Get to know Saudi Railways in depth before booking your tickets. This article will break down the essentials, like fares and destinations. See how this modern rail system enhances travel experiences and connects people and places.
About Saudi Railways
At present, there are three main railway routes within Saudi Arabia. The original setup consisted of two separate organizations, although both are state-owned. These were the Saudi Arabia Railways (SA) and the Saudi Railways Organization (SRO). In February 2022, the two setups merged and formed a cohesive Saudi Arabia Railways. It’s often shortened to Saudi Railways, with the official website being www.sar.com.sa.
Aim of Saudi Railways
The main goal of integrating the Saudi transportation system was to provide the required legislation and an efficient system for a productive railway sector. With this change, the railways can better fulfill their potential of turning KSA into a flourishing distribution hub of goods, materials, and more.
The networks within Saudi Railways are part of some huge projects and infrastructure developments in KSA. SAR works on the vision to bring about a sustainable, convenient transport system for both passengers and cargo.Â
Saudi Railways Fares
Business Class
| Makkah | Jeddah | KAIA | KAEC | Madinah | |
| Makkah | – | 70 | 95 | 175 | 315 |
| Jeddah | 70 | 45 | 85 | 275 | |
| KAIA | 95 | 45 | 85 | 265 | |
| KAEC | 175 | 85 | 85 | 215 | |
| Madinah | 315 | 275 | 265 | 215 |
Economy Class
| Makkah | Jeddah | KAIA | KAEC | Madinah | |
| Makkah | – | 40 | 60 | 85 | 150 |
| Jeddah | 40 | – | 20 | 50 | 125 |
| KAIA | 60 | 20 | – | 50 | 120 |
| KAEC | 85 | 50 | 50 | – | 100 |
| Madinah | 150 | 125 | 120 | 100 | – |
Route: Riyadh to Dammam
The route from Riyadh to Damman was originally under the SRO, but it’s now part of the integrated Saudi Arabia Railways.
- Distance: 449 km
- Days running: 6 trains daily, with 2 more running on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays
- Fares: While fares may vary by demand, date, and other factors, the usual rates start from 85 riyals (Economy class) and 145 riyals (Business class)
How to get tickets:
- Book tickets at the official website www.sar.com.sa (a Saudi phone number is required)
- If you are overseas, it’s possible to get tickets through www.bookaway.com
It’s recommended to book around 30 days before the train departure. Most trains leave full, so booking ahead is the best way to ensure your seat.
What are the trains like?
The trains on the Riyadh-Dammam route are usually 5-car sets with a power car and driving cab. These are air-conditioned and were made by CAF (a Spanish manufacturer) in 2011-2012.
They offer Premium class and Standard class.
The reviews for these trains are mostly positive. The passengers appreciate the extra facilities, including a prayer area and cafe counter. As long as you book your ticket well ahead of time, the services are usually smooth and hassle-free.
Route: Riyadh to Qassim, Hail, Jauf
The schedule, fares, and online booking options for this route are all available on www.sar.com.sa. You’ll get the schedule depending on the desired day of departure. Here are a few tips to make your experience as smooth as possible:
- Book online as soon as possible to offer cheaper prices, better seats, and a hassle-free experience.
- If the booking site doesn’t accept a certain phone number, enter any other Saudi phone number; even the number of your hotel will do.
- One or two daytime trains run between Riyadh and each of these destinations.
- The speed of the trains can go up to 200 km/h.
- Services on the trains include an overnight sleeper and 4-berth private compartments with options for quadruple, triple, double, or single occupancy.Â
- The trains will depart from Riyadh North Station or the KKIA station (station code ROY).Â
- The station is right next to the airport, with airport-style security as well.
What are the trains like?
Passengers of business class will have the option of waiting at the station’s business class lounge. Simple meals are also served on the train.
Riyadh North Station is reported to feel very much similar to an airport. The arrivals and departures area is spacious, with comfortable waiting areas, coffee places, and restaurant choices as well.
Passengers also appreciate that they can check in their larger bags like they do at an airport. Overall, it seems to be a pleasant experience with welcoming staff, bonus facilities for Business Class passengers, and smooth dealings.
Route: Medina – Jeddah – Mecca
This option is one of the most popular and much-needed train routes, especially for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims from abroad. This lies under the new Haramain high-speed railway, whose official website is https://sar.hhr.sa/.
This railway started in October 2018 and has trains made by Talgo, another Spanish company. Today, it runs more than a dozen trains per day and operates throughout the week.
Route distances:
- Jeddah to Mecca: 78 km
- Mecca to Medina: 450 km
How to get tickets:
- The best way to get tickets for this route is at the official platform–www.hhr.sa. There’s also an HHR Train app for both iPhone and Android.
- An easier route for overseas visitors is to get tickets through bookaway.com
Note: The HHR option also offers KAEC (King Abdullah Economic City) as a destination and departure point.Â
DISCLAIMER: The images showcased on this page are the property of their respective owners. We provide credit and sources wherever possible. However, If you find that your image is displayed on this blog without authorization, please contact us with the relevant details and a link to the image, and we will promptly address your concerns by removing it.
