Guide
The Al‑Haramain train: connecting Makkah and Madinah in comfort
Wiki Tours International · Published on · Updated on
The Al‑Haramain high-speed train connects Makkah to Madinah in about two and a half hours, at speeds up to 300 km/h. It has transformed the journey between the two holy cities — once several hours by road: faster, more restful and safer, a real comfort for pilgrims, especially families and the elderly.
What is the Al‑Haramain train?
The Haramain High Speed Railway is a high-speed line linking the two holy cities, Makkah and Madinah, also serving Jeddah (King Abdulaziz International Airport) and King Abdullah Economic City. The line stretches about 450 kilometres, travelled at speeds up to 300 km/h.
How long between Makkah and Madinah?
By train, the direct Makkah ⇄ Madinah journey takes about two and a half hours. By road it traditionally took far longer, depending on traffic. The saving in time and fatigue is considerable — especially in the middle of an intense spiritual stay.
Why it's a real advantage for pilgrims
- Comfort. Air-conditioned, spacious, quiet carriages, far from long bus hours.
- Rest. The pilgrim arrives fresh for prayer and ziyara, instead of drained by the road.
- Safety and punctuality. A modern, regular mode of transport, independent of traffic.
- Families and elders. For an elderly parent or young children, two and a half hours seated beats a long road trip.
How it works with us
In our programs that include it — such as our bespoke 5-star Umrah — the transfer between the two holy cities is by the Al‑Haramain train, and our team handles the arrangements: timing, gathering and assistance. The train is also in our Umrah glossary.
Preparing your Umrah and want a program that includes the Al‑Haramain train? Message us on WhatsApp or via our Bab Makka page: we'll show you the relevant packages and the real prices per tier.
The stations on the line
The line serves five stations: Makkah, Jeddah (city centre), Jeddah's King Abdulaziz airport, King Abdullah Economic City and Madinah. For a Moroccan pilgrim, two really matter: the Makkah terminus in the Rusaifah district, and the Madinah one — both connected to the centre by the usual shuttles and taxis.
The Jeddah airport station has its use: on some programs it lets you head straight to Madinah or Makkah on landing, without crossing the city.
What the journey is like
Carriages are air-conditioned, spacious, with luggage space and reclining seats. The ride is quiet and stable: many pilgrims use it to sleep, read Quran, or simply recover between the two holy cities. There are no bends and no frequent stops, unlike the road.
Boarding works like an airport, with ticket and baggage checks — plan to arrive a little early, especially in busy periods.
Who benefits most
- Elderly travellers: two and a half hours seated, without jolting, instead of a long road trip — often what makes the journey possible at all.
- Families with children: less fatigue, more room to move, no travel sickness.
- Short stays: time saved on the road is time spent at the Haram or the Prophet's ﷺ Mosque.
What to know before counting on it
The train is an independent Saudi service, subject to its own timetables and availability. On our programs the train transfer is offered on request and according to seats available on the date concerned; otherwise the transfer is by air-conditioned coach with the group. Our team confirms which applies before departure.