Skip to main content

300 km/h to the Holy City: A Journey on the Haramain High-Speed Railway.

 Since the inception of the Haramain High-Speed Railway , it was a dream of mine to experience this "bullet train" of the desert. While a trip to Madinah wasn't possible due to work schedules, my colleague Nawaz and I decided a trip to Makkah was the perfect alternative.

🗺️

TRIP AT A GLANCE

📍
Destination
Makkah , Saudi Arabia
📅
Date of Journey
Septembar  12 2018
🚆
Transport Mode
Haramain High speed Train.
👥
Companions
Friend Nawas

We realized just in time that the inaugural 50% discount offer was ending, so we booked our tickets immediately. We chose the Business Class —a steal at just 26 Riyals (compared to 21 Riyals for Economy)—for the 10:22 AM departure from Jeddah.

The Gateway: Jeddah Sulaymaniyah Station

The Haramain Railway is a 450-km long high-tech corridor connecting Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Rabigh using advanced Chinese rail technology.

We arrived at the Sulaymaniyah Station in Jeddah via taxi. The sheer scale and modernity of the station were staggering. From the moment we stepped out of the taxi, the service was seamless. After a quick ticket check, we were ushered to the upper level via lifts. The security and luggage screening mirrored that of an international airport. The waiting lounge was vast and featured an Al-Baik outlet (serving snacks and drinks), managed by a polite team of young Saudi men and women.

Life at 200 km/h

Precisely at 10:22 AM, the sleek, silver train glided into the station. Stepping inside felt like boarding a luxury aircraft. Our Business Class cabin featured:

  • Spacious Seating: Ergonomic chairs with ample legroom.

  • Large Viewports: Massive glass windows to observe the landscape.

  • Infotainment: Personal monitors for videos and information.

  • Digital Displays: Large screens showing the route and current speed.

As we accelerated out of Jeddah, the urban landscape gave way to the rugged beauty of the desert and mountains. Thanks to recent rains, a thin veil of green covered the hills—a rare and beautiful sight. We watched herds of goats and camels grazing on the desert grass from our elevated tracks. During our leg, the train maintained a smooth speed of 200 km/h , making the journey feel effortless.

Arrival in the Holy City

As we approached Makkah, the train began to decelerate well in advance. We pulled into the Makkah station at exactly 11:00 AM . While the Makkah station is massive and spread across a single expansive level, it had a distinct architectural feel compared to the multi-level Jeddah hub.

One interesting observation: the train is bi-directional, with "engines" at both ends, allowing it to reverse course without turning around.

The Final Leg to the Haram

Exiting the station, we were greeted by organized counters for taxis and the Haram Shuttle Bus . We purchased a shuttle ticket for just 3 Riyals and boarded one of the many brand-new luxury buses waiting outside.

The bus dropped us near the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). After performing Tawaf and offering the Dhuhr prayers, we took a taxi back to Jeddah, reaching home by 2:00 PM. What used to be a long commute is now a swift, world-class experience.

Trip at a Glance:

  • Route: Jeddah (Sulaymaniyah) to Makkah.

  • Duration: ~43 minutes.

  • Top Speed: Up to 300 km/h (Reached 200 km/h on this leg).

  • Cost: 26 SAR (Business Class - Promo Rate).

  • Pro Tip: Book through the HHR Train app or website to catch promotional fares and ensure seat availability.

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.


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.

📍 Follow on: Facebook | Instagram


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Bangkok River Boat Guide: Routes, Rates, and Piers (2026).

The Ultimate Bangkok Boat Guide: My Journey on the Chao Phraya River Hello, Ishabil readers! Have you ever seen the traffic in Bangkok? It can be very slow and crowded. But there is a beautiful secret to avoid the busy streets. The Chao Phraya River is the true lifeblood of Bangkok. While the Skytrain (BTS) and Underground (MRT) are very good, nothing is better than feeling the fresh wind on your face while riding a boat. When I visited this amazing city, I traveled in two types of boats—the fast local orange flag boat for exploring, and the free luxury shuttle at night! It was like a movie. Today, I want to tell you my story and give you the ultimate Ishabil guide to the routes, prices, and secrets of the Bangkok boat system . Let's start the journey! ⭐ Ishabil Fact The Chao Phraya River is often called the "River of Kings" in Thailand. For hundreds of years, it has been the most important way for Thai people to travel and trade! ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Welcome to Ishabil.com

Welcome to Ishabil.com, your go-to destination for engaging travel stories, comprehensive transport guides, and practical tips for the everyday explorer. The Story Behind the Name The name "Ishabil" holds a special place in our hearts—it is a blend of the names of founder Ikbal Valiyathodi's three children: Isha, Shabil, and Ishwa. Ikbal originally from the picturesque village of Oorakam in India and currently working in Saudi Arabia, He created this platform to share his global adventures and local discoveries with readers around the world. What We Offer We aim to inspire and guide your journeys by offering three main types of content: Travel Stories: Dive into Ikbal's personal travel experiences! Having visited eight countries on a budget, he shares captivating tales from his trips. Whether it is a solo backpacking adventure, a memorable family vacation, a getaway with friends, or a large group tour, these s...
Post a Comment
Read more

Oorakam: A Saga of Heritage, Struggle, and Culture

  Oorakam Grama Panchayat is not just a geographical entity; it is a land steeped in history, nestled in the scenic folds of the Malappuram district. Situated at the western edge of the old Eranad Taluk, between the flowing Kadalundi River and the majestic Oorakam Hill, this village comprises the areas of Oorakam, Melmuri, and Keezhmuri. From its origins as a dense forest to its evolution into a culturally rich society, the story of Oorakam is one of resilience and transformation. 1. The Land of Hills and Folklore Etymology and Geography The name "Oorakam" is believed to be derived from the phrase "Malamadakkukalkkakath Kidanna Ooru" (The village lying inside the folds of the hills). Centuries ago, this region was a dense wilderness, isolated from the outside world, with the Kadalundi River serving as the only link to civilization. The land’s wild past is echoed in its place names: Karimpili Pannippara ...
Post a Comment
Read more