I am so excited to share the complete guide about one of the best public transport systems in Saudi Arabia: the Haramain High-Speed Railway from my personnel experience . If you are planning to visit the holy cities, this detailed guide is specially written for you.
I personally traveled to both Makkah and Madinah using this train, and I must say, my experience was absolutely wonderful. This beautiful, modern railway connects the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah with Jeddah city. It is also the absolute best option to reach Makkah or Madinah directly from the Jeddah Airport. Traveling for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims is now so easy, fast, and stress-free.
ISHABIL TRANSPORT GUIDE INFO
- 📍 City & Country : Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah -Saudi Arabia
- 🚆 Transport Mode: Haramain High-Speed Train
Before this train started, taking a car, a taxi, or a bus was the only way to travel between these cities. Now, let me tell you why this train is a total game-changer for everyone.
Road Trip vs. Train Journey: Which is Better?
Many people ask me: "Ikbal, should I rent a car, take a bus, or use the train?" Let us compare the traditional road trip with the high-speed train journey so you can understand why I love the train so much.
The Road Trip Experience
In the past, my family and I used to travel by road. Driving from Jeddah to Madinah takes about 4 to 5 hours, depending on the traffic. If you are going from Makkah to Madinah by bus or car, it can easily take 5 to 6 hours or even more. The roads in Saudi Arabia are very good, but the journey can make you very tired. During busy seasons like Ramadan or the Hajj period, the traffic on the highways is very heavy. You also have to think about buying petrol, finding clean rest stops for bathroom breaks, and sitting in one place for a very long time. For older pilgrims, grandparents, and small children, a long road trip is just not very comfortable.
The Haramain Train Experience
The train journey is completely different. It feels like you are flying in an airplane, but you are safely on the ground! The Haramain train travels at speeds up to 300 kilometers per hour. A trip from Jeddah Airport to Makkah takes less than an hour. The long journey from Makkah all the way to Madinah takes only about 2 hours and 20 minutes! This is a massive time saver.
The seats inside are very large, soft, and clean. You have plenty of legroom to stretch your legs. There is strong, cooling air conditioning, so you stay comfortable even when the sun is blazing hot outside in the desert. You can also buy hot tea, coffee, sandwiches, and snacks from the cafeteria located inside the train. For pilgrims, this means you arrive at the holy mosques feeling fresh, relaxed, and ready for your prayers. The train is clearly the winner!
The beautiful Haramain Train waiting at the platform. It looks so modern and fast!
Amazing Facts About the Haramain Railway
As a travel blogger who loves public transit, I always love to learn the technical details of how things work. This railway is a true engineering marvel. It was built specially to handle the hot desert weather and transport millions of travelers safely.
💡 ishabil fact
Did you know? The Haramain High-Speed Railway track is 450 kilometers long. The electric trains run at an amazing speed of 300 km/h. There are 35 special high-speed trains (the Talgo 350 models from Spain), and each train has 13 coaches with a total capacity of 417 seats. The whole railway system can carry up to 60 million passengers every single year! The bogeys, train bodies, and tracks are specially designed with heavy-duty cooling systems to survive extreme desert temperatures up to 50 degrees Celsius.
Complete Guide to the 5 Train Stations
There are five beautiful stations on this railway line. Each station looks like a modern palace or a grand piece of art. Let me explain each one in simple words so you know exactly where to go and how to connect to the cities.
1. Makkah Station
The Makkah station is beautifully decorated with a rich gold color theme to represent the holy city. It is located in the Ar Rusayfa district. It is very close to the center, only about 3.5 kilometers away from the Holy Mosque (Masjidul Haram). When you arrive, the atmosphere is very peaceful and everything is well-organized.
🔗 ishabil connect
To reach the Holy Mosque easily, use the Makkah Bus Route 7A. It connects the station directly to Masjidul Haram. You can also easily find an Uber or local taxis waiting outside the station if you have lots of luggage.
2. Jeddah Airport Station (KAIA)
This station is a true blessing for international travelers arriving by plane. It is situated right inside the King Abdulaziz International Airport (Terminal 1) in Jeddah. You do not need to take a taxi to find the train. Once you clear passport control and get your bags, you can just walk to the train station inside the same building. It is incredibly easy to access.
🔗 ishabil connect
If you want to visit the city first, you can take the Jeddah Bus L14 right from the airport. It will take you to the Balad historical city for just SAR 3.45. From the Balad station, you can transfer to anywhere in the city easily. Make sure to read our exclusive complete Jeddah Bus guide on the website!
Important Warning for North Terminal and Hajj Terminal Arrivals
There is one very important thing you must know if you are flying into Jeddah. While the amazing Haramain High-Speed Train station is located right inside the modern Terminal 1, some international airlines and seasonal charter flights still land at the old North Terminal or the Hajj Terminal. These two terminals are located in a completely separate zone of the airport and are actually very far away from Terminal 1. You cannot walk between them because the airport area is massive.
Currently, there is no reliable, free internal shuttle bus available to move passengers between these far terminals and Terminal 1. If your flight lands at the North Terminal or the Hajj Terminal and you want to catch the high-speed train, you will need to arrange your own road transport to get to Terminal 1 first. The best and most stress-free option is to open your smartphone apps and book a ride using Uber or Careem, or catch a local airport taxi waiting outside your arrival gate. The drive takes about 15 minutes depending on airport traffic, so please remember to add this extra time to your travel schedule before your train departs!
📌 ishabil tips
Always check your airline ticket carefully before you fly to see exactly which terminal you will arrive at. If you are flying with local airlines like Saudia, Flynas, or Flyadeal, you will land safely at Terminal 1 and have direct access to the train. However, if you are flying on foreign international carriers that use the North or Hajj terminals, make sure to book your Haramain train ticket at least 2 to 3 hours after your flight landing time. This gives you plenty of time to clear immigration, collect your bags, and take a taxi over to Terminal 1 without running or missing your train.
3. Jeddah Sulaimaniya Station
If you are already staying in Jeddah city, this is the main station you will use. It is located in the Al Sulaimaniya neighborhood. The station has a beautiful silver theme. It is huge, with many cafes, comfortable seating areas, and VIP lounges. Parking your car here is also very easy if you are coming from your hotel or your home.
🔗 ishabil connect
This station is well connected to the local transport network. You can catch the Jeddah Bus L12 right outside. This bus will connect you directly to the Balad Main station, and from there, you can reach all other areas easily.
4. King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) Station
This station is located in Rabigh. Its main purpose is to serve the fast-growing industrial, business, and beautiful residential community of King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC). Many families and friends also stop here for a short holiday because KAEC has lovely beaches, parks, and dining options right by the sea.
🔗 ishabil connect
Getting around KAEC is so simple! They have daily HHR Shuttle buses for just 15 SAR, and local City Buses for 5 SAR to travel within the immediate economic zone. You can find all the specific routes, schedules, and details on their official transport page here: KAEC Transport Info.
5. Madinah Station
Finally, we have the beautiful Madinah station. It has a calming green color theme, matching the famous green dome of the Prophet's Mosque. The station is very quiet, calm, and highly organized. It is located in the Knowledge Economic City area, which is about 7 kilometers away from the Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi).
🔗 ishabil connect
To reach the mosque area affordably, look for the Madinah Bus (Track 300). This is the most affordable public transit option, costing around SAR 11.5 per trip. These buses run very frequently and will drop you off right near the central Haram area (for example, near the IHG Dar Al Hijrah hotels).
How to Book Your Tickets Easily
Booking your train tickets is very simple and takes just a few minutes. You can book them online through the official HHR portal or download the HHR Train App on your phone. Here are the easy steps I follow every time I travel:
- Choose Your Route: Open the app or website. Select your origin (starting station) and your destination (e.g., Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, or King Abdullah Economic City).
- Select Travel Details: Enter the exact date you want to travel, the time you prefer, and the passenger count (how many people are going).
- Pick Your Class: You have two choices: Economy Class (very affordable and comfortable) or Business Class (wider seats, extra legroom, and free meals).
- Enter Details & Pay: Provide your personal details carefully. Then, pay securely using a credit card, debit card, or Apple Pay.
- Get Your Ticket: You will instantly receive your e-ticket delivered via email or SMS. You do not need to print it; just show the barcode on your phone at the station!
Note for international travelers: You can also book your tickets through the official Nusuk Platform. If you decide to travel at the last minute, you can purchase tickets in person at the station ticket counters or via the self-service kiosks there. But I always recommend booking early to get a seat!
Ticket Prices for the Haramain Train
Traveling fast and in luxury is wonderful, but how much does it cost? I find the prices very reasonable for the amazing comfort and time saved. Here is a general guide to the starting prices for one-way tickets:
- Makkah to Madinah (or Madinah to Makkah): Economy tickets start from SAR 150. Business class ranges from SAR 300 to SAR 400.
- Jeddah to Makkah: This is a very quick trip! Economy starts from SAR 23 to SAR 40.
- Jeddah to Madinah: Economy starts from SAR 115. Business class can reach over SAR 280.
- Jeddah Airport (KAIA) to Makkah: Start your Umrah journey right away from the airport! Economy starts from SAR 50.
Important Note: These prices vary dynamically based on the class, how far in advance you purchase the ticket, and seasonal demand. The best part? Children's tickets are generally 50% off! Always check the live schedules and book your tickets on the Saudi Railways (SAR) Haramain Booking portal.
Final Thoughts for a Perfect Trip
To make sure you have the absolute best experience, I have gathered a few extra tips for you.
📌 ishabil tips
1. Arrive Early: Treat the train station like an airport. Arrive at least 45 minutes to 1 hour before departure. The boarding gates close exactly 10 minutes before the train leaves, and they are very strict about time. They will not wait!
2. Check Luggage Rules: You are allowed one large suitcase (up to 25 kg) and one small carry-on bag per person. Make sure your bags are not overweight, or you might have to pay extra or ship them separately.
3. Bring a Light Jacket: Even in the middle of summer, the air conditioning inside the train and the massive stations can feel very cold. A light jacket or shawl is a very good idea.
4. Sit Back and Enjoy: Take some beautiful photos, enjoy a coffee and snacks from the cafe located in coach number 5, and watch the desert zoom by at 300 km/h.
I hope this complete guide helps you plan your upcoming journey between Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah. Traveling on the Haramain train has made my family trips and solo adventures so much easier, and I am sure you will love it too. Have a safe journey, happy travels, and may your prayers be accepted.
Read my Haramain Rail Experience:
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.
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