Saudi train passengers rise 29% to 45M in Q1 2026

Rail networks across Saudi Arabia transported more than 45 million passengers during the first quarter of 2026, up about 29% year-on-year (YoY).

Transport of minerals and cargo also increased from 3.8 million tons in Q1 2025 to 4.3 million tons in Q1 2026, marking growth of more than 13%, according to statistics issued by the Transport General Authority.

Meanwhile, transport of TEUs declined to about 197,000 in Q1 2026, from nearly 239,000 a year earlier.

Riyadh Metro accounted for more than 74% of total intra-city passengers, which reached 41.6 million passengers during the quarter, followed by the automated people system at King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) with a market share exceeding 24%.

For intercity transport, Haramain High Speed Railway represented more than 77% of total intercity passengers, which stood at around 2.6 million passengers during Q1 2026.

Total freight and minerals transported via railways reached 3.5 million tons in Q1 2026, down 8% compared to 3.8 million tons in Q1 2025.