There are three railway networks in Saudi Arabia: the Northern Network, the Eastern Network and the Haramain High-Speed Railway. Between them they serve areas holding about three-quarters of the population and more than half of the Kingdom’s economic activity.
The three railway networks in Saudi Arabia
Each network has a distinct job. The Eastern Network is the country’s oldest rail corridor, connecting Riyadh with the Eastern Province. The Northern Network is built around minerals and freight. The Haramain line carries passengers between the holy cities at high speed.
Main stations across all three handle passenger services, freight, and mining traffic. Total track length in the Kingdom exceeds five thousand km, and the number of passenger stations sits at around fifteen.
The longest line
The single longest railway line runs 1,392 km, linking the phosphate mines at Hazm al-Jalamid in the Northern Borders Province to manufacturing areas at Ras al-Zour on the Arabian Gulf. It passes through al-Jawf, Hail, Qassim, and the Eastern Province.
That line exists because of mining. Its cargo ties directly to the deposits described in our guides to phosphate in Saudi Arabia and the wider range of minerals in the Kingdom.
How rail fits the wider transport picture
Rail is one layer of a transport system that has expanded quickly in recent years. Inside the capital, the Riyadh Metro now handles urban journeys, with additions such as the two new metro stations opened in Riyadh. Surface transport has grown alongside it through the expanded bus network and new routes.
During pilgrimage season, rail carries a significant share of movement between the holy cities, as covered in our overview of the Hajj transportation system.
Key takeaways
- Three networks operate: Northern, Eastern, and Haramain High-Speed.
- Total track length exceeds 5,000 km.
- The longest line runs 1,392 km from Hazm al-Jalamid to Ras al-Zour.
- Around fifteen passenger stations serve the networks.
Frequently asked questions
How many railway networks are there in Saudi Arabia?
Three: the Northern Network, the Eastern Network, and the Haramain High-Speed Railway.
How long is the rail network in total?
More than five thousand km of track across the Kingdom.
What is the longest single line?
The 1,392 km line from the phosphate mines at Hazm al-Jalamid to Ras al-Zour on the Arabian Gulf.
Do the networks carry freight as well as passengers?
Yes. Main stations serve passengers, freight, and mining traffic.
The bottom line
Three networks, more than 5,000 km of track and a freight spine built around phosphate. Timetables and service updates are published by Saudi Arabia Railways.
