5 bucketlist train journeys from Riyadh

Until recently, road trips and plane journeys were the standard routes to your Saudi getaway.

But that’s all changing with the ever-increasing number of train routes now available. The Kingdom’s train system is gaining traction for its convenience, offering the best ways to enjoy spectacular views of Saudi’s diverse natural surroundings, a range of classes catering to all budgets, and amenities such as exclusive lounges.

So, the next time the hustle and bustle of city life gets a bit too much, simply pack a day bag and head to the nearest station for a quick out-of-town recharge. But before you do, there are big questions at hand: where to go, what to see, and how far a trip is it from the Saudi capital?

We’ve put together five of the top destinations you can get to by train from Riyadh.

Dammam

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Throughout the week, trains from Riyadh to Dammam depart at varying times, from 7am to 10.44pm. The Riyadh-Dammam track spans across 445 kilometres and passes through Al Ahsa in the Eastern Province, as well as Buqayq (otherwise known as Abqaiq), the Saudi Aramco gated community and oil processing facility.

Once in Dammam, you can take a taxi to buzzing Al Khobar, a trip that takes around 16 minutes and costs somewhere between SAR 100 and SAR 130. Check out popular attractions, including the vibrant corniche, or explore historic antiques at Taybeen Museum. During the day, lounge around at Half Moon Beach before hitting the city for a bite at the many restaurants by the sea.

Weekday Trip

Ticket price: SAR 135 (Sunday-Thursday) Duration: 4h 2m
Approximate stops: two
Ticket type: economy and business

Weekend Trip

Ticket price: SAR 120 (Thursday-Saturday) Duration: 3h 57m
Approximate stops: two
Ticket type: economy and business

Hail

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The train service from Riyadh to Hail is quite limited, with one to two day and night trains heading in and out of the Saudi capital daily. To travel there, you’ll need to catch the North Train, which runs from Riyadh to Al Qurayyat, with stops in Hail. On the way, you’ll be able to capture memorable snippets of Al Nafud Desert’s rocky mountains and sandy dunes.

If you’re looking for a trip down memory lane, Hail is definitely your spot. Known for its landmarks dating back to the stone age, the north-western city is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including rock art found on Jabal Umm Sinman, Jabal Al Manjor, and Jabal Raat. Other must-see attractions include the historical city of Faid, Al Mutlaq Heritage Mosque, and Al Samra Park.

Weekday Trip

Ticket price: SAR 185 to SAR 218 (Sunday-Thursday) Duration: 4h 25m
Approximate stops: two
Ticket type: economy and business

Weekend Trip

Ticket price: SAR 185 (Thursday-Saturday) Duration: 4h 25m
Approximate stops: two
Ticket type: economy and business

Al Qassim

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This is a favourite destination for many Riyadh residents. You can hop on the North Train service running four to five times throughout the week, with morning trains starting around 8am and night trains at around 9pm.

Home to perhaps the best dates in Saudi, the city produces approximately 370,000 tonnes per year and has 12,000 date farms across the region. Al Qassim also hosts the biggest date festival in the world, Buraidah Date Festival, which takes place annually around August.

Weekday Trip

Ticket price: SAR 140 (Sunday-Thursday) Duration: 2h 27m
Approximate stops: one
Ticket type: economy and business

Weekend Trip

Ticket price: SAR 140 (Thursday-Saturday) Duration: 2h 27m
Approximate stops: one
Ticket type: economy and business

Al Jouf

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For those looking for a longer journey, the North Train also makes a stop in Al Jouf, Saudi’s largest agricultural base known for its olive farms, history, and culture. Trains to Al Jouf are not as frequent as the rest of the destinations, with one to two trains heading out of the capital during weekdays, mostly on Wednesdays.

When in Al Jouf, check out a top tourist attraction known as Marid Castle, as well as its hillside landmark, Zaabal Castle. During the summer months, gather around Dumat Al Jandal Lake for a picnic before enjoying more history at Al Jouf Regional Museum.

Weekday Trip

Ticket price: SAR 220 to SAR 270 (varying days) Duration: 7h 43m
Approximate stops: three
Ticket type: economy and business
No weekend trips

Al Hofuf

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Take the East Train to Al Hofuf, with four to six trains from Riyadh throughout the week. The morning train departs around 7am, while the evening train leaves between 6.30pm and 7pm. The two- hour journey will terminate at the largest oasis in the world, home to an impressive selection of the Kingdom’s historical landmarks, including Al Qarah Hill, Ibrahim Palace, and Jawatha Park. You can also grab souvenirs and collectables from Souq Al Qaisariya.

Weekday Trip

Ticket price: SAR 90 to SAR 100 (Sunday-Thursday) Duration: 2h 21m
Approximate stops: direct
Ticket type: economy and business

Weekend Trip

Ticket price: SAR 75 to SAR 90 (Thursday-Saturday) Duration: 2h 21m
Approximate stops: direct
Ticket type: economy and business

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DID YOU KNOW?

The Saudi capital offers three train services, including the East Train service from Riyadh to Dammam, through Al Ahsa and Buqayq. The North Train service from Riyadh to Al Quruyatt passes through six stations across a 1,250-kilometre passenger line and six stations from King Khalid International Airport. The Haramain Express Train transports Umrah and Hajj pilgrims between Jeddah, Madinah, and Makkah at a speed of 300 kilometres per hour with 50 trips per day.