Best Railway Journeys in Saudi Arabia

Over recent years, Saudi Arabia’s railway network has expanded into a world-class transit system. High-speed bullet trains race across coastal plains at 300 km/h, while long-distance regional passenger trains and overnight sleeper cars cut through central sand seas and northern plateaus. For travelers seeking an authentic connection with the country’s diverse geography—from coastal Red Sea hubs to central oasis kingdoms and northern rock art centers—here is the ultimate guide to the best railway journeys in Saudi Arabia.

1. The Haramain High-Speed Express: Jeddah to Madinah

The journey from the Red Sea port city of Jeddah to the holy, tranquil city of Madinah aboard the Haramain High-Speed Railway is widely considered Arabia's premier rail experience. Covering 450 km of coastal desert in under two hours, this state-of-the-art electric bullet train reaches speeds up to 300 km/h, offering smooth leather seating, large viewing windows, and quiet, climate-controlled cabins.

As the urban skyline of Jeddah fades behind you, the view shifts to endless horizons of golden sand dunes, dramatic basalt lava fields (Harrat), and distant granite ridges. The transition from the energetic coastal air of Jeddah to the calm, spiritual atmosphere of Madinah makes this journey as emotionally resonant as it is visually stunning.

Route: Jeddah Central / Jeddah Airport Station to Madinah Haramain Station

Journey Duration: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours

Distance from capital city / central hubs: Jeddah is 850 km west of Riyadh; Madinah is 840 km northwest of Riyadh.

Mode of transportation and rates: High-speed train tickets range from USD 25–45 for Economy Class to USD 50–85 for Business Class. Taxis or rideshare apps (Uber/Careem) to and from stations cost USD 10–20.

Things to do at each destination:

In Jeddah:

• Stroll through the historic coral-stone alleyways of Al-Balad (UNESCO World Heritage site)

• Walk along the Jeddah Corniche and watch King Fahd Fountain shoot water into the sea

• Visit the floating Al-Rahma Mosque along the Red Sea edge

• Shop for frankincense, spices, and perfumes in traditional souks

In Madinah:

• Visit the historic Quba Mosque, the first mosque built in Islamic history

• Explore the historic Mount Uhud battle site and surrounding valleys

• Walk through date palm groves and sample famous local Ajwa dates

• Dine on traditional Madini spiced rice dishes and roasted meats in the central district

2. The SAR East Line: Riyadh to Al Ahsa Oasis (Hofuf)

For a journey that connects the high-tech urban pulse of the Kingdom's capital with one of the world’s oldest and largest natural oases, the SAR East Line from Riyadh to Hofuf is unmissable. Operating on comfortable regional trains run by Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), this route glides eastward off the Najd plateau and descends into a sea of emerald-green palm trees.

Watching the vast central gravel plains suddenly give way to over 2.5 million date palm trees fed by underground freshwater springs is a breathtaking sensory shift. The train drops you off within minutes of ancient mud-brick fortresses, bustling historic spice bazaars, and naturally air-conditioned limestone caves.

Route: Riyadh Railway Station to Hofuf Station (Al Ahsa)

Journey Duration: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes

Distance from capital city: Hofuf is located 320 km east of Riyadh.

Mode of transportation and rates: SAR passenger train tickets cost between USD 15–30 for Economy Class and USD 35–55 for Business Class. Local taxi rides in Hofuf range from USD 8–18.

Things to do at each destination:

In Riyadh:

• Explore the mud-brick battlements of Al Masmak Fortress in old central Riyadh

• Take the high-speed elevator to the Sky Bridge atop Kingdom Centre for panoramic city views

• Dine at fine international and Saudi restaurants in Bujairi Terrace overlooking At-Turaif

• Tour the National Museum of Saudi Arabia and historic Murabba Palace

In Al Ahsa (Hofuf):

• Hike through the cool, wind-carved limestone caves of Al Qarah Mountain

• Walk through the restored courtyards of Ibrahim Palace and Al Koot Heritage Quarter

• Shop for hand-woven rugs, brass coffee pots (dallah), and spices at Souq Al Qaysariya

• Sample sweet Khalas dates directly from local farm stands in the palm groves

3. The SAR North Line: Riyadh to Hail (The Desert Express)

If you crave a true desert adventure, the SAR North Line carrying passengers from Riyadh to Hail cuts straight through the heart of central Arabia and into the gateway of the Great Nefud Desert. Running north over 600 kilometers, this route offers both daytime express trains and overnight sleeper services.

As the train journeys northward, the scenery changes from urban highways to sweeping red sand dunes, dramatic rocky outcrops, and open desert skies. Hail has long been legendary across the Arabian Peninsula for its generous hospitality, ancient petroglyphs, and historic forts, making the arrival feel like stepping into timeless Arabian folklore.

Route: Riyadh SAR Terminal to Hail Station (via Majmaah and Qassim)

Journey Duration: Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes

Distance from capital city: Hail is located 640 km northwest of Riyadh.

Mode of transportation and rates: Daytime train tickets cost USD 30–50 for Economy and USD 60–90 for Business. Private sleeper cabin compartments on overnight trains range from USD 80–140 per person. Local taxi fares in Hail cost USD 10–22.

Things to do at each destination:

In Hail:

• Take a day excursion to Jubbah to see UNESCO-listed ancient rock art and petroglyphs

• Explore historic A'arif Fort perched atop a hill overlooking Hail city

• Experience traditional Hail hospitality with cardamom-spiced Saudi coffee and dates

• Go dune bashing or camp under clear night skies in the red sands of the Nefud Desert

4. The Arabian Gulf Coast Express: Al Ahsa to Dammam & Al Khobar

Continuing along the Eastern Line past the date groves of Al Ahsa brings you to the coastal terminus of Dammam and Al Khobar along the Arabian Gulf. This short, scenic leg takes passengers through changing terrain—from agricultural oasis edges to industrial energy hubs and seaside coastal cities.

Upon arrival in Dammam, a short drive brings you to the vibrant waterfront promenades of Al Khobar, famous for its calm gulf views, modern art centers, oceanfront dining, and easy access to Half Moon Bay.

Route: Hofuf Station (Al Ahsa) to Dammam Station

Journey Duration: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

Distance from capital city: Dammam is located 400 km east of Riyadh.

Mode of transportation and rates: Regional train tickets between Hofuf and Dammam cost USD 10–20. Taxis or rideshare apps from Dammam Station to Al Khobar Corniche cost USD 12–25.

Things to do at each destination:

In Dammam & Al Khobar:

• Stroll along the palm-lined Al Khobar Corniche and photograph the iconic Water Tower

• Visit Ithra (King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture) for contemporary art, theater, and museum exhibits

• Rent dune buggies or relax on horseshoe-shaped sandy beaches at Half Moon Bay

• Dine on fresh Arabian Gulf seafood at coastal restaurants

5. The Far North Frontier Rail: Hail to Al Jouf & Qurayyat

For off-the-beaten-path travelers seeking remote landscapes and ancient frontier history, the northernmost stretch of the SAR North Line from Hail to Al Jouf and Qurayyat is the ultimate rail expedition. Pushing deep into northern Saudi Arabia near the Jordanian border, this route crosses vast desert basins, volcanic plateaus, and ancient olive-growing regions.

This journey reveals a quieter side of Saudi Arabia, where ancient stone fortresses guard natural freshwater basins and expansive olive groves yield world-class olive oil.

Route: Hail Station to Al Jouf Station / Qurayyat Terminus

Journey Duration: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to Al Jouf (and onward to Qurayyat)

Distance from capital city: Al Jouf is located 900 km north of Riyadh.

Mode of transportation and rates: Train tickets from Hail to Al Jouf cost USD 20–40. Overnight sleeper tickets from Riyadh all the way to Al Jouf cost USD 70–130. Car rentals in Al Jouf cost USD 35–65 daily.

Things to do at each destination:

In Al Jouf:

• Explore the ancient stone fortress of Marid Castle and Omar Mosque in Dumat Al Jandal

• Visit extensive olive farms and sample award-winning regional olive oils during harvest

• Discover the standing stone pillars at Rajajil, known as the Stonehenge of Saudi Arabia

• Walk around the serene body of water at Dumat Al Jandal Lake

Onboard Services and Class Options

Regardless of which route you choose, train travel in Saudi Arabia offers excellent onboard amenities:

• Business Class: Features wide leather reclining seats in a 2+1 seating layout, extra legroom, power sockets, complimentary hot meals, Saudi coffee, premium dates, and access to private station lounges.

• Economy Class: Features plush 2+2 seating, fold-down tray tables, overhead storage, power outlets, and full access to the onboard cafeteria car serving coffee, tea, sandwiches, and snacks.

• Private Sleeper Cabins (Overnight Trains): Available on long-distance northern routes from Riyadh, offering lockable private rooms with bunk beds, fresh linens, and breakfast service.

Tips for Your Trip

• Book in Advance: Popular routes—especially the Haramain High-Speed line between Jeddah and Madinah and weekend SAR trains to Al Ahsa—fill up quickly. Reserve seats online via official apps (SAR or Haramain) 2 to 4 weeks prior to travel.

• Station Security: Train stations operate with airport-style bag scanners. Plan to arrive 30–45 minutes before departure time as gates close 10–15 minutes prior to launch.

• Luggage Limits: Standard allowances include one large suitcase (up to 25 kg) plus one carry-on bag per passenger.

• Dress & Climate: Train cabins are kept comfortably cool with strong air conditioning. Bringing a light jacket or scarf is recommended for long journeys.

Riding the rails in Saudi Arabia bridges the gap between historical trade trails and modern luxury. Whether you are gliding smoothly toward holy sanctuaries on a bullet train, watching emerald date palms rise from red desert sands, or falling asleep in a private sleeper cabin as the train cuts through northern desert skies, Saudi Arabia's best railway journeys offer unforgettable memories for every traveler.