Saudi Arabia Orders 20 High-Speed Trains from Spain’s Talgo in Major Rail Expansion Deal
In a significant boost to its transportation infrastructure, Saudi Arabia has placed a €1.33 billion ($1.57 billion) order with Spanish rail manufacturer Talgo for 20 new high-speed trains. The deal, announced on Sunday, marks a major expansion of the Kingdom's flagship Haramain High-Speed Railway, which connects the holy cities of Mecca and Medina with the commercial hub of Jeddah.
The contract elevates Talgo’s order backlog to a record €6 billion and includes long-term maintenance services for the expanded fleet.
Expanding the Flagship Haramain High-Speed Railway
The new trains are destined for the 450-kilometer Haramain High-Speed Railway, a critical artery capable of speeds up to 300 km/h. Currently, 35 Talgo-built trains operate on this line. The addition of 20 new trainsets will expand the fleet to 55, significantly boosting capacity and service frequency.
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Passenger Capacity: Each new train will have 13 carriages with seating for 417 passengers across economy and business classes, including spaces for passengers with reduced mobility.
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Delivery Timeline: Initial deliveries are scheduled by late 2028, with the full fleet expected to be operational by 2031.
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Operational Impact: The expansion will allow operator Saudi Arabian Railways (SAR) to increase daily services, especially during peak periods like the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, when the line handles millions of passengers.
Strategic Importance and Maintenance Partnership
The deal reinforces a long-standing partnership. Talgo will maintain the entire expanded fleet—both existing and new trains—until at least 2033, with an option to extend services through 2038. The company already operates maintenance facilities in Saudi Arabia with hundreds of local staff.
A Major Win for Spanish Rail Industry
For Spain, the contract is a substantial export victory for its rail sector. It comes at a crucial time, following domestic challenges including a deadly train collision near Córdoba in late 2025 that sparked national debates on rail safety and investment. The deal ensures continued Spanish involvement in Saudi Arabia's rail operations, with Spain's state operator Renfe contracted to manage services until 2038.
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Aligning with Saudi Arabia’s National Vision
This expansion is a key component of Saudi Arabia's National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to build a world-class, diversified transport network to support economic growth, tourism, and connectivity beyond the oil sector.
The enhanced Haramain Railway will play a central role in improving domestic mobility, supporting the booming tourism sector, and solidifying the Kingdom's position as a regional logistics hub. This landmark deal with Talgo underscores the strategic role of international partnerships in building Saudi Arabia's future mobility landscape.
