05
Hijaz Railway Tunnel
928km
15km
Driving MODERATE
Best for AN ADRENALINE RUSH
Recommended for FEARLESS ADVENTURERS
This route takes you via the only tunnel that was built as part of the old Hijaz Railway. Cut into the rock, the tunnel is a remarkable feat of engineering that’s made even more impressive when you realise it was constructed over a century ago.
Approximately 60km south of Tabuk, this route takes you along a sandy plain following the path of the old Hijaz Railway line. This open landscape is surrounded by low-lying mountains so it’s clear why the railway line was built here. Once you have gone through the tunnel (on foot), the rest of the route takes you past the remnants of the engineering that made the Hijaz Railway so remarkable.
Hijaz Railway Tunnel
Despite being over a century old, the tunnel still stands strong. Just over 100m in length, it is the only tunnel along the 1,320km Hijaz Railway route. Not wide enough to drive through, park at its imposing arched opening and step into the dark. Don’t forget your torch so you can appreciate the impressive architecture of its interior.
PRESERVING THE HIJAZ RAILWAY
The Hijaz Railway stretches from Damascus, Syria to the holy cities of Makkah and Al Madinah in Saudi Arabia. With over 13 refurbished buildings spread across 80,000m2, visitors are able to explore a workshop, handicrafts centre and an old station that houses a locomotive, freight car and several relics. These various rail museums also contain artefacts such as manuscripts and photographs that bring the railway’s poignant history to life. The museum along this route is open weekdays from 8am to 4pm.
Al Akhdar
An easy drive, you will follow an unpaved track along what used to be the railway line to reach Al Akhdar. Here, you can explore the fort ruins and historic bridges that were once part of the railway. You can also stop at the Green Valley Heritage Museum, a desert house featuring a collection of Arabic currencies and artefacts that were used to make the perfect ‘gahwa’, or Saudi coffee.
DRIVING DIRECTION
This route takes you along an easy-to-follow track, passing by some historic buildings and ruins. Head into the wadis for a more exploratory drive and peaceful hikes.
1 From the highway, take a right along the old Hijaz Railway track.
2 Make a stop and explore the ruins of Al Mustabghah Station before heading towards the tunnel.
3 Continue straight for another 4km along the unpaved track, this quiet plain makes a perfect camping spot.
4 Go straight until you reach Al Akhdar. Stop to explore the old station and Al Akhdar Fort. Follow the nearby track to visit the plains of Wadi al Akhdar.
5 Continue on the main track and you will reach the Green Valley Heritage Museum and nearby 12-Arched Bridge before meeting the main road.
