Navigating the Haramain High Speed Railway: The Ultimate Makkah to Madinah Transit Guide.

After one 6-hour bus trip from Makkah to Madinah, most people swear they’ll never do it again. That’s why the Haramain high speed railway Makkah to Madinah is a game changer for Umrah. 300 km/h, no traffic, and you’re at Masjid an-Nabawi in about 2.5 hours. You step off fresh, not drained.

I’ll walk you through tickets, bags, stations, and the little mistakes that cost people money. The biggest thing most first timers mess up is the Haramain train booking window. Seats vanish fast, especially before Fajr and during Ramadan. Booking opens on the SAR app around 2 to 3 months before your travel date.

If you’re taking parents or a group, book early so you’re not split across coaches. The price jumps too when it’s last minute. So set a reminder on your phone now. It’s worth it.

What is the Haramain High Speed Railway Network?

It’s Saudi’s bullet train between Makkah, Jeddah, KAEC, and Madinah that runs at 453 km/h. Basically, it is like a flight on the ground that hits 300 km/h and is super smooth with no jams.

Key stats you care about:

• Makkah to Madinah: a non-stop journey. No stops.

• Duration: 2 h 20 min

• Speed: 300 km per hour. You’ll see the desert fly by.

• Trains per day: 30+ during peak Umrah/Hajj season. Less in the off-season.

• Luggage: 1 carry-on + 1 checked bag up to 25kg free. More on that later.

Trains are spotless. They run on time. And unlike the old SAPTCO buses, you don’t worry about breakdowns in the desert at 2 PM. Each station feels like a mini airport. Makkah Rusaiyfah station to Haram is a 10-minute taxi ride, SAR 25 if you don’t get overcharged.

You’ll find mosques, food, pharmacies, and even guys who’ll book your next hotel. 

During Hajj 2026, trains run through the night with departures up to 2:45 AM. Outside Hajj, expect the first train around 7 AM and the last train near 11 PM.

Haramain: Economy vs. Business Class

Economy Class

• Space is fine for most travellers.

• Clean, comfortable seats

• Power sockets at every seat

• Quiet cabin, good for rest

• No meal included, but you can buy snacks.

Business Class

• More legroom + wider seats

• Lounge access before boarding

• Hot meal served on board

• Priority boarding, less waiting

• Costs ~SAR 100 more.

My take: Going solo or with young friends? The economy does the job.

If you’re with an elderly father who can’t sit tight, spend the extra SAR 100. You won’t regret it.

Makkah to Madinah Train Ticket Prices and Seat Classes

Let’s talk about money. The Haramain high speed railway from Makkah to Madinah has a fixed price. It changes with dates, class, and how early you book. Here’s what you’ll actually pay.

Makkah to Madinah Train Ticket Prices

Pricing breakdown

• Economy: SAR 119 –SAR 150 one way.

• Business: SAR 250 –SAR 400 one way.

• The trick: It’s dynamic pricing, just like flights.

Timing matters.

• Book 8 weeks out: You’ll likely pay SAR 119 for economy.

• Book 2 days before Ramadan: That SAR 119 seat becomes SAR 172.

• Hajj and Ramadan tickets: Book late and they’re gone. If you find one, it’ll cost way more.

• Infants under 2: They ride free as long as they’re on your lap.

• Ages 2–12: Discounted fares apply.

My rule of thumb: If you know your dates, book the train the second HHR opens sales. The price gap between early and late booking is real.

Wondering how big the train is?

Train capacity

• 13 coaches long, can accommodate 417 passengers per trip.

• Economy and business share the exact same Umrah luggage rules of the Haramain Train.

• Upgrading to business won’t get you extra baggage allowance. It won't.

Prices & how to save

• Live fares: Check the official HHR high-speed rail app.

• Best time to book: Refresh at 9 AM on Tuesdays. That’s when new batches drop.

• Real example: I saved my group SAR 800 just by booking Tuesday instead of Friday.

Booking warning

• Use the official app only.

• Third-party sites add hidden fees.

• Some even sell invalid tickets. You don’t want to argue at the gate in Ihram.

Your trip is about worship, not ticket drama. So, reserve early on the HHR app, pack light, and let the train handle the rest.

How to Book Haramain Train Tickets Online (Booking Windows)

Booking the Haramain train online takes 3 minutes once you know where to click. Here’s the exact path so you don’t waste time or money.

• Go to sar.hhr.sa or download the SAR app.

• Select one-way or round trip.

• Pick Makkah and Madinah.

• Add passengers and pay.

• You’ll get a QR code ticket. No printouts needed.

Haramain train booking window.

• Normal weeks: Booking opens about 45 days ahead.

• First to sell out: Friday morning slots and 10 PM trains.

How to Travel from Jeddah Airport to Makkah

• Book this before you book Madinah.

• Jeddah Airport to Makkah fills fast because every Umrah flight drops hundreds of pilgrims at once.

Important rules

• Name spelling: Must match passport exactly. ‘Muhammad’ vs ‘Mohammad’ will get you sent back.

• Group leaders: Put all tickets under one booking reference to keep your group together.

• Changes: You can change times up to 24 hours before for a small fee.

• Within 24 hours: You cannot change time after 24 hours. No refund, and your ticket is gone.

Strict Haramain Train Luggage Policy: The 25 kg Limit.

This is where most pilgrims lose money, so read carefully before you pack for the Haramain train.

What you get

• One big suitcase: 25 kg max. 65 × 55 × 35 cm max. And wheels and handles also count towards the size. If it’s 66 cm, it won’t go on.

• One small bag: a backpack, laptop bag, or a handbag is allowed.

Key rules

• No extra baggage at the counter: If you’re over 25 kg, security will send you to Saudi Post.

• Shipping cost: Around SAR 150, and your bag won’t arrive with you.

• Zamzam: Small sealed bottles inside your 25 kg bag are usually fine. Big 10-L gallons must be shipped.

• Food: Must be factory-sealed. No open dates. No open shawarma.

• Banned items: As per Saudi Railway guidelines, knives, scissors, lighters are banned on the Haramain train. And also you cannot carry cash above SAR 60,000.

• Power banks: Under 20,000 mAh is allowed.

Pro tips

• Weigh your bag at the hotel. Most lobbies have a scale. If you’re at 24.8 kg, remove your shoes.

• Tag every bag with your phone number and hotel name. The racks are open, and bags look identical.

So, weigh your luggage and tag it. And keep it under 25 kg. No suitcase is worth missing your train to Makkah for check HHR’s baggage rules before you land.

Navigating the Stations: Jeddah Airport, Makkah, and Madinah

Landed in Saudi? The Haramain stations are modern and easy; if you’re figuring out “how to travel from Jeddah Airport to Makkah,” book that leg first.

Jeddah Airport KAIA station.

• Located inside Terminal 1. Clear immigration, collect bags, and then follow “Haramain Train” signs.

• First timers: Take the train from Jeddah Airport to Makkah. Fixed price, no scams, no 2-hour traffic.

Makkah station

• Located in Rusaiyfah, 4 km from the Haram.

• Taxi to Haram: 10 minutes. Agree on SAR 20–30 before you get in.

• Many hotels run free shuttles. Ask when you book.

Madinah station

• 9 km from the Prophet’s Mosque.

• Careem: SAR 25–35, takes 15 minutes.

• All stations have wheelchairs, prayer rooms, and trolleys.

• Arrive 45 minutes before; security lines get long after Asr. Know your exit, and you’ll be at the Haram or Masjid Nabawi without the airport taxi drama.

Boarding in Ihram: Rules for International Umrah Pilgrims

Flying into Jeddah for Umrah changes the rules. The train station itself is a miqat.

Miqat rules.

• KAIA station is a miqat for people flying in. Going direct to Makkah to start Umrah means one thing: be in Ihram before you board.

• KAIA has wudu and changing areas after immigration.

On the train

• No prayer room, but you’ve got time for dhikr and dua.

• Staff announce the Miqat if you’re coming from Madinah towards Makkah.

• Keep voices low. No perfume once you’re in Ihram.

Seat choice

• Business class is calmer if you want quiet to make niyyah.

• Plenty of people manage fine in the economy.

Enter Ihram before you board, keep your niyyah clear, and use the quiet ride for dhikr. The journey is part of the ibadah.

Train vs. Bus: Why High-Speed Rail Wins for Umrah Logistics

I’ve done the Makkah to Madinah run both ways. One leaves you broken. The other leaves you ready for Rawdah.

• Cost: SAR 60.

• Time: 6 to 8 hours with stops.

• Traffic: You hit jams leaving Makkah and entering Madinah.

• Comfort: Rough on elders. Expect swollen feet, back pain, and zero energy on arrival.

• Bathrooms: A problem on long highway stretches.

The Haramain train

What You’re Actually Paying For

• Price: 119 Saudi riyal.

• Ride time: 2 hours and 20 mins.

• Timing hack: Catch the train after Fajr in Makkah. And you’ll make it to Madinah in time for Dhuhr.

• How you feel after: You step off fresh. Not dehydrated. Not wiped out. You’ve got enough in you to head straight to Rawdah.

Why pilgrims choose the train

• For elders: No 6-hour highway strain. Less fatigue, fewer health issues.

• For groups: Book months ahead in the Haramain train booking window. No “driver didn’t show up” calls at 3 AM.

• For ziyaarah plans: You won’t miss visits because you were stuck near Rabigh.

• The maths: The time and energy saved is worth more than the SAR 60 difference.

Most people only take the bus once. For Umrah pilgrim rail transfers, especially with parents, the train works.The Haramain high speed railway from Makkah to Madinah changed that completely. 450 km in 2 hours 20 minutes. AC cabins, actual legroom, and you arrive fresh for Ziyarah.

FAQs: