Makkah to Madinah train: Haramain tickets, times and tips

How long is the Makkah to Madinah train?

The Makkah to Madinah train takes about 2 hours 20 minutes on a direct service, and up to around 2 hours 45 minutes on trains that stop at Jeddah, the airport and King Abdullah Economic City. By road the same journey of roughly 450 km takes about four and a half to six hours by car or bus, before traffic and rest stops.

The Haramain High Speed Railway runs 449 km between the two cities at speeds of up to 300 km/h, with five stations in total, according to Wikipedia's Haramain railway article↗. It opened to the public in October 2018 and is operated by Saudi Arabia Railways. For most pilgrims who split their trip between Makkah and Madinah, it saves half a day compared with the road.

How much is the Haramain train from Makkah to Madinah?

The Haramain train from Makkah to Madinah costs about SAR 162 one way in Economy and about SAR 455 in Business, as base fares before 15% VAT and booking fees, according to Saudi Life Guide↗, which checked the operator's website in October 2026. The final price depends on the date and how full the train is, and fares rise around Ramadan, Hajj, Eid and weekends.

Economy is comfortable for most pilgrims, with reclining seats and luggage racks. Business adds wider seats and more space, which some families with older parents find worth the extra cost. Fares are set by the operator, so a ticket booked through the official channels should cost the same or less than one from an agent.

How to book Haramain train tickets

Book Haramain train tickets on the official site, sar.hhr.sa↗, in the official app, through the Nusuk app, through the call centre or at station counters and machines. Booking online is the better option, because tickets bought at counters or machines cannot be changed or refunded, according to Saudi Life Guide.

Pick the date, route and class, choose a departure, enter each passenger's passport details and pay by card. Save the e-ticket to your phone and keep a screenshot, since you will show the QR code at the gate. In peak seasons, book as soon as your Makkah and Madinah dates are fixed, because popular departures sell out.

How often does the Haramain train run?

Haramain trains run several times a day in each direction between Makkah and Madinah, with more departures in Ramadan, around Hajj and on busy weekends. Some trains run direct between the two cities, while others stop at Jeddah, the airport and King Abdullah Economic City, which adds roughly 20 to 25 minutes.

The timetable changes with the season, so check the current departures on the official timetable at sar.hhr.sa before you plan your hotel check out. Choose a direct train if one fits your day, and leave a buffer of at least an hour between the train's arrival and any flight or important appointment, because station transfers in Makkah and Madinah can be slow at prayer times.

Haramain train luggage rules

Each passenger can take one large bag up to 25 kg, measuring up to 65 by 55 by 35 cm, plus one small hand item, according to Saudi Life Guide↗ and Hasberabbi's Haramain guide↗. Airline baggage allowances do not carry over, so a pilgrim arriving with two large suitcases has to plan ahead. Excess baggage is not carried on the train, though heavier luggage can be shipped for a fee through Saudi Post offices at the stations.

Zamzam water is a common question. Rules on large containers in the cabin are not clearly published, so pack Zamzam securely inside your main bag within the weight limit, or ask at the station before you travel. Many pilgrims buy their Zamzam in Madinah or at the airport at the end of the trip instead.

Getting to and from the Haramain stations

Makkah's Haramain station is in Ar Rusayfah, about 3.5 km from Masjid al-Haram. Taxis, Careem and Uber take about 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic, and shuttle buses run between the station and the Haram area at busy times. Walking is not practical with luggage in the heat.

Madinah's station is in the Al Hadra district, about 9 km from the city centre, and a bus service has run between the station and Masjid an-Nabawi timed to train arrivals. Taxis and ride apps are the simplest option with bags. Agree the fare before you get into a taxi, or use an app so the price is fixed. In Madinah, ask your hotel to book the car if you arrive late at night.

Taking the train with elderly parents or children

The Haramain train is usually the easiest way to move older parents and young children between the two cities, because it halves the journey time and avoids hours on the road. Business class gives more room and quieter carriages, which some families find worth the higher fare for a two hour journey.

The harder part is often the transfer at each end, not the train itself. Book a car or taxi to the station rather than relying on finding one outside the Haram after a prayer, keep one adult in charge of tickets and passports, and ask about wheelchair assistance when booking. Pack a small bag with water, snacks and medicines, so the large suitcase can stay in the luggage rack for the whole journey.

Madinah to Makkah for Umrah: what about ihram?

Pilgrims travelling from Madinah to Makkah to perform Umrah must enter ihram before passing the miqat of Dhul Hulayfah, also called Abyar Ali, which lies just outside Madinah on the way to Makkah. The train passes the miqat area early in the journey, so most pilgrims change into ihram at their hotel or at Masjid Dhul Hulayfah before going to the station, and make their intention before the train passes the miqat.

Travelling in ihram is easier in Economy or Business alike, but plan a little: wear the ihram garments before you leave for the station, keep your shoes and belongings simple, and pray two rak'ahs at the masjid or hotel beforehand if that is your practice. Rules differ slightly between schools of thought, so follow your own scholar's guidance. Our first Umrah guide explains the miqat and ihram rules step by step.

Tips for pilgrims on the Haramain train

Arrive at the station 45 minutes to an hour before departure, especially in Umrah season. Bags go through security screening at the entrance, and boarding gates close shortly before the train leaves. Keep passports and the e-ticket QR code on your phone and as a screenshot, since signal inside large stations can be weak.

Plan around prayer times. The train does not stop for prayer, so many pilgrims choose a departure that leaves soon after a prayer, or pray before boarding. Buy water and food at the station, and seat families together when you book, because seats are assigned. Pilgrims who need wheelchair help should mention it when booking or ask at the station counter on arrival.

The Haramain train in Ramadan and Hajj season

Ramadan, the days around Eid and the weeks before and after Hajj are the busiest times on the Haramain line. Popular departures sell out days or weeks ahead, fares rise with demand, and stations are crowded around iftar and prayer times. Book as soon as your dates are fixed, and avoid trains that arrive just before iftar if you can.

During Hajj itself, access to Makkah is restricted to registered pilgrims and residents with the right permits, and rail services may change to suit Hajj traffic. Pilgrims on an Umrah visa are not in Makkah at that time, because Umrah pauses for the Hajj season. Our best time for Umrah guide shows when the season opens and closes.

Haramain train vs bus vs taxi

The Haramain train is the fastest way between Makkah and Madinah, but not the only one. Intercity buses are cheaper and run several times a day, while a private car or taxi takes you door to door, which suits large families with a lot of luggage. Both take about four and a half to six hours by road.

For most pilgrims the train wins on time and comfort. A private car makes sense for groups with more bags than the train allows, for older pilgrims who find station transfers tiring, or when trains are sold out in peak season. Our Umrah packing list helps keep luggage within the train's limits.

Jeddah airport to Makkah or Madinah by train

The Haramain line has a station at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, opened in December 2019, so pilgrims can take the train straight from the airport to Makkah or Madinah. The airport to Makkah leg is short, and the airport to Madinah run takes roughly as long as the Makkah to Madinah journey.

If you fly into Jeddah, check the airport station timetable before booking, and allow enough time after landing for immigration and baggage, which can be slow in Umrah season. Book a later train rather than one that leaves soon after your flight lands.

The line works in the other direction too. Many pilgrims end their trip in Madinah and take the train back to Jeddah airport for their flight home, which avoids the long road journey on the last day. Allow plenty of time: aim to reach the airport at least three to four hours before an international departure, since Umrah season queues at check in can be long.

Staying connected on the Haramain train

Mobile coverage holds along nearly the whole Haramain route, so you can keep WhatsApp, maps and your hotel booking open during the journey. Short gaps happen between stations in open desert. Download your e-ticket and your hotel's location before boarding, so you are not relying on signal at the gate or when you arrive.

A Saudi travel eSIM installed before you fly keeps data working from Makkah to Madinah without changing anything. Our Saudi Arabia eSIM plans compare prices for a typical Umrah, and our Madinah eSIM guide covers coverage around Masjid an-Nabawi. If you are still deciding, our Saudi SIM card vs eSIM guide compares the two.