Saudi Arabia Railways carries record 14 million passengers in 2025

Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) recorded its strongest performance to date in 2025, transporting more than 14 million passengers across the kingdom. Passenger numbers increased by 7.1% year-on-year, with more than 45,000 trips operated during the year.

Pilgrims accounted for nearly two million of the total, travelling between Holy Cities, Makkah and Madinah on the Haramain High-Speed Railway during the 2025 Hajj season, reinforcing the network’s critical role in supporting religious tourism and managing peak travel periods. 

Alongside its passenger services, the company also handled more than 30 million tonnes of goods and minerals as part of its freight operations. 

RELATED:

Saudi Arabia, Qatar to launch high-speed rail link

Designs revealed for Saudi Arabia’s first ultra-luxury train 

Saudi Arabia opens Hajj visa applications four months early

Building on its network success, SAR revealed plans in October 2025 to introduce Dream of the Desert, the kingdom’s first ultra-luxury train. Expected to begin service in late 2026, the train will operate one- and two-night journeys departing from Riyadh. Designed by architect Aline Asmar d’Amman, the 33-suite train will feature two restaurant cars and a Majlis lounge, with interiors showcasing wooden finishes, gold accents and earthy hues.

Regionally, the kingdom is strengthening its cross-border connectivity through a planned high-speed electric passenger railway linking Doha and Riyadh in just two hours. Slated to open in 2031, the train is expected to operate at speeds of more than 300km per hour, with stops in cities including Dammam and Al-Hofuf. 

The broader Gulf network continues to expand, with the UAE preparing to launch its Etihad Rail passenger service in 2026. The first phase will connect Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with future extensions planned across all seven emirates. 

For more information, visit sar.com.sa