Saudi Arabia’s Haramain railway open to public as of today

Passenger services on the new Haramain High-Speed Railway will begin today, Oct. 11, the Saudi Public Transport Authority (PTA) said. 

“The trains will operate four days a week from Thursday to Sunday,” said PTA Chairman Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih.

The number of daily trips will increase gradually to include all days of the week, he added. 

The official ticket prices for trips between Jeddah and Makkah range between SAR 40-50, and SAR 150-250 for trips between Makkah and Madinah. A 50 percent ticket discount is offered for two months.

The operation plan, which was submitted by the Saudi–Spanish consortium (Al-Shoula Group), was approved by the PTA.

The authority launched the first trial run between Madinah and Makkah in December at a speed exceeding 300 kilometers per hour, Argaam previously reported.

The 450-km long railway will link the Kingdom’s holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, passing through Jeddah and Rabigh. It will be able to transport 9,000 passengers per hour.