Saudi Arabia readies metro to transport 2 million Hajj pilgrims for 2026

Saudi Arabia is deploying one of the world’s highest-capacity transport systems for the 2026 Hajj season. The Al-Mashaaer Metro is set to carry over 2 million pilgrims between Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat.

The core of the operation is the Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro, operated by Saudi Arabia Railways, which will transport more than two million passengers during Hajj via one of the world’s highest-capacity transport systems.

This fully electric metro connects the holy sites of Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat, reducing traffic congestion and travel time during peak Hajj periods while supporting Saudi Arabia’s broader sustainability and infrastructure goals under Vision 2030.

The 18-kilometre rail line includes nine stations spread across the holy sites and can transport approximately 72,000 passengers per hour. The fleet consists of 17 trains, each capable of carrying up to 3,000 passengers.

SPA reports that the system has helped eliminate around 50,000 bus journeys annually in the holy sites area, reducing traffic pressure and carbon emissions through electric-powered transport.

The metro, which began operations in 2010, can reach speeds of up to 80 kilometres per hour, with a travel time of around 20 minutes between Arafat and Mina, according to Arab News on Sunday, 24 May 2026.