The Haramain High Speed Railway transported more than 1.16 million passengers during the 1447 AH Hajj season, Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) announced. The figure covers 5,569 trips linking Makkah and Madinah through Jeddah Main Station, King Abdulaziz International Airport Station, and King Abdullah Economic City Station.
According to SAR, the railway recorded an on-time performance rate above 98 percent across the season. On peak days the network ran up to 142 trips, a level the operator said reflected its readiness and ability to absorb surges in demand.
A Backbone for Pilgrim Movement
The Haramain line is one of the fastest electric trains in the world, reaching speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour. It connects Makkah and Madinah across a 453-kilometre route served by five main stations, cutting the journey between the two holy cities to roughly two and a half hours.
For pilgrims, that speed matters. The train removes long road transfers in extreme summer heat and gives travellers a fixed, predictable schedule between the two cities. Every Haramain station is purpose-built, with prayer areas, security screening, lifts, and step-free access for elderly and disabled pilgrims.
SAR CEO Bashar AlMalik said the season's results were made possible by the support extended to the pilgrim service system. He credited the follow-up of the Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and SAR Chairman Saleh Al-Jasser with providing the enablers needed to run the operational plan at high efficiency.
Part of a Wider Transport Network
The railway is one layer of a much larger movement system. Pilgrims also rely on shuttle buses, the dedicated Mashaer metro between the holy sites, and airport transfers. The Haramain line's role is the intercity leg, easing pressure on the Makkah-Madinah highway during the busiest weeks of the year.
The strong on-time figure is significant because reliability, not just capacity, determines how smoothly crowds flow. Delays at one station ripple across a packed schedule. Holding above 98 percent while running at near-maximum frequency points to careful planning behind the season's operations.
Practical Tips for Pilgrims
Pilgrims planning to use the Haramain train should keep a few points in mind. Book early. Seats during Hajj and peak Umrah periods sell out fast, and tickets are tied to passenger names. Arrive ahead of departure. Stations run airport-style security screening, so allow time before the train leaves. Travel light at the platform. Each station has lifts and step-free routes, but moving large amounts of luggage through crowds is slow.
It also helps to confirm which station serves your accommodation. In Jeddah and Makkah in particular, choosing the right station can save a long onward transfer. Pilgrims should check schedules directly through official SAR channels, as timings shift between regular and peak operation.