Saudi Arabia Railways has begun prequalification for the Riyadh Rail Link, a 35-kilometre double-track corridor that will run north to south through the capital, connecting the North–South Railway with the Eastern Railway.
The Rail Link is part of the ambitious Saudi Landbridge programme, which will eventually span more than 1,500 kilometres of new lines stretching across the country. At its core is a 900-kilometre route between Riyadh and Jeddah, offering direct access to the Red Sea at King Abdullah Port. Once complete, the Landbridge will transform passenger and freight movement, linking Saudi’s coasts, ports, and industrial hubs like never before.
For Riyadh, the new line will sit alongside the Riyadh Metro, a 176-kilometre network reshaping urban travel. Together, the two systems promise smoother journeys, tighter connections, and a more sustainable alternative to road travel, whether you’re commuting across the city or travelling from coast to coast.
An opening date has yet to be confirmed, but with the Kingdom preparing to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the Rail Link is expected to play a crucial role in boosting mobility, easing congestion, and welcoming visitors. It’s also another sign of how Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in infrastructure to support both tourism and everyday life.
For those who’ve taken the classic Riyadh-to-Dammam service, this next chapter in Saudi rail travel promises a more modern and exciting way to see the Kingdom.
