Makkah – Madinah | BETH – 24 Ramadan 1447 AH | March 13, 2026

The Haramain High-Speed Railway continues to present an advanced model in efficiently transporting millions of passengers between Makkah and Madinah, with well-organized schedules and the ability to accommodate the increasing number of visitors and pilgrims during the month of Ramadan.

Hossam Al-Shahri, Head of Corporate Communications at Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), confirmed that the company is keen to keep pace with the rising number of Umrah performers and visitors during Ramadan by increasing the number of train trips between its various stations, enabling the transport of the largest possible number of passengers, especially between Makkah and Madinah.

Al-Shahri explained that the company is implementing the largest operational plan for the Haramain High-Speed Railway, aimed at raising travel capacity to its highest levels and facilitating the movement of the Guests of Allah between the two holy cities with ease and safety.

Expanded Operational Plan

The plan includes operating more than 3,662 trips during the month of Ramadan, providing more than 1.7 million seats for passengers, visitors, and Umrah performers across the different stations of the Haramain High-Speed Railway, allowing flexible travel options throughout the day and reducing waiting times during peak hours.

The number of daily trips during the last ten days of Ramadan has also been increased to more than 140 trips per day, to keep pace with the noticeable increase in the number of pilgrims and visitors during this period.

Train Speed Reaches 300 km/h

The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Makkah and Madinah via Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City, with an operating speed of up to 300 kilometers per hour, making the journey between the two holy cities take about two hours only, in a comfortable and safe environment.

Fleet Expansion

Al-Shahri noted that the operational and technical teams work around the clock to raise operational readiness to the highest levels, ensure smooth movement, and maintain full compliance with the highest standards of safety and service quality for passengers.

He also stated that SAR recently signed an agreement to purchase 20 new trains from the Spanish company Talgo, which will be added to the current fleet of 35 trains, with the aim of enhancing passenger capacity and supporting services for the Guests of Allah, while keeping pace with the growing demand for travel during the coming seasons.

Passenger Satisfaction

Passengers traveling on the Haramain High-Speed Railway whom SPA met at the Madinah station expressed their appreciation and satisfaction with the comfort provided by the train and the ease of traveling between the two holy cities.

They agreed that traveling by train has become a preferred option thanks to its speed, comfort, accurate schedules, and reliable arrival times, despite the high demand and the large number of trips during the last ten days of Ramadan.