demand for Rail Travel

The transport authority emphasised that the Q1 figures reflect growing demand for rail-based mobility across the Kingdom, noting benefits including reduced road congestion, improved traffic flow, environmental sustainability, and enhanced supply chain efficiency.

For pilgrims travelling between Makkah and Madinah, the Haramain Railway offers a reliable alternative to road travel. Tickets should be booked in advance during peak Hajj weeks as services fill quickly. Economy class fares typically range from SAR 150-250 depending on the route and booking time.