Saudi Trains Carry 38 Million Passengers in Q2 2026

Saudi Arabia’s national rail network carried more than 38 million passengers and moved 3.7 million tonnes of minerals and goods during the second quarter of 2026, according to the General Authority for Transport (TGA). The official figures, released through the Saudi Press Agency, also recorded the shipment of 47,000 standard containers, underscoring the growing role of rail in the Kingdom’s passenger and freight transport system.

Context and Background

The General Authority for Transport, the government body responsible for regulating and developing transport services across Saudi Arabia, published the figures as part of its periodic performance indicators. The data reflects a sustained expansion in rail usage as the Kingdom continues to modernise its transport infrastructure under Vision 2030, the national reform programme launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Rail transport is regarded as one of the fundamental pillars of passenger and freight movement in Saudi Arabia. It supports smoother travel within and between cities, reduces road congestion, improves quality of life, supports environmental sustainability, strengthens economic development, and links cities and governorates across the country.

Key Details

Within urban passenger transport, the Authority reported 36 million riders. Of this total, 29.7 million passengers used the Riyadh Metro, while 1.9 million travelled on the Holy Sites Train. The automated people mover at King Abdulaziz International Airport recorded approximately 3.9 million passengers, and the automated train at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University carried 635,000 riders — figures that reflect rising demand for urban rail mobility.

The Haramain High Speed Railway, which connects Makkah and Madinah via stations in Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport and King Abdullah Economic City, carried 1.6 million passengers. The Eastern Train, linking Riyadh with the Eastern Province through Hofuf, Abqaiq and Dammam, recorded 389,000 passengers. The North Train, connecting Riyadh with Majmaah, Qassim, Hail, Al Jouf and Qurayyat, served approximately 246,000 passengers.

On the freight side, the Authority reported that 3.3 million tonnes of goods were transported via SAR North trains, while SAR East trains moved 396,000 tonnes. In addition, 47,000 standard containers were shipped. These volumes highlight the role of rail freight in improving supply chain efficiency, strengthening logistics connectivity between ports and economic zones, and supporting economic activity across the Kingdom.

Implications and Impact

The figures point to a maturing national rail ecosystem that serves both domestic mobility and industrial logistics. For international observers, the performance of the Haramain High Speed Railway is particularly significant, given its role in serving pilgrims travelling between the two Holy Mosques. The strong utilisation of the Riyadh Metro also signals a shift in urban travel habits in the capital, where the network has become a daily option for residents.

On the freight side, the movement of minerals and goods via SAR North and SAR East trains reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a logistics hub connecting the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. By shifting cargo from road to rail, the Kingdom can reduce transport costs, lower emissions and increase the reliability of supply chains that serve mining, industrial and port operations.

Vision 2030 Alignment

These results align closely with Vision 2030’s objectives of diversifying the economy, expanding non-oil sectors and building world-class infrastructure. The National Transport and Logistics Strategy aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub linking three continents, and rail is central to that ambition. Continued investment in passenger and freight rail will support sustainable urban development, boost pilgrimage services and connect economic zones, reinforcing the Kingdom’s long-term role as a leader in regional connectivity.

20 Questions

Q1. How many passengers used Saudi Arabia’s trains in the second quarter of 2026?

A1. According to the General Authority for Transport, more than 38 million passengers travelled on the Kingdom’s trains during the second quarter of 2026. The figure covers urban, intercity and dedicated rail services across Saudi Arabia.

Q2. How much freight was moved by rail during the same period?

A2. The Authority reported that 3.7 million tonnes of minerals and goods were transported by rail in the second quarter of 2026, alongside the shipment of 47,000 standard containers across the network.

Q3. Which urban rail service carried the most passengers?

A3. The Riyadh Metro carried 29.7 million passengers, the highest among urban services. This reflects strong adoption of the capital’s modern metro network since its phased opening.

Q4. How many passengers used the Haramain High Speed Railway?

A4. The Haramain High Speed Railway, linking Makkah and Madinah via Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport and King Abdullah Economic City, carried 1.6 million passengers during the quarter.

Q5. What was the passenger figure for the Holy Sites Train?

A5. The Holy Sites Train recorded 1.9 million passengers. The service supports the movement of pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah seasons, contributing to safer and more efficient crowd management.

Q6. How many riders used the automated train at King Abdulaziz International Airport?

A6. The automated people mover at King Abdulaziz International Airport carried approximately 3.9 million passengers, highlighting its importance for terminal transfers and growing airport traffic.

Q7. What was the ridership on the automated train at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University?

A7. The automated train at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University recorded 635,000 passengers, serving students and staff on one of the world’s largest women’s university campuses.

Q8. How many passengers used the Eastern Train?

A8. The Eastern Train, which connects Riyadh with the Eastern Province through Hofuf, Abqaiq and Dammam, carried 389,000 passengers during the second quarter of 2026.

Q9. How many passengers travelled on the North Train?

A9. The North Train, linking Riyadh with Majmaah, Qassim, Hail, Al Jouf and Qurayyat, served approximately 246,000 passengers, supporting connectivity to northern regions.

Q10. How much freight was moved by SAR North trains?

A10. SAR North trains transported 3.3 million tonnes of goods, the largest share of rail freight. The service is central to moving minerals from mining areas to processing and export points.

Q11. What volume did SAR East trains carry?

A11. SAR East trains moved 396,000 tonnes of goods during the quarter. The route supports logistics flows between the capital and the Eastern Province’s industrial and port hubs.

Q12. How many standard containers were shipped by rail?

A12. The Authority reported that 47,000 standard containers were shipped by rail in the second quarter of 2026, reflecting rail’s growing role in container logistics and port connectivity.

Q13. Why is rail transport important for Saudi Arabia’s cities?

A13. Rail enhances mobility within and between cities, reduces traffic congestion, improves quality of life and supports environmental sustainability by offering an efficient alternative to road travel.

Q14. What role does rail freight play in the economy?

A14. Rail freight improves supply chain efficiency, strengthens logistics links between ports and economic zones, and supports economic activity. It helps move minerals and goods reliably and cost-effectively across long distances.

Q15. Which authority released these figures?

A15. The General Authority for Transport released the figures through the Saudi Press Agency. The Authority regulates and develops transport services in the Kingdom and publishes periodic performance indicators.

Q16. How does this data relate to Vision 2030?

A16. The results support Vision 2030 goals of diversifying the economy and building world-class infrastructure. The National Transport and Logistics Strategy aims to make Saudi Arabia a global logistics hub.

Q17. What does the Haramain High Speed Railway connect?

A17. It connects Makkah and Madinah, with stops at Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport and King Abdullah Economic City. It serves pilgrims and domestic travellers efficiently.

Q18. How does rail support pilgrimage travel?

A18. Dedicated services such as the Holy Sites Train and the Haramain High Speed Railway help manage large pilgrim volumes safely and efficiently, improving the overall Hajj and Umrah experience.

Q19. What are the environmental benefits of rail expansion?

A19. Rail transport produces lower emissions per passenger and per tonne than road transport. Expanding rail helps reduce congestion and supports Saudi Arabia’s sustainability objectives.

Q20. What does the future hold for Saudi rail?

A20. Continued investment under Vision 2030 is expected to expand passenger and freight rail further, linking cities, ports and economic zones, and reinforcing the Kingdom’s role as a regional transport and logistics leader.

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