The Haramain High-Speed Railway: A Pilgrim's Guide to the Makkah–Madinah Train
The Haramain train covers Makkah to Madinah in roughly 2 hours 20 minutes — a journey that takes 5–6 hours by road. I've done both, and after one bone-shaking bus ride in 40°C heat, I swore I'd never do it again. The train is air-conditioned, smooth, and honestly feels like a small mercy after a long Umrah day.
Here's everything I wish someone had told me before my first ride.
Routes, Stations & Travel Times
The Haramain High-Speed Railway (HHR) runs along a 450 km electric track between five stations, with trains reaching 300 km/h.
| Route | Travel Time | Economy Fare (from) | Business Fare (from) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makkah → Madinah | ~2h 20m | SAR 150 | SAR 250–380 |
| Makkah → Jeddah (Sulimaniyah) | ~35 min | SAR 46+ | — |
| Makkah → Jeddah Airport (KAIA) | ~55 min | SAR 50+ | — |
| Jeddah → Madinah | ~1h 50m | SAR 115+ | — |
| KAIA (Airport) → Makkah | ~35–55 min | SAR 50+ | — |
One tip I learned the hard way: Jeddah has two separate stations — Al-Sulimaniyah (city centre) and KAIA (inside Terminal 1 of the airport). Check your ticket carefully, because going to the wrong one will cost you your train.
Economy vs Business: What You Actually Get
Each Haramain train carries 417 seats — 113 in Business and 304 in Economy — plus a dining car on coach five.
Economy gives you a 2+2 reclining seat, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and clean restrooms. For a two-hour ride, it's genuinely comfortable.
Business gets you a wider 2+1 seat with roughly 40 inches of legroom, priority boarding, access to the Business Lounge at stations (with complimentary snacks, drinks and Wi-Fi), and a light meal on longer trips. My verdict: if you're travelling during Ramadan or Hajj chaos and want a calmer experience, Business is worth the splurge. Otherwise, Economy does the job well.
How to Book (Before It Sells Out)
The official channels are the HHR website (sar.hhr.sa) and the HHR Train app on Apple's App Store and Google Play. You can also use self-service kiosks or staffed counters at stations, but booking through the app is strongly recommended during peak seasons.
The registration and payment process is straightforward — you'll need your passport details for international travellers, and tickets arrive instantly by email and SMS. You can pay by international card on the app, which removes the hassle of carrying Saudi riyals in exact change.
Here's the critical part: during Ramadan, Hajj and Umrah peak periods, trains fill up days or even weeks in advance. During Ramadan 2026, over 1.7 million seats were made available and still sold out — book 1–2 weeks ahead via the app if you're travelling in these windows.
If your flight lands at Jeddah airport, allow at least 90 minutes between landing and your train departure to clear immigration and collect baggage. The airport station is directly connected to Terminal 1, so if you land there, just follow the "Haramain High-Speed Railway" signs. If you land at the Hajj Terminal or North Terminal, take an airport shuttle or taxi to Terminal 1 first.
Pilgrim Tips I've Learned the Hard Way
- Arrive 30–45 minutes early. Ticket gates close 10 minutes before departure — no exceptions, no arguing.
- Luggage is strict. One suitcase up to 25 kg (65×55×35 cm) and one small hand-carry. Oversized bags can get you denied boarding.
- Zamzam water doesn't travel well on this train. Large bottles are prohibited in passenger cabins; you'll need to ship them separately or carry them according to your airline's rules.
- Getting to Masjid al-Haram from Makkah station: take the Makkah Bus (Route 7A), which runs every 10 minutes and takes about 8–10 minutes to the Haram.
- Getting to Masjid an-Nabawi from Madinah station: the Madinah Region Development Authority runs shuttle buses — during Ramadan 2026, these included a direct route from the Haramain Station to the Prophet's Mosque.
- Carry your documents. Passport with visa or Iqama, plus your digital e-ticket, ready for scanning at the electronic gates.
When the Train Is Fully Booked
If Haramain tickets sell out — common during Ramadan and Hajj — your options narrow to SAPTCO buses, private taxis, or rides arranged through your Umrah operator. The bus is cheapest but slowest; a private transfer is faster but pricier. Plan ahead so you're not forced into a last-minute decision at the station.
This is also where a trusted agency genuinely earns its keep. If you're arranging an Umrah trip and want the Haramain train, visa assistance and hotel bookings handled in one place, HTG Travels (htg.com.pk) can put the whole package together. You can even WhatsApp them at +92 325 1480148 for a quick reply on what's available for your dates.
A Word Before You Go
Before we close, my heart is with the people of Palestine and Sudan — so many families there are facing hardship and loss far beyond any journey we take for granted. Keep them in your prayers, and where you can, support trusted humanitarian relief. Small acts of kindness travel further than any train.
Quick recap: book via the HHR app or sar.hhr.sa well before Ramadan/Hajj, pick Economy for value or Business for the lounge and extra space, arrive 30–45 minutes early, respect the one-bag rule, and leave your Zamzam for the flight home.
Written by Huzi — travel blogger at huzi.pk. Safe travels, and may your journey between the two holy cities be blessed and easy. More honest travel guides are waiting for you over on huzi.pk.
For help with Umrah packages, Haramain train bookings or complete travel planning, visit htg.com.pk or message +92 325 1480148 on WhatsApp.
Related Guides on Huzi
- Jeddah or Madinah: Which Umrah Arrival Airport Is Better in 2026
- Saudi's Free 96-Hour Stopover Visa: Umrah on Your Jeddah Layover
- Umrah from Pakistan: How HTG Travels Arranges Flights, Hotels & Paperwork
Planning your own trip? HTG Travels answers on WhatsApp at +92 325 1480148 or online at htg.com.pk.