Rolling In the Region: Five Stunning Train Journeys You Need to Take
Ride through the shifting sands of Morocco, the holy cities of Saudi Arabia, and the dramatic mountains of Turkey. These five train journeys offer the most spectacular scenery in the MENA region.
In the Middle East and North Africa, where deserts roll endlessly, mountains rise like ancient guardians, and history whispers from every station, a train journey can be something close to magic. From the golden dunes of Morocco to the frost-laced peaks of Turkey, these five train rides serve as reminder that often times the journey matters so much more than the destination.
Oriental Desert Express, Morocco
Haramain High-Speed Railway, Saudi Arabia
There is something surreal about moving at 300 km/h through a land that has been traversed by caravans for centuries. The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Mecca and Medina, a 449 km stretch of Saudi Arabia’s most sacred terrain.
Hejaz Railway, Jordan & Syria
The Hejaz Railway is more than a train ride—it is a relic of history, a track first laid down in 1908 to connect Damascus to Medina. Though much of the original route has fallen to time, portions of it still run in Jordan, offering a journey through canyons, desert cliffs, and the ruins of ancient civilizations.
Dream of the Desert Train, Saudi Arabia
Set to launch in 2026, the Dream of the Desert is not just a train—it is a moving five-star hotel. This 1,300 km journey from Riyadh to Al Qurayyat will redefine luxury train travel in the Middle East, blending Arabian heritage with modern elegance.
Doğu Express, Turkey
Snow-covered mountains. Rushing rivers. Villages that feel untouched by time. The Doğu Express, a 26-hour journey from Ankara to Kars, is arguably the most breathtaking winter train ride in Turkey.
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