Saudi Arabia–Qatar Bullet Train Deal Signals Fewer Flights

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have confirmed plans to build a 785-kilometre (488-mile) high-speed electric rail link connecting their capitals, Riyadh and Doha. The agreement represents one of the most ambitious cross-border transport projects ever in the Gulf region.

Agreement details

The deal was signed by Saudi Transport and Logistics Services Minister Saleh Al-Jasser and Qatar’s Transport Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani under the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council.

The initiative is part of the long-envisioned Gulf Railway network, which aims to connect all Gulf Cooperation Council member states through modern rail infrastructure.

Planning for the broader Gulf Railway has been underway for years, with varying levels of progress across countries. The Riyadh–Doha line is now set to become the most advanced international segment of that vision.

Route design and travel times

The high-speed rail line is designed for trains operating at speeds above 300 kilometres per hour. It will link King Salman International Airport in Riyadh with Hamad International Airport in Doha, creating a direct airport-to-airport connection. Planned intermediate stops include key cities such as Hofuf and Dammam in eastern Saudi Arabia.

Once operational, the rail service is expected to cut travel time between the two capitals to around two hours. This compares favorably with longer road journeys and the total end-to-end time of short-haul flights, including airport processing.

Regional impact

According to current projections, construction will take place over the next six years, with commercial operations targeted for 2031. If completed on schedule, it would become the first international high-speed rail service in the Gulf.

The rail link could significantly reshape regional mobility by offering a fast, electrified alternative to air and road travel. With expected annual passenger volumes exceeding 10 million, the service may reduce pressure on airlines operating between Riyadh and Doha while supporting new intermodal travel options, tourism flows, and airport-linked rail packages.

At the same time, Qatar continues to strengthen its long-haul network. Qatar Airways recently expanded its codeshare partnership with Aer Lingus and Level, adding 18 new transatlantic routes to the US and reinforcing Doha’s role as a global aviation hub.

Photo by Yusuf Mansoor on Unsplash