The Haramain Train: Makkah to Madinah by High-Speed Rail
300 km/h between the two holy cities, with Jeddah’s airport on the way. How booking works, what the stations are like, luggage rules, and when the train beats the road.
- Makkah to Madinah in around two and a quarter hours at up to 300 km/h
- Jeddah’s station sits inside King Abdulaziz International Airport Terminal 1
- Book ahead for Fridays, Ramadan and Umrah peaks - trains sell out
- Luggage is airline-style: one larger bag plus hand luggage, checked at the gate
What it is
The Haramain High Speed Railway links Makkah, Jeddah, Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport, King Abdullah Economic City and Madinah - 450 kilometres of dedicated line built for pilgrims and travellers moving between the two holy cities. Trains run at up to 300 km/h, and the full Makkah-to-Madinah run takes around two and a quarter hours, against four to five by road.
For Umrah journeys especially, it has quietly become the default: off the plane at Jeddah, onto the train inside the airport complex, and into Makkah or Madinah without a highway in between.
Booking, honestly
Book through the official Haramain website or app, and book ahead - trains on Fridays, in Ramadan and across the Umrah peaks sell out days in advance, and the cheapest fares go first. You choose economy or business; both are comfortable, business simply gives you wider seats and lounge access at the main stations.
Your ticket is tied to your ID or passport, and gates close well before departure - treat it like a short flight, not a metro: arrive 30 to 45 minutes early, more in peak season.
Stations, luggage and the journey
The stations are landmarks in themselves - Makkah's and Madinah's terminals are vast, cool and cathedral-like, each a short taxi or bus ride from the mosque areas. Jeddah's airport station sits inside the Terminal 1 complex, which makes plane-to-train transfers genuinely painless.
Luggage rules are airline-like: a fixed allowance of one larger bag plus hand luggage, checked by size and weight at the gate. Keep valuables and medication in your hand luggage, settle into a window seat, and watch the Hejaz mountains and desert do in two hours what caravans once did in weeks. A cafe car covers coffee and snacks; business class adds at-seat service.
When the train beats the road - and when it doesn't
Choose the train for airport arrivals, Makkah-Madinah transfers, and any trip where arriving rested matters. Choose the road when your hotel is far from a station, your group is large with heavy luggage, or you want detours - Quba, Uhud and the coastal towns sit more naturally in a driving day.
One Umrah-specific tip: if you are travelling in ihram, the Makkah station sits outside the Haram boundary's busiest crush and taxis from it to the Haram are straightforward - just build the transfer time into your plans rather than cutting the train close.
Common questions
How do I book the Haramain train?
Through the official Haramain website or app, using your passport details. Book as early as your dates allow - peak trains sell out days ahead.
Is the train good for Umrah trips?
It is the easiest option: off the plane at Jeddah into the airport’s own station, then direct to Makkah or Madinah without a highway transfer.
How early should I arrive?
Treat it like a flight: 30 to 45 minutes before departure, more in Ramadan and peak Umrah season. Gates close well before the train leaves.
Ready when you are
Check your eligibility in a minute, then apply online - a specialist reviews your documents before anything is submitted, and your total is confirmed in writing before you pay.
