Saudi rail expansion continues as Saudi Arabia awards a €1.3 billion contract to Talgo for 20 new high-speed trains for the Haramain High-Speed Railway.
Summary: Saudi Arabia has awarded Talgo a €1.3 billion ($1.54 billion) contract to build and maintain 20 new high-speed trains for the Haramain High-Speed Railway, increasing capacity and services between Mecca, Medina and Jeddah.
Saudi rail expansion has taken a major step forward after Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) selected Spanish manufacturer Talgo to deliver 20 additional high-speed trains for the Haramain High-Speed Railway under a €1.3 billion contract (approximately $1.54 billion). The order is intended to strengthen service frequency and comfort on the route that links Mecca, Medina and Jeddah.
A significant fleet expansion
The contract covers manufacture of 20 new high-speed trainsets and positions Talgo to play a central role in expanding capacity on one of Saudi Arabia’s busiest transport corridors. The new trains will join the existing Talgo 350 fleet and are expected to help the railway meet increasing passenger demand year-round and during peak pilgrimage periods.
Connecting Mecca, Medina and Jeddah: why it matters
The Haramain line is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s transport network for pilgrims, leisure visitors and business travellers. It links the holiest sites and the Red Sea gateway city of Jeddah, carrying large volumes of passengers especially during Hajj and Umrah seasons. The existing Talgo 350 trains operate more than 100 services daily, increasing to over 140 services during Hajj; the railway transported nearly 2 million passengers during the 2025 Hajj season.
- Contract value: €1.3 billion ($1.54 billion)
- New trains: 20 additional high-speed trainsets
- Top commercial speed: 300 km/h
Talgo to build and maintain the enlarged fleet
Beyond producing the new trainsets, Talgo will be responsible for upkeep of the full Haramain fleet. The agreement covers maintenance of the 35 existing trains plus the 20 newly ordered sets until 2033, with an option to extend maintenance responsibilities through 2038. Talgo already runs two maintenance sites in Saudi Arabia and employs more than 270 staff locally.
What passengers will find on board
Each new trainset will mirror the modern configuration of the Talgo 350 fleet: two power cars and 13 coaches, offering 417 seats across two travel classes. Trains will include dedicated catering areas, accessible spaces for passengers with reduced mobility, in-seat entertainment systems and climate control for passenger comfort.
Supporting Saudi Vision 2030 and tourism growth
The fleet expansion aligns with national goals to boost tourism and improve infrastructure under Saudi Vision 2030. Faster, more reliable rail links provide a competitive alternative to road transport, easing congestion during peak pilgrimage periods and making travel between key destinations more efficient for international visitors and domestic travellers.
A modern response to rising demand
As visitor numbers to Saudi Arabia increase, particularly for religious travel, the Haramain expansion equips the railway to handle larger passenger flows while improving travel experience. The additional trainsets promise more frequent services and greater resilience during surges such as Hajj and major events.
- More frequent departures and higher overall capacity
- Improved passenger comfort and accessibility
- Stronger maintenance capability with local facilities and staff
Why this matters: For travellers, the expanded Haramain fleet means quicker, more comfortable journeys between Mecca, Medina and Jeddah and reduced reliance on road transport during peak periods. For the travel industry and Saudi tourism strategy, the investment strengthens infrastructure, supports rising visitor numbers under Vision 2030 and signals confidence in the kingdom’s long-term push to become a more accessible global destination.
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