Smoother Journey for Millions: Haramain Railway Ups Hajj Seats to 2.2 Million

IQNA – Pilgrims traveling between Mecca and Medina during the 2026 Hajj season will find greater availability on the Haramain High-Speed Railway.

Saudi Arabia Railways has expanded capacity on the Haramain High-Speed Railway to more than 2.21 million seats for the 2026 Hajj season.

The increase represents more than 210,000 additional seats compared with last season, alongside a planned 5,308 trips — an expansion of roughly 11 percent to accommodate rising pilgrim demand.

Hajj transport operations on the line are set to begin on May 5, with initial departures from the King Abdulaziz International Airport station in Jeddah to Mecca, marking the formal start of rail services for the pilgrimage season.

The SAR said the network would deploy a fleet of 35 trains capable of speeds up to 300 kph along the 453-km corridor. The journey between Mecca and Medina takes about two hours, with five stations connecting the two holy cities via Jeddah.

The capacity boost aligns with Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy goals to enhance mobility and improve services for pilgrims during Hajj.

First opened to the public for commercial operation in October 2018, the Haramain railway connects the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, with stops in Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport, and King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh.

It operates year-round, accommodating regular commuters, tourists, and pilgrims.

Source: Arab News