Saudi Rail Tops 40.9 Million Passengers in Q3 2026

Saudi rail services carried more than 40.9 million passenger journeys during the third quarter of 2026, reflecting growing reliance on public and intercity transport across the Kingdom.

Urban rail services accounted for the largest share, moving 38.3 million passengers. قطار الرياض alone carried 30.4 million passengers, cementing its role as a central part of daily mobility in the capital. The automated train at مطار الملك عبدالعزيز الدولي served 7 million passengers, while the automated train at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University carried about 911,200 passengers.

Intercity services transported more than 2.5 million passengers during the quarter. قطار الحرمين led this segment with over 1.9 million passengers. On the Saudi Arabia Railways network, the East Network carried about 393,900 passengers and the North Network carried 258,600 passengers.

Freight activity remained significant, with railways moving 3.9 million tons of cargo and handling 46,300 containers over the three-month period.

Why it matters

The figures point to steadily rising use of rail as a convenient and reliable option for residents and expats, particularly for commuting in الرياض and for intercity travel between major hubs. Expanding rail capacity continues to ease road congestion, support tourism and business movement, and advance the Kingdom's broader transport goals.

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