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How to use the Train from Makkah to Medinah (Updated 2020)

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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! 

Haramain Train from Makkah to Medinah for Umrah1 copyresized_1

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. 

Please note that this post has been updated in January 2020 with all the new information, so please read the full post. 

How to Book the Haramain Train from Makkah to Medinah

They have updated the calendar in some cases you can now book for up to a month in advance. This is great news and makes it easier to plan your trip. Note that the below is the official link to book your train. 

I do hope they will add a bigger calendar option when they start operating in full capacity and speed. 

 

Haramain Train from Makkah to Medinah for Umrah1 copyresized_1

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. 

Haramain Train from Makkah to Medinah for Umrah

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 overspending nearly double the price of a train ticket.

Makkah to Madinah train schedule is available below, there are 4 trains per day. 

Makkah to Medinah train schedule

Train prices Makkah to Medinah

 

The Medinah to Makkah train schedule is below and there are also 4 trains per day. 

Medinah to Makkah train schedule Umrah

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 Train ticket rules Umrah train

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 train update 2020 

The train used to stop in Jeddah Central station, however last year there was a major hire and the train is not operating now. We are not sure when they will start again. At the moment you can take a train from Jeddah airport however this is only in the new terminal and for those flying with Saudi airlines.

There are more airlines that will start moving into the terminal from March 2020 but read and check if your airline will be moved there before you make any booking for the train. 

Otherwise, you will have to take a taxi from the old North Terminal to the new terminal to catch the train.

Now the train stops from Makkah to Medinah in the airport, the economic city and then Medinah so it still takes around 3 hrs.

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. 🙂 

From Jeddah airport to Makkah it takes just over 1 hr. 

Haramain Train from Makkah to Medinah for Umrah

 

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. 

Currently, there are 3 daily trains from Jeddah airport to Makkah, 4 trains from Jeddah airport to Medinah and 3 trains from Makkah to Medinah. 

If you want to stay in Jeddah and use the tourist visa to explore the city please note you will have to take the train to the airport and from there a taxi to the city which is about 20min away. 

Check this post out:   The Ultimate Guide on How to Do a DIY Umrah; (Do-It-Yourself) Umrah

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. 

Read More

The Ultimate Guide on How to Do a DIY Umrah; (Do-It-Yourself) Umrah
Plan your 5-star Umrah with Rihaala the newest Muslim Travel Agency from £418pp
Saudi Tourist Visa- Everything you need to kno
Price Comparison (DIY) Do-It-Yourself Umrah VS Umrah Agent Packages
Here is the Best Hilton Hotel In Makkah For Umrah

 

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Comments

  1. Assalamualaikom. Jazakallahu khairan for this very helpful information. There is just one thing I am worried about. Do you know if there is any shuttle bus from Makkah Train Station to Al-haram? As I plan to go on Friday and since Friday is very crowded, I’m worried that Taxi drivers will ask more money even though it is a 10-min drive only. Thank you very much.

    Reply

    • No there is no shuttle, it will be taxi you will need. Sadly it will be crowded and also very busy and blocked roads so just make sure you pack your patience too i think you might need it 🙂

      Reply

  2. Salaam sis,

    JazakAllah for your informative post and pictures.

    I am constantly trying to check the trains to see which dates ANY tickets will be available, I’ll be going inshaAllah during Ramadan and know we cannot book tickets this much in advance, but feeling a bit underconfident as the calendar shows the entirety of next month yet tickets are never available.

    It seems like a website error and says NANANA for any date I select, but I’m realising that every day that I’ve been checking for the past few weeks it is the same, so I really don’t know how it’s possible to book online! Maybe they just don’t operate for weeks at a time?

    Also in your post – Madina to Jeddah was not mentioned, is there no route from Madina back to Jeddah?

    Will have to think of something like SAPTCO as a backup as it looks like no train journeys for us
    🙁 A real shame as we really wanted to try it out!

    Thank you anyway and I’ll update here if I am successful inshaAllah!

    Reply

    • So the page shows the availability, try as a one way. With regards to Medinah to Jeddah it’s a bus to the station and then taxi to airport, a train also to airport or a flight.

      Reply

  3. AsSalam Dear Sister, Jazakillahu khyair for your writeup, very informative. Only Allah swt can repay your good deeds Aamiin. Question we a couple plan to buy ticket from Makkah to Medina on 7 Mar 20, I checked your link & there are 3 timings. They requested for phone number & there is no malaysia…so what number should i put as I dont have Saudi no. Also to confirm can Malaysian buy online or do we need to buy only 2 days before we depart. We are doing only 5 day trip of which 2 nights in Makkah & we arrive on 5/3 at 2340 Jeddah airport. So very tight to get ticket. Any suggestion? Jazakillahu khyair

    Reply

    • They don’t have Malaysia on the list? I am sure with an email you can buy as well. The tickets are available to everyone.

      Reply

  4. Salam

    I have plan to go to Madinah from Makkah.
    Is the train operating this day?
    And could you give the link to buy the ticket?

    Reply

  5. Asalam alaikum,
    what a useful information!!
    May Allah SWT reward you abundantly.
    Thank you.

    Reply

  6. Asalam alaikum,
    what a useful information!!
    May Allah SWT reward you abundantly.
    Thank you.

    Reply

  8. Salaam Ukhti,
    You have a very useful site, Jzk.
    InshaAllah I’m taking the train today from Madinah to Makkah.
    I booked directly from the train station 2 days prior to travel. I even managed to get a free bus back to the Haram in Madinah, dropped off by the Movenpick near gate 15.

    I’m just wondering if there are any facilities at the station to change into Ihram, I saw that there is a masjid next to the station, maybe there are also showers in the station?
    Keep up the good work.

    Reply

    • No idea, why don’t you change in ihram before you leave your hotel? It might be easier or to actually change on train in the toilet, similar to what people do on flights

      Reply

      • We had to check out at 12pm and the train wasn’t until 8pm and I am travelling with 2 elderly parents and a baby.
        There are prayer facilities at the train station. Unfortunately we got there a little late and ended up changing on the train (you have about 4 minutes before you reach the meeqat).
        Could you please update the advice regarding luggage, they are very strict with dimensions and I was not allowed to take a bag that was 5cm too tall, I ended up having to send it with Saudi Post (40 Riyals) and had to pick it up from the train station (another 30 Riyals round trip on a taxi). Many others also got caught out by this rule.
        The train ride was very quick and comfortable though.
        There is a bus from Mecca train station but it drops you at Taneem Bus Stop which is still a 15 minute walk from the haram and too hard with luggage, kids or old people.
        We got an Uber to the hotel from the bus station for 19 Riyals.

    • Salam Brother,

      Was there trolley service available at train stations Makkah and Madina ?

      Is shuttle bus service free of cost from station to haram both Makkah and Madina?

      Regards,
      Ali

      Reply

  10. Assalam o Alaikum

    First of all thanks for providing detailed information. Appreciated. I am trying to book one-way journey from Makkah to Medinah but I am getting a message “please select valid departure date”, even though i’ve selected 11 Dec 2019.

    Can you please tell me is this because of the train service still not running or something else?

    Kind Regards
    Jamal

    Reply

  11. Salaam, I was looking to travel from Makkah to Madinah and was wondering what station I should select from Makkah as there are 4 or so options?

    Reply

  12. Assalamualikum, ukhti
    If I’m plan umroh trough madinah first then to Mecca, with train, is there any possibility to stop in miqat?

    Reply

      • Salam
        We are planning to take the train from Makkah to Madina on January 20th 2020.
        Is the train back in service? It doesn’t give me the option to purchase tickets.

      • if there are train it will give you the option, at the moment it is a train a day but please note as i mention on post it is only few days in advance you can buy

  13. Salam, the bookings for the High Speed train doesn’t seem to allow any bookings and states there are no bookings. I have checked recent dates and dates in the a few weeks away too. Do you have any updates?

    Reply

      • I am also trying for 27th Jan 2020 but am not able to do it. I think it is close for now. I traveled last year and booked through the provided customer care number. but this time it is not working. what are the other options to check for the booking.

      • Online. Also you can’t book a month in advance online. If it is available will be online.

    • It’s published they will resume the operations from today, but still the online bookings are not working. Can we buy tickets directly from station. What are the possibilities

      Reply

      • no they will sell online as well. the only train working is from Medinah to airport

  14. Assalamualaikum ukhti,
    I would like to ask if i am travelling from Madinah to Mekkah on 18th of December 2019 is the train operatinb on that day? How do i book the ticket? How long is the journey? And how much does the ticket cost?
    Thank you so much

    Reply

    • Salams there has been an accident on the station so seems like the train is not running. You can keep checking when they will open. For all your other questions please read the article above

      Reply

  15. salaams,
    i want to go from madinah to makkah on 17 jan 2020. do u have any idea if train will be operating during that period.
    JAZAKALLAH
    VERY INFORMATIVE WEBSITE. KEEP IT UP

    Reply

    • InshaAllah should be, the train operates you need to book 2 days max in advance and only works 4 days a week but they seem to change :/

      Reply

      • Thanks for the info… my aunt and uncle is planing for umrah on fab 20… they have a very tight schedule and searching for train schedules….. your article is very much helpful.

  16. 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.

    Reply

    • Hi
      Allah accept your Umrah. I am also going for Umrah in end of November. Just found out that you can only book the train ticket two days in advance.
      If enter any future dates more than 2 days went pages would not open or give you an error message.

      Reply

    • I am having the same problems. Whatever days I chose (I have experimented with different dates in different months).

      Reply

  17. 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

    Reply

  18. 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?

    Reply

    • there is not direct to jeddah airport you have to take taxi from central station. it takes about 2,5hrs

      Reply

  19. ASA, do you know if this is running daily now. I know that to begin with it ran four days a week?

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  20. 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

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

      • 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.

      • 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,

  21. 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

    Reply

  23. 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

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  24. 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.

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  25. Asselamu Aleykum ,

    I tried to book the train using the link but it is in Arabic. Can you share the link with English?

    Shukren

    Reply

    • 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

      Reply

  26. Assalaamualaikum I need info about taking miqot when we travel by train from Madinah to Mekkah.
    جَزَاكِ اللّهُ خَيْرً

    Reply

  27. 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

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  29. 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?

    Reply

  30. salam, glad to see guidence and response.May god bless you.
    how do i book from madinah to makkah for 24 april

    Reply

  31. 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

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

      • Indeed if a coach is an option for you and you really want to wear your Ihram then.

    • 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.

      Reply

      • Agree I wouldn’t risk it. I always say you better wear it when you leave Medinah.

  32. 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

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  33. 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

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

      • 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?

  34. 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

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  35. 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

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  36. 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.

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  37. 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

    Reply

      • Assalamu’alaykum sister! I’m planning to go to Umrah, first week of December in shaa Allah. Are they operating now? And I’m female expat working here in KSA, is it okay if I take the train alone?

      • The train is not working as there was a fire at Jeddah station. VIP Saptco is the best option

  38. 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.

    Reply

  39. Is it easier to go to Saptco Coach station with kids in Makkah to go Madina or the train station?

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  40. 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?

    Reply

  41. 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?

    Reply

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