Saudi Arabia: Dream of the Desert luxury train opens sales for 2027 trips

A couple booking a suite on the Dream of the Desert train through northern Saudi Arabia will pay at least SAR 86,250, the operator said in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 4, as reservations opened for departures from October 2027.

That entry fare, also quoted as GBP 17,250 or USD 22,997, covers a two-night trip. It includes VAT, the private suite cabin, meals both aboard and on excursions, and every signature experience. Sales were launched at World Travel Market London, where travellers and international travel advisors could choose among the first available dates.

24 suites in first phase

Trains will leave from Riyadh and head north. In this initial phase, each will have 24 Suite Cabins, a Restaurant Carriage and a Majlis Carriage modelled on the Saudi tradition of gathering and hospitality.

The Saudi Tourism Authority is backing the venture. Its CEO, Ageel Al-Shaibani, called it a further milestone for tourism in his country and said the journeys would open the north to wider international audiences.

“Through the world’s first ultra-luxury desert journeys by train, we are bringing Saudi’s northern regions to broader global audiences and showcasing the diversity of its destinations and experiences.”

He also called on tourism industry partners worldwide to discover the offer early and promote it to travellers.

Raffaele Breschi, who heads Arsenale International and serves as General Manager of Dream of the Desert, said the start of sales marked a new stage for the project and for its cooperation with the authority. “We look forward to welcoming our first travellers in October 2027,” he said.

Two itineraries at launch

The longer route, The Desert Kingdoms, runs four days and three nights across Al Jouf and Hail. Its highlight in Dumat Al-Jandal is the Legends of Marid Gala Dinner and Signature Show, staged at the historic castle and closing with a candlelit meal. Passengers then spend time at a private Wilderness Escape in the Aja Mountains, where red and purple granite peaks frame Arabian horses, poetry and music.

Shadows of Aja takes three days and two nights between Hail and Al Qassim. Guests are driven by 4×4 into the mountains, dine in the open air after dark and hear specialist astronomers. In Al Qassim, the programme leads to The Oasis Table, a farm-to-table experience with dates and Saudi coffee. Depending on the season, a stop at the white salt landscapes of Al-Awshaziyah may be added.

AlUla journey to follow

A route dedicated to AlUla will be added later, with details to be announced. The operator will also sell private trips: the Signature Escape over one day, The Desert Odyssey over two days and one night in the Aja Mountains, and private departures of both launch itineraries.