When my family cames to Saudi Arabia for a two-and-a-half-month vacation, a visit to the holy city of Madinah is not just an option—it is an absolute essential. The peacefulness of the Prophet’s city is something every visitor looks forward to. But as always, my goal was to plan this beautiful journey in a way that was comfortable for my wife and three kids, while still keeping an eye on the budget.
ISHABIL TRIP AT A GLANCE
The secret to a great trip often lies in booking early. I managed to secure return tickets on the Haramain High-Speed Railway for the second day after their arrival. I struck gold with an incredible promotional offer: just 430 SR for the entire family of five (two adults and three kids) traveling from the Jeddah Sulaymaniyah main station to Madinah. My good friend, Dr. Ijas, also joined us for this blessed trip, making the day even more special.
Starting the Journey: The Grandeur of Sulaymaniyah Station
Our day began early. We left our home in Mahjar and rode with Dr. Ijas in his car toward the Sulaymaniyah Railway Station. Since our return train was scheduled to arrive back in Jeddah at around 11:00 PM, finding a secure place to park was crucial. We safely parked his car in the designated area and made our way inside.
If you have never been to the Haramain Railway stations, you might expect a standard train depot. Instead, stepping into Sulaymaniyah feels exactly like walking into a massive, world-class international airport. The sheer scale of the architectural design, the high ceilings, the immaculate cleanliness, and the smooth flow of passengers left me in wonder. Anyone who follows my journeys knows I have a deep appreciation for public transit infrastructure, and this station is truly a masterpiece of modern engineering.
💡 Ishabil Fact
The Haramain High-Speed Railway is one of the world's fastest electric trains, reaching operational speeds of 300 km/h. It connects the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah via Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City, covering over 450 kilometers in just over two hours.
🚀 Ishabil Tips
- Book Well in Advance: Promotional fares for the Haramain train can save you significant money. Check the official SAR (Saudi Arabia Railways) website or app weeks before your travel date.
- Parking Logistics: If you are driving to the Sulaymaniyah station, verify parking availability and arrival times beforehand, especially if you have a late-night return trip scheduled.
- Budget Dining: For a family-friendly, budget-conscious meal, grab "Al Baik"—the local favorite—and enjoy a picnic within the comfortable, shaded courtyards of the Prophet’s Mosque.
- Optimize Your Time: Madinah has historical sites like the Salman Al Farsi Date Farm that are perfect for a short afternoon visit after performing prayers at the Mosque.
🌟 Ishabil For You
A family trip to Madinah is about finding balance. While the high-speed train offers modern efficiency, the true value lies in the slow, spiritual moments spent at the Mosque and the historical connections made at sites like the Date Farm. Don't let the itinerary rush you; prioritize peace and quality time with your loved ones.
We completed the smooth security checks and waited in the massive departure hall. Our train was scheduled for 9:00 AM. Exactly ten minutes before arrival, we were guided down to the ground-level track area. Right on time, the beautiful, sleek white bullet train glided into the station.
Racing the Desert at 300 km/h
This was my second time boarding the high-speed train. Years ago, I took it from this same station to Makkah. However, because the distance to Makkah is less than 80 kilometers, that journey ended in just a few minutes, and the train never had the chance to utilize its maximum speed. Today was going to be different.
We found our comfortable seats, settled the kids in, and within minutes, the train silently began to move. The urban sprawl of Jeddah's city buildings disappeared in the blink of an eye, replaced by the vast, open, golden expanse of the Arabian desert.
As we cleared the city limits, the train’s speed steadily increased until the digital display inside the cabin proudly read 300 km/h. The experience of this speed is fascinating. When you look out the window at the endless, featureless desert, it doesn't actually feel like you are traveling that fast. The ride is so incredibly smooth that the scenery just seems to drift by. But the moment you stand up and walk down the aisle to stretch your legs or take the kids to the restroom, you immediately feel the immense, pulling momentum of the train cutting through the landscape. We passed through the Rabigh station in a flash without stopping, a testament to the raw speed of the express route.
Exactly one hour and forty-five minutes later, at 10:45 AM, we arrived at the Madinah station.
Serenity at the Prophet’s Mosque and a Classic Lunch
Stepping out of the station, the cool, blessed air of Madinah greeted us. Initially, I enquired about the local buses heading to the Haram area, but realizing it might take a bit too much waiting time with three eager children, we opted for a taxi instead. It dropped us right near the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi).
Entering the courtyards of the Prophet’s Mosque is an experience that words can hardly capture. The towering minarets reaching into the clear sky, the massive, beautiful mechanized umbrellas providing shade, and the pristine white marble floors that somehow remain perfectly cool under the sun—it is a marvel. But beyond the architecture, it is the profound sense of peace and tranquility that fills your heart the moment you step inside. We performed our Dhuhr prayers in the massive congregation, soaking in the spiritual atmosphere.
After Dhuhr, it was time for lunch. And what is a family trip in Saudi Arabia without Al Baik? We picked up boxes of their famous, crispy broasted chicken and enjoyed a wonderful, relaxed family picnic right within the extended mosque compound. The kids were thrilled, and it was the perfect, budget-friendly meal to recharge our energy. We spent the next few hours simply sitting, reflecting, and enjoying the serene environment of the mosque until we completed our Asr prayers.
Stepping Back in Time: The Salman Al Farsi Date Farm
After Asr, we hailed another taxi and headed to our first historical destination: the Salman Al Farsi Date Farm.
Leaving the marble surroundings of the city center, we entered a totally different environment. This farm holds massive historical significance. According to Islamic history, this is the very land where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions planted hundreds of date palms to help secure the freedom of Salman Al Farsi from slavery.
Walking inside, the air immediately felt cooler. It is a lush, vibrant, greenish haven filled with towering date palms. The farm features beautiful, man-made water streams that gently flow between the trees, bringing life to the soil. We explored the area, showed the kids the traditional agricultural methods, and examined the deep, historical stone wells that have drawn water from this blessed earth for centuries. It was a beautiful blend of nature and deep historical roots.
The First Mosque: Masjid Quba
Our next stop by taxi was Masjid Quba. This brilliant white structure is deeply significant as it is the very first mosque ever built in Islamic history, founded by the Prophet upon his arrival in Madinah.
The mosque is stunning, with its multiple domes and tall minarets glowing in the late afternoon light. The courtyard is always bustling with visitors from all corners of the globe, yet it retains a deeply humbling atmosphere. There is a famous Hadith stating that offering two Rakat of prayer in Masjid Quba is equal to the reward of performing an Umrah. We were blessed to perform our Maghrib prayers here as the sky darkened, standing shoulder to shoulder with believers from around the world.
The Red Sands of History: Mount Uhud
For our final historical visit of the evening, we took a taxi to the plains of Mount Uhud. Even in the dimming light, the dark, reddish rocks of the massive Uhud mountain range stood out against the sky.
We climbed the small, dusty hill known as Jabal Rumat (The Archers’ Hill). Standing on top of this small mound, you get a full view of the battlefield where the famous Battle of Uhud took place. I took a moment to explain the history to the children—how the archers were stationed right where we were standing.
Just a short walk away is the graveyard of the martyrs of Uhud (the Shuhada). Enclosed by a simple wall, this barren, unmarked patch of earth is the resting place of 70 companions of the Prophet, including his beloved uncle, Hamza. Standing there in the quiet evening breeze, offering our respectful prayers (Salam) to the fallen heroes, was a profoundly emotional way to conclude our tour.
The Journey Home
With our hearts full and our bodies pleasantly exhausted, we caught one final taxi back to the Madinah Railway Station. We boarded our night train, settling into the comfortable seats as the train once again accelerated into the dark desert.
We arrived back at the Jeddah Sulaymaniyah station exactly at 10:30 PM. We found Dr. Ijas's car waiting safely in the parking lot and drove back home.
It was a perfectly executed day. From experiencing the thrilling 300 km/h speeds of modern Saudi transit to walking through the ancient, peaceful histories of Madinah—all while keeping the family comfortable and the budget in check—it was a journey we will remember for a lifetime.
Read my Saudi Arabia Chronicles
As an expat living here for years, I treat every weekend and break as an opportunity to discover the rich cultural heritage and incredible geography of Saudi Arabia.
- 📍 3-Day Southern Saudi Arabia Exploration Road Trip
- 📍 Madain Saleh (Hegra): Ancient Nabataean Architecture
- 📍 Al Baha: Walking Through the Misty Mountain Villages
- 📍 Yanbu Flower Show: A Vibrant Spectacle by the Coast
- 📍 Al Wahba Crater: Standing Next to the Volcanic Wonder
- 🕌 Holy Cities & Rail Experience:
- 🌹 Taif (The City of Roses Across 3 Perspectives):
- ⚓ Jeddah Diaries (My Home Base Highlights):
- Read my all travel stories
Welcome to my travel stories
About the Author
Ikbal Valiyathodi is the founder of Ishabil.com , a travel blog sharing budget-friendly travel stories, stopover hacks, and real experiences from around the world. He believes travel should be simple, honest, and possible for everyone.
Comments
Post a Comment