Riyadh to Jeddah in 4 hours: Saudi Arabia Railways reaches critical stage in $7 billion Landbridge project"

Saudi Arabia is driving ahead with an aggressive expansion of its railway network, aiming to boost economic growth, enhance logistics, and position itself as a regional transport hub under Vision 2030 . The kingdom plans to increase its rail network from about 5,300 km to over 8,000 km in the coming years, a move expected to transform connectivity both domestically and across the Gulf region.

At the forefront is the mega $7 billion Landbridge project , a 1,500-km rail corridor connecting Jeddah on the Red Sea coast to Dammam on the Arabian Gulf via Riyadh . The Landbridge aims to slash travel times between Jeddah and Riyadh from 12 hours to under four, incorporating a 900-km new rail link between these two major cities. It also includes upgrades to the Riyadh-Dammam line, construction of new freight and passenger routes, and development of seven logistics hubs along the way to bolster multimodal freight handling.

Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) is making notable progress, with key contracts awarded and design work underway as of 2025. The project will connect King Abdullah Port to industrial cities like Yanbu, forming a backbone for freight moving efficiently between the country’s major ports and urban centers.

Saudi Arabia Railways expansion driving Vision 2030

In tandem with this, SAR is modernizing its fleet, ordering 15 specialized passenger trainsets capable of running up to 200 km/h, built to withstand Saudi Arabia’s extreme climate. The upcoming “Dream of the Desert” luxury train service, slated for late 2025, aims to tap into tourism, providing an 800-mile scenic journey from Riyadh to Al Qurayyat through natural reserves and cultural sites.

Technological upgrades are also on the agenda, with plans to incorporate hydrogen-powered trains and advanced signaling systems to improve safety and efficiency. The rail network’s rising popularity is evident: over 2.6 million passengers traveled inter-city by rail in Q2 2025 alone, signaling growing trust and utility.

Beyond national projects, Saudi Arabia is a key player in the Gulf Cooperation Council Railway initiative, designed to connect all six Gulf countries by rail. The recent approval of Qatar ’s cross-border rail link to Saudi Arabia further integrates the kingdom’s network regionally, facilitating seamless passenger and freight movement across the Arabian Peninsula.

Together, these projects illustrate Saudi Arabia’s commitment to building a high-speed, sustainable rail network, underpinning economic diversification and regional integration. By 2030, the kingdom envisions a transportation revolution, linking its ports, cities, and neighbors in a fast, efficient network that sets a new standard for the Middle East .