Saudi Rail Passenger Numbers Reach 46.7 Million In Q4 2025, Led By Riyadh Train

The Transport General Authority reported that trains in Saudi Arabia carried about 46.7 million passengers during the fourth quarter of 2025, highlighting strong demand for rail as a safe and reliable option. Most journeys took place on urban rail services, which handled 43.8 million passengers, showing the central role of city networks within the national transport system.

Riyadh Train recorded the highest passenger volume during the quarter, serving 32.1 million riders. The automated people mover at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah came next with 10.6 million passengers, supporting airport connectivity. At Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, the automated transit system transported more than 982,000 passengers, underlining the growing use of rail within large institutions.

Urban rail networks formed the backbone of rail transport in Saudi Arabia in this period, as they accounted for nearly all passengers moved by train. These city-based systems played a key role in daily mobility, easing congestion on roads and offering predictable travel times, particularly in major population centres such as Riyadh and Jeddah.

The authority explained that the wider rail ecosystem brings several benefits across the Kingdom. Rail transport in Saudi Arabia supports the national economy and the logistics sector, and it improves quality of life within and between cities. The authority also highlighted that rail is an environmentally friendly option, as it helps to cut carbon emissions compared with many other transport modes.

Intercity routes also contributed to overall activity, with the Haramain High Speed Railway carrying about 2.9 million passengers in the fourth quarter of 2025. This service links Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah, and is an important option for residents, visitors, and pilgrims. It connects major urban and religious destinations through high-speed rail transport in Saudi Arabia.

The Eastern Train, which operates between Riyadh and cities in the Eastern Region, served around 367,000 passengers in the same quarter. This line runs via stations in Buqayq, Al-Ahsa, Haradh, and Al-Kharj, linking the capital with industrial and port areas. The Northern Train carried approximately 234,000 passengers between Riyadh and Al-Hadithah near the Jordanian border, via Al-Majma'ah, Al-Qassim, Hail, Al-Jouf, and Al-Qurayyat.

Freight operations also remained active, with more than four million tons of minerals and goods moved by rail transport in Saudi Arabia during the quarter. The Northern Train carried about 3.5 million tons, reflecting its major role in bulk haulage. The Eastern Train transported roughly 439,000 tons, alongside 218,000 TEUs, supporting trade flows through ports and industrial hubs.

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The Transport General Authority’s figures for the fourth quarter of 2025 show broad use of both passenger and freight services across the Kingdom. Urban networks, high-speed connections, and freight corridors each played a specific role, helping to support mobility, trade, and environmental goals through rail transport in Saudi Arabia.

With inputs from SPA