Riyadh to Doha in 120 minutes: Inside the 300 kmph bullet train set to transform the Gulf

Saudi Arabia-Qatar High Speed Rail project: The bullet train network between Saudi Arabia and Qatar is set to transform passenger rail travel across the Gulf. Last week, the Saudi Council of Ministers cleared the agreement for an electric high-speed railway connecting the two nations. ## Saudi Arabia-Qatar bullet train: Route, Travel time, Speed The bullet train network between Saudi Arabia and Qatar will link the two capital cities Riyadh and Doha. According to the Ministry of Transport, State of Qatar, the Riyadh-Doha bullet train will cover 785 km distance in just 2 hours or 120 minutes. The Riyadh-Doha high speed rail will run a speed of more than 300 kmph. The Doha-Riyadh high-speed train will pass through several regions including Al-Hofuf and Dammam, and linking Hamad International Airport with King Salman International Airport. It will also connect key stations like Dammam and Al-Ahsa. “The train will cut the travel time between Doha and Riyadh to two hours, something which supports mobility, enhances business and tourism, advances economic growth, and contributes to improving the quality of life,” Qatar’s Ministry of Transport said. ## Riyadh-Doha bullet train project: Passenger ridership According to the details available, more than 10 million passengers are expected to ride the train every year. The project would also contribute to providing more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs, it said. ## Saudi Arabia-Qatar bullet train to boost economy When completed, the Saudi Arabia-Qatar bullet train project is expected to generate around 115 billion riyals (around Rs 278 crore) in revenues for the GDP of both countries. “…making it one of the most strategic projects that support regional development and cement connectivity and integration among the GCC countries via a modern railway network,” the Ministry of Transport, Qatar said. ## Saudi Arabia-Qatar High Speed Electric Rail project: Completion timeline According to the details available, the Saudi Arabia-Qatar High Speed Electric Rail project, is estimated to take six years to complete. “The project is estimated to take six years to complete in accordance with highest international quality and safety standards with best technologies in the realms of railroads and smart engineering to ensure safe and seamless operations. Thus, achieving environmental sustainability, reducing carbon emissions, and advancing the efforts of promoting the switch to more efficient and creative modes of smart and sustainable mobility in the region.” Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More