Umrah by Train: A Complete Guide to the Haramain High-Speed Railway from Makkah to Madinah

Introduction
 

Many Umrah trips will involve visiting both Makkah and Madinah. The Haramain High Speed Railway makes it easier to travel between the two sacred cities.
 

This high speed train travels between Makkah and Madinah with stops at Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport, and King Abdullah Economic City. The train runs along 453 km of track with a maximum speed of 300 km/h. The journey between Makkah and Madinah takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes however can vary depending on what service you have booked. For information on the Saudi Arabia Railways network please visit here. For general information on the Saudi Government please visit here.
 

This guide will show you how to plan your journey, book your tickets, which station to use, what to pack and how to ensure your family have a comfortable journey. If you are looking to arrange your entire pilgrimage, you can also explore halal-friendly holiday packages or find halal-friendly hotels worldwide.
 

What is the Haramain High-Speed Railway?
 

The Haramain High-Speed Railway, or Haramain train or HHR, is a passenger train service connecting the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia’s western region. There are 5 stops on this journey:
 

1. Makkah
2. Jeddah
3. King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah)
4. King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC)
5. Madinah
    

This is a service for transporting passengers, including pilgrims, between these stations. Please look at the official timetables to find out which stations your chosen train will stop at. You can also check whether your train runs directly between your preferred stations. More information about the network can be found here: Saudi Arabia Railways network.
 

How Long Is the Train Journey from Makkah to Madinah?

Many trains run directly between Makkah and Madinah taking approximately 2h 20m. The best way to get an accurate timeframe for your journey is to look at the departure time on the website at the time of booking.
 

You will also want to consider:
 

• How long it takes to get to the station from your hotel.
• Time to get to the station, check-in and pick up luggage.
• Time to get to your hotel from the destination station.
   

The stations aren’t within the Haram areas so it’s best to factor in some time for getting to and from the station. You can give yourself a realistic timeframe by adding in your transfers.
 

Which Stations Does the Haramain Train Serve?
 

Makkah Station
 

This is where you will be departing from. Work out how you will be getting to the station from your hotel and check with the transport company what the journey will be like. Road times can sometimes be affected by traffic and demand so don’t leave it until the last minute to make your transfer.
 

Madinah Station
 

This is the station you will arrive at on the train. Work out how you will be getting to your hotel and check where the station is. If you have children, elderly relatives or lots of luggage then knowing how you will be getting to your hotel can make arrival easier.
 

Jeddah Station and Airport
 

If you are visiting Jeddah you may be able to board the train from one of the stations in Jeddah. The railway also connects to King Abdulaziz International Airport. This can be helpful if you are travelling by plane but make sure you allow plenty of time for any airport procedures, luggage etc., and consider securing takaful coverage for your peace of mind while traveling.
 

King Abdullah Economic City
 

KAEC is also a stop on the railways. If you are stopping here please check that your chosen train does stop here to explore local halal-friendly activities and dine at the best halal restaurants.

How to Book Haramain Train Tickets
 

Please visit the official Haramain High Speed Railway booking site or an official source to check the current timetables, prices, seat availability and ticket terms. The Saudi government also have information about booking trains on their Nusuk booking service. More information can be found here: Nusuk booking service. (For other spiritual getaways, you might also be interested in halal-friendly cruise packages.
 

Once you are booking your tickets:
 

1. Pick your start and end stations. Make sure they are the correct ones for each city.
2. Enter your travel dates and passenger information. Be careful to make sure this matches the travellers documents.
3. Look at the available departure times. Choose a train that will give you enough time to make your hotel transfers and any plans you have.
4. Check the price and class. Prices and availability can vary depending on the date, demand and class. The best place to check the current prices is the booking page.
5. If available choose your seats. If you are travelling as a family it may be good to have a look at the seats.
6. Read the ticket terms and conditions. Check what the rules are for changing/canceling your ticket, luggage and check in.
    

Save your tickets and booking information. Keep this on your phone and ensure you have ID with you.

Book your tickets as soon as possible, especially if you are travelling during a busy time or need to have seats together. Once you have purchased your tickets your booking will be confirmed. If you are looking to arrange your entire pilgrimage, you can also explore halal-friendly holiday packages or find halal-friendly hotels worldwide.
 

Economy or Business Class: Which Should You Choose?
 

Haramain Railway travels offer both Economy and Business Class. Choosing which class you wish to travel in will depend on your budget, personal preferences and what facilities are included.
 

Consider the following when choosing what class you wish to travel in:
 

• Total cost of tickets for everyone in your group
• Seat availability and layout
• Facilities included
• Luggage and accessibility
• Length of travel
   

If you are travelling with a family consider checking if you can sit together and ensure your passenger details have been filled in. Any facilities included are only included if written on your ticket.
 

Haramain Train Luggage Rules

It is important to check what baggage rules are currently in place. This will help you understand how easy it will be to travel with your luggage. Rules can include how many, size and weight of bags. The rules can change so please ensure you check the most up to date information for your travel date.
 

Tip:
 

Measure your bags.

Have your ticket, ID, medicines and valuables in a small bag.

Pack Ihram clothing and pilgrimage essentials.

Write your name and contact details on your bags.

If you are travelling with children pack extra clothes, snacks and any medicines.

If you are travelling with more than the allowed amount of luggage please check with the operator what you can do.

Tips for Families and Groups
 

This can be a convenient way to travel between the two cities however doing a little preparation will make you all more comfortable.
 

Seat together
 

Before booking consider what seat options are available. Book as soon as possible if you want to sit together and check your tickets to see what seats you have.
 

Children
 

When travelling with children explain where you are going, keep them close in busy places and decide on a meeting point. Pack a small bag with essentials for them such as snacks, water, wipes and entertainment. To make your trip even more enjoyable for all ages, you can also look into halal-friendly activities.
 

Accessibility for elderly relatives
 

If there is anyone with accessibility/mobility issues please check with the railway. Confirm what facilities are available to them at both stations. This will mean you have extra time for transfers.
 

Documents
 

Ensure you save everyone’s ticket and necessary travel documents. One person can have a backup of the booking details however everyone should know where their essentials are. Securing takaful coverage can also provide extra peace of mind for your trip.
 

Prayer & Eating
 

Ensure you have planned time for prayers throughout your journey. Check what the prayer times will be on your travel date. Ensure you have enough time for transfers at the stations.
 

If you require specific halal/ dietary requirements please check with the operator what food is available on the train. This can vary so it is a good idea to pack some snacks that are suitable for your dietary requirements, children or if you are likely to get hungry, or look for top dining spots at the best halal restaurants.
 

Wear suitable clothing to keep yourself modest and comfortable. Ensure you have access to anything you may need for prayers/pilgrimage. (For future travel plans, you might also be interested in halal-friendly cruise packages).
 

What to Prepare Before Your Train Journey
 

Before leaving your hotel ensure you have:
 

• Tickets for the train and booking reference (accessible via Nusuk or SAR).
• ID for all passengers.
• Phone and charger.
• Medicines and personal essentials.
• Water and snacks.
• Luggage to meet current railway rules.
• Hotel address and onward transfer.
• Ensure you have enough time to get to the station.
• Check with the operator what train you have. Ensure you have enough time for busy periods.
   

FAQs
 

Is there a direct train from Makkah to Madinah?

Yes. The Haramain network links Makkah and Madinah. Check the official booking site for direct trains and departure times.
 

How long does it take to travel from Makkah to Madinah?

Many direct trains take around 2 hours 20 minutes. Check the time it takes for your chosen train. Remember to allow extra time for transfers.
 

Can I travel from Jeddah Airport to Madinah?

There is a stop at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Check the official timetables for a train that matches your flight times. Allow extra time for immigration, luggage and getting to the station.
 

Are the prices set?

Prices may vary depending on the seat availability. Check the official booking site for the most up to date price, class and ticket information.
 

How much luggage can I take?

Check the most up to date baggage allowance with the railway. Please do not rely on old baggage allowance from an unofficial site as this can vary.
 

Is it family friendly?
 

This can be a convenient way to travel between Makkah and Madinah for families. Before booking ensure you check seat availability, baggage rules, accessibility and onward travel.
 

You may want to plan your train times around your accommodation and transfers. If your dates are set then get an idea of how long the train will take to get you there. Knowing how long it takes to get you there will help you create a realistic schedule. Check that the check-in and check-out times at your halal-friendly hotels fit with your travel, and ensure you have pre-booked reliable airport transfers.
 

Final Thoughts
 

The Haramain High Speed Train provides Umrah pilgrims with a direct train between Makkah and Madinah. Many services offer a direct service taking just over two hours twenty minutes. However, you must also factor in transfer times between stations and getting on board.
 

Before travelling you should ensure you know what time your train is running, cost, conditions and luggage allowances. Ensure you have transport to and from the stations and have your essentials easily available. For full coverage throughout your journey, consider takaful options to cover unexpected travel changes.
 

Allow plenty of time to pray, relax, discover local halal-friendly activities, dine at the best halal restaurants, and look after your family. If you are extending your journey, you can also explore comprehensive halal-friendly holiday packages or even halal-friendly cruise packages on HalalExplore.