Haramain High Speed Railway Extends Operating Hours for Hajj Season

By Abdulrazaq Auwal

The Haramain High Speed Railway has announced extended operating hours for the upcoming Hajj season, a strategic move aimed at easing transportation challenges and enhancing mobility for millions of pilgrims expected to converge on the Kingdom.

Under the revised schedule, train services will run until nearly 3:00 a.m. daily to accommodate the surge in passenger traffic, particularly following late-night prayers and key ritual activities associated with the pilgrimage.

According to operational details, final departures from major stations have been staggered to optimize passenger flow. The last train from the Jeddah Airport Station is scheduled for 3:00 a.m., while the Jeddah Al-Sulaymaniyah Station will close at 2:50 a.m. Similarly, both Makkah and Madinah stations will record their final departures at 2:45 a.m.

The extended timetable is part of a broader logistical framework designed to streamline pilgrim movement between key cities, reduce congestion, and improve overall travel efficiency during peak Hajj operations.

Authorities have, however, issued a strong advisory urging intending passengers to secure their bookings well in advance. With demand projected to significantly exceed available capacity, early reservations are critical to ensuring seamless travel and avoiding last-minute disruptions.

The Haramain Railway remains a central component of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj transport infrastructure, linking major pilgrimage hubs with high-speed connectivity and playing a pivotal role in managing the annual influx of worshippers.