The Haramain High-Speed Railway has changed how many pilgrims think about travelling between Makkah and Madinah. A journey that once meant hours on the highway can now be covered much faster. Yet the question we hear most is not "how fast is the train?" but "what do I do once I step off it?". This guide looks at the train from a pilgrim's practical point of view: where the stations are, how to book, and how to handle the ride from the station to your hotel or the Haram.
The Line and Its Five Stations
The railway links Makkah and Madinah via Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City, with electric trains running at high speeds of up to around 300 km/h. The stations are:
| Station | General location | Why it matters to pilgrims |
|---|---|---|
| Makkah | Al Rusaifah district | Not next to the Haram; you need a car ride to the central area |
| Jeddah (Al Sulaimaniyah) | Inside Jeddah city | Handy if you are staying in or visiting Jeddah |
| King Abdulaziz International Airport | Within the airport area | An option for air arrivals who want the train straight away |
| King Abdullah Economic City | Near Rabigh | Serves visitors to the economic city and its coast |
| Madinah | Outside the central area | You need a car ride to the Prophet's Mosque and hotels |
Booking: What You Need to Know
- Tickets are sold through the railway's official website and app; you will need your ID or passport details.
- There are usually two classes, Economy and Business, and fares vary by class, route and departure. Check current prices on the official source, as they change.
- In Ramadan and other peak periods seats go quickly, so book as soon as your dates are fixed.
- Arrive at the station with plenty of time; gates close before departure.
Luggage: The Detail People Overlook
The train has a set policy on the number and size of bags per passenger, and it is worth reading on the official site before you travel. Families carrying big suitcases for a long stay, or containers of Zamzam water, sometimes find these limits make a private car easier, since a car carries everything from one hotel door to the next.
The Last Mile: Getting to the Haram or Your Hotel
This is the part that matters most. Both the Makkah and Madinah stations are some distance from the holy mosques, and when a train arrives hundreds of passengers pour out looking for transport at the same moment. The easy solution is to book a car to meet you at the station before you board: send us your arrival time, train number and hotel name.
Our fixed station fares (per car, paid on arrival):
| Ride | Sedan | Family SUV / Van | VIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Within Makkah to Makkah train station | 100 SAR | 200 SAR | 300 SAR |
| Within Madinah to Madinah train station | 100 SAR | 150 SAR | 300 SAR |
| Within Jeddah to Jeddah train station | 100 SAR | 200 SAR | 300 SAR |
The reverse ride, from the station to your hotel, can be arranged at the same fare once confirmed on WhatsApp.
Train or Private Car? It Depends on Your Trip
The train suits you if:
- You are travelling alone or as a pair with light luggage.
- Time is your priority and you have secured seats at the right hour.
A private car suits you if:
- You are a large family. The fare is per car, not per person, and can work out cheaper than several tickets.
- You have lots of luggage or elderly relatives who find station transfers tiring.
- You want to stop on the way, or visit Madinah's ziyarat sites on arrival.
- Your destination is off the rail line, such as Taif.
For comparison, a sedan from Makkah to Madinah is 400 SAR for the whole car, and the same from Madinah to Makkah. See our Makkah to Madinah taxi page, and other routes in the fare guide.
A Note for Air Arrivals in Jeddah
If you land in Jeddah and cannot get a train seat, or simply have too many bags, a private car takes you straight to your hotel. The driver waits in arrivals with a name sign and you get 60 minutes of free waiting. More on our Jeddah Airport to Makkah transfer page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Makkah train station close to the Haram?
No. It is in Al Rusaifah, several kilometres away, so you need a car ride to the central area.
How much is a train ticket?
It depends on class, route and departure. Check the railway's official website, as fares change.
Can a driver meet me at Madinah station?
Yes. Send us the train's arrival time and your hotel name on WhatsApp and a driver will be waiting.
Does the train go to Taif?
No. Taif is off the line and reached by road via Al Hada. See our Taif taxi page.
To arrange a ride to or from any station, message Mishwar Al Haramain on WhatsApp at +966582918075.