Haramain High-Speed Railway: The Complete Guide
Last updated: 2026-10-12
The Haramain high-speed railway links Makkah, Jeddah, King Abdullah Economic City, Jeddah Airport and Madinah with trains running up to 300 km/h. The Madinah–Makkah journey takes about 2–2.5 hours; Jeddah Airport–Makkah takes about an hour. Book through Saudi Arabia Railways and always confirm timetables and fares before travel, as they change by season.
Which cities does the Haramain connect?
Five stations: Makkah, Jeddah (Al Sulimaniyah), Jeddah Airport (Terminal 1), King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) and Madinah. For pilgrims, the two legs that matter are Jeddah Airport → Makkah and Makkah → Madinah.
The line was built for pilgrim traffic, so expect it to be busiest during Hajj and Ramadan — book early in those seasons.
How long does each journey take?
All times are station to station — add transfers at both ends for the real door-to-door figure.
| Route | Typical train time |
|---|---|
| Jeddah Airport → Makkah | About 1 hr |
| Jeddah (city) → Makkah | About 1 hr |
| Makkah → Madinah | About 2–2.5 hrs |
| Jeddah Airport → Madinah | About 2.5–3 hrs |
These are typical times; check Saudi Arabia Railways before travel — engineering works and seasonal timetables change them.
Tickets, booking and luggage
Buy tickets only from Saudi Arabia Railways — the official website or app. Fares vary by class, demand and how early you book, so treat any price you see elsewhere as unreliable.
Travel light: you handle your own bags through stations and platforms. If you need wheelchair assistance, arrange it in advance through the railway.
When the train is not the answer
The train is excellent station-to-station, but it cannot do door-to-door. Late-night arrivals, heavy luggage, elderly travellers and groups with children are usually better served by a private taxi from the airport straight to the hotel — one fixed SAR fare, no transfers. Message us on WhatsApp at +966 57 306 7785.
And remember: entry to Makkah (also called Mecca) is restricted to Muslims, whichever way you travel.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book Haramain train tickets?
Through Saudi Arabia Railways — the official website or app. Book as early as possible, especially for Hajj and Ramadan when trains sell out. Avoid resellers: only the official source guarantees valid tickets at the real price.
How much is the Haramain train fare?
Fares depend on the route, class and demand, and they change — so we will not quote a number here that could be out of date tomorrow. Check Saudi Arabia Railways for the current fare before you travel.
How long is the train from Madinah to Makkah?
About 2–2.5 hours, station to station. Add the taxi rides at both ends for your real door-to-door time — from your Madinah hotel to your Makkah hotel, allow at least 4 hours all in.
Is there a Haramain station at Jeddah Airport?
Yes — at Terminal 1, signed from baggage claim. If you arrive at the Hajj/Umrah Terminal on a seasonal charter, you must transfer to Terminal 1 first, so a direct taxi may be simpler for those arrivals.
Can non-Muslims ride the Haramain to Makkah?
The train serves Makkah, and Makkah is restricted to Muslims — so no. Non-Muslim travellers can use the Haramain between Jeddah, KAEC and Madinah, but not on any leg ending in Makkah.
Get your fixed SAR quote
Message us on WhatsApp with your flight details — one fixed price, confirmed before you travel. We operate 24 hours, every day.