Damascus–Amman train explained

Damascus–Amman International Train
Type:Inter-city rail
Status:Operating
Locale:Southern Syria, northern Jordan
First:1924
Operator:CFH, HJR
Start:Qaddam Station, Damascus
End:Central Station, Amman
Distance:222.4km (138.2miles)
Frequency:Daily
Seating:Coach
Stock:Mavag railcars
Owners:CFH, JHR

The Damascus–Amman train or Damascus–Amman railway is an international train service operating on the former Hedjaz Railway from Damascus, Syria to Amman, Jordan. It is currently the only passenger train operating in Jordan. The train operates on narrow gauge tracks of .

History

The Hedjaz Railway opened in 1908 by the Ottoman Empire from Damascus to Medina. Service was suspended during World War I. After the war only the Damascus-Ma'an section re-opened. In 1924, the International Train ran its first trip from Hejaz Train Station in Damascus to Ma'an. Since 1960 the train only ran from Damascus to Amman. Diesel Locomotives became the primary power after 1976.

Gauge

In 2008 it was announced that the HJR and the CFH were planning to convert the line from narrow gauge to standard gauge.

See also