The Haramain train between Makkah and Madinah: a rider's guide

The road between Makkah and Madinah used to mean five or six hours in a bus. The Haramain High Speed Railway has cut the journey to about two and a half hours. For most pilgrims it is now the most comfortable way to travel between the two holy cities, and it also connects both of them to Jeddah's airport.

The line in brief

The railway opened in 2018 and runs for about 450 kilometres. Its electric trains reach 300 km/h, and there are two classes, Economy and Business. The service is operated by Saudi Arabia Railways.

The five stations

• Makkah. In the Al-Rusayfah district, about four kilometres from Masjid al-Haram. You need a taxi, a bus or a hotel shuttle between the station and the Haram.
• Jeddah, Al-Sulaymaniyah. The city station, for central Jeddah.
• King Abdulaziz International Airport. Inside Jeddah's airport — a different station from Al-Sulaymaniyah, so check which one your ticket names.
• King Abdullah Economic City. On the coast near Rabigh.
• Madinah. East of the centre, a short taxi ride from the Prophet's Mosque.

Journey times

• Makkah to Madinah: about two and a half hours.
• Makkah to Jeddah airport: under an hour.
• Jeddah airport to Madinah: about two hours.

Trains run through the day, with extra services in Ramadan and the Hajj season. Timetables change with the season, so check the times when you book.

Tickets and booking

Book on the railway's official website or app, or at the station. Seats are reserved and trains do sell out: in Ramadan, at weekends and around the school holidays, book as soon as sales open. Prices depend on the class and the date. If you would rather not handle it yourself, we can book the Haramain train as part of your trip.

Economy or Business?

Economy seats are comfortable and air-conditioned, with space for luggage at the end of each coach and above the seats. Business adds wider seats, more legroom, a meal and the use of the station lounge. For a journey of two to three hours, Economy suits most travellers; Business is worth considering for elderly pilgrims.

Tips for pilgrims

• Arrive at the station at least half an hour before departure; the gates close several minutes before the train leaves.
• Keep your passport or ID with your ticket. The name must match.
• Pack light. Each passenger has a luggage allowance, and large cases are easier to send with your group's bus.
• Travelling from Madinah to Makkah for Umrah, put on ihram before you board. Many pilgrims visit the miqat mosque at Dhul Hulayfah on the way to the station, because the train does not stop there. Our guide to miqat and ihram explains more.
• Plan the last few kilometres. Agree with your hotel how you will get from the station to the Haram.

Train or road?

A private car or coach takes four to five hours and goes from door to door, which helps large families with a lot of luggage. The train is faster and smoother, but you add a transfer at each end. Many of our guests take the train one way and a private transfer between Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah the other.

Common questions

How long does the train take from Makkah to Madinah?

About two and a half hours, depending on the number of stops. The same journey by road takes four to five hours.

Is there a train from Jeddah airport to Makkah?

Yes. The Haramain train has a station inside King Abdulaziz International Airport, and the journey to Makkah takes under an hour.

How far is Makkah station from the Haram?

About four kilometres. Taxis, buses and many hotel shuttles connect the station with Masjid al-Haram.