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Hijaz Railway: Hadiyah to Al Wayban
680km
20km
Driving MODERATE
Best for TRAVELLING THROUGH TIME
Recommended for A HALF-DAY OF ADVENTURE
This route takes you along a part of the 1,300km-long Hijaz Railway that ran from Damascus to Al Madinah. Running parallel to the Red Sea, this drive will transport you back to journeys made hundreds of years ago. You’ll be able to capture breathtaking images and experience Saudi Arabia’s profound and varied history first-hand.
This route begins at Hadiyah Station and extends to the crumbling Al Wayban Station. The perfect introduction to the history of the Hijaz Railway, off-roaders will be able to drive and explore numerous stations and even see a train up close. There are also plenty of opportunities to find a great place to set up camp and do some hiking. The low-lying mountains, endless ghaf trees and desert wildlife make this route a truly enjoyable experience.
Hadiyah Station & Locomotive
Until it ceased operation, Hadiyah Station was an important stop for trains. While visiting this station, you will see an actual train still resting on the now derailed track. Amazingly, the engine and wood pillars of the carriage are still intact.
Hijaz Rail Bridges
As you drive along this route, you will notice the surviving arched bridges of the Hijaz Railway, which are an unusual sight in the desert landscape. Try driving on the bridges themselves for a bit of excitement – but be cautious as parts of the structure may be missing.
DELICIOUS DATES
An iconic symbol in Arab culture, date palm trees grow abundantly in the Saudi Arabian desert climate. Packed with nutrients, the sweet and succulent fruit is often eaten by Muslims to break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan. There are over 31 million date palm trees in the Kingdom, making it the second-largest date producer in the world.
Abandoned Stations
With abandoned railway stations every few kilometres, we encourage off-roaders to stop and walk around the stations to get a closer look at their well-preserved structures. These buildings were not just passenger stations, they also offered accommodation and food to travellers.
DRIVING DIRECTION
This route takes you along the old Hijaz Railway and gives you the opportunity to explore deserted rail stations and even abandoned locomotive carriages.
1 Take a left off the main road onto the old rail track. If you choose to stay on the main road for a bit longer, you will see a fenced compound containing the old Hadiyah Station and Locomotive carriage. Continue on the main route which runs along the rail track. Be cautious as there are sharp rocks.
2 Stop at the abandoned Mudarraj Station before continuing on your way.
3 Continue straight and you will come to another abandoned locomotive carriage that you can view up close.
4 Keep following the track until you reach Al Wayban Station. This sandy area makes a nice location for a shaded picnic or for exploring the alternative routes to other rail tracks.
5 Retrace your steps, take a left and drive along Sha’ib al Humaymah until you reach the main road.
