Haramain High-Speed Train: Tickets, Prices & Stations

The Haramain High-Speed Railway is Saudi Arabia's 450 km high-speed line linking the two holy cities, and for most pilgrims it is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel between them. Trains run at up to 300 km/h and connect five stations — Makkah, Jeddah (Sulaymaniyah), King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA), KAEC (King Abdullah Economic City) and Madinah — turning what used to be a tiring 4–5 hour road journey into a smooth ride of about two hours and twenty minutes. This guide covers the 2026 fares, how to book, the timetable, ihram and luggage rules, and the one thing that catches pilgrims out: the stations are not at the Ḥaram. Fares and times were verified July 2026 against the official portal; confirm current figures at sar.hhr.sa before you travel.

What is the Haramain train?

It is the official electric high-speed rail service between Makkah and Madinah via Jeddah, the Jeddah airport and KAEC, operated by the Saudi Railway Company. It is a modern, quiet, air-conditioned service with two classes — economy and business — and large, well-organised stations. For a solo traveller or a couple it usually beats the road on both speed and comfort; the main planning point is the short transfer needed at each end, covered below.

Route & stations

Five stations sit along the corridor, from south to north:

• Makkah (Rusaifah district) — about 7–8 km from the Ḥaram.
• Jeddah (Sulaymaniyah) — central Jeddah.
• King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) — connected to the airport, handy if you fly into Jeddah and head straight to Makkah or Madinah.
• KAEC (King Abdullah Economic City) — a growing coastal hub.
• Madinah — a few kilometres from Masjid an-Nabawī.

Because the line also touches the Jeddah airport, it is increasingly a genuine alternative to a road transfer for arriving pilgrims — provided you can manage your luggage between the arrival hall, the station and, at the other end, your hotel.

Ticket prices & classes (2026)

Fares vary by route, class and demand. Indicative 2026 prices, verified July 2026 — always confirm at sar.hhr.sa:

Economy is a comfortable 2+2 layout with power outlets and fold-down tables; business adds wider seats, more legroom and a screen. Children and infants travel at reduced or free fares — check the age rules when you book. Prices rise with demand, so booking early is the surest way to pay the lower end of each range.

How to book (step by step)

1. Go to the official portal sar.hhr.sa or the Haramain app — avoid third-party resellers that add fees.
2. Pick your route, date, class and number of passengers.
3. Choose a departure from the timetable — book early for Ramadan and the Hajj window, when trains sell out days ahead.
4. Enter passenger and passport or iqama details and pay by card.
5. Receive an e-ticket with a QR code; show it at the gate — no paper needed.

If your card is declined, use one enabled for international online payments, and double-check that passenger names match passports to avoid problems at the gate.

Timetable & frequency

Multiple daily departures run in both directions, with more at peak season. Times change seasonally, so check the live timetable at sar.hhr.sa before you travel and arrive 30–45 minutes early for security and boarding — the gates close a few minutes before departure and, unlike a flexible car, a missed train means rebooking. Give yourself margin, especially if a transfer to the station could hit traffic.

Luggage & ihram on the train

Each passenger may bring cabin bags plus larger checked-style luggage within the allowance shown at booking; oversized items may need a separate arrangement, so travel as light as you can. You can travel in ihram — the trains are cool, so carry a light layer over your shoulders. If you board already in ihram from Madinah heading to Makkah, remember your miqat (Dhul-Ḥulayfah) is on the road before the station, so enter ihram beforehand rather than at the platform.

The last mile: stations are not at the Ḥaram

This is the key planning point that surprises first-timers. Makkah's station sits about 7–8 km from the Ḥaram, and Madinah's station is a few kilometres from Masjid an-Nabawī — so every train journey needs a short transfer at each end between the station and your hotel, with luggage. A pre-booked private car waiting at the station turns a smooth train ride into a truly door-to-door trip and spares you hunting for a taxi with bags after arrival. Add a station transfer or book a car for the last leg.

Train vs private car vs bus

The train wins on speed for individuals; a private car wins for families with luggage and for door-to-door convenience — and it is the only option that can stop at the miqat at Dhul-Ḥulayfah, which the train cannot. Many pilgrims combine the two: the train for the long leg, a private car for the station transfers at each end. Full comparison in Makkah to Madinah transport.

Tips

• Book on the official site only, and early for Ramadan and Hajj.
• Budget for the two station transfers when comparing the train to a door-to-door car.
• Arrive 30–45 minutes ahead; the QR e-ticket is all you need at the gate.
• Business class is worth it on the Makkah–Madinah leg if you want to rest or pray comfortably.
• Keep your passport or iqama handy — it may be checked with your ticket.

Fares and times were verified July 2026; confirm the current figures at sar.hhr.sa before you travel.

Official sources

The Haramain High-Speed Railway is operated by the Saudi Railway Company. These are the authoritative platforms — our figures were verified July 2026, but prices, times and rules can change, so confirm the current details directly before you travel:

• Haramain High-Speed Railway (sar.hhr.sa) — official timetable, fares and online booking.
• Visit Saudi — Saudi Arabia's official tourism board, for wider trip planning.