Saudi Arabia Orders 20 New Haramain High-Speed Trains

In a major move to expand its rail transport capacity, Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has signed a contract to acquire 20 new high-speed trains for the Haramain High-Speed Railway, significantly boosting passenger service capabilities on one of the Kingdom’s most strategic transport corridors.

Announced on February 8, 2026, the pact was formalised under the patronage of Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser, who also chairs SAR, in the presence of Spain’s Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility Óscar Puente.

 What the New Trains Mean

The order will expand the Haramain High-Speed Railway’s fleet from 35 to 55 trains, increasing annual passenger capacity to over 30 million travellers once deliveries are complete.

The fleet enhancement comes as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to strengthen the Kingdom’s transportation networks and support its status as a global logistics hub.

Delivery Timeline & Deployment

• Delivery begins: End of 2028
• Expected completion: 2031

Once fully delivered, the new high-speed trains will operate across the entire Haramain line, linking Makkah and Madinah and stopping at key intermediate stations including Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport, and King Abdullah Economic City.

Train Features & Passenger Experience

Each train will consist of 13 carriages with a total seating capacity of 417 passengers, including economy and business-class sections. Dedicated facilities will be provided to ensure smooth travel for passengers with disabilities.

The Haramain High-Speed Railway already operates at speeds up to 300 km/h, completing the roughly 450 km journey between the two holy cities in about two hours, making it the fastest public transport option in the region.

Supporting Pilgrim and Visitor Mobility

SAR officials have said the additional trains will improve operational flexibility, particularly during peak seasons like Umrah and Hajj, when traffic between the holy cities surges and demand on transport services intensifies.

In recent seasons, the Haramain Railway has reported significant passenger volumes, including transporting over 1.2 million travelers during Ramadan 2025, demonstrating its vital role in facilitating mass pilgrim movements.

Strategic and Economic Impact

Beyond capacity growth, the contract, valued at approximately €1.3 billion (about $1.54 billion) and awarded to Spanish manufacturer Talgo SA, also includes maintenance services that are expected to support the expanded fleet for years to come.

The agreement significantly boosts Talgo’s order book to a record level, while reinforcing long-standing rail cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Spain, which began with the original delivery of 35 trains in 2018.

Significance for the Kingdom

This expansion affirms Saudi Arabia’s commitment to modernising its transportation infrastructure and enhancing connectivity across the Kingdom, particularly between the Two Holy Mosques, a cornerstone of national mobility planning and long-term strategic development.