Saudi Arabia has ushered in a new era of transportation with the Haramain High-Speed Rail (HHR) — a 450-kilometre marvel linking the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, with stops in Jeddah, King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), and King Abdulaziz International Airport. As one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the region, the HHR is reshaping both pilgrimage and domestic travel across the Kingdom.

Officially launched in October 2018, the Haramain High-Speed Rail is the first of its kind in the Middle East. With trains reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h, it slashes the Mecca–Medina journey to just two hours — a dramatic improvement for millions of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, as well as Saudi residents and tourists.

The railway was built to meet growing demand and to alleviate congestion on the Kingdom’s roads, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons. Each Talgo 350 SRO trainset can carry 417 passengers, and the network can accommodate up to 60 million travelers annually. In 2023 alone, nearly 7 million passengers used the line, with the 20 millionth passenger milestone celebrated by late 2024 — a testament to the line’s growing impact.

What sets the Haramain line apart isn’t just speed — it’s the design and experience. The stations, designed by Foster + Partners, merge traditional Islamic architecture with modern aesthetics. Vaulted canopies, natural ventilation systems, and symbolic colors unique to each city make the stations both functional and visually striking.

Also Read

The HHR is also a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030, the country’s long-term roadmap to diversify its economy and modernize infrastructure. By connecting major cities and supporting pilgrimage logistics, the rail line plays a key role in boosting tourism, reducing reliance on oil revenues, and supporting regional development. Plans are also underway to expand the national rail network to over 8,000 kilometres, and Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) recently issued a tender for 20 new high-speed trainsets to meet rising demand.

More than just a railway, the Haramain High-Speed Rail symbolizes a bold leap into the future — where innovation meets heritage, and modern travel enhances spiritual journeys. It’s not only transforming how people move across the Kingdom but also redefining what’s possible in the heart of the Middle East.