Haramain-Hsr on SAUDI VISION 2030 Intelligence Platform

Saudi Rail Network: Haramain HSR, Saudi Landbridge, and the National Railway Expansion

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Saudi Arabia Rail Network: Haramain and Landbridge

Saudi Arabia’s rail network combines the operating Haramain High-Speed Railway, Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) freight corridors, Riyadh’s urban rail buildout, and the planned Saudi Landbridge between Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam. Together they anchor the logistics pillar of Vision 2030, connecting pilgrims, ports, industrial cities, and mineral corridors across the Kingdom.

Haramain High-Speed Railway

The Haramain High-Speed Railway (HHR) connecting Makkah and Madinah via Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City represents the first high-speed rail system in the Middle East. Operational since 2018, the 450-kilometre line carries passengers at speeds up to 300 kilometres per hour, reducing travel time between the two holy cities from approximately four hours by road to approximately two hours by train.

Saudi Railway Expansion

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Saudi railway expansion is the Vision 2030 push to connect cities, mines, ports, airports, and logistics zones through SAR, Haramain High Speed Railway, the North-South Railway, Riyadh Metro, the planned Landbridge, and GCC Rail. The programme shifts a historically road-and-air transport market toward integrated passenger, freight, and urban transit networks.

Saudi Railway Company (SAR)

The Saudi Railway Company (SAR), established in 2006 as the successor to the Saudi Railways Organization, is the primary operator of the Kingdom’s conventional rail network. SAR manages both freight and passenger services on the national rail system, with its operational core being the North-South Railway and associated feeder lines. The company has pursued a strategy of service modernisation, fleet renewal, and capacity expansion to meet growing demand for both mineral-freight haulage and intercity passenger connectivity.