The new high-speed Haramain train is on. Here is how to use the train from Makkah to Medinah and vice versa and other general information before you board!
First I have to say I am super excited because train travel is my actual favourite way to explore a country.
There are few options for you to get from Makkah to Medinah for Umrah and we cover all of them extensively here. Now that the train is added this is a much safer and faster way of reaching the Holly cities.
How to Book the Haramain Train from Makkah to Medinah
Note that after several attempts you can only book a few days out rather than for example a month in advance. There were several seats available even two days before the departure date so there should be no problem.
I do hope they will add a bigger calendar option when they start operating in full capacity and speed.
Currently, the train doesn’t operate in full capacity or speed. The achievable speed is about 300km/h but at the moment it is around 200km/h.
The train takes 3 hours from Makkah to Medinah.
The classes and seats are comfortable and it’s new and clean. In my books, these points totally win.
The price of the ticket is not cheap by Saudi standards but by European standards, it is a good value considering the benefits of comfort, speed and safety you have.
- A one-way ticket in economy costs £35 / 160 SAR per person and children pay half price.
- A one-way ticket in business costs £55 / 263 SAR per person and children pay half price.
For a family of 5 this can add up and I can see the benefit of taking a taxi over spending nearly double the price of a train ticket.
Makkah to Madinah train schedule is available below, there are 4 trains per day.
Train prices Makkah to Medinah
The Medinah to Makkah train schedule is below and there are also 4 trains per day.
Train Medinah to Makkah schedule
Here are the rules of the ticket and how long in advance you have to be at the train station.
Please note that if you go during rush hour depending on the location of your hotel you might need extra time. Also if you don’t have a ticket take this into account as well.
Overall you can go to the train for about one hour or 30 minutes before the train departs.
Haramain ticket instructions
Baggage on the Train
It looks like you can only have one bag per person plus one hand luggage as with most airlines.
I wouldn’t get too caught up in the dimensions as long as they are OK for planes they should be OK for trains!
However, it also seems according to their T&Cs that even in business it is only 1 baggage per person
- Any passenger provided with a ticket may carry with him, under his custody and responsibility, in the places designated for that purpose, one piece of hand baggage and one piece limited to 25 Kg not exceeding 65 x 55 x 35 cm. (length-height-width).
Where are the stations located in Makkah and Medina?
The Makkah Haramain Highspeed train station is located about 10-minute taxi drive from the Haram.
You can find the Makkah train station details here.
The Medinah Haramain train station is located about 10 minutes from Masjid Al Nabawi as well.
You can find the google map location for the Medinah train here.
I like the fact that they are centrally located stations so it doesn’t cost a lot in a taxi to reach your destination.
Haramain Highspeed train stops
The Train is a service from Makkah to Medinah but it is not a direct link, it makes 1 or 2 stops depending on your train to Jeddah Central train station and to King Abdullah Economic city before arriving in Makkah or Medinah. In total even with the stops, it takes 3 hours to reach the cities which is great.
You don’t have to change trains but keep this in mind if you go to Jeddah and wonder whether you took the wrong train. 🙂
Also please note the journey is 3hrs and it doesn’t stop at a Meeqat if you are travelling for Umrah from Medinah to Mekkah. So make sure you wear your ihram and have your intentions from before or while on the train.
Important
Also please note that there is no link to Jeddah airport so you cannot take the train to go to Makkah.
Your option when arriving for Umrah at Jeddah airport is still taking a taxi to Makkah. Otherwise, you have to take a taxi to Jeddah train station and then the train which will cost more and it’s not as time effective.
The Haramain train stations do look impressive and you can see a lot of work has gone into this service which has the potential to transform how pilgrims travel from Makkah to Medinah.
The Safest Travel option when for Umrah
The Haramain high-speed train is the safest, fasted and most secure way to travel from Makkah to Medinah.
At the moment if you want to visit the Holly cities you can take a taxi which can be dangerous with exhausted drivers on the motorway and there are many traffic accidents. Personally, I don’t like taking taxis as I have seen some crazy driving.
The other option will be the SAPTCO bus which is also cheap but takes about 5 hours to get to Medinah from Makkah. We have an article on this here.
In my opinion, the train from Makkah to Medinah for Umrah is a real contender and it does go with the Saudi vision for 2030 and having 30million pilgrims per year.
It is a great way to go for Umrah and be in comfort, especially with young children.
My best advice and the fastest option I can see for this is if you do an open jaw flight where you arrive in either Medinah or Jeddah and then fly from the other city. This way you only need a one way ticket on the Haramain train from Makkah to Medinah or vise versa.
Sehrish says
Hi
I love your article thank you for the detailed info.
I will be travelling for Umrah for the first time in sha Allah during November 2019, however the website link you have provided for the Harmain Train booking, isnt working, everytime I try to enter dates, it gives error, I am unable to enter any dates.
What are my options?
Thank you in advance.
Muslim Travel Girl says
they might not operate on your days.
Mohamad says
I am having the same problems. Whatever days I chose (I have experimented with different dates in different months).
Muslim Travel Girl says
It normally only works for 2 days in advance.
Anas says
Do She need to carry any ID
My mother is in Madinah Right now for Umrah
Her passport is with the travel Agent right now
So what id she can carry to travel in train
She need to go jeddah Airport and which station would be best to reach airport easily
Muslim Travel Girl says
She should have her passport with her.
Heena m says
Salam jazak Allah khayr for the useful article. We r thinking to travel from Makkah to madinah via train, then madinah to Jeddah airport a few days later to return back to UK. how long would train take for madinah to Jeddah airport, or do you think we would be better off flying from madinah to Jeddah instead?
Muslim Travel Girl says
there is not direct to jeddah airport you have to take taxi from central station. it takes about 2,5hrs
Anees Uddin says
ASA, do you know if this is running daily now. I know that to begin with it ran four days a week?
Muslim Travel Girl says
From what I can see it operates more than four days but some show as not available. Doesn’t seem to be the same 4 days not open, if so it will be Monday to Wed. yes on some days Monday is available.
Tariq Shafei says
Assalamu Alaaikum
Jazaki Allah khair for the most informative post. We are travelling from australia with two kids and i wish for them to experience the train service.
Do you happen to know how long the taxi ride is once we arrive at jeddah? How much is it approximately?
Jazaki Allah khair once again
Muslim Travel Girl says
You mean from the train station to Jeddah? It is about 1,30min depending on traffic and driver. From the station to Jeddah airport is only about 20min.
tariq shafei says
Sorry my question wasnt clear. Once we arrive in Mecca how far is it to haraam. thats what i meant to say.
Also can you clarify what days the trains run. My friends who came back from hajj said it runs from wednesday to sunday. I think you mentioned earlier- Thursday to sunday.
What an awesome initiative by the saudi government- train looks amazing.
thank you.
Muslim Travel Girl says
The train station is about 10 min drive by taxi, or depends on traffic. Train check the timetable but they run daily from what i have heard. check the day you want online and see,
abc says
Hi- I’m trying to book for Fri Aug 2 from Makkah to Madinah for a 1way fare and can’t seem to do so. Is the ticketing system down? Is the train running?
Tks
Muslim Travel Girl says
as mentioned, you only can book a few days in advance.
Sham says
What a great guide you are! Alhamdulillah thanks for sharing, it’s very helpful.
Rafat says
Hi. Love your article. Very Informative. In case we are traveling with more than 1 full-size luggage, do you happen to know if we can pay extra for it or what would be the best course of action? Thank you
Muslim Travel Girl says
Salams Rafat, I am not sure, i don’t think anything major will happen to be honest you might have to pay a fee but normally on trains this is not an issue. I would assume as long as it is not a massive big suitcase and you can carry them easily you are fine. Maybe call customer service to check.
Owais says
I will have pax with wheel chairs do they allow wheel chairs in the train.
I m trying to book online but it is asking for iqama id etc. So cant book. My travel dates are 28 may to Mecca from Madinah and 30 may return from mecca to madinah. Can i buy ticket at station.
Muslim Travel Girl says
There is wheelchair access I believe. You should be able to book without needing iqama and you can book at stations but it might be better to go a day or two in advance to get for the train time you need.
Kedir says
Asselamu Aleykum ,
I tried to book the train using the link but it is in Arabic. Can you share the link with English?
Shukren
Muslim Travel Girl says
If you click the link and the globe it will show the English version. Sadly I can’t change it as automatically goes there its how their site is set up
Anke SRH says
Assalaamualaikum I need info about taking miqot when we travel by train from Madinah to Mekkah.
جَزَاكِ اللّهُ خَيْرً
Muslim Travel Girl says
The train doesn’t stop. I would just make intention and Ihram from Medina.
Aisha says
Salam I tried booking for tickets from madina to Makkah but I don’t know the name of both train stations. If you could help me. Thanks
Muslim Travel Girl says
Salams the names are on the photos I showed and it is easy to book them. You might have an issue with the dates if you try to book too long in advance. I couldn’t try to book more than a few days in advance otherwise it shows an error.
Abul Hasan says
How much luggage is allowed if we travel business class between Mecca and Medina
Grad says
If you’ve two suitcases, do you’ve to purchase two tickets on the train since they’re only allowing 1 suitcase on a ticket?
farooq says
salam, glad to see guidence and response.May god bless you.
how do i book from madinah to makkah for 24 april
MuslimTravelGirl says
Please read the article above to see the link and book.
Adam says
Salam.
By any chance… Do you know about the miqat for umrah.
If we were to travel from madinah to Mekah. Will there be an announcement for it
Or we need (best) to do it manually. Take taxi up to birAli for umrah purposes. Kindly advise. Thank you
Muslim Travel Girl says
Salams, I am actually not sure. However they should, also it’s only 3 hours and I know a lot of people wear their Ihram from their Medina hotel.
Muhammad Hasan says
Dear Adam, if you take SAPTCO bus it will stop in miqat (Bir Ali) for around 30-45 minutes. Normally it will be good to take shower and use your ihram from your hotel.
MuslimTravelGirl says
Indeed if a coach is an option for you and you really want to wear your Ihram then.
Muhammad Ashraf Moosani says
It is better to done your Ahram and Neyat of Umra in Masjid-un-Nabavi. صلی الله علیہ وسلم.Because as per my information train does not stop at Meeqat Bair Ali. Nor it will announce it,
And if you pass the limit of Meqat with out Neyat . You can not perform umra.
Muslim Travel Girl says
Agree I wouldn’t risk it. I always say you better wear it when you leave Medinah.
Muhammad Khan says
Asalam-o-Alikum
Please let me know Luggage and
1)How much Madinah railway station to masjid nabawi taxi fare?
Or If Bus Service much Ticket fare ? where Bus drop.
2)Luggage: hand carry + suitcase or only one pic
i look forward to hearing from you soon.
Jazak ALLAH khair
Muslim Travel Girl says
Salams please read above regarding the luggage. Also, we have rules. As general one suitcase and one hand luggage are ok. I am not sure regarding the taxi fare. Please check uber for an approximate fare. We have a guide on transportation above as well.
Loobna says
Salaam
How much luggage were you allowed to take with you on the train please sister?
AND a smaller hand luggage one (like cabin luggage on a plane) ?
Jazakallah
Muslim Travel Girl says
Personally, I would try to stick as close to the dimensions as possible. It really depends on who will be on duty and their mood. I assume that if it fits on a plane it will fit on the train. But obviously don’t take a massive suitcase that is too much beyond the measurements, its never a good idea either on trains or planes. Also, make sure it is within the weight limits as well. A few cms +/- should be ok.
Loobna says
Jazakallah for your response – we will be trying to travel as light as possible! the train website is slightly confusing as it says suitcase and handbag – but can the handbag be a cabin sized suitcase?
Is all the luggage stored in the overhead racks in the train?
Muslim Travel Girl says
Cabin luggage should be ok.
Amjad says
As-salaam-o-laikum
After daily checking the booking site.. alhamdulillah managed to book 2 economy tickets from Makkah to Madinah on the 21/04/2019.
The only thing worrying me is the luggage although me and son have 1 suitcase each and will be under 25kgs but the dimension not exactly the required size.. that’s not going to be a end of world issue for the staff ther will it?
JazakAllah
Muslim Travel Girl says
Personally, I would try to stick as close to the dimensions as possible. It really depends on who will be on duty and their mood, they dont pull measure tapes. I assume that if it fits on a plane it will fit on the train. But obviously don’t take a massive suitcase that is too much beyond the measurements, its never a good idea either on trains or planes. Also, make sure it is within the weight limits as well. A few cms +/- should be ok.
babar agha says
Salaam, can you tell me how long before the departure time do we have to report at the train station as some friends said we may need to be there at least 2 hours prior to departure which would mean the same amount of time as it takes to go by road to madinah from makkah
Muslim Travel Girl says
Salams the notes on the ticket indicates up to 10 min before the train leaves. Of course, this depends on the time of travel if it is peak season I would go about 1hr to 30mmin before the train especially if you have bought your ticket. Also, note that if you go after Friday prayers the time for taxis to get there will increase.
Tahir Shah says
Salaam, is the rail still running as I heard there was a recent derailment. I tried to book for the end of April and even with flexible dates it would not give me any ticket options.
Muslim Travel Girl says
Salams, the train is working but if you read above you can only book for a day or two in advance. So booking for April won’t provide you with any option.
Erina says
Salam
We are InnShallah going to Saudi in April. We have first few days in Madinah and next few days in Makkah.
Since we are four people, Bus would be more economical for us. I was wondering if bus makes a stop before reaching Makkah for ihram?
Regards
Muslim Travel Girl says
Yes, the bus stops so you can change in ihram.
Sowilah says
Jazakumullah khair sister for your informative blog. Im sure lots of people benefited from it, including myself.
May Allah reward you and your family without bounds, ameen.
Muslim Travel Girl says
JazakaAllah khair for your kind words, it means a lot!
razia says
Is it easier to go to Saptco Coach station with kids in Makkah to go Madina or the train station?
Nur Smile says
Yes.. i personally used this service last year.. the SAPTCO VIP couch station in makkah is in same area with SAPTCO buses.. near to Masjid Haram… once u arrive Madina, VIP Couch stops in Crowne Plaza Hotel..: no need for taxi to go to your hotel around the masjid unless ofcourse u hav lots of luggages and your hotel is very far.
Nahid says
Hey, I also live in Qatar. As you are aware of, due to diplomatic crisis, we are unable to perform umrah from here directly. Is there any way to perform umrah from Qatar without going to your home country?
Do you know of any reliable tour operator in Oman, Kuwait, or in London who will arrange the umrah visa and sell a tour package to a resident of Qatar?
Muslim Travel Girl says
Salams please find the post that explains it all.
https://muslimtravelgirl.com/how-to-issue-an-umrah-visa-when-living-abroad/
Hassan says
Salaam please I want to know about schedule of Jeddah to medina fast train
Muslim Travel Girl says
You can find it on the link above.
Mohammad says
The link to book the train tickets does not load. I am opening it in Canada.
Is there an issue with the link you posted?
Muslim Travel Girl says
Not sure why, it opens for me
Aamir says
What is the fare of bus.
Makkah to madinah
Jeddah to makkah
Muslim Travel Girl says
Salams please see this article.