Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has announced an exciting upgrade to its Haramain High-Speed Railway, one of the country’s most important transport corridors. The Spanish railway company Talgo has been awarded a contract worth €1.3 billion ($1.54 billion) to manufacture and maintain 20 new high-speed trains for the railway system. These new trains will bolster the fleet and ensure more efficient, comfortable travel for passengers traveling between the holy cities of Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah.
The announcement is a significant step in expanding the country’s railway network and improving its connectivity, not just for domestic travelers but also for international tourists. This project is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to enhance its infrastructure, support tourism, and make travel across the country faster and more convenient. With the addition of these new trains, the Haramain High-Speed Railway is set to offer more frequent and comfortable services to the millions of passengers who travel this important route each year.
Connecting Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah: A Boost to Tourism
The Haramain High-Speed Railway plays a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, especially with the influx of visitors to the holy cities. The railway connects Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah, three key destinations that attract millions of Muslims for religious pilgrimages like Hajj and Umrah, as well as leisure tourists and business travelers. The new trains will not only increase the capacity of the system but also improve the overall travel experience for tourists making their way to these important cities.
The current fleet of Talgo 350 trains already operates over 100 services a day, which increases to over 140 during the Hajj pilgrimage season. The Haramain High-Speed Railway saw nearly 2 million passengers during the 2025 Hajj season, highlighting the significant role the railway system plays in handling the massive movement of people.
The expansion of the fleet with the addition of 20 new trains will allow the railway to accommodate the growing demand from both pilgrims and other tourists visiting the country. These high-speed trains offer a quick and comfortable way for travelers to move between the cities, with a maximum commercial speed of 300 km/h, reducing travel time significantly between Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah.
Talgo’s Role in Expanding the Fleet
With the new contract, Talgo is set to take on a key role not just in the production of the new trains, but also in the maintenance of the entire fleet. The Spanish company will be responsible for maintaining all 35 existing trains along with the new 20 additional trains until 2033, with the possibility of extending the contract until 2038.
Each of the new trains will be designed with the same modern features as the existing Talgo 350 fleet, consisting of two power cars (locomotives) and 13 coaches. These trains will have a total seating capacity of 417 seats, distributed across two classes, with dedicated spaces for catering and passengers with reduced mobility. The trains will also be equipped with the latest in-flight entertainment systems and climate control, ensuring a comfortable journey for all passengers.
In addition to its train manufacturing and maintenance work, Talgo operates two maintenance facilities in Saudi Arabia, employing over 270 people. This local presence will further help the company ensure smooth operations and quick turnaround times for the fleet.
Improving Connectivity for Pilgrims and Tourists
The Haramain High-Speed Railway is not just a mode of transport but also an essential part of Saudi Arabia’s tourism infrastructure. With the country’s goal to attract more international tourists, especially under the Saudi Vision 2030 plan, improving connectivity between Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah will significantly benefit travelers. The railway provides a faster and more comfortable alternative to buses and other forms of transport, which can be time-consuming and less reliable, especially during busy periods like Hajj.
In addition to pilgrims, the Haramain High-Speed Railway also caters to the growing number of leisure tourists and business travelers visiting Saudi Arabia. The trains offer a comfortable and time-efficient way to explore key destinations across the country, from the historical sites of Medina to the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Jeddah, and the holiest site in Islam, Mecca.
The new trains will also help support the Saudi government’s goal to increase domestic tourism and establish the country as a major hub for international travelers. By improving accessibility and providing a reliable transport system, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a world-class travel destination.
A Modern Solution for a Growing Demand
As Saudi Arabia continues to grow as a tourism destination, the demand for modern, efficient transport options is also on the rise. The expansion of the Haramain High-Speed Railway fleet with 20 new high-speed trains will allow the country to accommodate this growing demand, ensuring that travelers can move smoothly between major cities while enjoying the highest levels of comfort and convenience.
The addition of these trains aligns with the broader strategy to improve tourism infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, ensuring that the country is equipped to handle future growth. By enhancing the experience for pilgrims and tourists alike, Saudi Arabia is taking a significant step forward in creating a world-class travel destination.
Conclusion: The Future of Saudi Arabia’s Rail Travel
With the introduction of 20 new high-speed trains on the Haramain High-Speed Railway, Saudi Arabia is setting a new standard for modern rail travel. These trains will offer more capacity, faster travel times, and improved comfort for pilgrims, tourists, and business travelers alike. As the country continues to invest in its tourism infrastructure, this expansion of the Haramain High-Speed Railway is a key development in making Saudi Arabia a premier destination for international travelers.
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