Saudi Trains Carry 38 Million Passengers in Q2 2026

Saudi railways carried more than 38 million passengers during the second quarter of 2026, alongside 3.7 million tons of minerals and goods and 47,000 standard containers, urban, and freight networks across the Kingdom.

Urban rail accounted for the largest share, transporting 36 million passengers. The قطار الرياض led with 29.7 million riders, followed by the Al-Mashaaer Metro with 1.9 million during the season. The مطار الملك عبدالعزيز الدولي automated people mover moved 3.9 million passengers, while the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University automated people mover carried 635,000.

On the intercity side, the قطار الحرمين served about 1.6 million passengers linking key cities, and the East Railway Network carried around 389,000 travelers during the quarter.

Freight rail also posted strong volumes. The North Railway Network moved 3.3 million tons of minerals and goods, while the East Railway Network transported 396,000 tons.

For residents and expats in الرياض, جدة, and beyond, the numbers point to the growing role of rail as a reliable, affordable option for daily commuting and travel between cities. Expanding passenger and freight capacity supports easier movement for millions and reduces pressure on roads, reflecting the wider transport goals of رؤية السعودية 2030.

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